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Deutsch Who is the Master in Business Management at HdWM suitable for?
The Master in Business Management is aimed at graduates of an economics-related bachelor’s degree who specifically want to take on managerial responsibility in companies across all sectors. Typically, you already hold a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related subject and wish to deepen your management skills in order to qualify for leadership roles, business development, or the next career step in the business world. The programme is particularly suitable if you want to study in a practical and flexible way, for example alongside a working student position or part-time employment.
What formal requirements do you need for admission?
The following criteria are required for admission to the Master in Business Management:
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 210 ECTS credits for the three-semester fast-track variant
- If you have a bachelor’s degree with 180 ECTS credits: access to the four-semester variant – possibly with preparatory courses, study abroad semester or recognition of professional practical competencies
- At least 30 ECTS credits in business administration content must be proven from the first degree
- Proof of university entrance qualification (e.g. high school diploma)
- Complete academic CV presented in tabular form
- No admission restriction through numerus clausus (NC-free)
You do not necessarily have to have completed your studies close to business administration, provided you can demonstrate relevant business administration modules or bring in additional qualifications. Professional practical experience is credited towards the ECTS requirements.
You should have an interest in management topics and economic contexts. Communication skills, teamwork, and analytical thinking are important for group projects and case studies. Since the programme is practice-oriented, you benefit if you can work independently and apply theoretical content to real companies. Independence, time management, and openness to interdisciplinary approaches help you to make optimal use of the flexibility of the course offering. English skills are helpful, especially if you take the programme in the English variant.
What content can you expect in the Master’s in Business Management?
In the Master’s degree programme in Business Management at the Hochschule der Wirtschaft für Management (HdWM), you will acquire comprehensive management skills for leading companies and organisations. The curriculum places particular emphasis on practical application cases and combines current business management theories with real-world corporate challenges. The following topics are the focus:
- Strategic and operational management according to the Mannheim management approach
- Corporate governance, organisational development and change management
- Business ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainable corporate strategies
- Quantitative methods and business analytics for decision-making
- International management and intercultural communication
- Project management and agile working methods
- Real case studies and practical projects carried out in close cooperation with corporate partners
- Elective modules for individual specialisation in at least one of the areas of IT Management, People & Culture or International Sales Management
Due to the strong practical relevance and the exchange with lecturers from the business sector, you will develop the ability to evaluate management problems on a strategic basis and implement business management measures with confidence.
How is the course structure and organisation designed?
The Master’s programme in Business Management is offered in two variants: as a three-semester Fast Track or as a four-semester version with an additional specialisation in Digital Leadership. You normally study full-time (3 semesters) with a bachelor’s degree of 210 ECTS or extended (4 semesters) with 180 ECTS.
- The course is delivered as an attendance-based programme with block sessions on 2.5 days per week (mostly Thursday and Friday)
- Free days between attendance blocks allow you to pursue part-time work or an internship
- Practical components are firmly integrated in the course – you work on case studies and collaborate closely with partner companies
- Teaching language can be chosen: entirely in German or English
- Small study groups (maximum 25 students) and individual supervision form the basis for high-quality training
- The final thesis (Master’s thesis) can be prepared in practice-oriented cooperation with a company
The programme start is possible each winter and summer semester. An individual part-time study option can be arranged on request.
What professional prospects open up after graduation?
With a Master of Arts in Business Management, you qualify for responsible positions in middle and senior management of companies and non-profit organisations. Graduates are in demand both in international corporations and in small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups or the public sector. Typical fields of activity are:
- Strategic and operational management
- Project management and consulting
- Human resources, organisational and personnel development
- International sales and sales management
- IT management and digital transformation
- Business development and innovation management
- Company start-up or takeover in succession
Thanks to the practice-oriented course content and the active HdWM Career Network, you benefit from good contacts to companies and receive support in starting your career or taking the next step. The master’s degree also enables access to doctoral programmes.
Where is the Business Management degree programme conducted?
The programme takes place at the campus of the Hochschule der Wirtschaft für Management in Mannheim. The university is located on the Mannheim education campus, near Mannheim main railway station, and has modern lecture rooms and infrastructure. The teaching events are delivered in person, although some content and additional offers can be supported online. Active exchange with students, companies and lecturers on site shapes everyday campus life.
What costs and financing options must you expect?
The tuition fees for the Master’s programme in Business Management at HdWM amount to €650 per month. For a study duration of three semesters (18 months), the total sums up to €11,700 for the Fast Track variant. The four-semester variant requires correspondingly higher total costs.
- The fees include all regular lectures, examinations and services
- Payment is made in monthly instalments
- Financing options are available, among others, through BAföG, student loans or scholarships
- Additional income from student assistant jobs is possible due to the flexible study organisation
The university supports you upon request in finding suitable financing solutions and offers information on scholarships and funding programmes.
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