On-campus program Brand Strategy (M.A.) – BU

👉 The Master's degree programme in Brand Innovation at the Brand University of Applied Sciences is aimed at students with a first academic degree (at least 180 ECTS plus professional experience) and English skills at B2 level. The three-semester full-time on-campus course in Hamburg imparts strategic competencies in brand management with a focus on digital technologies, consumer behaviour, data analysis, brand management, and online marketing. Practice-oriented projects with international partners, such as Beiersdorf, promote applied knowledge. Elective subjects allow for individual specialisations. The degree Master of Arts (M.A.) qualifies graduates for positions such as brand strategist, brand development consultant, or innovation manager. Monthly tuition fees start at 745 euros, and applications are possible until September.

At a Glance

🏫 University Brand University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Hamburg (Germany)
The Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg is a private university that specializes entirely in brands. It offers practical degree programs in marketing, communication, and design, promoting the professional development of its students through international cooperations and projects. The focus is on the innovative concept of "Brand Thinking", which understands brands as a central element of entrepreneurial success.
📋 Study Format On-campus program
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsMarketing
📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 3 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 90 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction English
📖 Course contents Brand Innovation, Brand Thinking, International Brand Communication, Creative Concepting & Storytelling, UX Strategy, Global Branding, Market Data Science, Consumer Behaviour, Digital Customer Experience, Marketing AI, Creative Technology & Tools, Growth Hacking & Platform Economy, Agile Product Development, International Design Systems, Integrated Practice Project, Master’s Thesis
📍 Location Hamburg
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 745 € monthly
from 14500 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Master Brand Strategy at Brand University suitable for?

The Master’s programme in Brand Strategy is aimed at university graduates who want to advance their careers in the fields of strategic brand management, marketing, or management consulting. It is particularly targeted at individuals with initial professional experience and an interest in innovation-driven brand development, who aspire to specialist and leadership positions in companies, agencies, or international brand management. It is also suitable for applicants with a background in economics or design, as well as for career changers who wish to work analytically and creatively and are confident in handling digital technologies.

What formal admission requirements must you meet?

To be admitted to the Master of Arts Brand Strategy, you need a first academic degree with at least 210 ECTS credits. Entry is also possible with a bachelor’s degree of 180 ECTS credits if you complete a supplementary semester or provide evidence of relevant professional experience. English language skills at a minimum B2 level (e.g. IELTS at least 5.5, TOEFL at least 72 or an equivalent certificate) are required. You must submit the following documents: application form with photo, upper secondary school certificate, bachelor’s degree certificate as well as transcript of records, if applicable proofs of professional experience and references, CV, letter of motivation, and proof of identity. A personal interview is part of the selection process.

You should bring analytical thinking and enthusiasm for strategy, communication, and brand development. Teamwork skills and willingness to work interdisciplinarily are expected, as practical projects often take place in teams. Experience in marketing, design, or corporate communications is advantageous. Initiative, communication skills, digital affinity, and the ability to think market- and consumer-oriented are essential for successful participation in the programme.

How does the Master’s programme in Brand Strategy impart profound know-how in brand management?

In the Master’s programme in Brand Strategy at the Brand University of Applied Sciences, you acquire in-depth knowledge in building, managing, and further developing brands with a special focus on digital technologies and current market trends. The course content combines theory and practice. The first semester focuses on fundamentals such as Brand Innovation and Brand Thinking. You can select two elective modules, for example International Brand Communication, Creative Concepting & Storytelling, UX Strategy or Global Branding, to set individual emphases.

The second semester is about data-driven marketing and understanding target groups. Core topics include Market Data Science, Consumer Behavior and Digital Customer Experience. Here too, you choose two specialisations, for example Marketing AI, Creative Technology & Tools, Growth Hacking & Platform Economy, Agile Product Development or International Design Systems.

In the final third semester, the focus and assessment are on an integrated practical project as well as the master’s thesis. Throughout all semesters, you work on real case studies – for instance projects with companies such as NIVEA. The key skills include:

  • Development of long-term brand strategies and market positioning
  • Expertise in analysing large volumes of data in a marketing context
  • Consumer behavior and customer experience management
  • Knowledge of current technologies and digital tools in brand management
  • Practical experience in project management and implementing innovation processes

How is the Brand Strategy programme structured at BU?

The Master’s programme in Brand Strategy is organised as a three-semester full-time on-campus course and is taught entirely in English. The duration of studies is 18 months and comprises a total of 90 ECTS credits. The programme follows a fixed structure:

  • 1st semester: Fundamentals of brand innovation, deepening options through electives
  • 2nd semester: Sharpening analytical and data-driven skills, further electives for individual specialisation
  • 3rd semester: Implementation of a practice-oriented project and writing the master’s thesis

Teaching is delivered by experienced professors from academia and industry. Real practical projects with corporate partners are an integral part of the curriculum. Personal networks are formed through close collaboration within the team and with international companies.

What career prospects does a Master’s degree in Brand Strategy open up?

With a Master of Arts degree in Brand Strategy, a wide range of career opportunities in international brand management are open to you. Graduates are particularly sought after for leadership and consulting roles that combine strategic brand knowledge and innovation expertise. Typical professional positions include:

  • Brand strategist
  • Consultant for brand development
  • Strategic planner in agencies and companies
  • Head of Brand Strategy in large companies or agencies
  • Innovation manager with a focus on branding

Skills in data analysis, market and competitor monitoring, digital brand management as well as the ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and strategy workshops are explicitly demanded by companies. The international orientation and practical projects especially facilitate your entry into globally operating companies.

Where does the Master’s programme in Brand Strategy take place and how is it organised?

The programme is held on the campus of the Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg. Hamburg is considered an important business and media location with a large network in brand management, marketing and communication. The university is centrally located in the Hanseatic city, which gives you access to local as well as international corporate partners. As a purely on-campus event, students benefit from direct exchange and intensive teamwork as well as modern equipped seminar rooms on campus.

What costs can you expect for the Master’s programme in Brand Strategy – and what financing options are available?

The following costs apply to students from Germany and the EU for the Master’s programme in Brand Strategy:

  • Tuition fees: 745 euros per month (total of 13,410 euros for the regular duration of 18 months)
  • One-off enrolment fee: 890 euros
  • Examination fee: 200 euros
  • Semester contribution for the discounted Germany ticket

Total costs for EU students thus amount to 14,500 euros. Higher fees apply for students from non-EU countries (1,140 euros monthly; total amount 21,670 euros). The Brand University awards partial scholarships for international applicants from non-EU countries.

For financing, you can apply for support under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG). In addition, there are scholarship programmes, study loans – for example through the KfW – as well as support from foundations or regional financial institutions in Hamburg. If you require a visa for your studies, you must also provide proof of financing for your stay in Germany.

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