Business Administration, Master of Science

Study Content in Detail

In the Master's degree programme in Business Administration at Hochschule Fresenius, you deepen key business administration core competencies with a special focus on the challenges and particularities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The content covers, among other topics, the following areas:

• Business fields of activity in SMEs
• Controlling and financing in SMEs
• Work in transition and change management
• Innovation and technology management
• Business ethics and corporate governance
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Corporate and personnel management in SMEs
• Industrial production and production techniques
• Company valuation and business taxation
• Public finance and fiscal policy
• Behavioural decision making
• Consumer behaviour research
• Strategic management
• Economic policy

The curriculum is supplemented by seminars, a practical seminar, a research colloquium, an academic seminar, and the independent Master’s thesis. In the elective component, you can set specialisations, for example in “Internationalisation and Regional Economics” or “Supply Chain Management in SMEs”, and tailor your study profile individually. Through numerous project works, case studies, and cooperation with practical partners, you strengthen your analytical skills, reflective abilities, and problem-solving competence.

How is the course structured?

The Master's degree in Business Administration is designed as a full-time on-campus programme and extends over four semesters (two years) with a total of 120 ECTS credits. As a special model, Hochschule Fresenius offers the “3-day Master”: attendance is concentrated on three days per week. This allows you to combine your studies well with a part-time job or a working student position and to link practical experience and theory optimally.

The course follows a logically coordinated module structure. In addition to compulsory modules, you take elective subjects according to your areas of interest. A practical seminar as well as projects and case studies ensure a close connection to professional practice. In the fourth semester, you write your Master’s thesis and take part in the concluding research colloquium. Additionally, you can participate in the StudyPLUS programme, which regularly offers extra options such as language courses or career workshops.

What career opportunities does the M. Sc. Business Administration open up?

With the Master's degree in Business Administration, you are qualified for a wide range of management roles in companies of all industries and sizes, especially in the mid-sized sector. Typical fields of work include:

• Management consulting and consulting
• Project management and project control
• Human resources management and employer branding
• Financial controlling and company valuation
• Executive management or department management
• Self-employment and business start-up (entrepreneurship)

Very good career prospects also exist in the areas of economic policy, innovation management, or as an executive in internationally operating companies. The programme imparts the analytical and strategic skills to assess complex economic interrelationships, make decisions, and actively shape change within companies. Many graduates use the practical network of Hochschule Fresenius as a springboard into their desired industry or build on the degree with a doctoral programme.

Where do you study? Locations and study environment

The Master's programme in Business Administration is offered at the locations in Hamburg and Cologne. Both cities are among the leading German economic regions with a high density of companies from all industries and a diverse range of leisure and cultural activities.

• At the Hamburg campus, you study in close proximity to the Alster and benefit from modern learning spaces and an inspiring, urban atmosphere.
• The MediaPark location in Cologne offers you very good infrastructural connections, modern teaching rooms, and an inspiring learning environment. After the events, you are in the Cologne city centre within a few minutes.

Both locations are characterized by modern infrastructure, good accessibility, and numerous service options related to studying. Additionally, the university promotes exchange among students and participation in networking events.

What does the course cost and how can you finance it?

The tuition fees for the M. Sc. Business Administration amount to 850 euros per month over the entire study period of five semesters. The total costs thus amount to 20,400 euros. In addition, a one-off registration fee of 695 euros is charged.

Various options are available to finance your studies:

• Funding through BAföG (possible under certain conditions)
• Student loans, for example via the KfW, or education funds
• Scholarship programmes of Hochschule Fresenius or other institutions
• Part-time jobs and working student positions, supported by the special 3-day Master model

The tuition fee includes all teaching events, examination fees, as well as participation in free additional offerings such as language or career courses. The student advisory service at Hochschule Fresenius is happy to assist you individually with questions about financing.