English 
Deutsch How is the Master’s programme Innovation and Entrepreneurship structured?
The Master’s programme Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Munich Business School is aimed at graduates of a first degree who wish to deepen their knowledge in innovation management and start-ups. The target group specifically includes individuals with a background in economics who aspire to leadership roles in start-ups, in the innovation departments of established companies, or in consulting. It also addresses career changers from engineering, natural sciences, or creative degree programmes who want to acquire entrepreneurial know-how and develop their own business models. The programme is also suitable for successors in family businesses to systematically drive innovation and change forward.
What are the formal admission requirements?
You need a first academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS for admission. If your first degree is in economics, direct entry into the Master’s programme is possible. If you have completed a first degree outside of economics, you must complete a special Pre-Master’s programme to acquire the required fundamentals. Furthermore, proof of English language skills is mandatory, for example through a TOEFL iBT (minimum 85 points), an IELTS (minimum level 6.5) or equivalent certificates. Alternatively, proof is also valid if your first degree or school leaving qualification was completed in English. The application process requires a complete application including motivation questions, CV, university certificates and a personal selection interview.
Personally, you should bring entrepreneurial thinking and initiative. Communication skills, ability to work in a team and willingness for interdisciplinary collaboration are essential, as many modules involve project work and practical assignments. Analytical skills, creativity as well as interest in new technologies and societal trends will facilitate your academic success. For role-oriented tasks – such as consultant, innovation manager or founder – a solution-oriented way of working, openness to international experience and a confident appearance are particularly advantageous.
What course content can you expect in the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at MBS?
In the Master’s programme Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Munich Business School, you will acquire in-depth knowledge in the development and implementation of innovative business ideas. The curriculum combines fundamental business administration principles with practical methods of innovation management and entrepreneurial thinking. You will develop skills to identify, develop, scale, and successfully place new products, services, and business models on the market.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Design: Developing an entrepreneurial attitude and applying strategic methods for business development.
- Ideation and Prototyping: Using Design Thinking, Lean Startup, and agile methods for systematic idea generation, problem-solving, and prototype creation.
- Innovation Strategy: Analysing innovation processes considering cultural, organisational, and technological influences.
- Business Planning: Creating and presenting business plans, strategy development, and storytelling for innovative projects.
- Resource Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Finance: Acquiring financial, human, and technological resources, financing start-ups, and protecting intellectual property.
- Scaling Start-ups and Innovation Projects: Strategies for scaling business models, managing innovation processes, and preparing exit strategies.
- Electives: Individual specialisation, e.g. in Technology Trends, Social Entrepreneurship, Happiness as a success factor, or independent research projects.
- International Business & Management: Global management, intercultural communication, ethics, and responsibility in the international business environment.
- Communication and Leadership: Negotiation, business communication, and responsible leadership of teams in a global context.
In Business Projects, you work together with fellow students on real tasks from companies or start-ups and learn how innovations are implemented in practice. Additionally, you have the opportunity to work on your own start-up idea with individual supervision.
How is the degree structured and organised?
The programme is designed for 18 months (Single Degree) or 24 months (Dual Degree) in full-time on-campus format. It is divided into three consecutive semesters with clear focal points:
- 1st and 2nd semester: Teaching of core competencies and practical application through Business Projects. In the elective area, you deepen individual interests.
- 3rd semester: Optional semester abroad at one of over 70 partner universities, a practical start-up project with coaching, or an internship in Germany or abroad (depending on prior education and individual study path).
- Final phase: Writing the Master’s Thesis with a research- or practice-oriented focus.
Lectures and examinations are conducted entirely in English. An international focus runs through all modules and campus life in Munich, which is shaped by a high number of international students. Voluntary language courses (e.g. Spanish, Chinese, German) and a community engagement module are also integrated to foster community skills.
- Mentoring programme: Individual career support by experienced alumni.
- Close networking with companies: Regular practical projects and networking opportunities.
Which career paths does the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship open up for you?
With the degree Master of Arts in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, you qualify for demanding positions at the interface of company founding, innovation management, and strategic corporate development. After graduation, you have the following career prospects:
- Own company founding: Building and leading your own start-ups from the first idea to scaling and internationalisation.
- Innovation drivers in corporations: Roles in corporate innovation, business development, strategy, or as an intrapreneur in established companies.
- Expert in start-ups and incubators: Working in young companies, support roles at accelerators, incubators, or as an investor for start-up financing.
- Consulting: Entry into consulting firms focusing on innovation management, start-up ecosystems, and digital business models.
- Succession and transformation in family businesses: Taking over and innovatively developing family businesses.
The strong practical relevance, international experience, and the MBS network provide access to a wide range of industries – from the tech scene to small and medium-sized enterprises or the international consulting sector.
Which study locations and facilities does Munich Business School offer?
The entire programme takes place on the Munich Business School campus in Munich (Elsenheimerstraße 61, 80687 Munich). The university is characterised by a personal atmosphere, small study groups, and modern facilities. The following options are available to you:
- Studying in the heart of Munich: Optimal location, good accessibility, and numerous leisure and cultural offers in the vicinity.
- International experience: A mandatory or optional semester abroad at one of over 70 partner universities worldwide, alternatively an international internship or start-up project in the third semester.
- Student apartments: Modern, fully equipped accommodation exclusive to MBS students.
The internationally oriented community and innovative teaching methods provide an inspiring learning environment for aspiring founders and innovation experts.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
Studying at Munich Business School is a private investment. The current fee structure for the Master in Innovation and Entrepreneurship is as follows:
- Tuition fees: €8,580 per semester (total regular costs €25,740 for three semesters)
- Enrolment fee: €690 (EU/EFTA), €1,490 (non-EU)
- Application fee: €60
- Early Bird discount: Up to €1,000 for early registration (depending on application deadline)
- Scholarships: Up to €4,000 funding on tuition fees possible
- Financing: Flexible instalment payment in three semester payments or up to 18 monthly payments; additionally, the Brain Capital financing model allows external study financing without direct advance payment
For living expenses (rent, food, insurance, public transport) in Munich, you should plan additional monthly costs. Accommodation is available through MBS’s own apartments, which facilitates apartment search and organisation during your studies.
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