Faculty of Economics and Management

International Study Program

Structure:

Minimum 15 ECTS (credit points) in "Business Analytics" Compulsory Elective Modules
Minimum 15 ECTS in "Operations Research" Compulsory Elective Modules

Specializations: Financial Engineering or Supply Chain Management
"Specialization" Compulsory Elective Modules with 35 ECTS, plus a seminar and scientific project in specialization, and a written master's thesis, including a research seminar. Note: This study program is more Operations Research related.

The fourth semester is reserved for a written master’s thesis and a master’s thesis seminar. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to research independently on a selected topic using scientific methods.

Note: This study program is a cooperative effort between the schools of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Economics & Management at our university. Students should anticipate comprehensive studies, as well as examinations in mathematics and computer science. Previous knowledge of these fields is essential and highly recommended.

* 1 ECTS stands for a workload of 30h (5 ECTS = 150h per module, goal 30 ECTS per semester)

Requirements

Applicants must show proof of an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (mandatory application document "Relevance Form") from a recognized university, with sufficient credits in economics and business administration or mathematics, statistics, econometrics, and operations research. Knowledge in the field of computer science is essential for a successful ORBA study. Please see the application details below for specific information regarding the previously gained degree and relevance. Additionally, English skills must be proven with a recognized test.

An academic degree is considered relevant with at least:
1.) 45 ECTS (EU degrees) or 9 modules (Non-EU degrees) in economics, business administration plus
      minimum 20 ECTS (EU) or 4 quantitative methods modules (Non-EU)*  or
2.) 65 ECTS (EU) or 13 modules (Non-EU) in mathematic-statistic modules.

* Quantitative modules are modules such as advanced (university) mathematics, statistics, econometrics, operations research, etc.
 

Letter of Motivation

The standarized motivation letter form is a mandatory application document.

ENGLISH

The language of instruction and assessment in our full-time master's study program is exclusively English. Students must demonstrate fluent written and spoken English on a graduate level, such as the knowledge and skills necessary to complete academic papers. Applicants with excellent knowledge of English may prove their performance with:

TOEFL iBT: C1 level (95 -120 points), IELTS: 7,0, Cambridge Certificate

To see all valid options to prove your English skills look Here.
Please be informed that English tests that are not listed under the link above are not recognized!

German

We recommend having basic knowledge (minimum A2) of German in order to complete daily tasks and to be able to solve administrative duties for studying or doing an internship or looking for a job.

Internationality

- English instruction and examination,
- Content of modules and international guest lecturers (from Brazil, Finland, Nederlands, China, USA, Ukraine,...),
- Mixture of local and international students from approx. 20 countries worldwide,
- Study abroad options for the 3rd semester (application in the first semester),
- Support by the university's International Office and several student organizations.

Counseling

The university has a variety of offices to support students during their studies, including workshops and personal counseling. Specifically, this program gives its students the opportunity to visit the International Study Program office to receive personal counseling regarding study organization and advice. At the beginning of the winter semester, an academic orientation seminar is offered. Additionally, multiple presentations are held for students by students SIMP-SON about university life and integration into German society.

Career

The M.Sc. Operations Research and Business Analytics prepare students for careers in financial management, operations research, logistics, finance and risk management, consulting, and much more. If you would like more information about career services, internships, job search counseling, job interviews, workshops, etc., please check out the Career Service Center which is an institution of the Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg.

Study Abroad

Our faculty fosters well-established relationships with reputable universities in many countries. If a graduate student wishes to study abroad for one semester (the third semester is suggested), we will be happy to advise him/her and provide credit transfer counseling. Travel grants may be available on an individual basis and must be applied for. For detailed information and counseling, please visit the homepage of the International Office and the international exchange portal OVGU FEM's International Cooperation

Internship

There are no compulsory internship requirements. However, graduate students are encouraged to complete at least one internship over the course of their studies in order to gain experience within a German or international workplace environment. Internships must be self-organized. AIESEC, IAESTE, and Leonardo (ERASMUS) provide opportunities and assistance to both German and international students.

A brief introduction to the educational system in Germany

The university system in Germany is based on a strong self-organizing structure, which includes familiarizing yourself with the study handbook and regulations. Students should be very responsible, organized, and flexible to ensure that they can finish the program successfully. A typical study week involves approximately seven lectures of 90 minutes each, plus two or three tutorials. Prior to and after attending lectures, students are required (approx. 3 hrs/wk per class) to independently study in order to expand and reinforce their understanding of the material introduced in class.

Students must expect a weekly workload of 22 to 26 hours of classroom studies, including lectures to learn new concepts and methods, tutorials to discuss concepts and practice methods, and seminars to apply the knowledge on concepts and methods by writing an academic paper and giving a presentation in a teamwork project.