Strategic Management & Consulting, Master of Science

Who is the part-time Master's in Strategic Management & Consulting suitable for?

The Master's programme Strategic Management & Consulting (M.Sc.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at professionals who wish to specifically expand their skills in the areas of strategy development, business consulting, and management. The programme is particularly suitable for individuals who already have an academic background in business administration or a related field and bring practical experience from their professional everyday life. You will benefit from this programme if you aspire to a career in consulting, strategic corporate departments, internal or external change management, or as a manager in various industries.

What admission requirements apply?

• Completed university degree: You generally need a first academic degree (e.g. Bachelor or equivalent). The initial degree should typically have a focus on business administration or a related economic subject.
• Professional qualification: Relevant practical experience is an advantage for the part-time format, for example in business, consulting firms, management or related fields.
• Language skills: Since the programme is taught in English, good English language skills are required. Proof (e.g. by TOEFL, IELTS or comparable certificates) may be requested.
• No Numerus Clausus (NC): CBS University of Applied Sciences does not apply selection based on NC. Selection is instead carried out through a personal selection process (e.g. assessment interview or applicant discussion).
• Application process: Applications are made via an online portal of the university. In addition to certificates of the first degree and, if applicable, proofs of practical experience, a curriculum vitae (CV) is usually required.

What personal prerequisites should you bring?

• Professional motivation and initiative: As this is a part-time course, you should be willing to manage studies and work and actively participate.
• Interest in analytical and strategic issues: The content requires willingness to engage with complex business, digital and innovation-driven questions.
• Communication skills and ability to work in a team: Since consulting tasks are often carried out in teams or in direct contact with clients, social skills are important.
• Self-directed learning: The combination of self-study, practical phases and seminars demands a structured way of working.
• English language competence: Active participation in English-language courses should come easily to you.

What Can You Expect in the Master’s in Strategic Management & Consulting?

In the Strategic Management & Consulting (M.Sc.) programme at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you will specifically develop skills for strategic consulting and sustainable corporate management. The part-time course provides you with methodological knowledge and practical expertise to prepare you for responsible positions in consulting.

Course Content in Detail

The curriculum combines general economic fundamentals with specialised elements of strategic consulting:

• Economic Fundamentals: Business Economics, Empirical Research Methods, Strategic Analysis & Management, Innovation Management & Digital Transformation.
• Consulting Skills & Methods: Consulting Techniques, Evidence-Based Problem Solving (CaseLab), International Project Management, Event Management Seminar.
• Management & Governance: Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance, Value Based Management, Sustainable Supply Chain Management.
• Strategic Specialisations: Strategic Investment Decision & Risk Management, Industry 4.0 & System Engineering, Environmental Impact Management and Marketing, Strategic Renewal & Digital Business Models, Applied M&A & Restructuring.
• Practical Projects & Labs: Experience Lab: Search Engine Marketing, Business Project, Venture Lab, Integrative Case Studies, Business Simulation Game.
• Data and Analytical Competencies: Data Science, Business Intelligence.
• Reflection & Soft Skills: Critical Reflection 1 & 2, Assessment Center Bootcamp, Master Thesis Tutorial.
• Final Degree: Master Thesis.

Through the interplay of theory and practice-oriented projects, you will develop skills in analytical thinking, digital transformation, and sustainable corporate governance.

Course Structure

The programme has a standard duration of 5 semesters and comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The courses are held part-time at the Cologne campus and are delivered entirely in English. Typical features of the programme are:

• Combination of evening and weekend sessions
• Practical projects and experience labs with direct company involvement
• Individual Master Thesis in the fifth semester
• Support through tutorials and an Assessment Center Bootcamp for career preparation

The course is modularly structured, enabling you to develop a wide range of interdisciplinary competencies and specialist knowledge in parallel. The close integration with corporate partners allows for application-oriented learning.

Career Opportunities & Employment Prospects

The Master’s degree opens up diverse career paths in management consulting and strategic management. Typical fields of employment include:

• Strategic Consultant: Development and implementation of long-term corporate strategies, market analysis, building sustainable competitive advantages.
• Business Development Manager: Identification of new business areas, market entries, development of sales and growth strategies.
• Management Consultant: Optimisation of business processes, development of customised solutions for companies across various industries.
• Strategic Planner: Analysis of market and company data, supporting corporate management in strategic decisions.

Graduates are sought after across industries – e.g., in IT, logistics, banking, technology, telecommunications, chemicals or pharmaceuticals. Through elective modules and business projects, you can set individual focuses even during your studies.

Study Location

The programme takes place at the Cologne campus of CBS University of Applied Sciences. The university is state-recognised and connected with a broad corporate network in the region. Part-time study in Cologne offers opportunities for personal exchange, networking, and gaining practical experience.

Costs and Financing

The tuition fees amount to €3,210 per semester or €535 per month (total: €19,260 for the standard period of study). Various options are available for financing your studies:

• Grants and scholarships
• Support from your employer (possibly within the scope of part-time funding)
• Personal advice on further financing solutions through CBS

A transparent overview of costs and possible financing options is available directly from the university.