MSc · Lucerne & Zurich · 90 ECTS
MSc in Global Business Management
The generalist management master — law, accounting and ethics for people who will run things across borders.
At a glance
One year, two semesters, two degrees
Semester 1 — six months on campus in Lucerne & Zurich. Academic study worth 60 ECTS / 120 UK credits: the specialist modules below, plus the management core shared across the MSc portfolio.
Semester 2 — six months off campus. An independent research project worth 30 ECTS / 60 UK credits, and alongside it an optional six-month industry internship in Switzerland or worldwide. Swiss hospitality placements carry a gross minimum of CHF 2'404/month.
For master's students the internship is optional rather than a compulsory component of the programme. How Semester 2 works →
Curriculum
What you study
Specialist modules first, the management core alongside them, then six months on your own research.
| Semester | Module | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | International Business Law | Specialist |
| 1 | Advanced Accounting for Decision Makers | Specialist |
| 1 | Business Ethics for Global Enterprises | Specialist |
| 1 | International Human Resource Management | Management core |
| 1 | Research Methods | Management core |
| 1 | Leadership in Business | Management core |
| 1 | Marketing and Branding in a Digital Society | Management core |
| 1 | Strategic Business Management | Management core |
| 1 | Academic Writing MSc | Management core |
| 1 | German Communications | Optional support |
| 1 | Introduction to Dining Operations (lab) | Optional support |
| 1 | Food and Beverage Service Operations (lab) | Optional support |
| 2 | Independent research project + optional six-month industry internship | 30 ECTS |
Semester 1 carries 60 ECTS / 120 UK credits in total; Semester 2 carries 30 ECTS / 60 UK credits. BHMS does not publish a per-module credit weighting for the MSc programmes, so none is shown here — the detailed course programme is confirmed at application.
Where it leads
The ground this degree covers
BHMS does not publish graduate role data for this programme, so this is what the modules themselves cover — not an outcome claim.
- international business law and compliance
- financial decision-making and management accounting
- corporate governance and business ethics
- strategy and cross-border operations
What every graduate carries is the same: a British master's degree from Robert Gordon University alongside the Swiss award, from a school ranked #12 worldwide in the QS Hospitality & Leisure Management subject ranking 2026. Careers and outcomes →
Switzerland ranks first in WIPO's Global Innovation Index 2026 for the 16th year in a row; here's what the index measures and what it means for a business master's.
Admission & fees
What it takes, what it costs
Entry requirements
- A recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline
- — or a BHMS Postgraduate Diploma / Graduate Certificate
- English at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (B2)
- A Preparatory English Programme is available below the threshold
BHMS notes that visa requirements differ for applicants aged 30 and over. Intakes for this programme: November 2026 · February 2027 · August 2027.
CHF 41'700 — one invoice
- Tuition CHF 31'800
- Operating costs CHF 2'750 — health and medical insurance, visa/B-permit and local tax, e-campus and internet, internship placement service, first airport pick-up
- Living expenses CHF 6'150 — 24 weeks, shared standard accommodation and meals
- Application fee CHF 1'000
Also consider
Other MScs, same structure
Questions
Straight answers
How is the MSc in Global Business Management structured?
Twelve months in two semesters. Semester 1 is six months of academic study on campus in Lucerne & Zurich — 60 ECTS / 120 UK credits. Semester 2 is six months off campus: an independent research project worth 30 ECTS / 60 UK credits, plus an optional internship in Switzerland or worldwide. Total: 90 ECTS / 180 UK credits.
What degree do I receive?
The MSc in Global Business Management, awarded jointly by BHMS and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen — two degrees for one year of study. Scotland's top-ranked modern university in the current editions of all three major UK league tables, and Top 20 in the UK for graduate career prospects (Guardian 2026).
What are the entry requirements?
A recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline, or a BHMS Postgraduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate, plus English at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (B2). BHMS notes that visa requirements differ for applicants aged 30 and over.
What does it cost?
CHF 41'700 for the year, identical across all eight MSc programmes: tuition CHF 31'800, operating costs CHF 2'750, living expenses CHF 6'150 covering 24 weeks in shared standard accommodation with meals, and a CHF 1'000 application fee.
When does it start?
Intakes for this programme: November 2026, February 2027, August 2027. Intake dates differ between BHMS master programmes, so check the date for the specific MSc you want rather than assuming a shared calendar.
Is this a master's in international business?
Yes, in substance: it is the BHMS generalist management master for people who will run businesses across borders, with international business law, advanced accounting for decision makers and business ethics for global enterprises as the specialist modules. No business bachelor is required.
Watch
See it for yourself
Next step
One year. Two degrees. Switzerland.
Intake dates differ by programme — most run August, November and February. Lucerne & Zurich, Switzerland.
Every MSc is awarded by BHMS and Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen — and Semester 2 can be spent on an optional six-month industry internship. Swiss hospitality placements carry a gross minimum of CHF 2'404/month. How the internship works →