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One degree, infinite global possibilities

Why choose M.A. Strategic Marketing at ISM Germany?

M.A. Strategic Marketing at ISM Germany

Build the skills needed to succeed in strategic marketing, corporate communications & cross functional roles. The program spans across: marketing management, communications, sales, digital marketing, PR, consumer behavior, and data driven research, and includes hands on courses, a 12 week integrated internship, and a market research project.

Online Duration

6 Months

On-Campus Duration

16 Months

Internship

Included

Language Support

German

Start online, complete on-campus in Germany

Earn a M.A. Strategic Marketing degree from ISM Germany - AACSB Accredited.

Established
1990
Accreditation
AACSB & FIBAA
UAS in Germany
Top 10
U-Multirank
Top 25 globally
Scholarship
20% (Exclusive)
Alumni Network
4,000+
Employability Rate
90%
Student Diversity
84 Nationalities

Curriculum designed for your success

Turn credits into milestones with an industry-shaped curriculum built for real-world skills.

1. Leadership, People Performance & Communication 

2. Marketing Management & Sales

3. Business Strategy & Economics

4. Business Finance

5. Operations and Supply Chain

6. Data-Based Decision Making

1. Semester I (24 ECTS)

  • Market Research

    • Consumer Behaviour (2 ECTS)

    • Advanced Market Research (2 ECTS)

    • Applied Statistics (2 ECTS)

  • Strategic Marketing

    • Marketing Strategies & Planning (2 ECTS)

    • Brand Management (2 ECTS)

    • Trademark & Unfair Competition Law (2 ECTS)

  • Classic Communications

    • Above-the-Line-Communication (2 ECTS)

    • Media Planning (2 ECTS)

    • Integrated Communication (2 ECTS)

  • Leadership Skills

    • Corporate Governance & Business Ethics (2 ECTS)

    • Negotiation, Communication (2 ECTS)

    • Cross Cultural Leadership (2 ECTS)

2. Semester II (36 ECTS)

  • Relationship Marketing

    • Services Marketing & Service Quality (2 ECTS)

    • Internal Marketing & Behavioral Branding (2 ECTS)

    • Customer Relationship Marketing (2 ECTS)

  • Digital Marketing

    • Online Marketing, Online Advertising (2 ECTS)

    • E-Marketing & E-Commerce (2 ECTS)

    • Mobile Marketing (2 ECTS)

  • Sales Marketing & Communications

    • Price Management (2 ECTS)

    • Direct Marketing (2 ECTS)

    • Sales Promotion (2 ECTS)

  • Public & Publicity Communications

    • Event Marketing & Sponsoring (2 ECTS)

    • Product Placement & Branded Entertainment (2 ECTS)

    • Public Relations (2 ECTS)

  • Market Research/Consulting Project (6 ECTS)

  • Internship possible (practical phase I) (6 ECTS)

3. Semester III (30 ECTS)

  • Study Abroad Semester* (24 ECTS)

  • Internship possible (practical phase II) (6 ECTS)

4. Semester IV (30 ECTS)

  • Master's Thesis

*Study Abroad Semester (24 ECTS) is waived on the basis of IIM U's PCBM Program.

Note: Course names are indicative and may vary due to character limits.

Your path to a global degree — simplified

Accelerate your study abroad journey to outperform peers in the nearest campus intake* with advanced academic standing.

Your global degree, with upGrad advantage

Significantly reduce tuition costs while gaining a world-class degree, global exposure, and strong career outcomes.

Student Logo
student
₹40.6 L
Saved ₹13.4 L
Regular student
₹54 L
arrow vector
24%
Total cost reduction
₹13.4 Lakhs*
Saved with upGrad

Expense Category

Tuition Fee
Living cost
Avg. Scholarships
Total

Regular Learner

₹29.9 Lakhs (€29,520)

₹24.1 Lakhs (€23,808)

Merit-based

~₹54 Lakhs

Student Logo

Learner

Online Fee:

₹5.25 Lakhs (€5,181)

On Campus Fee:

₹17.4 Lakhs (€17,052)

Savings of ~₹7.3 Lakhs

On-Shore:

₹18 Lakhs (€17,856)

Savings of ~₹6 Lakhs

upGrad Exclusive

20% (Included)

~₹40.6 Lakhs

Savings of ~₹13.4 Lakhs

Eligibility Criteria

Check academic, language & work-ex requirements to determine your eligibility for this study abroad program.

