Entrepreneurship, Master of Arts

Who is the Master’s in Entrepreneurship (M.A.) at Rheinische Hochschule Köln suitable for?

The Master's programme in Entrepreneurship (M.A.) is aimed at graduates of business-related bachelor’s degrees as well as individuals with other university degrees who can demonstrate knowledge in business administration. It primarily targets prospective students who want to specifically pursue company founding, the further development of their own business idea, or a career in innovation management and the startup environment. Typical target groups are:

• Individuals who want to found or advance a startup
• Graduates with an interest in innovation, business models, and digitalisation
• Professionals who wish to scientifically engage with entrepreneurship, prototyping, or internationalisation
• Founders who want to benefit from a practice-oriented, supervised study environment including access to an incubator, creative workshop, and network

Admission: What requirements apply for the Master’s in Entrepreneurship?

The following formal requirements must be met to be admitted to the consecutive Master’s programme in Entrepreneurship at Rheinische Hochschule Köln:

• Completed undergraduate degree (Bachelor or Diploma) with at least 180 Credit Points (CP) in the field of business administration
• Applicants with another undergraduate degree must demonstrate business administration knowledge amounting to at least 30 CP
• A current transcript of records and proof of admission of the bachelor thesis are sufficient if the final certificate is not yet available
• No specific language skills are required (language of instruction: German)
• Work experience is not required for admission

These regulations are based on the current Master’s admission regulations of the university.

Personal requirements and expectations

In addition to the formal requirements, prospective students should have the following personal qualities:

• Initiative and motivation to develop one’s own business idea or further develop a project
• Willingness to work in a practice-oriented manner and in teams on real startup projects
• Openness to constructive feedback, coaching, and the use of laboratory and creative spaces
• Curiosity about innovation, digital business models and current developments in the startup sector
• Basic knowledge of economic and management topics

A concrete business idea is an advantage but not a mandatory requirement; the university supports team building and the development of entrepreneurial projects throughout the course of study.

What to Expect in the Master’s in Entrepreneurship (M.A.)

The Master’s degree programme in Entrepreneurship at the Rheinische Hochschule Köln supports you in systematically developing your own entrepreneurial idea and bringing it to market maturity. The programme combines scientifically based methods with practical and project-oriented work. Your own start-up project is always at the centre.

Study Content in Detail

The study content is structured according to the typical phases of company formation – from idea generation through prototyping to internationalisation:

• Accounting & Finance: Basics of financial planning and control for start-ups.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods: Research techniques and their application in the business context.
• Idea Management & Creativity Techniques: Methods for developing and evaluating new business models.
• Digital Strategies and Business Models: Development of viable digital business concepts.
• Business Plan Modules (Personnel & Finance, Marketing, Innovation): Preparation of comprehensive business concepts.
• Integral Leadership and Value Orientation: Leadership models and sustainable corporate management.
• Management Systems and Risk Management: Building professional management structures.
• Digital Transformation Management: Adapting to the challenges of digital markets.
• Practice Transfer Projects (I–II): Implementation of your start-up idea in prototyping and product development.
• Performance Management and Controlling: Management and control of company performance.
• Strategy Management: Development of sustainable competitive strategies.
• Sales: Building and expanding sales channels for your company.
• Business Simulation Game: Simulation of complex entrepreneurial decision-making processes.
• Master’s Thesis and Defence: Final thesis, often directly related to your own start-up.

The modules are designed so that you acquire all the skills relevant to company formation – from the first idea to scaling your start-up.

Course Structure and Special Features

The programme can be completed full-time (4 semesters) or part-time/hybrid (5 semesters). Both models lead to 120 ECTS credits and the degree Master of Arts. The structure is practice-oriented: Your own start-up project is closely supervised and is part of assessments and projects. You benefit from:

• Direct supervision by experienced founders and lecturers from industry.
• The opportunity to found a company together in teams – even if you do not yet have your own start-up idea.
• Rent-free office spaces, access to the incubator and a 400 m² creative workshop at the Neuss campus.
• Strong networking with companies, the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Mittlerer Niederrhein and relevant start-up networks.
• Workshops, simulation games, real practical projects and individual coaching.

After each academic year, you receive additional certificates or qualifications:

• 1st semester: Start-up Certificate (IfEU)
• 3rd semester: E-Commerce Manager (IHK)
• 4th semester: Master of Arts (M.A.)

A special focus is on practice transfer: You apply what you have learned directly in your start-up project and prepare your final thesis in a practice-oriented way.

Career Prospects & Professional Opportunities

Graduates of the Master’s programme in Entrepreneurship qualify for a wide range of fields:

• Self-employment and starting your own company
• Founder in various industries
• Innovation management in companies and organisations
• Consulting in areas such as start-up coaching, incubators, venture capital or business development
• Working in incubator programmes and think tanks

With the Master’s degree you bring not only expertise and methodological knowledge but also practical experience for demanding positions in the start-up scene or in innovation management.

Location and Facilities

The programme takes place on the campus of the Rheinische Hochschule Köln at the Neuss location. Modern workspaces, an incubator with rent-free offices and a 400 m² creative workshop are available to you. The university offers a close network with companies, practical contacts and individual start-up support. Partnerships with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Mittlerer Niederrhein complement the offer.

Costs and Financing

The monthly tuition fees for the part-time study model are 599 euros, for the full-time model 649 euros. The total fees for the four- or five-semester programme amount to approximately 14,376 to 15,576 euros. The university supports you with study financing, for example with information on scholarships, public and private funding and part-time jobs.