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Who is the Master's in Business Administration aimed at for engineers and natural scientists?
The degree programme is specifically targeted at professionals with a completed degree in engineering, natural sciences or mathematics. You are primarily addressed if you want to supplement your specialist skills with business administration know-how – for example, to take on managerial positions in companies, the public sector or international organisations. Ideal applicants have little or no prior knowledge of business administration and pursue a degree that opens up new career paths outside their previous field of expertise.
What do you need to bring for admission to the Master's programme?
The formal admission requirements for the Master's in Business Administration for engineers and natural scientists at FernUniversität Hagen are:
- Degree: A successfully completed university degree with at least 180 ECTS credits in an engineering, natural sciences or mathematics subject (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma or State Examination).
- Subject background: The first degree must not have focused on business administration content.
Personal requirements include the ability to study independently and in a structured way, and a strong interest in economic issues. Since the programme is mainly completed via distance learning and often alongside employment, you should have the following qualities:
- Self-motivation and discipline for working independently
- Good self-organisation to balance studies, work and if applicable, family
- Willingness to familiarise yourself with new subject areas (business administration, economics)
- Interest in interdisciplinary tasks
- Basic IT skills to be able to use digital materials and online learning platforms independently
Which economic skills does the Master’s degree programme provide for engineers and scientists?
The Master’s programme Economic Sciences for Engineers and Scientists at FernUniversität Hagen specifically builds economic knowledge for graduates of technical, scientific or mathematical disciplines. In the compulsory section you acquire sound knowledge in key areas such as accounting, business management as well as micro- and macroeconomics. The programme imparts a comprehensive understanding of economic interrelations, processes and decision-making structures which are essential for managerial roles and interface positions.
- Accounting and controlling: Ability to analyse and control the finances of companies
- Business management: Strategic planning, organisation and management of projects and teams
- Micro- and macroeconomics: Analysis of markets and macroeconomic conditions
- Specialisation modules: Individual specialisation through elective subjects in business administration or economics – such as controlling, taxation, marketing, organisation, production, human resource management as well as finance and auditing
The programme does not require any prior economic knowledge. The aim is to specifically impart to you business and economic problem-solving approaches as well as academic working methods in the context of economic sciences. You will develop analytical, strategic and entrepreneurial skills that qualify you for professional management, consulting and leadership tasks.
How is the programme structured and how does it take place at FernUniversität Hagen?
The Master’s programme lasts 4 semesters full-time (standard period of study) and is organised entirely as a distance learning course. A part-time study option allows you to tailor the duration of the programme individually – for example alongside your job. You can start either in the winter semester (October) or the summer semester (April).
- Study materials: You study with printed study guides, digital scripts, teaching videos and multimedia online exercises on the Moodle learning platform.
- Self-study and support: Independent processing of the course materials is supplemented by online support, mentoring and discussion forums – so you are well accompanied even at a distance.
- Examination formats: You complete assessments mainly through exams (optionally on-site or online as open-book exams), coursework, assignment submissions and finally through the Master’s thesis. Some modules also include oral examinations (e.g. viva voce).
- On-site sessions: Mandatory on-site events are reduced to a few dates. Participation in regional mentoring sessions or campus locations is voluntary; exams can be taken nationwide at examination centres.
The study programme is divided into basic and advanced modules which you can take flexibly according to your available time. Modern e-learning formats, individual time management and extensive digital offerings make the programme particularly family- and job-friendly.
For which fields of activity and career paths does the Master’s programme in Economic Sciences at FernUni Hagen qualify you?
With the Master of Science in Economic Sciences, engineers and scientists complement their technical or scientific profile with economically relevant key qualifications. This gives you access to a wide range of leadership, management and interface roles in companies and public institutions.
- Procurement, production, logistics: Leadership and control tasks in industry, trade and services
- Controlling, accounting, finance, taxation: Activities in the finance and accounting departments of large as well as medium-sized enterprises, banks, credit institutions
- Organisation, personnel, corporate development: Responsible positions in personnel or change management
- Marketing, sales, innovation: Strategic administration and project management in product development, sales or innovation management
Employment opportunities exist, among others, with companies of all sizes and sectors, auditing and consulting firms, tax consultancies, credit institutions as well as with authorities, associations and international institutions (e.g. market regulatory authorities, EU organisations). Furthermore, the degree opens up the path to research and teaching – you can pursue a doctorate directly after the Master’s.
What costs should you expect for the Master’s programme in Economic Sciences at FernUni Hagen?
The total costs for the four-semester Master’s programme amount to around €1,200 if completed within the standard period of study. The fees consist of a basic fee of €60 per semester and a registration fee of approximately €11 per ECTS credit point. If you study part-time and exceed the standard period of study, the total amount increases by the basic fee per additional semester (plus any student union fee).
- Example calculation full-time: 4 semesters × €60 basic fee + 120 ECTS × €11 = approx. €1,200
- Additional costs: Minor expenses for supplementary literature, travel to possible on-site events or exams may arise depending on individual planning.
The tuition fees are thus significantly below the costs of private distance learning universities. Instalment payments are possible through semester-wise billing. Discounts are available for those in financial need or for second degrees. You can claim study expenses as tax-deductible professional expenses; funding by employers or public bodies is generally possible.
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