International Business - Intercultural Studies (IBIS)
Bachelor of Arts
IBIS combines business administration with foreign languages. Its international focus offers excellent opportunities in a global career environment.
Key Information
Programme Overview
International Business - Intercultural Studies (IBIS) is an international and intercultural Bachelor study programme that combines languages and Business Administration. IBIS trains you to become a business economist with sound intercultural and language skills in English and at least at one other foreign language such as Arabic, Russian, Spanish or French! The combination of international, practice-oriented Business Administration and intercultural skills opens up excellent career opportunities all over the world. Shape the future of companies with IBIS!
Areas of specialization
In IBIS, students must choose a Regional Core Area with the corresponding language from the first semester onwards and two business administration focuses (major & minor) from the fourth semester onwards.
Electives in Business Administration (Major & Minor)
- Financial & Management Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- International Management
- Marketing
- Produktions- und Logistikmanagement (only as minor)
You must choose one major and one minor elective in business administration. The major and minor must be chosen from different areas of specialization.
Regional Core Areas
- Orient (including North Africa) & Arabic Language
- Eastern Europe & Russian Language
- Francophone World & French Language
- Spanish Speaking World & Spanish Language
One of these regional core areas must be completed during the course of study.
International Accreditation
The Bachelor's programme International Business - Intercultural Studies (IBIS) bears the globally recognised EFMD
Accredited seal of quality.
The seal serves as a testament of the IBIS programme's high quality standards and academic aspirations, its international orientation, its high level of practical relevance as well as its integration of up-to-date study content in the fields of ethics and sustainability. Find out more here.
ILOs - Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
- Demonstrate profound knowledge in major fields of international business
Skills:
- Implement conceptual knowledge and apply problem solving ability in different business contexts
- Apply digital skills to effectively resolve work-related assignments
- Communicate efficiently in English or the second foreign language in an international business environment
Behaviours/Attitudes:
- Critically assess business opportunities
- Work effectively in intercultural teams and leverage diversity
- Behave in an ethical and sustainable manner
Career and Perspectives
The expanding world of business is opening up excellent career prospects for managers who are interested in practice-oriented Business Administration with intercultural knowledge and communicative skills in English and other foreign languages. More and more German and international companies are active across borders and are present in many international markets. This trend is opening up dynamic employment opportunities for our graduates.
Click into our German interview with IBIS graduate Sabrina Dick, Human Resources Director Central and Eastern Europe at software company SAP.
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Programme Structure
- 1st and 2nd Semesters
- 3rd and 4th Semesters
- 5th Semester: Internship semester
- 6th and 7th Semesters
- Documents
Basics in Business Administration and Intercultural Studies
1. Semester
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Intercultural Business
- Statistics and Data Skills
- Financial Accounting
- Foreign Language I – Business English (entry level B2 / C1)
- Foreign Language II (Arabic / French / Russian / Spanish)
2. Semester
- Introduction to Economics
- Cost Accounting
- Financial Management
- Basic Studies in Law
- Introduction to Academic Research and Writing
- Foreign Language I – Professional English
- Foreign Language II (Arabic / French / Russian / Spanish)
Specialised knowledge of study programme
3. Semester
- Management Accounting
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Management
- Economics
- Applied Data Science
- Cultural and Economic Area Studies
- Foreign Language II (Arabic / French / Russian / Spanish)
4. Semester
- Advanced Studies in Law
- International Law & Relations
- Intercultural Communication and Management
- Foreign Language II (Arabic / French / Russian / Spanish)
- Major Elective in Business Administration
- Minor Elective in Business Administration
Practical Experience
- Deepening of business, linguistic and intercultural knowledge
- An internship abroad is recommended
- Your internship search is supported by our extensive database of reports from previous internships
Dispositional in-depth knowledge
6. Semester
- Business Seminar
- AI for Business Applications
- Digital Business
- Foreign Language I – Global English Language and Culture
- Major Elective in Business Administration
- Minor Elective in Business Administration
7. Semester
- Business Simulation
- Business Ethics
- Corporate Sustainability
- Leadership & Communication
- Bachelor Thesis
Important information/documents for your application
Study and Exam Regulations BA7 (new, starting in the 2026/27 winter term)
Requirements and Application
The IBIS programme has restricted admission, which means you must apply for a place. All information about applying to HHN can be found on the website "Application Process for Bachelor Programmes".
Contact
Your studies at HHN
- Why study in Heilbronn?
- More about our campus
- Guide for International Students
- Student life and funding
- Starting your studies
Shopping, restaurants, cafés, bars, clubs, the Neckar River, parks, vineyards... There are many good reasons to study in Heilbronn. On the Heilbronn city website, you will find tips and information about student life and leisure activities in Heilbronn:
Find out more about the Faculty of International Business and about student life on the campus and in Heilbronn:
Learn more about student fees, funding, accommodations, and student services?
Tips for a successful start to your studies
Start your studies well prepared: 8 tips on finding accommodation, financing your studies, and other important topics.
Reviews
HHN offers advantages that no university has: Small groups and practical application of what has been learnt as well as “vitamin B” to companies. I chose IBIS because I have always been interested in languages and cultures. Lectures in English and another language, such as Arabic, are something that is rarely found at other Universities.
IBIS offers not only the opportunity to acquire cultural area and languages skill sets but also a sound understanding of International Business Administration. The professors convey practice-oriented content that prepares you well for your working life. HHN offers all the prerequisites for diversified studies as well as opportunities to experience student life to the full.
Due to its very good reputation, I knew well before I had received my entrance qualification that I would like to study IBIS at HHN. The study programme has appealed to me from the very beginning since I am very interested in languages. IBIS is a unique and special study programme. It shapes me into the person I want to be.
HHN offers advantages that no university has: Small groups and practical application of what has been learnt as well as “vitamin B” to companies. I chose IBIS because I have always been interested in languages and cultures. Lectures in English and another language, such as Arabic, are something that is rarely found at other Universities.
Would you like to study completely in English?
Find out more about the sister study program “International Business” here:
