Innovation & Leadership, Master of Business Administration

Who is the MBA Innovation & Leadership at FHM suitable for?

The part-time MBA programme Innovation & Leadership is aimed at professionals who want to take on leadership responsibilities in companies or actively prepare for a responsible management position. It is specifically targeted at (aspiring) executives from small and medium-sized enterprises, but also from larger companies and start-ups who want to acquire specific know-how in innovation management and leadership. The programme is independent of the subject area – meaning, regardless of which subject you previously studied, you can apply as long as you meet the formal admission requirements. The MBA is suitable, for example, for:

• Specialist and managerial staff working in innovation management, strategic corporate development or transformation processes.
• Entrepreneurs as well as successors who want to take over or found a family business.
• Managers who want to actively shape change and digital transformation in companies.
• Professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset who aspire to leadership positions in an international environment.

Admission requirements: What you need to bring

• Academic degree: Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification (e.g. diploma, magister) from a recognised university.
• Professional experience: At least 1 year of relevant professional experience after the first academic degree.
• Special case for part-time bachelor’s degrees: Those who have completed a part-time bachelor’s degree while working may not need the additional one year of professional experience after graduation.
• Field of study: No restriction to certain fields. The MBA is open to graduates from various disciplines.
• Application documents: The following documents must be submitted for admission:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur)
  • Proof of completed studies

The detailed review of the documents will be carried out by the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands. After positive assessment, applicants will receive a study contract to sign.

Personal requirements: Traits for study success

• Self-motivation and willingness for personal development: Since the MBA takes place alongside work, a high level of self-organisation is important.
• Interest in innovation, leadership and current economic trends: Openness to new perspectives and changes is desirable.
• Flexibility and resilience: Balancing studies, work and possibly family requires realistic planning and time management. A weekly workload of about 10–15 hours is to be expected.
• Communication and teamwork skills: Virtual attendance days and practical projects require willingness for active collaboration also in a digital environment.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills: The focus is, among other things, on strategic management and innovation processes.

Previous knowledge in business administration is advantageous but not mandatory.

What Awaits You in the MBA Innovation & Leadership?

The part-time master’s programme Innovation & Leadership (MBA) at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands provides you with practical knowledge about innovation management, strategic corporate management, and business analysis. The study programme is designed for 24 months and comprises 90 ECTS credits.

The content is divided into three competency areas:

• General Management: Topics such as Global Management and Corporate Responsibility, Marketing and Sales, Corporate Entrepreneurship and Start-ups are covered. You apply your knowledge in practical projects (“Study in Practice”).
• Leadership: You engage with the fundamentals of leadership, digital transformation, change management, and real business cases and specialist colloquia.
• Innovation Management: This area focuses on innovative management, open innovation, new product development as well as innovation networks and projects. You explore methods and strategies for entrepreneurial innovations.

Specialisation of Selected Modules

• Corporate Entrepreneurship & Start-up: You learn to promote entrepreneurial spirit and innovation capability within organisations and develop skills for start-ups and business models.
• Digital Transformation & Change Management: You deal with the strategic implementation of digitalisation, the development of new business models, and the shaping of change processes.
• Fundamentals of Leadership: You strengthen classical and digital leadership skills, reflect on various leadership styles, and focus on communication, conflict management, and virtual leadership situations.

The courses are taught in German.

How Does the MBA Programme Work?

The programme is organised as a part-time distance learning course in the form of a virtual live study at the Online-University. This allows you to optimally combine your professional career and studies.

• Contact hours: Virtual lectures on Fridays from 17:00 to 21:00 and Saturdays from 9:00 to 16:00 (one weekend per month is lecture-free).
• Additional offers: Online lectures on Wednesdays from 18:00 to 21:15.
• Holiday periods: Christmas and Easter holidays (each 2 weeks), as well as the last two weeks of September are lecture-free.

The estimated study load is approx. 10–15 hours per week. You are supported by a digital learning platform and personal study counselling.

As part of the programme, you work on practice-oriented projects specifically tailored to your current professional situation. This ensures practical transfer and immediate benefits in your everyday work.

What Career Opportunities Does the MBA Innovation & Leadership Offer?

The MBA is aimed at professionals who take on leadership roles or who specifically want to qualify for business succession. The programme offers you diverse career opportunities in various sectors.

• Leadership positions in SMEs or corporations: Managing directors, department heads or division managers, especially with a focus on innovation and digital transformation.
• Management Buy-Out & Business Succession: Special focus on taking over medium-sized companies or preparing for entrepreneurship.
• Innovation Management: Development of new business models, management of innovation projects, and process optimisation.
• International Career: Responsibility in globally operating companies with a focus on expansion and international markets.
• Self-employment and Business Start-up: Founding your own company or expanding your leadership skills for start-ups.
• Cross-functional and interdisciplinary tasks: Managing change processes, introduction of agile methods, collaboration in cross-departmental teams.

Many graduates take on senior positions and shape the innovation capabilities and competitiveness of their companies with their skills – often in the SME sector, the heart of the German economy.

Where Do You Study Innovation & Leadership (MBA)?

The programme is conducted entirely at the Online-University of the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands. You study digitally in the virtual lecture hall with live lectures and have access to a modern digital learning platform.

Tuition Fees and Financing Options

• Monthly tuition fee: 575 €
• Duration: 24 months
• Final examination fee: 500 €
• Total costs: 14,300 €

Various options are available for financing, such as educational loans, scholarships, or funding by your employer. The study counselling service at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands supports you individually with all questions regarding financing.