Admission requirements for Online Phase:

  • Applicants must have completed their first-degree course in economics with minimum of 50% or above.
  • Alternatively, applicants must provide evidence of successful exams on the level of a bachelor’s degree course or higher totaling at least 30 ECTS points.
  • The degree can be in the field of business sciences, or in business-related areas of communication science, media science, social sciences, or psychology.
  • Qualified professional experience can be used to compensate for a lack of domain-specific ECTS, as mentioned above. The final discretion will lie with the university.
  • A maximum of 10 backlogs is allowed throughout the entire duration of the bachelor's program.

Earning Potential

Maximize your earning potential and get the same global career outcomes at an affordable cost.

Total Expense

Over 2 years

₹40.6 Lakhs

Total Earnings

In 2 years

₹ 1.19 Cr

EURO
INR
Program Fee
Expenses
-€22,233
-₹22.5 Lakhs
Cost of Living
-€17,856
-₹18 Lakhs
Annual Salary
Returns
+€55,000
+₹55.7 Lakhs
Internship stipend
+€7,680
+₹7.7 Lakhs
Average Return after Year 1 of PSW Visa
€22,590
₹22.8 Lakhs

Disclaimers

Important notes

1}Returns are calculated considering students work throughout the length of the PSW Visa.

2}Salary and stipend figures are approximate and represent a median value.

3}This is not a financial offering. Any references to returns are illustrative and indicate how you may potentially benefit from the Program.

4}The amounts shown are approximate values and may differ based on various factors. Living costs are approximately calculated for the length of on-shore component in/outside the campus.

5}Internship duration may vary from 3-6 months, wage/hour is taken as ~€12/hour for internship stipend.

University Campus

A global hub for innovation, research, and real-world learning surrounded by opportunity, energy, and global ambition.

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Berlin

ISM Berlin Campus in Schöneberg blends culture, innovation & cosmopolitanism, thriving as a global business hub

Living Cost

€11,904 per annum

upGrad Students

100+

upGrad USP

Scholarship, Alumni Support

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Munich

Munich campus, founded in 2009 near Königsplatz, is close to the main station with key sectors in tourism, auto, engineering & IT.

Living Cost

€11,904 per annum

upGrad Students

100+

upGrad USP

Scholarship, Alumni Support

Job Prospects

logo

SEO Specialist

€55,000

Avg salary
per annum

120+

Job
openings

Optimizes website content and structure to improve search engine rankings, increase organic traffic, and drive qualified leads.

logo

Marketing Manager

€60,000

Avg salary
per annum

14,000+

Job
openings

Develops and executes marketing strategies to promote products or services, increase brand awareness, and drive business growth.

logo

Marketing Analyst

€52,000

Avg salary
per annum

260+

Job
openings

Collects and analyzes marketing data to track performance, identify trends, and improve marketing strategies and business decisions.

logo

PR Manager

€50,000

Avg salary
per annum

550+

Job
openings

Leads media relations and communications to shape, protect, and manage the organization’s public image and reputation.

logo

Product Manager

€65,000

Avg salary
per annum

1,150+

Job
openings

Product Marketing Manager defines product positioning, messaging, and go-to-market strategy to drive adoption, sales enablement, and growth.

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1:1 profile evaluation & counseling

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Scholarship support

upGrad learners receive exclusive scholarships of up to 40% to make their global education more accessible.

IELTS preparation

We offer IELTS prep by experienced individuals to help you reach the desired proficiency and achieve the required score.

Educational loan assistance

Maximize your chances of funding with our expert guidance on third-party credit facility. Access loans at competitive interest rates.

Visa support

Gain access to visa mocks and guidance to breeze through your visa process.

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Your admission roadmap

Your admission journey, simplified and supported at every stage.

1

Eligibility

upGrad counselor assesses your academic background and documents to determine eligibility for the selected program and university.

2

Exam Waiver

Receive GMAT/GRE waiver through upGrad.

3

IELTS Support

Begin a 6-week IELTS support program and submit your English proficiency test (EPT) scores for university requirements. Complete A1 and A2 level German language preparation.

4

App Submission

Your complete application is submitted to the university, supported by the upGrad admissions team.

5

Loan and Visa

Arrange financial documentation, receive your LoA, and apply for your student visa with end-to-end assistance.

Life on-campus of an upGrad learner

State-of-the-art labs, student clubs & career centers—fostering learning, leadership & community.

From learners to achievers

Hear from our learners who turned their study-abroad dreams into reality.

Got APS certificate in a week, and end-to-end support from upGrad counselors.

