General Management, Master of Arts

Who benefits from the part-time Master's in General Management (M.A.) at CBS?

The part-time Master's programme in General Management (Master of Arts) at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at professionals and university graduates who wish to further qualify for management roles. The programme is broadly designed and offers versatile insights into areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, strategic management, and international corporate management. The target group includes in particular:

• Specialists and career changers who want to take on leadership responsibilities in companies
• Individuals with a completed first degree – ideally in a business-related subject
• Employees who want to specifically prepare for positions in middle or senior management, project management, or consulting professions
• Professionals from various industries who want to deepen their business administration knowledge and enhance their career prospects

Admission requirements for the Master's degree

• Completed university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent): A first academic degree is generally required, preferably in a business-related field. Applicants from related disciplines may also be admitted.
• No numerus clausus (NC): There is no NC restriction for the Master's programme at CBS. Selection is made through a personal admission process or an assessment interview, during which individual strengths and potentials are evaluated.
• Part-time study format: Current employment is advantageous but not mandatory. The flexible organisation of the programme also allows career changers to gain access.
• Language skills: Very good German skills are required, as the course is taught in German.
• Application process: Applications are submitted online via the CBS application portal. Certificates as well as, if applicable, additional documents (CV, job references) are required. A digital application or assessment interview may take place as part of the selection process.

Personal requirements for a successful degree

• Self-motivation and organisational skills: Since the programme is part-time, a high degree of self-discipline and planning ability are important. This applies in particular to balancing study, work and, if applicable, family life.
• Analytical thinking and interest in economic contexts: The course content requires an interest in business administration issues and a willingness to critically engage with management processes.
• Communication skills and teamwork: Social skills such as dialogue and conflict resolution abilities are required in group projects, business skills training, and practical phases.
• Resilience and flexibility: The combination of work, study and practical phases demands resilience as well as the willingness to stay committed even during busy periods.
• Career orientation: The programme is especially suitable for those who have a clear focus on the next step in their professional development and progression into management.

Course Content in Detail

In the part-time Master's programme General Management at CBS University of Applied Sciences, central business administration topics and practice-oriented content take centre stage. The curriculum is designed so that you analyse business contexts in medium-sized and international companies in a structured way and develop your own solutions.

• Strategy and Analysis: Case Lab, analysis & strategy tools, development of digital strategies, corporate development & strategic renewal
• Digitalisation & Innovation: Digital management, digital marketing, digital start-up management – Innovation Lab, innovation management
• Management Methods: Change management, consulting techniques, agile project management, team & self-management
• Finance: Investment & financing calculation, corporate accounting & annual financial statement analysis
• Marketing & Human Resource Management: Marketing strategies, international marketing, international human resource management
• Practical Relevance: Business projects, transfer project, management simulation game, practical reflections
• Law & Responsibility: Business law & corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, economics & economic policy, global supply chain management
• Key Qualifications: Foreign language training/business skills training, leadership behaviour, creative thinking & innovation
• Degree Completion: Preparation and writing of the Master's thesis

In the integrated business projects and practical phases, you work together with corporate partners. You combine current knowledge with concrete economic issues and further develop your professional and social skills.

Course Structure

The programme comprises 5 semesters (standard period of study) and is tailored to part-time participation alongside employment. The start date is possible in the winter semester. Lectures generally take place flexibly and outside normal working hours.

• Scope: 120 ECTS credits
• Language: German
• Location: Campus Cologne
• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Study Structure:
  • Seminars on fundamentals and management topics
  • Practice-oriented business projects in cooperation with companies
  • Workshops to develop business skills and soft skills
  • Digital and analogue teaching formats for maximum flexibility
  • Support by a personal Talent Development Specialist
  • Writing of the Master’s thesis in the fifth semester

Thanks to the close practical orientation and wide network, you benefit from excursions, guest lectures and corporate cooperations throughout your studies.

Career Prospects & Professional Opportunities

With the part-time Master’s degree in General Management, you are qualified for leadership positions in various industries and company sizes – both nationally and internationally. Typical fields of work include:

• Management/CEO: Take on strategic responsibility for companies.
• Project Management: Control and lead projects of various sizes.
• Operations Management: Optimise and manage operational business processes.
• Product Management: Development, market launch and support of new products.
• Marketing and Human Resource Management: Specialist and leadership responsibilities in these areas.
• Management Consulting: Entry into business associations or international consultancies is possible.

Thanks to the practical orientation and broad network of CBS, you gain quick access to management positions and develop professional prospects on a national and international level.

Study Location

The programme takes place at the Campus Cologne of CBS University of Applied Sciences. Here you benefit from an inspiring university atmosphere, digitally supported teaching offers and a nationwide network with ten locations and around 1,300 corporate partners.

Campus life offers, in addition to traditional lectures, a wealth of opportunities for networking, practice-oriented projects and individual career development.

Costs and Financing

The monthly tuition fee amounts to €535, resulting in a total fee of €19,260 for the entire course. Alternatively, you can choose to pay by semester (€3,210 per semester).

• Total cost of the programme: €19,260
• Installment payment: Possible monthly or per semester
• Possible funding: Financing options such as scholarships or employer support; some practice partners partially cover the fees (details can be clarified individually)

Options such as BAföG or other study grants may also be possible depending on your personal situation. The university supports you in the application process, including financing questions.