Who is the Master's in Business Administration via Distance Learning aimed at?

The distance learning programme in Business Administration (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at individuals who want to specifically deepen their prior business knowledge. The course is particularly suitable for bachelor graduates from business-related fields who want to take on leadership roles or qualify for management positions. Career changers from adjacent disciplines with business-related professional experience, as well as working professionals who want to further qualify flexibly alongside their job, also benefit from this offer. The study model is especially suitable if you want to study independently of time and location.

Formal requirements for your admission

• Completed higher education degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits as a basic requirement
• For the 120 ECTS master's: at least 180 ECTS and at least 40 ECTS from a business-related context
• For the short variant with 60 ECTS: at least 240 ECTS and at least 40 ECTS in the field of business studies
• Alternative: If the business-related components or ECTS points are insufficient, admission is possible after passing an aptitude test or through proof of equivalent achievements (e.g. certificates, non-university further education)
• Under certain circumstances, entry is also possible with professional qualification, at least two years of professional experience and an additional aptitude test
• A NC (Numerus clausus) is not required
• German or an equivalent recognised degree, individual modules can be taken in English (an English language certificate may be required if necessary)

The personal requirements especially include a solid basic understanding of economics and analytical thinking skills. The following characteristics are also advantageous:

• Strong self-motivation and self-organisation to stay committed to distance learning in the long term
• Willingness to independently familiarise yourself with new subjects and respond flexibly to digital learning formats
• Experience with digital tools or learning platforms
• Interest in modern management methods, digitalisation, international markets and business innovation topics
• Ability to work in a team, strong communication skills and openness to interdisciplinary contexts

Study Content in Detail: Business Administration in Digital and Global Practice

In the distance learning programme Business Administration (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you deepen your business administration knowledge with a modern, practice-oriented approach. The curriculum covers the central areas of business administration and is aligned with current challenges in an increasingly digitalised and globalised economy. The main study contents include:

• Business Administration Fields of Action: Analysis of business processes, value creation and strategic orientation.
• Global Markets, Competition and Business Model: Development and evaluation of business models in an international context, international market strategies and competitive analyses.
• Accounting and Controlling: Financial accounting, cost accounting and methods of strategic controlling for corporate management.
• Strategic Management and Economics: Corporate governance, innovation management and setting value-oriented management goals.
• Digitalisation and Digital Management: Digital business models, digital transformation and the use of new technologies in corporate leadership.
• Marketing and Market Research: Market analysis, development of marketing strategies and application of empirical research methods.
• Change Management & Digital Leadership: Management of change processes, agile leadership and social skills in digital transformation.
• Research Methods and Academic Work: Empirical methods, data analysis and preparation of academic papers.
• European Integration: Economic and legal framework conditions in the European economic area.
• Elective Modules: Opportunity for individual specialisation, such as in core areas of business management, institutional frameworks or data-driven decision-making (some modules also offered in English).
• Final Phase: Colloquium and master’s thesis for targeted deepening and independent treatment of practice-oriented research questions.

In the process, you develop advanced analytical skills, the ability for scientific problem-solving and the competence to independently manage strategy and change processes in companies. Particular emphasis is placed on digital leadership, data analysis and practical management knowledge. The international orientation also enables you to evaluate entrepreneurial decisions in a global context.

Study Process: Flexible and Individual Towards the Master’s Degree

The distance learning programme is designed so that you can flexibly adapt it to your learning pace and personal life situation. The key features of the course structure are:

• Individual Start of Studies: Start possible at any time, monthly enrolment without fixed semester deadlines.
• Duration of Studies: Selectable between 24, 36 or 48 months; the programme comprises 120 ECTS and corresponds in content to the standard version.
• Digital Study Routine: On the learning platform studynet, you will find all interactive course materials, study magazines (Studymags), video content and access to the digital library.
• Self-Study Learning: Modules can be completed individually and partially in parallel. Study materials are available as PDF and ePub for flexible, location-independent learning. Printed Studymags can be ordered at an additional cost on request.
• Examinations: Diverse examination formats such as online exams (available 24/7), term papers, presentations and open-book exams; on-site appointments are only necessary in exceptional cases.
• Personal Support: Study coaches accompany you individually throughout your studies and, together with professors and service teams, are available for questions and study organisation.
• Internationalisation: Access to international online certificates (e.g. via ASU), optional courses or individual elective modules in English.
• Final Phase: The programme concludes with a colloquium and master’s thesis, in which you independently work on a practical research topic.

The study model offers you high flexibility both in time management and in thematic specialisation. The examination requirements can be completed independently of time and place, enabling employed persons and those with family commitments to optimally integrate their studies into daily life.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects: Broadly Positioned for Leadership Roles

With a Master’s degree in Business Administration (M.A.) from Hochschule Fresenius, you have diverse career paths open to you in the economy. The internationally and digitally oriented focus qualifies you for responsible positions in various sectors:

• Management and Corporate Leadership: Leadership positions in companies of all sizes, from SMEs to international corporations.
• Consulting and Business Advisory: Strategy consulting, process optimisation or change management for external clients or internal departments.
• Controlling and Financial Management: Management of finance departments, controlling or project financing.
• Human Resources and Organisational Development: Taking on HR management, organisational governance or leadership development.
• Marketing and Market Research: Leading marketing teams, developing communication strategies, market analysis.
• Digitalisation and Innovation Management: Managing transformation processes, digital business model development or introduction of new technologies.
• Internationally Operating Companies and Agencies: Activities with international focus and responsibility for global markets.

The specialised knowledge you acquire, the training in digital competencies and the experience in independent academic work make you particularly attractive for dynamic fields that seek future-oriented leaders. Many graduates also use the degree as a springboard into specialist roles or self-employment, for example in strategic business consulting.