Who is the Distance Learning Course Leadership (M.A.) Suitable For? Target Group and Requirements at a Glance

The continuing education distance learning programme “Leadership” (Master of Arts) at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau is aimed at individuals who are already working in leadership or managerial roles or who wish to specifically prepare for such a role. It is targeted at specialists and managers from all industries who want to scientifically underpin their leadership actions, expand their own competence areas and practically integrate current findings from leadership research. The programme is particularly suitable for those who want to actively engage with evidence-based approaches on the topics of leadership, organisational development and change management.

Admission Requirements for the Programme

The following admission requirements apply for entry to the Master’s programme “Leadership”:

• First Higher Education Degree: A first professional qualifying higher education degree in any field of study lasting at least six semesters (e.g., Bachelor’s degree, Diploma, State Examination).
• Professional Experience: At least one year of relevant and qualified professional experience in a leadership role after completing the higher education degree.
• Admission via Aptitude Test: If no first higher education degree is held, an application with higher education entrance qualification (such as general higher education entrance qualification or master craftsman’s certificate) is possible. In this case, at least three years of relevant and qualified professional experience as well as at least one year of activity in a leadership role are required. Qualification is then determined by an aptitude test.

The precise legal regulations on higher education entrance qualifications are set out in § 35 para. 2 in conjunction with § 65 paras. 1 and 2 of the Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Education Act.

Personal Requirements and Recommended Competences

In addition to the formal requirements, it is recommended that applicants bring the following personal qualities and skills:

• Interest in scientific engagement with leadership, organisation and change processes
• Willingness to engage in self-reflection and critical analysis of one’s own leadership actions
• Relevant practical experience in a (prospective) management or leadership role
• Self-motivation and ability to organise oneself for the part-time distance learning course with an average weekly workload of about 21 hours
• Team skills and openness to collegial exchange during on-site sessions and on the online campus
• Good knowledge of German, as the language of instruction is German

The Leadership distance learning course is designed to further qualify both experienced leaders and specialists with the aim of taking on leadership roles in both scientific and practice-oriented contexts.

What Can You Expect from the Distance Learning Programme „Leadership“?

The part-time distance learning programme Leadership (Master of Arts) at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau imparts scientifically sound, practice-oriented skills for leading and managing organisations, teams, and change processes. Participants engage with current scientific approaches from leadership and organisational research and further develop their leadership role based on evidence-based findings.

• Target group: Professionals in leadership and design roles who want to reflect on their leadership behaviour and base it on current research results
• Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.) – 90 ECTS
• Language: German
• Duration: 4 semesters (part-time)
• Start: each winter semester (October)

Course Content and Structure

• Leadership Research & Evidence-Based Practice: Theories, models and scientific approaches to leadership and organisational design
• Organisational Learning & Learning Culture: Development of a learning-oriented leadership culture, main mechanisms of cooperative action
• Systemic Approaches and Practice Reflection: Contrasting own actions with various scientific theories and approaches
• Employee Leadership and Team Development: Analysis and design of concrete tasks and challenges in everyday leadership
• Organisational Development & Change Management: Initiating, accompanying and sustainably securing change processes
• Personnel and Health Management: Workplace health, personnel development and sustainable action in the management context
• Master’s Thesis: Independent scientific work with practical relevance, typically in the final semester

All course content focuses on linking theory and application in leadership practice. Reflection on one’s own leadership behaviour and the expansion of personal leadership competencies are central.

Process and Study Organisation

• Self-study: Extensive, scientifically sound and practice-oriented learning materials, specially designed for distance learning
• Online Campus: Central platform for exchange, networking and support by lecturers as well as other programme participants
• Attendance Phases: A total of five compulsory synchronous events:
  • Four attendance phases in Kaiserslautern (usually Friday to Sunday)
  • One online attendance phase (Saturday)
• Workload: On average 21 hours per week

The content is worked on independently in self-study and deepened in practice-oriented attendance and online events. All dates are communicated well in advance.

Career Perspectives and Areas of Application

• Executives and managers with responsibility in companies of all industries, non-profit organisations or public institutions
• Leadership functions in corporate management, executive management or project management
• Specialists in organisational development, change management, personnel management and team development
• Consulting and coaching in leadership and organisation

The degree qualifies for demanding tasks in various leadership positions and opens up opportunities for career advancement as well as for activities at the interface between science and practice.

Costs and Financing Options

• Tuition fee: 1,500 Euro per semester (a total of 6,000 Euro for the standard study period of four semesters)
• Social contribution: 140 Euro per semester (a total of 560 Euro for four semesters)
• Fee for the master’s thesis: 720 Euro (one-off)
• Total costs: 7,280 Euro (for completion within the standard study period)
• Installment payment possible (on request)
• Study materials are included in the costs; travel, accommodation and meal costs for attendance phases are additional
• The fees are not subject to VAT and can be tax-deductible under certain conditions

For individual advice on financing options, participants can contact representatives within the programme.