Sanat Kumar Halloli

MSc in Data Science

UE Berlin, GermanyGermany

Have questions? Get your answers here

Everything you need to know about pathway program at ISM Germany

About the Program

1. What is the scope of M.A. Strategic Marketing Management with International School of Management?

The M.A. in Strategic Marketing Management equips students with advanced knowledge of marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and digital marketing in a global business context. It is an industry-oriented program that blends strategic thinking with data-driven marketing practices. Over the duration of the program, students are prepared for careers in brand management, digital marketing, market research, and strategic consulting. Learners gain exposure to core areas such as marketing analytics, consumer insights, integrated marketing communications, and strategic planning. In the initial phase, the program builds a strong foundation in marketing principles and strategic frameworks. As the program progresses, students deepen their expertise in digital and performance marketing, marketing analytics, and real-world business applications through case studies, live projects, and a final capstone or thesis project.

2. What type of learning experience should I expect?

The content will be a mix of interactive lectures from industry leaders as well as world-renowned faculty. Additionally, the program comprises live lectures or hangout sessions dedicated to solving your academic queries and reinforcing learning. Once you reach Germany, you will get face to face learning from Professors. On completion of the program, you will have the option to apply for PSW in Germany as well as get support from the International School of Management, Germany and Career Services to build a career in Germany.

3. Is any certification granted at the end of the program?

Post successful completion of the program, a Professional Certificate in Business Management would be granted from IIM Udaipur and an M.A. Strategic Marketing Management Degree from International School of Management, Germany.

4. Can I sign up only for a few specific modules if I am interested in it?

No, the program is designed to be completed in its entirety and cannot be taken as standalone modules.

Admissions

1. Is there a minimum qualification for this program?

For IIM Udaipur:

  • Applicants must have completed their first-degree course in economics with minimum of 50% or above. Alternatively, applicants must provide evidence of successful exams on the level of a bachelor’s degree course or higher totaling at least 30 ECTS points in the field of business sciences, or in business-related areas of communication science, media science, social sciences, or psychology.
  • Qualified professional experience can be used to compensate for a lack of domain-specific ECTS, as mentioned above. The final discretion will lie with the university.
  • A maximum of 10 backlogs is allowed throughout the entire duration of the bachelor's program.

For ISM:

  • The Applicant must successfully complete the IIM Udaipur Professional Certificate in Business Management Program with an aggregate score of 70% and a minimum of 70% in each course.
  • English Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL (iBT) >=80 or IELTS >= 6.0
  • IELTS or TOEFL certificate may not date back more than 1 year.

2. Can I apply for the program if I am in my last year of an undergraduate degree?

Yes, you can apply for the program but you will join the batch which is just after completion of your bachelor's degree.

3. What is the admission process?

Step 1 - Application and Document SubmissionApply on upGrad.com and submit your documents.
Step 2 - Shortlisting basis overall performanceOur admissions committee will review your profile. Upon qualifying, an offer letter will be sent to you.
Step 3 - Enrollment for Access to Prep ContentMake a quick block payment of INR 25,000 to reserve your seat and receive immediate access to the prep content and begin your upGrad journey. Complete balance payment with assistance from our loan partners where required.

4. Will I get a conditional offer letter from the International School of Management, Germany?

Once you provide us with all required documents, we will apply to the International School of Management, Germany on your behalf and get your conditional offer letter.

5. What are the documents needed for the application?

  • Scanned copy of Passport (Name & Address Page)
  • Scanned copy of 10th & 12th Marksheet
  • Scanned copy of Graduation Marksheets
  • Scanned copy of Graduation Transcripts
  • Scanned copy of Graduation Degree
  • Statement of Purpose/ Personal Essay
  • Latest Resume
  • Two Letters of Recommendations (Academic/Professional)
  • Digital Photo
  • Base Program Transcript
  • English Language Proficiency Scorecard

About Germany

1. What are the part-time working rules in Germany?

As a student, you can work part time. The time permitted in accordance with immigration is 120 full days or 240 half days in a year. Typical wage in Germany is around 10 Euros per hour.

2. What are the post-study work visa rules in Germany?

Germany allows for the application of up to 18 months of a post-study work visa after completing a degree from Germany.

About International School of Management

1. Can you give more details on the International School of Management, Germany?

The International School of Management (ISM) features among Germany's leading private business schools. Founded in 1990, the ISM has seven campuses in Munich, Dortmund, Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Berlin and is home to over 3850 students. A personal learning atmosphere and practical orientation are the key contributors to ISM's success factors in tandem with intensive training of soft skills and teaching professional skills. This includes exciting practical projects and internships and lecturers from the business world. These success factors are reflected in all ISM's programs – Bachelor's, Master’s, and MBA. The university is state-accredited, and all study programs are recognized by the quality of the Accreditation Council and the Foundation for International Business Administration (FIBAA). ISM has a professor-to-student ratio of 1:7, and by learning in small groups, students can get all their queries answered, focus on their personal development goals, and be prepared for a prolific international career.

