Business Development & Digital Innovation, Master of Arts

Part-time program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The part-time Master's programme in Business Development & Digital Innovation (M.A.) at Fresenius University is designed for professionals with a bachelor's degree in business or equivalent qualifications. The five-semester programme provides competencies in business analysis, development of digital business models, innovation management, digital transformation, and design thinking. The classes take place virtually in the evenings and on Saturdays, with exams that can be taken flexibly online. Students benefit from practical case studies, guest lectures, and the Pioneer Lab founder network. The Master of Arts degree is internationally recognised and qualifies for leadership positions in digital innovation and business development areas.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsBusiness Administration
📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Development & International Growth Strategies, Business Models and Business Plan, Digital Business, Creative Tools & Design Thinking, Corporate Governance & Compliance, Agile Product & Innovation Management, Entrepreneurial Skills, Behavioral Decision Making, Entrepreneurial Finance, Practical Project & Case Study I, Business Field Development & Digital Markets, International Marketing & Sales Channels and Relationship Management, Entrepreneurial Leadership, Practical Project & Case Study II, Agile Organisation & New Work, (Virtual) Working and Leading in International Contexts, Organisational Development & Management of Digital Transformation Projects, Conflict Management & Mediation, Academic Work and Exposé, Master’s Thesis
📍 Location Online-Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 395 € monthly
from 9480 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.com

Who is the Master’s Programme in Business Development & Digital Innovation Suitable For?

The part-time master’s programme Business Development & Digital Innovation is aimed at professionals who want to participate in or take responsibility for the development of new business models, digital products, or innovative business strategies in companies, agencies, or start-ups. It is especially intended for graduates of business-related degree programmes as well as young professionals who have already gained initial practical experience in business development, marketing, innovation management, sales, or related areas. Career changers with a relevant first degree and an affinity for digitalisation and entrepreneurial development will also find a suitable further education opportunity in this programme.

What Admission Requirements Must You Fulfil?

In order to be admitted to the part-time master’s degree programme Business Development & Digital Innovation (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you must meet the following formal criteria:

  • Completed bachelor’s degree with at least 180 credit points (ECTS) or an equivalent higher education qualification (e.g. diploma).
  • At least 30 credit points from business-related courses in the first degree.

If you lack the 30 credit points in the business field, you can still be admitted to the programme by passing an entrance test. The admission test assesses your relevant knowledge and skills in the business context.

For international applicants, sufficient German language skills are required, as the courses take place in German.

On a personal level, you should have a strong interest in digital innovations and entrepreneurial development. Analytical skills, creativity, a high degree of initiative, and openness to agile working methods are also expected. Previous experience in project management, participation in digital transformation projects, or innovation management is advantageous. You should be willing to embrace new technologies, disruptive business models, and international markets. Communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and the capacity to tackle challenges in a solution-oriented manner will support your success in this practice-oriented master’s programme.

Detailed Study Contents

In the Master's Programme in Business Development & Digital Innovation at Fresenius University, you will acquire practical knowledge about the digital advancement and innovation of companies. The main focuses are in the following areas:

  • Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Thinking
  • Business Development and International Growth Strategies
  • Development and Analysis of Business Models, Business Plans and Digital Business Fields
  • Digital Business Models and Digital Business
  • Creative Tools, Design Thinking, and Innovation Methods
  • Corporate Governance, Compliance, and Agile Organizational Forms
  • Agile Product and Innovation Management
  • Entrepreneurial Leadership, Decision-Making, and Conflict Management
  • International Marketing and Sales Channels as well as Relationship Management
  • Organizational Development and Management of Digital Transformation Projects
  • (Virtual) Working and Leading in International Contexts
  • Practical Projects, Case Studies, and Development of Own Entrepreneurial Projects
  • Academic Work: Exposé and Master's Thesis

By incorporating case studies and practical projects, you will directly apply what you have learned and prepare yourself effectively for responsible positions in innovation management.

How Does the Study Programme Work?

The part-time Master's programme spans over 4 semesters, amounting to a total of 120 ECTS. The study is structured as a virtual live programme: You participate in 1-2 virtual evening events per week and two Saturdays per month. Most exams can be taken online, enabling good integration of studies into professional life.

The course structure includes regular guest lectures, location-independent modules, interdisciplinary teaching formats, as well as excursions and workshops. Practical teaching formats like case studies, project work, and networking events complement the academic programme. Additionally, you will receive support in the university's own Pioneer Lab - a platform that accompanies start-up and innovation projects, ensuring the transfer of theory into practice.

You can start the programme in either the winter or summer semester. The language of instruction is German.

What Career Opportunities and Job Prospects Will You Have?

With a successful completion as Master of Arts in Business Development & Digital Innovation, you qualify for diverse leadership and management tasks in the field of digitalisation and innovation:

  • Strategic and Operational Business Development in Companies and Start-ups
  • Digital Marketing Management and Development of Digital Business Models
  • Innovation Consulting and Advisory Tasks in the Technology Sector
  • Product Management and Introduction of New Digital Products and Services
  • Project Management in Digital Transformation and Innovation Processes
  • Business Analysis and Development of Growth Strategies in International Markets

Graduates typically take on roles such as Digital Marketing Manager, Innovation Consultant, Business Analyst, or Project Manager for Digital Transformation. Activities in consulting, corporate entrepreneurship, as well as leadership roles in established companies and start-up environments are also possible.

Where Will You Study: At the Online Campus

The course is offered at the Online Campus of Fresenius University. Opting for the virtual live programme at the Online Campus allows you to be location-independent and complete all lectures and exams flexibly online. You also have access to network events, guest lectures, and the Pioneer Lab.

Costs and Financing Options

The tuition fees amount to 395 euros per month, totaling 9,480 euros for the standard period of four semesters. An application fee of 250 euros is also charged. The price includes all lectures, study materials, practical projects, and the use of StudyPLUS: additional access to free language courses, further education, networking events, and career opportunities.

For financing your studies, you can use the following options:

  • Support through BAföG (under certain conditions)
  • Application for scholarships from Fresenius University and external foundations
  • Utilization of study loans (e.g. KfW Study Loan)
  • Support from the employer or tax deductibility of study costs

Fresenius University provides individual counseling on all questions regarding study financing.

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