Who is the MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at AKAD University suitable for?

The MBA programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is aimed at experienced professionals with a completed university degree who wish to specifically prepare for leadership positions in the fields of business start-up, innovation management or strategic business field development. It is particularly targeted at graduates from business-related or technical disciplines who already have qualified professional experience and want to deepen their skills in dealing with innovative business models, financing start-ups as well as crisis and interim management. Companies that wish to qualify employees for the development of innovative projects will also find a suitable further training offer here.

What admission requirements must be met?

• University degree: A completed university degree (Bachelor or Diploma) with at least 180 ECTS credits or an equivalent qualification is required.
• Professional experience: In addition, qualified professional experience of at least one year after the first degree is necessary.
• German language skills: For international applicants, proof of sufficient German skills is required, optionally by DSH-2, C1 according to CEFR, TestDaF level 4 or an equivalent school leaving certificate.

Recognition of already completed academic achievements (ECTS) is possible. Depending on prior experience and qualifications, up to two semesters can be credited, which allows a shortening of the study duration and a reduction of tuition fees.

Recommended personal prerequisites are:

• Solid knowledge of academic work, especially in independently writing scientific texts.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics as a basis for analyses and financial evaluation.
• English language skills to confidently handle individual English-language modules or specialist literature.
• Interest in innovation, entrepreneurship and management processes.
• Self-motivation and the ability for self-organised, flexible learning in distance study.

Study Content in Detail

The MBA programme “Entrepreneurship and Innovation” at AKAD University imparts practical knowledge for the development of innovative business models and company foundations. The curriculum is interdisciplinary and combines business administration, legal as well as management-related content. Special emphasis is placed on innovation management, start-up management and modern leadership methods.

• Semester 1: Key qualifications for studies and career, tax and corporate law, investment and financing, entrepreneurial marketing, project and quality management, management of teamwork, collaboration and change processes
• Semester 2: Innovation management, technology management, research and development management, business ethics and value management, corporate governance, start-up management and corporate entrepreneurship
• Semester 3: Case study work, general management simulation, individual specialisation (20 ECTS) in topics such as industrial property rights/technology law, digital business, entrepreneurial finance, business model development, electronic entrepreneurship or innovation management
• Semester 4: Master’s thesis with colloquium (30 ECTS)

The programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits.

Structure and Procedure of the Distance Learning Programme

The degree course is designed as a purely distance learning programme with a very low attendance requirement. The duration can be flexibly chosen between 12 and 48 months. The learning units are fully available digitally, supplemented by the AKAD Online Campus. Examinations and modules can be individually scheduled.

• Individual time planning: study duration selectable between 24, 36 or 48 months (Sprint, Standard and Stretch models)
• Learning via the AKAD Online Campus, including scripts, online exercises and practice exams
• Support from lecturers and student advisory services throughout the entire studies
• Online exams with time flexibility possible
• Opportunities to credit previously completed achievements (e.g. partial credit for the first or first two semesters with certain prior qualifications)

The programme is officially recognised, ZFU-certified and accredited.

Career Prospects after Graduation

The MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation opens up diverse career paths in the field of innovation and start-ups. The target group consists of specialists and managers who wish to take on tasks in strategic corporate development, management of start-ups, consulting firms or non-profit organisations.

• Innovation Manager: Develop innovation strategies in companies and drive transformation processes forward.
• Product Manager: Develop and are responsible for innovative products through to market launch.
• Founder, Managing Director: Found and manage own start-ups or take on management roles in existing companies.
• Start-up Coach: Advise and support individuals in company foundation, both professionally and personally.

Graduates benefit from international and cross-industry career opportunities, for example in innovation departments of large companies, consultancy agencies or as independent entrepreneurs.

Costs and Financing Options

The tuition fees for the MBA Entrepreneurship and Innovation vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Stretch (48 months): €319 per month, total costs €15,312, including €2,111 discount and waiver of the examination fee, plus a one-off €960 examination fee. 3 months free extension possible.
• Standard (36 months): €399 per month, total costs €14,232, including discount, plus €960 examination fee. 9 months free extension possible.
• Sprint (24 months): €529 per month, total costs €12,504, including discount, plus €960 examination fee. 12 months free extension possible.

Entrance to the programme is possible at any time. All models include a four-week trial phase.