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Deutsch Who is the MSc Innovation Management at HSBA suitable for?
The part-time Master’s programme in Innovation Management is aimed at professionals with a background in economics who want to systematically prepare themselves for leadership roles in innovation or business development management. It targets specialists and junior managers from companies, start-ups, or consultancies who want to specifically expand their business knowledge with skills in digitalisation, strategy development and international innovation management. The programme places emphasis on an international orientation and practice-oriented projects. The course is especially suitable for those interested in taking a career step in the fields of innovation management, digital transformation, corporate development or start-up management while continuing their professional activities.
What formal requirements must you meet to apply?
To be admitted to the MSc Innovation Management, you need:
- A first university degree with at least 180 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS are in economic subjects.
- Good knowledge of mathematics and statistics (part of the economic ECTS).
- Up to 15 of the 60 economic ECTS can be replaced by modules in quantitative methods. Missing economic ECTS can be compensated proportionally (30 ECTS per year) by relevant professional experience.
- Your initial degree should have been completed with the grade “Good” (up to 2.5). If your final grade is lower, additional relevant professional experience is required.
- Proof of English language skills (at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference).
- A letter of recommendation from an employer or an academic reference.
- Successful completion of the application process (online application and individual interview).
You should bring analytical and strategic thinking skills, show interest in data-driven and digital business models and be open to international and interdisciplinary teamwork. Methodical competence in project work, strong communication skills as well as a high degree of self-motivation and self-organisation are important for success in the programme. Experience from a relevant professional field (e.g. product management, business development, technology, consulting or start-up environment) facilitates the application of the study content. Since the programme is conducted in English, solid English language skills and the willingness to engage in an internationally oriented study environment are required.
Which topics do you cover in the Master’s in Innovation Management at HSBA?
In the part-time Master’s programme Innovation Management at HSBA, you deepen comprehensive business administration content with a focus on the development, implementation and management of innovations in companies. The programme combines strategic business development, innovation management, data science and entrepreneurship. The core modules include:
- Innovation Management: Analysis of innovation processes, diffusion of innovation and their significance for market success.
- Negotiations & Storytelling: Development of communication and methodological skills for successful negotiations and convincing presentations.
- Programming (Python u. a.): Basic knowledge for using AI and data tools to solve operational challenges.
- Data Analysis: Statistics, data architecture, big data concepts as well as stochastic modelling and their application.
- Project Management: Use of classical and agile methods (e.g. Scrum, Kanban, Design Thinking) in the innovation process.
- Service and Product Design: User-centred product development, prototyping and practical testing.
- Entrepreneurial Finance: Financing of innovation, especially in an international context and for start-ups.
- Applied Econometrics: Data-based modelling and quantitative decision-making.
As the course progresses, you will work on practical case studies in innovation, participate in consulting projects with business companies and deepen your knowledge of strategic digitisation, business model development, legal basics and current HR trends. Cross-cutting topics such as digitisation, internationalisation, project management and entrepreneurship are repeatedly at the centre. Individual profile development is enabled from the second semester through one of six specialisations: AI Transformation, Business Development (Marketing & Sales), Finance, Shipping & Logistics, Start-up or Sustainable Intrapreneurship.
How does the Innovation Management course at HSBA proceed?
The course is designed as a part-time programme and normally lasts five semesters (2.5 years) or optionally in Fast Track four semesters (2 years). It comprises 120 ECTS credits, distributed over ten modules in the first year, seven modules in the second year and the individual specialisation. The lectures take place on extended weekends and in some full-time weeks on campus. On average, you should plan 15 to 20 hours per week for studying.
- Practical relevance: Integrated project work in cooperation with partner companies, case studies and a consulting project form the connection between theory and practice.
- Internationality: An international excursion in the second semester provides insights into foreign innovation systems.
- Learning methods: Case studies, design thinking, agile methods, flipped classroom and data-driven analyses foster future skills and reflective working.
- Degree completion: The course concludes with the Master’s thesis and a colloquium.
Which career paths open up after the Master’s in Innovation Management?
Graduates of the Master’s programme Innovation Management take on central roles in developing and implementing innovations. Typical professional fields are:
- Innovation Managers: Initiating and managing innovation processes in companies.
- Business Development: Developing new business models, opening up new markets and leading strategic company projects.
- Management Consulting: Advising organisations on innovation, digitisation and transformation processes.
- Entrepreneurship: Founding and running start-ups, for example in the technology sector or sustainable business development.
- Specialised specialist and management positions: Roles in product management, marketing, sales, IT or finance with a strong innovation focus.
By being able to set your own focus areas, you can prepare specifically for positions in which creativity, data-driven decisions and agile methods are required. The international degree also opens up prospects for work in globally operating companies or as a foundation for further academic career paths.
Where does the Innovation Management course take place and how is the learning environment designed?
The entire programme takes place at the centrally located campus of the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA) in Hamburg city centre. The modern premises offer a practice-oriented learning environment with direct contact to lecturers, fellow students and corporate partners. The campus promotes close exchange and networking – both within the course and beyond.
HSBA is known for its close cooperation with companies in Hamburg and the metropolitan region. This allows you to link theoretical knowledge directly with operational practice and benefit from a strong network.
What costs do you have to expect for the part-time Master’s in Innovation Management and how can you finance your studies?
The tuition fees for the Master’s Innovation Management at HSBA amount to 750 euros per month, a total of 22,500 euros for the entire duration of study. Often, partner companies contribute to the fees or even cover them completely, especially if professional employment at the company is pursued in parallel with the studies.
- Discounts: If you apply before 31 May, you receive a 10 per cent discount. As an HSBA alumnus/a, you even benefit from a 20 per cent discount.
- Job placement: HSBA supports you in finding a suitable employer through the programme JOB & MASTER, which is specially designed for students without their own employer.
- Additional financing options: Depending on your personal situation, you can explore other funding opportunities such as scholarships or education loans.
In the part-time model, it is common that you continue to earn a regular income through parallel employment, enabling you to finance your studies well.
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