Business Administration, Master of Arts

Who benefits from the Master in Business Administration (M.A.) via distance learning?

The Master's degree programme in Business Administration, M.A., is aimed at working professionals and graduates with a background in economics who wish to deepen their expertise purposefully and qualify themselves for specialist or leadership roles in an international and digital environment. It is particularly targeted at bachelor’s graduates from business administration, economics, or related disciplines who want to enhance their career prospects in management, corporate leadership, controlling, marketing, or change management. The programme is also suitable for career changers with professional experience who want to acquire business qualifications at master’s level.

What formal admission requirements must you meet?

• Completed bachelor's, diploma, or magister degree with at least 180 ECTS credits (standard variant, 120 CP) or at least 240 ECTS credits (short variant, 60 CP)
• At least 40 ECTS credits in the field of economics; alternatively proof of relevant knowledge through certificates, non-university achievements, or entrance test
• University entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, advanced technical college entrance qualification) required
• Professionally qualified without a first degree: admission possible via recognised vocational training, at least two years of relevant professional experience, and passing an aptitude test (additionally a motivation letter and evidence required)
• A lateral entry without prior economic knowledge is possible through individual supplementary qualification or entrance test

For the Master's programme, you should bring analytical thinking skills, problem-solving ability, and a structured way of working. Experience in an economic context as well as interest in strategic and digital issues from management, controlling, or marketing are helpful. Self-discipline, high self-motivation, and the ability to study independently are decisive for successfully completing the distance learning programme. Communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and openness to internationally oriented content and digital working methods complete your personal qualifications.

Study Content in Detail: What Will You Learn in the Master of Business Administration (M.A.)?

In the Master’s programme in Business Administration (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you deepen your business knowledge and develop management skills for an internationally connected, digital corporate environment. The modules cover key topics such as:

• Business fields of action
• Global markets, competition and business models
• Accounting and controlling
• Strategic management and economics
• Academic work and research methods
• European integration and institutional framework conditions
• Digitalisation and digital management
• Marketing and market research
• Value-based corporate management
• Change management and digital leadership

Through elective modules, you can set individual focuses, for example in organisational management, innovation management, human resources management, or data analysis for entrepreneurial decisions. In the colloquium and the final master’s thesis, you deepen your own topic and demonstrate competence in scientific methods. Practice-oriented projects train analytical, problem-solving and digital skills.

Course Structure: How Is the Distance Learning Organised?

The Master’s degree in Business Administration is offered entirely online as a distance learning programme. The standard period of study is four semesters (corresponding to 120 ECTS credits), whereby you can flexibly choose between durations of 24, 36, or 48 months. You can start your studies monthly at any time.

• Access to digital teaching materials via the eLearning platform Canvas
• Interactive self-study phases and online lectures
• Online exams possible flexibly 24/7; alternative examination formats (e.g. term papers, online presentations)
• Individual support and organisation through study coaches and lecturers
• Opportunity to obtain international certificates and participate in Masterclasses of ASU® (Arizona State University)
• Freedom of choice in elective subjects, also in English

The course ends with the master’s thesis and a colloquium. During the entire duration of your studies, you are independent of location and time but can always make use of support from the advisory team.

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities: What Are Your Opportunities After the Master’s?

With the master’s degree in Business Administration (M.A.), you qualify for specialist and management positions in national and international companies as well as non-profit organisations. Typical fields of activity include:

• Management and corporate governance
• Controlling and accounting
• Marketing, sales and market research
• Human resources and organisational development
• Change management and strategy development
• Digitalisation and digital process management

Graduates work in companies of all sizes, from corporations to SMEs or consulting agencies. You are also qualified to enter management consulting, business development or leadership positions in an international context.

Study Location: How Is the Master’s in Business Administration Organised Spatially?

The Master’s programme takes place completely online, so you can study independently of location. No fixed campus attendance is required. Most examinations are completed digitally; individual on-site exams can take place at selected study centres in Germany. The online support and digital learning platform enable close contact with lecturers and fellow students. If required, you can participate in optional attendance phases, networking meetings or events at the nationwide locations of Hochschule Fresenius.

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget for the Distance Learning Programme?

The tuition fees for the Master of Business Administration (M.A.) in distance learning depend on the chosen study duration:

• 24 months: €525 per month (discount with code START11: €467.25)
• 36 months: €395 per month (discount: €351.55)
• 48 months: €315 per month (discount: €280.35)

The total costs amount – depending on the duration of study – to a maximum of €12,600. The price includes all examination fees, access to the learning platform, digital teaching materials, study coach support and international certificates from ASU®. Additional costs may arise from travel to any on-site exams.

For financing, options such as the KfW student loan, BAföG for part-time second degrees, scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium, and support from employers are available. The study advisory team assists with the selection and application of financing options.