Who is the Distance Learning Programme in Organisational Development (M.A.) Suitable For?

The part-time master's programme in Organisational Development at the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau is specifically aimed at professionals and managers who wish to deepen their skills in shaping development and change processes within organisations. It is particularly targeted at individuals who already have professional experience in areas such as executive management, (project) management, personnel and organisational development, or management consulting, and who wish to scientifically qualify themselves for challenging tasks in change management and organisational consulting. The programme is suitable for professionals from all sectors who accompany or initiate complex change processes and want to draw on modern concepts from organisational research.

Admission Requirements at a Glance

• With a first university degree:
  • A first professional qualifying university degree of at least six semesters (e.g. Bachelor, Magister, Diplom) in any field
  • Additionally, at least one year of relevant and qualified professional experience following graduation
• Without a first university degree (access via aptitude test):
  • Proof of a university entrance qualification (e.g. general higher education entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate or according to § 35 para. 2 in conjunction with § 65 para. 1 and 2 of the Rhineland-Palatinate Higher Education Act)
  • At least three years of relevant and qualified professional experience
  • Additionally, at least one year of relevant and qualified professional experience after obtaining the university entrance qualification
  • Successful participation in an aptitude test

The precise definition of "relevant and qualified" includes activities related to organisational development, for example in personnel development, change management, (project) leadership or management consulting. Legally binding details are regulated by the respective examination regulations.

Other Personal Requirements

• Willingness to engage in independent academic work and reflect on psychological and social science concepts of organisational development
• Perseverance and good self-management to successfully complete the programme alongside professional employment (approximately 21 hours of workload per week is recommended)
• Openness to interdisciplinary approaches and teamwork, as group work and case studies are part of the study concept
• Basic German language skills at an academic level, as the entire programme is conducted in German
• Practical experience in organisational structures, change projects or personnel development is advantageous but not strictly required

Course Content in Detail

The part-time distance learning programme "Organisational Development" (Master of Arts) at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern-Landau in Rhineland-Palatinate imparts theoretical and methodological knowledge from organisational research. The focus is on concepts for the management and facilitation of development, learning, and change processes in organisations.

• Theoretical and conceptual fundamentals: Organisational development and design, strategic management, moderation of planning processes
• Core modules/elective modules (one selectable per semester):
  • Knowledge management & strategic learning processes
  • Intercultural communication & capacity development
  • Conflict management
  • Coaching and consulting
• Further topical focuses: Organisational learning, team development, communication in change processes
• Specialisation: Accompaniment and initiation of change and transformation processes, role of consultancy
• Degree: Master's thesis in the fourth semester

Course Structure and Schedule

The distance learning programme is designed for four semesters (standard period of study) and can be combined with concurrent employment. The programme starts annually in the winter semester (October).

• Study format: Distance learning with a part-time focus
• Workload: approximately 21 hours per week on average
• Attendance phases: A total of five synchronous events, of which four take place as on-campus weekends in Kaiserslautern and one online (each from Friday to Sunday)
• Learning materials: Comprehensive, scientifically sound and practice-oriented self-study materials as well as access to the online campus for interaction with lecturers and fellow students
• Assessments: Exams and course achievements are completed through submitted assignments, project work, presentations, written examinations and the final master’s thesis

Career Prospects and Opportunities after Graduation

The Master’s distance learning programme qualifies graduates for responsible positions in the field of organisational development. It is primarily aimed at specialists and managers from executive management, (project) management, human resources and organisational development as well as consulting firms.

• Leadership and management of change projects in companies and organisations
• Roles in human resources development, organisational consultancy or change management
• Project management and development of further training strategies
• Management consultancy with a focus on organisational development
• Professional specialisation for existing specialists or managers who wish to advance academically

Feedback from graduates shows that the programme not only expands management know-how but also imparts sociological and group dynamic mechanisms in organisational development sustainably.

Costs and Financing

• Tuition fees: Currently 1,290 euros per semester (four semesters standard period of study)
• Social contribution: 140 euros per semester
• Fee for the master’s thesis: One-off 720 euros
• Total costs (when graduating within the standard period): 6,440 euros including the master’s thesis, plus social contributions
• Costs for study materials: Already included in the tuition fees
• Additional costs: Travel, accommodation and catering costs for attendance phases must be borne by the students themselves
• Installment payment: Possible upon application
• No VAT charged; tax deductibility possibly applicable

Tuition fees are waived in the 5th semester; from the 6th semester onwards, a reduced fee (30 %) applies.