The Pre-Master is a one-semester preparatory programme designed for students who have completed a non-business bachelor's degree but wish to pursue a business-related Master's programme at ISM. It bridges academic gaps by providing essential knowledge in business administration, accounting, management, and quantitative methods.

The programme is taught 100% in English and prepares students academically for admission into ISM's Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) programmes. It is particularly suitable for graduates from engineering, science, humanities, social sciences, or other non-business disciplines.

Key Reasons to Choose this Programme

• One-semester intensive preparation for ISM Master's programmes
• 100% English-taught
• Designed specifically for non-business graduates
• Qualifies students for ISM business-related Master's degrees
• Practical consulting project included
• Small class sizes and personalized support
• No Numerus Clausus (NC) restriction
• AACSB-accredited institution
• Available across multiple German campuses
• Free Pre-Check service before applying.

Subjects / Programme Structure

The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to business administration.

Core Subjects

• Principles of Business Administration
• Principles of Procurement & Production
• Principles of Marketing
• Financial Reporting
• Taxation
• Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Quantitative Methods
• Corporate Management
• Strategic Management
• Human Resource Management
• International Marketing

Practical Component

• Consulting Project

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for Master's-level business education.

Disciplines / Areas Covered

Students gain knowledge in:

• Business Administration
• Accounting
• Financial Reporting
• Cost Accounting
• Corporate Management
• Strategic Management
• Procurement
• Production Management
• Marketing
• Human Resource Management
• Quantitative Methods
• International Marketing

Programme Highlights

• One-semester intensive preparatory programme
• Specifically designed for graduates from non-business disciplines
• 100% English-taught
• Qualifies students for ISM Master's programmes
• Practical consulting project
• Small class sizes
• Personalized academic support
• No NC restriction
• Free Pre-Check admission assessment
• Multiple campus options
• AACSB-accredited institution
• Access to ISM's global academic network.

Career Outcomes

The Pre-Master is not a professional qualification but an academic pathway that prepares students for admission to ISM Master's programmes. After successfully completing both the Pre-Master and a subsequent ISM Master's degree, graduates can pursue careers in areas such as:

• International Business
• Finance
• Marketing
• Supply Chain Management
• Data Science
• Human Resources
• Strategic Management
• Consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Project Management

Visa Requirements

International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a German National Student Visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport
• Official ISM admission letter
• Proof of sufficient financial resources (such as a blocked account)
• Valid health insurance
• Academic certificates and transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Completed visa application forms
• Proof of accommodation (if requested)
• Payment of the visa application fee

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The Pre-Master is a one-semester, 100% English-taught preparatory programme that begins each March (Spring Semester).
• It is specifically designed for graduates with non-business bachelor's degrees who wish to qualify for ISM's business-related Master's programmes.
• Students complete a consulting project while studying core business subjects such as business administration, accounting, strategic management, quantitative methods, human resource management, and international marketing.
• Admission is based on an online application, document review, and a personal selection interview, with no Numerus Clausus (NC) requirement.
• ISM offers a free Pre-Check service, allowing prospective students to submit their academic documents for an early assessment of eligibility before making a formal application.
• The programme is delivered at the Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, and Berlin campuses and provides a direct academic pathway into eligible ISM Master's programmes upon successful completion.