Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, International Graduate Center Focus: International Logistics & Supply Chain Management

After finishing the core modules, IBSA students will chose their specialization at the second university. The International Graduate Center of HSB offers the opportunity to graduate as an logistics expert.

Specialization Modules at Hochschule Bremen

The specialization at the IGC is International Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This field of expertise will guide you through the most useful training skills and appropriate information to make your dreams of a logistics career a reality.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management connect markets and people. Located in one of the leading logistics hubs in Germany, the Hochschule Bremen offers the specialization International Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Students will learn to design, analyze, and control logistics networks and the related processes from inbound/procurement logistics to international transport. The maritime sector plays an important role in the program, and in the region. Project management will be introduced as the indispensable tool for successful logistics managers. The courses of the specialization are worth 30 ECTS.

Teaching methods:
Through a varied array of instruction techniques (namely, simulations, group work, case studies, or corporate visits), our students will complete the program with a valuable set of skills.
As part of a local and global network, the Hochschule Bremen, IGC provides a broad variety of learning experiences. Key Note speakers, field trips, and business simulations are examples for the didactical approach of the Hochschule Bremen, IGC in teaching logistics management.


This module gives a general survey of fundamentals of international trade and provides in-depth knowledge regarding components and characteristics of international transport systems. Aspects of design and optimization of transport operations in international networks and supply chains are essential parts of the content. A review of actors and regulations of international transport operations completes the module.


International maritime transport is the backbone of globalization. This module will deliver an overview of the basic elements of international maritime transport. It focuses on the major shipping markets as well as on influencing factors, such as the regulatory environment. As the shipping industry is one of the most globalized ones, issues of corporate responsibility are also of special importance.


The purpose of this course is to develop skills in the use of Project Management. It will focus on the key issues of project management. Organizations taking the lead in implementing project management capabilities consistently perform their projects better and are more competitive in general. Following this argument, students have to be able to understand and to some extent apply the basic principles of project management.


The module will cover the challenges of sourcing and procurement logistics in the global business environment. Typical problems in business practices will be discussed. Strategies, methods and tools for solving these practical problems in int. business are core elements of the course. The module leads to a deep understanding of the strategies and processes of int. sourcing and logistics in global business. An integrated framework for supply management will be developed. Procurement and logistics are forming an important part of a global value chain.


This module is dedicated to the design of logistics networks (i.e. ranging from procurement of raw materials through all tiers of production to the customer). After discussing objectives and decision fields, key design options are presented. Students are familiarized with modeling and solving logistics decision problems using off-the shelf optimization software. Site selection as one of the key factors in network design is discussed in depth. Lectures, teamwork and phases of individual study support the students learning process. The module concludes by broadening the perspective to supply chain management.


Leadership skills are developed and enhanced by providing a comprehensive toolbox to handle leadership issues successfully. "Leadership" emphasizes the personal interaction of the students and promotes personal development, shared learning and dynamic interchange. Based on interaction simulations and case studies as the main methodologies, the students are guided to access and monitor their own management skills and styles and arrive at their personalized leadership development plan to help closing performance gaps and to prepare for a successful business leader. This module is optional.


Exemplary Schedule

Master‘s Thesis

Your third term (between June and September) will consist entirely of the all-important thesis dissertation. This period is typically completed at the university where you attended your specialization courses. To provide guidance and assistance as you prepare to work through this complicated project, each university offers a thorough, interactive three-day workshop that presents the requisite research skills, covering analytical, research and methodological techniques for the quality production of your master’s thesis.

The other main source of support will come from your thesis advisors. Thus, all IBSA students are required to secure two supervisors who will guide the construction of the master’s thesis; normally, choosing two of your university lecturers is the best and easiest option. This final project will count for 30 ECTS in your overall program credit total. We also suggest that IBSA students also consider an alternative approach to the standard route: it is always possible to write your master’s thesis in cooperation with a company. This will require identifying and contacting a potential target company and developing a customized agreement with them in order to complete your thesis project accordingly.

By completing this detailed research and writing work, you will delve deeper into your specialization area from the second semester, learn to cultivate critical reasoning skills, develop a scientific approach to empirical data, and develop skills in literature review based on investigative reasoning (examination of a hypothesis).