Business Management, M.A.

What are the admission requirements?

You have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification (graduate of universities, universities of applied sciences, universities of cooperative education, universities of cooperative education or equivalent international educational institutions) in a degree program with a focus on business and economics. You must have earned at least 180 ECTS credits as part of this degree program.

The economics major in the first degree program must include all core content of an undergraduate economics degree program (fundamentals of business administration and economics, business mathematics and statistics, fundamentals of private and commercial law). If these core contents were not included in your first degree program, you can take the corresponding Additional modules before starting your studies. We will be happy to check this for you individually.

A further requirement for admission is advanced written and spoken English language skills (comparable to level C1 of the Common European Framework). The level must be proven by a corresponding certificate (e.g. Cambridge First Certificate in English, Internet-Bades TOEFL test with at least 95 points) or a comparable proof of competence.

What credits are possible?

If you have already completed comparable coursework in a Master's program or comparable program at another university, recognition is generally possible. Please contact our student advisory service.

How is your course structured?

The distance learning program “Business Management – Master of Arts” consists of three sequential phases with highly specialized content:

1. Semester: Core Modules

• Scientific work and methods of empirical social research
• Business Leadership and Strategic Management
• Change Management and Sustainability
• Project and Process Management

At the start of the program, you will first focus on the methods of empirical social research that are essential for a master’s degree, so that you can apply them in your future academic work.

This is followed by the module “Business Administration and Strategic Management,” in which you will receive an introduction to the theories, functions, and systems of business administration and explore corporate strategies. The third core module of the first semester covers the increasingly important skills of change management and sustainability, as well as their implementation in organizations. The first semester concludes with interdisciplinary skills in process and project management.

2. and 3. Semester: Elective modules 1–6 of the chosen specialization

During these two semesters, you will take modules in your area of specialization and focus on the field you have chosen. In each area of specialization, you will take a research seminar in which you will conduct and present your own project, such as a small empirical study.

4. Semester:

The central highlight at the end of your distance learning program is the master’s thesis, including the colloquium. Through this, you will demonstrate your ability to independently address a problem within the subject areas of the master’s program using scientific methods. Of course, you will receive individual guidance from our professors during this phase. You may propose your own topic and also write a thesis related to your professional practice. The Master’s thesis must be completed within six months.

Choose one of the following six specializations:

Specialization „Digital Business Management“

• Digital Business Modelling & Digital Leadership
• Challenges of Digital PR and Communications Management
• Data Science Management (Big Data)
• Digital Marketing
• Innovation Management
• Research Seminar Digital Business Management

The Digitization plays an important role in the development of companies.

The specialization „Digital Business Management“is particularly relevant for you if you’re preparing for the challenges of digital transformation, analyzing digital business models, and seeking to understand the impact of the digital revolution on business management. You’ll learn how to assess the requirements for digital leaders and make confident communication effectively managed through digital channels, even in special situations. In addition, you will focus on operational online marketing instruments and their suitability for various applications.

Innovation is also closely linked to digitalization as a key factor in a company’s long-term success. You will therefore also explore the various phases of the innovation process and the associated methods and techniques for process design, enabling you to identify the fundamentals of innovation management as key factors for successful innovation processes and to successfully implement innovations.

"Big Data" and "Digital transformation" are current topics that present companies with new challenges. The module "Data Science Management" aims to familiarize you with the current developments and challenges with regard to information management in companies and the complexity of dealing with data, information and knowledge and to enable you to apply methods and tools for dealing with large amounts of data and to manage or advise on specific implementation projects.

Specialization „Human Resources Management“

• Human Resources Management and Leadership
• Human Resources Marketing and Recruiting
• Human Resources Development (Corporate Training)
• Diversity Management
• International HR Management and Public Affairs
• Research Seminar Human Resources Management

Are you already a manager, do you manage staff, work in HR management, or would you like to take on these responsibilities in the future? If so, the “Human Resources Management” specialization is the perfect fit for you. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse tasks and challenges in the field of human resources management, such as employee development initiatives, thorough workforce planning, and effective recruitment strategies.

