e-commerce, Master of Science

Who is the Master’s in E-Commerce at FH Wedel suitable for?

The Master’s degree programme in E-Commerce at the University of Applied Sciences Wedel is aimed at graduates of business and information technology Bachelor’s programmes who are interested in the design of digital business models and modern e-commerce platforms. The target group includes both young academics who wish to specifically prepare for specialist and managerial roles in online retail and the digital sector, as well as working professionals who want to expand their professional skills in a practical manner and study alongside their job. Students are prepared for activities in online marketing, product development, IT project management, or as managers at the interface between technology and business. Those particularly addressed are people interested in data-driven analyses, strategic management, digital business processes, and the transformation in the digital economy.

Admission Requirements: Which formal criteria do you have to meet?

• First degree: A Bachelor’s degree with at least 210 ECTS credits is required, for example in Business Administration, Business Informatics, Marketing Management, or Media Studies. Applicants with 180 ECTS credits can be admitted under certain conditions. In this case, individually determined modules (amounting to 30 ECTS, the so-called transition block) from the Bachelor’s level must be completed. These are usually spread over the first two semesters and may include fundamentals in e-commerce, web and app analytics, digital marketing or databases.
• Application procedure: The programme is formally admission-free; however, a selection procedure may take place.
• Language skills: The language of instruction is German. Good German skills are required.

Which personal requirements and competences should you bring with you?

• Analytical understanding: You should be able to comprehend data-based decision-making processes and analyse complex business models.
• Interest in digitalisation and innovation: Motivation for digital business processes, e-commerce trends and the development of new technologies is crucial.
• Willingness for project-oriented work: Practical projects, group work, workshops, as well as close collaboration with practical partners are central components of the programme.
• Initiative and communication skills: You should enjoy exchanging ideas in small learning groups and be willing to contribute proactively.
• Flexibility and organisational skills: The possibility to complete the programme flexibly in-person or largely online particularly benefits students who want to combine work and studies.
• Previous experience: An interest in or initial experience with business, IT or marketing topics as well as basic knowledge in data analysis, programming or system architectures is helpful but not mandatory.

What Awaits You in the Master’s E-Commerce Programme at FH Wedel?

In the Master’s degree programme in E-Commerce at Wedel University of Applied Sciences, you will deepen your comprehensive knowledge of digital business models, data-driven decision-making, and the development of e-commerce platforms. The course brings you into direct contact with current challenges in the digital industry and specifically prepares you for specialist and management roles in online retail and related fields.

Overview of Course Content

• E-Commerce Business Models: Analysis and development of innovative digital business models for various sectors (e.g. retail, finance, B2B).
• E-Commerce Platform Architecture: Planning and optimisation of complex IT infrastructures and trading platforms.
• Business Intelligence & Data Science: Methods for the intelligent use and analysis of large data volumes in a corporate context.
• Category Management: Strategic assortment design and optimisation of the value chain in retail.
• Empirical Research and Analysis Methods: Practical scientific methods for data analysis and decision-making.
• Agile Project Management & Change Management: Management of innovation processes and change projects.
• Organisational Theory & Strategic Management: Establishment of organisational structures and development of sustainable corporate strategies.
• Decision Support & Social Skills: Seminars and exercises for the development of leadership skills, creativity and team competence.
• E-Commerce Project: Implementation of a practical project, usually in cooperation with companies from the industry.
• Master’s Thesis & Colloquium: Final thesis with scientific and application-oriented focus.

How Does the Programme Run?

• Standard Study Period: 3 semesters (for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree with 210 ECTS).
• Start of Studies: Possible annually at the summer and winter semesters.
• Mode of Study: On-campus, flexibly combined with online formats (hybrid model), making it compatible with part-time work.
• Learning Environment: Small study groups, close supervision, exchange on equal footing (“Du” culture between lecturers and students).
• Practical Orientation: Cooperation with companies such as OTTO, Tchibo or About You, regular guest lectures and projects with real industry partners.
• Individual Adaptation: For Bachelor graduates with 180 ECTS, a bridging module with additional modules is flexibly arranged.
• Semester Abroad: Optional and individually plannable.

The course is application-oriented. A central element is the E-Commerce project, which is carried out in cooperation with a company and addresses real challenges from professional life. The learning platforms Moodle and MS Teams also support collaborative, location-independent work.

Career Opportunities and Occupational Fields

• Positions for Graduates: Head of E-Commerce, Senior Online Marketing Manager, IT Project Manager E-Commerce, Senior Web Analyst, Product Owner for shop, web and app technologies.
• Job Markets: Online and multichannel retail, brand companies, software companies, comparison portals, publishing houses, B2B companies, industrial goods manufacturers.
• Interface Functions: Management, marketing, product development, IT and data analysis.
• Entrepreneurship: Support for starting your own business through seminars and the FH Wedel start-up network.
• Doctoral Opportunities: Option for a further scientific career following the Master’s degree.

Graduates are highly regarded as specialised professionals with sound economic and technical know-how as well as strong analytical skills. Many already establish contacts with future employers during their studies or found their own start-ups.

Location: Studying in Wedel near Hamburg

Wedel University of Applied Sciences is located in northern German Wedel, close to Hamburg. Due to its location, you benefit from diverse connections to the digital economy of the Hamburg metropolitan area and the northern German business landscape. The university’s digital infrastructure enables flexible working – whether on campus or remotely.

Costs and Financing Options

• Semester Fees: 2,640 Euro per semester in full-time (installment payment possible from the second semester: 440 Euro monthly).
• Additionally: Costs for the semester ticket.
• Financing Model Master+: Possibility to work in a partner company alongside your studies in the “Master+” model. Here the tuition fees are covered and you additionally receive remuneration.
• Scholarships: Funding opportunities such as the Deutschlandstipendium or company-related scholarships are regularly awarded.

Thanks to the wide range of financing options and flexible study organisation, you can optimally adapt the Master’s programme to your personal life situation.