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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Business Development under the number 181318c. Who is the Master's Degree Programme in Business Development Suitable for?
The Master of Arts in Business Development at Euro-FH is aimed at professionals who wish to take on responsible tasks in strategic corporate and business unit development. It is specifically targeted at specialists and managers from the fields of business, management, consulting, or from technical and cross-industry functions who want to expand their skills in the development of new business areas and specifically apply current trending topics such as digitalisation, big data, or process management. The programme is ideal for individuals who want to work in business development, innovation management, or strategic planning, or who wish to qualify for a career in management.
What Formal Admission Requirements Apply to the Distance Learning Programme?
For admission to the Master in Business Development you need a completed first higher education degree (e.g. Bachelor’s or Diploma) in any subject area as well as professional experience. Additionally, English skills are required, as part of the literature and study content is provided in English. A numerus clausus (NC) is not required. If you do not have a first higher education degree, you can apply via the Master entry programme with appropriate qualified professional experience and an aptitude test.
To successfully complete the programme, you should bring with you a pronounced systematic-analytical way of thinking and be prepared to grasp complex business contexts. Important are communication skills, a high level of self-initiative as well as the willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. Interest in the topics of innovation, digitalisation and business process optimisation is just as relevant as the ability to independently acquire new knowledge and apply it in a practice-oriented way.
What topics can you expect in the Master’s in Business Development?
In the Master’s programme in Business Development at the European Distance Learning University Hamburg, you acquire analytical, strategic and practice-oriented know-how for the development and implementation of corporate strategies. The programme is divided into three core areas:
- Personal competencies: Development of soft skills, creativity, communication skills and teamwork.
- Core competencies for entrepreneurial success: Methodological knowledge in market analysis, competitor monitoring, project management, business plan creation and corporate structuring.
- Strategic management of business fields: Development of strategic business models, implementation of new products or services, change management.
You will engage with trend topics such as Design Thinking, Big Data, Digitalisation and Consulting and specialise in the second part of the studies in one of four elective areas:
- Digital Marketing: Development and implementation of digital marketing strategies.
- Financial Business Development: Financial management of growth projects and corporate development.
- Business Process Management: Process analysis, modelling and optimisation of business processes.
- Leadership and Performance Management: Leadership skills, team motivation, management of change processes.
Practical elements such as independently creating a business plan and simulated board presentations deepen the application of your knowledge.
How does the study programme work and how is it organised?
The Master’s in Business Development is designed as a part-time distance learning programme and is especially flexible. You can start at any time and determine your individual learning pace. The standard duration is 24 months, but you can optionally complete the programme faster (in 18 months) or extend it free of charge by up to 12 months.
- You learn via multimedia with study booklets, webinars, audios, podcasts and the AI learning companion KILEA.
- During the eight compulsory seminar days (64 hours) in Hamburg, you network with fellow students and practise essential practical skills.
- Examinations can be taken monthly online or at one of ten examination centres nationwide.
- Practical seminars and project-oriented modules provide in-depth application reflection and feedback from experienced lecturers.
- A free extension of the study period by up to 50% is possible.
What career prospects open up after graduation?
As a graduate, you are in a key position for strategic growth and innovation in companies across all industries. Typical tasks after completing the Master’s in Business Development are:
- Development and implementation of business models in start-ups, SMEs and large corporations.
- Advising management or board level on market expansion and digitalisation projects.
- Taking on leadership roles as a Business Development Manager, project manager, innovation manager.
- Responsibility for strategic and operational corporate development.
By choosing specialisations such as Digital Marketing or Leadership, you qualify specifically for leadership positions in marketing, sales, consulting or corporate strategy.
Where does the study take place and what is the spatial organisation?
The Master’s in Business Development is offered as a distance learning programme at the European Distance Learning University Hamburg. The majority of the programme is carried out independently of location and digitally via the university’s online campus. The few mandatory on-site phases (a total of 8 seminar days, 64 hours) take place at the Hamburg location.
Examinations can be taken nationwide at ten examination centres or in the online format. This allows maximum flexibility in study planning – especially for working students or those living outside Hamburg.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
The tuition fees for the Master’s in Business Development at Euro-FH amount to €11,880 in total (for 24 months of study €495 per month). Depending on the chosen payment model, the monthly financial burden can be individually adjusted. Recognition of prior achievements is possible, which can reduce both study duration and costs.
- Free extension of the standard study period by up to 12 months.
- Regular price promotions and discounts subject to availability.
- Individual funding options such as advancement BAföG, scholarships, education bonus and tax deductibility of study costs.
- For working students, employer sponsorship can be an option.
An overview of payment models and funding options is provided to you directly at the start of your studies.
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