Pharma Technology & Management, Master of Business Administration

Requirements and Target Group

The part-time MBA Pharma Technology & Management is aimed at specialists and executives working at the interface of technology, natural sciences and management in the (bio-)pharmaceutical industry or aspiring to a management position. It is particularly addressed to graduates of technical, scientific or business-related degree programmes who wish to further develop their career in quality management, process optimisation, project management or regulatory areas of the pharmaceutical industry. The study programme is also suitable for professionals with work experience who want to specifically qualify for strategic or innovative tasks in a dynamic and regulated industry environment.

What requirements must you meet for admission?

The following formal criteria apply for admission to the MBA Pharma Technology & Management at Hochschule Fresenius:

• First academic degree in the form of a bachelor's degree (at least 210 ECTS), preferably with a focus on pharmacy, chemistry, biology, biochemistry or a related field. Degrees in other disciplines are also recognised on a case-by-case basis.
• At least one year of relevant professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry after the first academic degree.
• Applicants with less than 210 ECTS can be admitted through the recognition of additional achievements or certificates.
• Those interested without a first academic degree require a completed vocational training and at least two years of relevant professional experience as well as passing an internal university aptitude test.

Personal requirements include a strong interest in technical, scientific and business-related issues of the pharmaceutical industry. You should be willing to take on responsibility, have analytical thinking skills and a structured approach to complex processes. Communication and teamwork skills are just as important as organisational talent and a high degree of self-management – especially for part-time study. Experience in the GMP environment, project management or in regulatory processes is an advantage but not mandatory. The ability to translate technical content into a business context will be further developed during the course.

Detailed Course Content

In the MBA Pharma Technology & Management, you will learn about technical, scientific, and economic aspects of the biopharmaceutical industry. The curriculum covers the core topics of the pharmaceutical industry and imparts practical knowledge required for specialist and leadership positions. The content includes an introduction to the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceutical products and processes, as well as advanced knowledge in cleanroom and sterile technology. You will engage with process design, qualification of technical systems, and methods of process validation. The programme includes Capex project management, process automation, process optimisation, and Lean Management with Six Sigma.

Further focuses are on accounting, controlling, programme and portfolio management, innovation management, change management, and strategic corporate development in digital transformation. The course is supplemented by content on methods and devices in bioanalytics, bioprocess engineering, and process simulation. The programme concludes with an independent master’s thesis accompanied by a disputation.

• Quality management, GMP application, and validation of pharmaceutical processes
• Planning, controlling, and optimisation of biopharmaceutical production processes
• Project management and strategic management in the pharmaceutical industry
• Innovation and change management
• Insights into current topics such as digitalisation and process automation

How Does the Part-Time Programme Work?

The course is designed for four semesters and is conducted alongside employment at the online campus of Hochschule Fresenius. You attend virtual live lectures held on one to two evenings per week and on two Saturdays per month. Most examinations can be taken online, enabling a high degree of flexibility. The study model is specifically aimed at working professionals and offers you the opportunity to balance studies, work, and family life.

During the programme, you will work on modules covering the aforementioned topics. The degree is completed by a master’s thesis, complemented by a disputation. Additional elective courses are available in the areas of personal development, languages, entrepreneurship, or career development to broaden your skill set. The language of instruction is German; the programme is open for various start dates in the winter and summer semesters.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects: What Perspectives Open Up After Graduation?

With the MBA Pharma Technology & Management, you are qualified for specialist and leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical industry. Graduates work, for example, as quality managers, regulatory affairs specialists or technical consultants. Typical tasks include ensuring compliance with quality standards and GMP requirements in production facilities, supporting approval processes for pharmaceutical products, as well as implementing and optimising technical production processes.

• Quality management and quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry
• Regulatory affairs and approval management
• Project management and process optimisation
• Consulting and technical development in production and engineering
• Strategic management and corporate development

There are also opportunities in digital transformation, innovation management, and higher-level management positions in the pharmaceutical industry. The combination of technical understanding and management know-how opens up advancement opportunities in an internationally growing industry environment.

Study Location: How Does the Online Programme Work?

You study at the online campus of Hochschule Fresenius. This means that all courses take place virtually. Seminars are held as live lectures; nevertheless, you remain location-independent and can participate from anywhere. Communication channels to lecturers and fellow students are digital, allowing you to learn flexibly and interactively. Examinations mainly take place online; for some exams, you can also use examination centres in Germany. The online campus offers a modern infrastructure for collaborative learning, networking, and exchange – also beyond the actual studies.

Costs and Financing: What Should You Budget and What Support Is Available?

Monthly and semester-based tuition fees are communicated individually upon request. During your studies, additional offerings – such as language courses, career development, personal development, or networking events – can be used free of charge. There are various options for financing your studies, including BAföG for eligible students, scholarships, and study loans. Hochschule Fresenius actively supports with financing questions through academic advising. The timetables of the part-time programme are designed to allow you to work alongside your studies, which can provide additional financial security.