MBA + M.A. Strategic Marketing Management

Step into the global marketing arena with this dual degree that combines leadership, strategic thinking, and creativity. Through a unique partnership between Helvetic Business School in Switzerland and the International School of Management in Germany, you graduate with two prestigious degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from HBS and a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Marketing Management from ISM.

2.5 yearsTwo master’s degreesCHF 13’500 per year

Overview

Earn a dual degree in Switzerland and Germany.

Step into the global marketing arena with this dual degree that combines leadership, strategic thinking, and creativity.

Through a unique partnership between Helvetic Business School in Switzerland and the International School of Management in Germany, you graduate with two prestigious degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from HBS and a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Marketing Management from ISM.

Program Highlights

At a glance

Degrees awarded
MBA from HBS + M.A. Strategic Marketing Management from ISM
Duration
2.5 years · 1 year in Switzerland · 1.5 years in Germany
Study mode
Full-time
Location
La Tour-de-Peilz (CH) & Munich or Berlin (DE)
Language
English
Tuition
CHF 13’500 per year (all tuition paid to HBS)
Lake Geneva and the Swiss landscape
International learning at ISM
CHSwitzerland · La Tour-de-Peilz
DEGermany · ISM campus

Your German academic partner

International School of Management

ISM is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences with campuses across Germany. Its internationally focused, practice-oriented model connects students with industry projects, career support and a diverse academic community. Through the HBS × ISM partnership, HBS coordinates the academic transfer so students can progress from Switzerland to Germany within one integrated dual-degree journey.

Program Format

One year in Switzerland, then Germany

CH

01 / HBS

Year 1 — HBS, Switzerland

MBA core modules in corporate strategy, innovation, finance, leadership, and global business, with hands-on simulations, business projects, and team consulting cases.

DE

02 / ISM

Year 2 — ISM, Germany

Specialisation courses in strategic marketing, digital media, and brand management at your chosen ISM campus in Berlin or Munich, plus a Master’s thesis and an internship.

✦

03 / Thesis

Final semester — ISM

Write and defend your Master’s thesis and complete an internship.

✓

04 / Graduate

Two master’s degrees

Graduate with an MBA from HBS and a M.A. Strategic Marketing Management from ISM.

Career Outlook

Where graduates go

Graduates are prepared to take on roles as marketing roles at global companies, agencies, and startups. Typical job titles include:

01

Brand Manager

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Marketing Management pathway.

02

Marketing Strategy Consultant

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Marketing Management pathway.

03

Digital Campaign Lead

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Marketing Management pathway.

04

Head of Communications

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Marketing Management pathway.

05

Marketing Director

A role open to graduates of the Strategic Marketing Management pathway.

Admissions Requirements

What you need to apply

Dual master applicationA complete academic profile

Admissions checks both HBS entry criteria and the German recognition requirements needed for progression to ISM.

01

A bachelor’s degree recognised in Germany (contact us to check whether your degree is recognised) or an equivalent qualification

02

English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)

03

Motivation letter

04

CV or résumé

05

Transcripts and academic records

How to Apply

Four steps to two master’s degrees

01

Apply to HBS

Apply to the MBA program at HBS for the Strategic Marketing Management pathway.

02

Study in Switzerland

Complete your first academic year in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland.

03

Transfer

Transition to ISM in Germany for Year 2 at Munich or Berlin (DE).

04

Graduate

Complete your Master’s thesis and graduate with both degrees.

FAQ

Common questions

Yes, all courses at both HBS and ISM are conducted in English.

Yes. HBS will assist you with the transfer and visa process.

Yes, part-time work is allowed under student visa regulations in both countries.

Tuition & Fees

Program cost

Tuition
CHF 13’500 per year
Paid to
HBS — all tuition is paid to HBS
Additional
Additional costs may apply
Duration
2.5 years — 1 year in Switzerland, 1.5 years in Germany

Explore More Dual Degrees

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MBA + M.Sc. Finance

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HBS × ISM

MBA + M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science

Campus: Dortmund, Munich, Hamburg, or Stuttgart (DE)

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Contact

Talk to HBS.

Our admissions team guides applicants through the application, interview, offer, enrollment and visa steps.

Ready to apply

Start your M.A. Strategic Marketing Management application to HBS.