2. Why should I study at the International School of Management, Germany?

  • Quality Education: Seasoned teaching and state accreditation (FIBAA). More than 30 years of educational competence.
  • Globally connected: Network of 190 partner universities for your semester abroad
  • Learn from the Industry Experts: German, international, and guest lecturers from the business world.
  • Diversity: Students of 84 nationalities; 30% international students
  • Personal Teaching Atmosphere: small study groups, focusing on interdisciplinary, practically oriented content and case studies
  • Seven campuses in major German cities

3. When will I go to the International School of Management, Germany?

The Intake for International School of Management, Germany is in September.

4. Which topics are going to be covered as part of the program?

The program will be delivered on a new technology platform to create a superior learning experience for participants who want to be on the cutting edge of management. With this program, IIM Udaipur & International School of Management, Germany together seeks to develop the next generation of leaders.

The topics that are going to be covered online are: Leadership, People Performance & Communication, Marketing Management & Sales, Business Strategy & Economics, Business Finance, Operations and Supply Chain, and Data-Based Decision Making.

5. Will I be supported for TOEFL/IELTS/PTE or other English language exams during this program?

Yes, upGrad will help you prepare for the English proficiency test to establish your current English proficiency to be eligible for the master's program in Germany.

6. Can international students work to pay for their educational expenses?

As a student, you have the opportunity to engage in part-time employment while pursuing your studies. The duration allowed under immigration regulations is 120 full days or 240 half days annually. In Germany, the average hourly wage is approximately 10 Euros.

Visa

1. Will upGrad help me in writing Academic and Visa SOP?

Yes, upGrad will help with your Academic and Visa SOP and will also organize training on how to write a good SOP.

2. How much are the living expenses for a year in the Germany?

Living expenses in the Germany for international students are approximately EUR 11,904 per annum. The same needs to be reflected in your bank account.

Time Commitment

1. What is the time commitment expected for the program?

At least 12-15 hours per week of time commitment is expected to be able to graduate from the online program. The on-campus program in Germany is full time and will have an appropriate workload.

2. How will my doubts/questions be addressed in an online program?

Peer-to-peer discussion forum where you can post your queries and your peers/faculty/teaching assistants answer your queries within a day. Regular Q&A sessions with faculty to get clarification on conceptual doubts.

Payment

No cost CC EMI FAQ's

0% EMI with Third Party Credit Facilitators /Credit card option availability will vary program wise.

1. Which banks allow using 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
No cost EMI is available on credit cards from all major banks (American Express, Bank of Baroda, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, RBL Bank, Standard Chartered, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, State Bank of India, CITIBANK and HSBC)

2. Is there any minimum transaction limit ?
Yes. 50000 is the minimum.

3. Standard Chartered Bank offers 18 or 24 months No Cost EMI ?
No. ONLY 12 months is available irrespective of the Program enrolled.

4. Will I have to pay any extra amount for the EMI transaction?
If you are availing 0% credit card EMI, upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions. Your bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest component of the EMI.

5. Are there any fees or down payment?
Certain banks charge nominal processing fees between INR 99 - 500 on 0% Credit Card EMI transaction. If charged, will be billed in the first repayment installment.

6. Can I use my International credit card for 0% credit EMI or Credit Card EMI?
Only the Indian bank credit cards can be used. But you can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions, this will be purely between you and your bank.

7. Are there any charges in case I opt for cancellation/refund from the course after paying balance with no cost EMI ?
Yes, there will be additional charges to the extent of interest paid by the upGrad to the bank, you will be refunded only Principal amount, i.e. the amount actually deducted/blocked from your card. This deduction will be in addition to the amount mentioned in the refund policy shared with your offer letter.

8. Can I Pay Using Multiple Credit Cards ?
Multiple cards can be used to complete the payments using Part payment option make sure to inform the student, minimum transaction is INR 50000 to opt for 0% CC EMI E.g. Amount to be paid: 150000. I can pay using 2 Credit cards. Yes, Example :
HDFC Card – Part payment – INR 100000
ICICI Card – Part payment – INR 50000

9. How can I opt for Credit card EMI if my bank is not listed in the 0% Credit card EMI or Credit card EMI?
You can pay the amount using the Credit card option in one shot / part payments, and later you can convert into EMI from your respective bank. The tenures and interest charged will depend on your bank. upGrad will not charge any processing fees or down payment for these transactions.

