Distance learning program Digital Transformation Management (M.A.) – IST University of Management

👉 The Master’s in Digital Transformation Management is aimed at professionals and career changers with a first degree in economics who wish to prepare flexibly and independently of location for leadership roles in the digital economy. The focus is on digital transformation processes, artificial intelligence, change management, as well as innovation and strategy development. The content includes general management, IT management, digital marketing, and optional specialisation modules in tourism and hotel management or health management. The programme is accredited, internationally recognised, and can be completed as a distance learning course either full-time (4 semesters) or part-time (6 semesters). Examinations can be taken both online and at numerous locations.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider IST University of Management, UAS based in Düsseldorf (Germany)
The IST University of Management is officially recognized as a state-approved university by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The distance learning courses offered in the exciting areas of sports, fitness, health, tourism, hospitality, events, media and communication are characterized by high scientific quality and a strong practical relevance.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Economy & MediaManagement
📜 Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters, Study effort 29 hours weekly
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Digital Transformation, Leadership Skills, Personnel Management, Operational Risk Management, Legal Management, Innovation and Process Management, Artificial Intelligence, IT Management, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, Digital Marketing, Research Lab, Business Simulation Game Going Global, Elective Modules, Master’s Thesis, Colloquium for the Master’s Thesis
📚 Electives Tourism and Hotel Management, Health Management
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Digital Transformation Management under the number 1106820.
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 495 € monthly
from 11880 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Is the Master in Digital Transformation Management the right course of study for you?

The Master's programme in Digital Transformation Management is aimed at everyone who wants to specifically prepare for leadership roles in the digital transformation. You are suitable if, after your first university degree, you want to take on responsibility across industries or advance your career in areas such as Business Development, Innovation Management, Corporate Management, IT Consulting, Tourism, Hotel Management or Health Management. Applicants who already have basic knowledge of business administration, want to actively shape digital progress and are ready to lead change processes in companies will benefit particularly.

What formal admission requirements apply?

To be admitted to the Master's in Digital Transformation Management at IST University of Management, you must provide evidence of the following:

  • A minimum of a 6-semester business administration-oriented first degree at a university, university of applied sciences, cooperative university or a comparable degree from a German or foreign higher education institution. Completed, accredited Bachelor's degree programmes at vocational academies are also recognised.
  • Evidence of 60 ECTS credits in business administration modules, especially in the areas:
    • Fundamentals of Business Administration
    • Accounting, Investment and Finance
    • Corporate Management and Human Resource Management
    • Process Management, Innovation and Marketing
    • Basics of Business Informatics and Business Law
    • Business Mathematics and Statistics
    • Economics
    • Academic Work
  • If the 60 ECTS are not achieved, participation is possible by successfully completing corresponding bridge courses.
  • Proof of a minimum three-month internship or comparable professional activity with a business-related context (at least 360 hours). Proof can be submitted no later than the start of the 3rd semester.
  • English skills at least at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference or seven years of English classes at a secondary school. Alternatively, a recognised language test is possible.

For other school or professional qualifications, the university examines individual admission possibilities.

Personal requirements: In addition to the formal requirements, you should have the following qualities and prior experiences:

  • Willingness to actively shape change processes and critically reflect on existing business models
  • Basic knowledge of business thinking and interest in digital trends
  • Analytical judgement, structured problem-solving skills
  • Interest in interdisciplinary work and willingness to take on leadership responsibility
  • Self-organisation and self-motivation for distance learning with a weekly workload of about 29 hours in the full-time model
  • Communication skills, teamwork and openness to new technologies and international developments

What qualifications does the Master’s degree in Digital Transformation Management provide you with?

In the degree programme Digital Transformation Management (M.A.) you develop extensive competencies for designing, implementing and managing digital transformation processes in companies. You acquire in-depth business studies knowledge with a focus on topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation and change management. The curriculum covers areas such as general management, digital business models, process management and leadership. Special emphasis is placed on understanding technological developments and their impacts on operational processes.
The content is taught in a practical manner through simulation games, case studies and industry-related modules. As part of the individually selectable specialisations "Tourism and Hotel Management" or "Healthcare Management", you focus specifically on one of these future-oriented industry sectors.
The skills acquired include:

  • Strategic planning and implementation of digital transformation projects
  • Leadership of cross-departmental teams and management of change processes
  • Data analysis, IT management and application of AI in the business context
  • Business development and the creation of new digital business models
  • Evaluating technologies and developing future-proof solutions
  • Critical engagement with ethical and sustainable aspects of digitalisation

In the elective area, you can supplement your competencies, for example, by deepening your knowledge in Global Innovation Management, Communication Psychology, Ethics and Sustainability, Research Management or specialised subjects in the tourism or healthcare sectors.

How is the organisation and structure of the Master’s degree designed?

The distance learning programme is flexibly organised and aimed at both full-time and part-time students. You can choose between a standard period of study of 4 semesters (full-time) and an extended variant with 6 semesters (part-time). The average workload is 29 hours per week (full-time) or reduced accordingly (part-time).

  • Module structure: The content is divided into consecutive modules (e.g. Digital Transformation, Leadership, Innovation & Process Management, AI, IT Management, Research Lab, Simulation Game)
  • Elective area: In the higher semesters, you choose individually suitable specialisations through elective modules
  • Specialisation options: Tourism and Hotel Management or Healthcare Management can be chosen as focused study emphases
  • Teaching formats: You primarily learn through self-study with modern study materials, supplemented by online lectures and tutorials. Selected modules include compulsory or optional practical seminars
  • Examinations: Most examinations can be taken online or at examination centres available nationwide
  • Master’s thesis: In the final semester, you complete the Master’s degree with a scientific thesis and an oral defence

You benefit from personal support in small study groups (usually 20–30 people) and networked exchange via the online campus. All study materials are available digitally and accessible via app. After the standard period of study, you can extend the course free of charge by up to three semesters if required.

These career paths open up in Digital Transformation Management

With the degree Master of Arts in Digital Transformation Management, you belong to the sought-after specialists and executives for companies in all industries that want to actively digitalise and transform their business processes. Your fields of work are extremely diverse:

  • Digital Transformation Manager – responsibility for designing, managing and implementing digital innovation projects within the company
  • Business Development Manager – development of new digital business models and expansion into innovative markets
  • Change Manager and Innovation Manager – support for change processes, management of interdisciplinary teams
  • Data Analyst or Data Scientist – analysis of company-relevant data to optimise processes and support decision-making
  • IT Consultant for Digital Transformation – advising on the introduction of new technologies, IT security strategies and process digitalisation
  • Positions in product management, e-commerce, marketing, market research as well as strategic management

The specialisation modules also qualify you specifically for leadership positions in tourism, hospitality or healthcare management. The Master’s degree also enables you to pursue a PhD and is internationally recognised.

What costs should you expect for the Master’s degree in Digital Transformation Management?

The tuition fees amount to €495 per month in the full-time variant (4 semesters) (total €11,880). If you choose the part-time variant (6 semesters), the monthly fee is €370 (total €13,320). All fees already include all examinations and the use of study materials.

  • 10% discount for graduates of a Bachelor’s degree at IST-Hochschule
  • Funding options such as BAföG (available for full-time or dual studies) and various scholarships
  • Tax deductibility as business expenses or special expenses
  • Financing options such as instalment payments and, where applicable, support from employers are feasible

You have the option of up to three free additional semesters to extend your studies without incurring further fees.

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