Project Management, Master of Arts

Who is the part-time Master's programme in Project Management (M.A.) suitable for?

The Master's programme in Project Management (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at professionals who want to acquire practical competencies for planning and managing complex projects. Typical target groups are specialists and managers from business, administration, or non-profit organisations who wish to deepen their knowledge in classical and agile project management systematically. The study programme is designed to be cross-industry and is especially suitable for people who have already taken on initial responsibilities in the project environment and are specifically aiming for leadership positions in project, programme, or change management.

What formal admission requirements must you meet?

Admission to the part-time Master's in Project Management (M.A.) requires a completed university degree. The following are accepted:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 210 ECTS credits in any subject
• Alternatively, an equivalent degree, such as Diplom or Magister

Applicants with fewer than 210 ECTS credits have the option to make up to 30 missing ECTS credits through recognition of work-related qualifications, further training, or by completing additional certificate courses.

Basic knowledge of German is also necessary, as the courses are taught in German. A Numerus Clausus is not required; relevant professional experience in project management is advantageous but not a formal prerequisite.

You should have an interest in project management methods, change management, and leadership topics. Experience with teamwork, personal responsibility, and good time management are important in a part-time study format. Analytical thinking skills, communication strength, and a high level of self-motivation will help you plan and manage complex projects. Openness to digital tools and a willingness to engage with different industries and areas of work are advantageous.

Study Content in Detail

In the part-time Master’s degree in Project Management (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you will acquire comprehensive expertise in the professional management of projects in various corporate contexts. The content covers classical and agile methods, legal and ethical frameworks, as well as specific leadership and communication skills. Central topics of the curriculum include:

• Introduction to project management and process groups
• Methods and tools in project management (based on the international PMI standard)
• Change management in projects and dealing with transformation processes
• Corporate ethics, corporate governance and data protection in the project context
• Agile project management methods and their application
• Mega-trends and their impact on project management
• Use of software tools for project management
• Financial management and controlling in projects
• Project, programme and portfolio management
• Project simulations for practical application of the learned material
• Leadership in projects and team development
• Intensive preparation for the PMI CAPM exam (Certified Associate in Project Management)

During your studies, you will develop competencies enabling you to efficiently plan, control and complete complex projects. The focus is also on communication skills, strategic thinking and leadership of project teams. The master’s thesis completes your studies as an independent scientific work.

Course Structure: How is the Part-Time Study Organised?

The Project Management programme at Hochschule Fresenius is designed to last four semesters (equivalent to two years) and is offered part-time on the online campus. The teaching format is a virtual live study with fixed teaching times on 1–2 evenings per week as well as on two Saturdays per month. This model allows you to flexibly combine work, private life and studies.

• Virtual live lectures via Zoom at fixed times
• Examinations are mostly online or optionally held in presence centres
• Practice-oriented teaching including case studies, group and project work
• Close exchange with subject lecturers and fellow students
• Special preparatory offers for the CAPM exam of the Project Management Institute (PMI)

During the course, you will also secure access to internationally recognised networks and resources of the PMI Student Membership. Participation in StudyPLUS furthermore offers free services for personal development, language courses, start-ups, career events and international networking.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects: What Are Your Perspectives?

Graduates of the Master’s programme in Project Management (M.A.) open up diverse career opportunities in business, administration and NGOs. With your know-how, you qualify for leadership positions in projects across all sectors, be it industry, consulting, IT, engineering, healthcare or the public sector. Frequently assumed roles include:

• Project Manager: Controlling, planning and monitoring projects, including team coordination and quality assurance
• Change Manager: Accompanying and managing change processes and implementation of new technologies or structures
• Programme Manager: Strategic responsibility for management of thematically related projects and alignment with corporate goals
• Portfolio Manager: Managing multiple projects in terms of resources, risks and finances at company or department level

Intensive preparation for the international CAPM certification (Project Management Institute) enhances your profile and increases your chances for leadership roles or international positions. Communication skills, judgment and a methodical approach are among the sought-after abilities in the job market.

Study Location: How Does Online Study at Hochschule Fresenius Work?

The entire programme takes place on the online campus of Hochschule Fresenius. With the virtual live study, you are location-independent and attend fixed live events digitally. Interaction with lecturers and fellow students also takes place online. For certain exams, you can choose whether to take them online or at one of the nationwide examination centres (e.g. Berlin, Cologne, Munich).

• Studying possible from any location with internet access
• Access to digital learning materials, online library and support services
• Online exams and hybrid options at examination centres available
• Flexibility for working professionals and parents

Personal advisory services are also available digitally. Hochschule Fresenius offers various service options for technical and organisational support.

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget for the Degree?

The monthly tuition fees for the Master’s degree in Project Management (M.A.) at the online campus of Hochschule Fresenius are 395 euros. This results in total costs of 9,480 euros for the standard study period of four semesters. Additionally, a one-time registration fee of 250 euros applies.

• Monthly fee: 395 euros
• Total costs of the study: 9,480 euros (four semesters)
• Registration fee: 250 euros

Hochschule Fresenius actively supports you in financing your studies:

• Possibility of funding through BAföG, especially for part-time or continuing education programmes
• Awarding of scholarships for particularly committed or high-performing students
• Access to study loans from well-known funding banks such as the KfW study loan
• Flexible payment models and advice through the university’s internal student advisory service

Additionally, you can often claim your studies for tax purposes if they serve further professional education. Free additional courses in personality development, languages, start-ups and networking are already included in the tuition fees.