10. Why is the entire amount blocked on my credit card?
Initially your bank will block the entire amount from your available purchase limit and from your next billing cycle, you will be charged the EMI amount. As you start paying your EMI, your credit limit will be released accordingly. For example, if you have made a payment of ₹100000 on 6-months EMI and your credit limit is ₹200,000 then initially your bank will block your credit limit by ₹100000. After payment of your first month EMI of Rs.15000, the blocked amount will come down to ₹85000.

11. Why is interest getting charged on No Cost EMI?
Your bank will charge you interest. However, this interest charge has been provided to you as an upfront discount at the time of your payment, effectively giving you the benefit of a No cost EMI. The total amount paid during the entire EMI tenure to the bank will be equal to the amount to be paid to upGrad.

Eg. Amount payable to upGrad: INR 405000
Let's say Amount deducted at the time of transaction: INR 379850 (Principal amount) Bank charges interest of 12-15% per annum on INR 379850
[Note: Interest factor is reducing rate and not Flat rate]
EMI AMOUNT = INR 33750 x 12 = INR 405000
Effectively, you have taken loan on 379,850 instead of 405,000

Refund Policy

1. Is there any deferral or refund policy for this program?

Refund Policy: (Programs with prep-session component)
- Students must pay applicable caution money for the enrolment to the Program. This caution amount will be adjustable against the total Program fee payable by the student.
- You can claim a refund for the amount paid towards the Program at any time, before the Cohort Commencement Date, by visiting www.upgrad.com and submitting your refund form via the "My Application" section under your profile. Processing fee of Rs. 20,000/- will be levied. If less than Rs. 20,000/- have been paid in total, the student shall not be eligible for any refund in such case.
- The student shall not be eligible for any refund under any circumstances if any such refund requests are raised post Cohort Commencement Date and student will continue to pay the EMI for the loan (if applicable) and such loan cannot be cancelled. This is also applicable for those students who could not complete their payment and could not be enrolled in the cohort opted for. However, the student can raise a request for Pre-Program deferral as per the policy defined below for the same.
- In case of a refund, the student will be solely responsible for any cancellation of the loan, including but not limited to applicable loan cancellation charges levied on the total cancelled loan amount.
- Students must pay the full fee within 7 days of payment of Caution Money or Cohort Commencement Date, whichever is earlier, otherwise, the admission letter will be rescinded.
- Request for refund must be sent via e-mail in the prescribed The refund will be processed within 30 working days of commencement of the program after being duly approved by the Academic Committee.

Deferral Policy: (Pre- Program Commencement)
-If a student, due to unavoidable circumstances is unable to commence with the cohort and requests for a deferral before the cohort starts, we provide the opportunity for the student to defer to another batch.
-However, the student will be required to pay 50% of the total course fee amount (inclusive of taxes) before the deferral can be approved. Till this is completed, the student will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
-A student can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of the initial batch the student enrolled for.
- The student has time till the current cohort launch date to make the payment of the 50% program fee, post which the deferral request will expire. Once the deferral window expires and the student now asks for a refund, the above-mentioned applicable refund policy will apply.
- The fee applicable to the deferred student will be as per prevailing fee for the batch student as opted to defer to (No additional deferral fee is required to be paid).

Deferral Policy: (Post Program Commencement)
-If a student is facing severe issues in dedicating time to the course, we provide the opportunity for the student to defer to another batch.
-A student can request for deferral only once and to either of the scheduled cohorts to start in the next 1 year from the batch start date of the initial batch the student enrolled for.
-The student will be required to pay deferral fees of 10% of the total course amount fee + Taxes if any along with the differential program fees between the two cohorts.
-The deferral request will be approved once the deferral fee is paid.
-Till this is completed, the student will be assumed to be continuing in the same cohort.
- The student has 7 days (including holidays and weekends) from the date of deferral request to make the payment of the deferral fee post which the deferral request will expire, and the student will continue as part of the current cohort.
- If the student completes the deferral payment, the student’s login will be disabled, the student will leave the deferred cohort and the student will start learning on the new cohort from the point of the last assignment that was graded in the deferred cohort. All grades and progress till that point will be carried forward as it is to the new cohort. For clarification, the grades of the graded assignments will be carried forward, whether the student had submitted these grading during the initial stage.
- The deferral can only be requested during the batch for which the student has enrolled is ongoing. Once the batch has been completed, deferral requests shall not be entertained. For clarification, the batch completion here shall mean the “last grace deadline” as communicated by upGrad.

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