You will examine HR tasks from various perspectives and develop innovative solutions to challenges, including new approaches to diversity management. In the process, you will learn valuable tools and methods for quickly identifying leadership issues and evaluating HR management philosophies.

This specialization also provides you with valuable insights into the development of international human resources management strategies that take cultural context into account.

Specialization „International Business“

• International Management and Intercultural Competence
• International HR Management and Public Affairs
• International Marketing
• International Trade Theory
• International Relations
• Research Seminar International Business

The specialization „International Business“ specifically prepares you for the complex challenges and opportunities of international markets. This specialization is ideal for those who wish to take on a strategic role in multinational companies. You will learn to take cultural context into account in international human resources management strategies and to develop specific job profiles for international executives. In addition, you will develop the skills to design recruitment and development initiatives that meet the unique needs of international teams.

In this program, you will also gain the skills to develop comprehensive marketing plans for the global market. In doing so, you will place particular emphasis on ethical considerations as well as political, economic, legal, and cultural factors. You will analyze and evaluate strategic trade policy measures and develop a deep understanding of the complex interrelationships within international business relations.

Specialization "Marketing and Sales"

• Marketing Management
• Sales Management
• International Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Data Science Management (Big Data)
• Research Seminar Marketing and Sales

The specialization „Marketing and Sales“is an ideal starting point if you want to explore the current challenges and opportunities in marketing and sales within a globalized economy. First, you will learn about marketing as a central concept of market-oriented business management and discover how to apply it in practice. To this end, you will analyze factors influencing consumer behavior and, building on this, develop marketing plans for the international market.

Another key focus is on the effective use and evaluation of online marketing tools for various applications. You will also deepen your understanding of the complex management of data, information, and knowledge in a business context. In addition to these marketing topics, sales is also given due attention. This includes the strategic planning of sales activities throughout the entire sales process.

Specialization „Public Relations and Communication“

• PR and Communication Management
• Professional Writing in PR and Communications
• Challenges of Digital PR and Communications Management
• Communication Theories
• Communication in Special Situations
• Research Seminar PR and Communication

The “PR and Communication” specialization is an excellent way to advance your career in the field of PR and communication. During your master’s program, you will engage in an in-depth exploration of the current challenges and opportunities in a digitalized communications landscape.

You will learn how to use journalistic writing styles professionally and apply them appropriately to different situations. At the same time, you will develop an understanding of the evolution of PR and communications management in the digital age and will be able to use digital channels effectively for internal and external communication.

Another key focus is on exploring the work of leading experts in language and communication theory, as well as their core concepts. Specific situations call for specific communication strategies. You will therefore learn to take appropriate communication measures and communicate confidently with relevant stakeholders.

Specialization “Business Psychology”

• Occupational and Organizational Psychology
• Market and Consumer Psychology
• Health Psychology and Positive Psychology in the New World of Work
• Communication Psychology and Coaching
• Psychology of Sustainability and Environmental Psychology
• Research Seminar Business Psychology

"Business Psychologyas a specialization provides an ideal foundation if you are aiming for a career at the intersection of psychology and business and wish to develop a deeper understanding of the psychological aspects of economic contexts.

You will learn to confidently apply organizational development methods to streamline work processes and increase employee satisfaction. Taking social resources into account also contributes to employees’ health and performance. Another key focus is positive psychology, which can help foster employee retention.

In addition, you will examine the sustainability of value chains in order to develop strategies for the optimal use of resources. Effective internal and external communication is a key component of successful businesses. Therefore, you will learn to analyze the effects of communication processes and to classify psychological communication models.

Knowledge and skills in the field of coaching complete this specialization.

Each specialization consists of six modules worth 10 ECTS credits each, for a total of 60 ECTS credits.

How long will your studies take and what degree will you receive?

The standard period of study is 24 months. This refers to full-time study and can be extended accordingly if you are working at the same time. A free extension of 12 months is included in the tuition fees, so that the course can be completed in up to 36 months, depending on individual scheduling.

Once you have successfully completed all course requirements, the university will award you the academic degree “Master of Arts – Business Management,” which also qualifies you to pursue a doctorate. Alternatively, we also award the degree “Magister Artium.”