Are you the right target group for the distance learning course Change Management and Decision Making, M.A.?

The distance learning course is aimed at professionals who want to actively shape change within companies or organisations. You belong to the target group if you already work in areas such as management, project management, consulting, communication, HR, or organisational development, or if you want to qualify for a career in these fields. The programme is particularly relevant for specialists with initial leadership experience who want to manage complex change processes, as well as for anyone who wants to scientifically analyse and apply decision-making behaviour and transformation processes.

What formal requirements do you need?

The following access options are available for the course:

• A completed first degree (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diplom, Magister) with at least 180 ECTS, ideally related to business, psychology, communication sciences, or related fields.
• Alternatively to a first degree: A professionally relevant vocational training, at least two years of work experience in a relevant field, as well as passing an aptitude test (for example, an academic paper). In addition, proof of training, work experience, and a motivation letter are then required.
• In the case of purely professional qualifications, a university entrance qualification, for example through advanced training (e.g. Meister, Fachwirt), may also be sufficient if other requirements (at least two years’ training, at least three years’ work experience, advisory interview, aptitude test) are fulfilled.
• Depending on individual prior education, it may be necessary to provide additional content-related requirements, such as subject-related Credit Points or English skills at B2 level. The university assesses the requirements individually and, if necessary, offers supplementary qualifications.

In addition, you should bring the following personal requirements:

• Interest in change processes in organisations and the analysis of decision-making behaviour
• Initial professional and ideally leadership experience
• Self-motivation and organisational talent to successfully complete a part-time distance learning course
• Communication skills and the ability to reflect when dealing with people and change
• Problem-solving skills as well as an analytical and strategic mindset
• Willingness to plan around 20 hours per week for the course
• Secure German language skills (language of instruction is German), possibly English skills at B2 level for international modules and literature

What subject content can you expect in the Master’s programme “Change Management and Decision Making”?

In the Master’s programme “Change Management and Decision Making” at Hochschule Fresenius, you engage with change processes in companies and organisations from an interdisciplinary perspective. The focus is on psychological, economic, and communication science content. The central topics include:

• Foundations of Economic Psychology: Intercultural psychology, leadership psychology, social interaction and communication, media psychology.
• Communication Competence: You choose two modules from topics such as social media in internal and external communication, crisis communication with stakeholders, corporate communication, or media planning in transformation.
• Management Specialisations: Two modules to choose from, for example digital transformation, international and intercultural management, value-oriented corporate governance, or virtual working and leading in an international context.
• Change Management: Designing change processes, success factors, storytelling in change management, analysis of practical examples.
• Decision Management: Theories of thinking and problem solving, decision-making behaviour in an economic context, decision-making processes in complex organisational changes.
• Practice-oriented Projects: Applying your knowledge in an integrated practical project with real-world tasks.

Upon graduation, you will have knowledge of how decision-making processes are analysed and managed and how communicative and psychological aspects can be purposefully applied in change projects. Furthermore, you will strengthen your skills in personnel management, project work, and target group-oriented communication in change contexts.

How is the distance learning course structured and organised?

The programme can be completed flexibly in 4, 6 or 8 semesters (i.e. 24, 36 or 48 months). You decide which schedule suits your life situation – switching between models is also possible during your studies. The detailed procedure is as follows:

• Online Campus: You use the “studynet” learning platform for materials, study organisation, and exchange with lecturers as well as fellow students.
• Learning Formats: Digital Studymags (also available in print on request), video lectures, digital library, as well as interactive exercises and practical units.
• Online Seminars: Approximately 104 hours of accompanying live online seminars deepen the knowledge gained, encourage exchange, and support linking theory with practice.
• Forms of Assessment: Term papers, project work, online presentations, case studies, 24/7 online examinations. Mandatory attendance dates are rare and kept to a minimum.
• Support: From the beginning, a personal study coach accompanies you throughout your studies. In addition, academic advisors are available for individual questions.
• Start at any time: Enrolment on the 1st of every month, no fixed semester deadlines.
• International Relevance: Access to free online certificates and masterclasses with Arizona State University (ASU).

This structure makes the distance learning course optimally compatible with work and other commitments. You can complete most of the examinations flexibly online, and the campus is digitally accessible around the clock.

What career opportunities and fields of activity open up after graduation?

With the Master’s “Change Management and Decision Making,” you qualify for responsible specialist and leadership roles at the interface of organisational development, management, and communication. Typical fields of application and perspectives are:

• Leadership role in change management: Controlling and accompanying change processes in companies, departments, or project teams.
• Project management and organisational development: Managing change projects, especially in digital transformations or restructurings.
• Consulting and coaching: Working as a change manager in consultancies or as a freelance coach for change processes.
• Communication and crisis management: Developing and implementing communication strategies in companies, authorities, or NGOs.
• International career opportunities: Attractive prospects in the international change environment through optional international specialisations and the ASU cooperation.

The broad skills profile – from economic psychology knowledge through communication methods to systemic decision-making – is in demand across industries. Graduates assume leadership roles in industry, consulting, administration, as well as in the non-profit sector.