Who is the Master’s in Project Management (M.A.) at AKAD University suitable for?
The Master’s programme in Project Management (M.A.) is aimed at professionals with a first degree in economics or engineering who wish to specifically prepare for leadership roles in project management. This programme appeals to you if you already have experience in management or project-related tasks and want to take on areas of responsibility in agile, traditional or international projects – for example, in industry, technical sales, or consulting.
Admission requirements: These conditions you must meet
Different formal requirements apply for admission to the distance learning programme Project Management (M.A.) at AKAD University depending on the chosen study model (60, 90 or 120 ECTS):
- For the 120 ECTS variant: Completed university degree (Bachelor, Diploma) with at least 180 ECTS in the field of economics, industrial engineering or an engineering discipline.
- For the 90 ECTS variant:
- University degree with at least 210 ECTS, or
- University degree with 180 ECTS plus proof of an additional examination on professionally acquired competencies (can be taken during the course of study).
- For the 60 ECTS variant: Completed university degree and proof of a total of at least 240 ECTS.
- German language skills: Applicants without German university entrance qualification must provide proof of German language skills, e.g. DSH-2, TestDaF level 4, C1 according to CEFR, or equivalent school leaving certificate.
Recognition of previously completed study and examination achievements from other universities is possible after individual examination. Prospective students with an international degree must demonstrate comparable qualifications.
Additionally, the following personal competencies and prior knowledge are recommended for a successful course of study:
- Thorough knowledge of academic work – especially independently creating academic papers
- Confident use of project planning tools (network planning technique, MS Project)
- Good basic knowledge in management theory and controlling
- English skills at least at C1 level (CEFR)
- Willingness to catch up on missing knowledge within the framework of preparatory courses (made possible by AKAD)
Personal requirements include, among others:
- Ability to work independently and organisational talent
- Motivation to take on responsibility
- Teamwork skills, communication strength and conflict management skills
- Interest in digital tools as well as willingness to familiarise oneself with new methods and tools
- Time management and resilience, especially for studying alongside work
What content does the Master’s in Project Management (M.A.) at AKAD University cover?
In the Master’s degree programme in Project Management (M.A.) at AKAD University, you acquire broad specialist knowledge of practice-relevant methods and theories of project management. The curriculum places emphasis on the combination of scientific depth and direct applicability:
- Project Management Standards: Fundamentals of classical and agile project management, methodological competence in planning, execution and control of projects.
- IT Project Management: Management of IT projects using agile and classical approaches.
- Leadership and Organisational Development: Leadership skills, organisational development and change processes.
- Communication and Collaboration: Intercultural communication, team processes, conflict management, presentation skills.
- Requirements Engineering and Risk Management: Identification and evaluation of requirements and risks in projects.
- Systemic Change Management: Holistic management concepts for sustainable change processes.
- Information and Knowledge Management: Handling knowledge and information in the project context.
- Practical Transfer: Case studies and simulations for applying theoretical content.
- Specialisations: Elective options including Digital Project Management, Multi-Project Management, International Project and Innovation Management or Management of Change Projects.
You strengthen your presentation skills, conflict resolution competence and self-organisation. The programme places great emphasis on independent work and scientifically based, practice-oriented action.
How is the distance learning programme structured?
The Master’s in Project Management (M.A.) is designed to be 100% online distance learning – exams, learning materials and courses are completed entirely digitally via the AKAD Campus:
- Flexible model: Duration depends on the chosen ECTS option (60, 90 or 120 ECTS), with a standard period between 12 and 48 months.
- Your own pace: Individual scheduling of modules, with the possibility of free extension by several months.
- Course structure: Each semester consists of several modules, including compulsory and elective areas.
- Support: Personal online support and interaction with lecturers on the digital campus.
- Practical elements: Case study work, simulation game (General Management), Master’s thesis with colloquium complete the programme.
- AKAD Plus: Access to additional offerings such as community, skills training and coaching outside the regular curriculum.
Examinations take place online. The programme can be adapted individually to your life situation, whether part-time alongside a job or full-time.
For which careers does the Master’s in Project Management at AKAD qualify you?
With the Master’s in Project Management (M.A.) you open up diverse fields of work in international, digital and traditional companies. Typical areas of activity and positions include:
- Project Manager – Taking on and leading complex projects across various industries.
- Scrum Master – Responsibility for efficient teamwork and application of agile methods.
- Technical Project Manager – Planning, organising and managing technical innovations.
- Change Manager, Multi-Project Manager, Innovation Manager – Managing and supporting change and innovation processes in companies.
The knowledge gained is internationally applicable and qualifies you for leadership, consulting and management roles in a wide range of industries such as IT, industry, services, consultancy or public institutions.
What costs can you expect for the distance learning programme – and what financing options are available?
The tuition fees for the Master’s in Project Management (M.A.) vary depending on the duration and ECTS model. Below you will find the main variants and costs:
- 120 ECTS:
- Stretch (48 months): €319/month
- Standard (36 months): €399/month
- Sprint (24 months): €529/month
- Additional exam fee for 90-ECTS option: one-off €990
- 90 ECTS:
- Stretch (36 months): €389/month
- Standard (24 months): €509/month
- Sprint (18 months): €639/month
- 60 ECTS:
- Stretch (24 months): €419/month
- Standard (18 months): €519/month
- Sprint (12 months): €659/month
Additionally, a one-off examination fee of €960 applies. You can test your studies without obligation for 4 weeks. AKAD regularly offers discount promotions.
- Free extension (depending on the model 3 to 12 months).
- Recognition of previous achievements can reduce costs and study duration.
- Financing options: instalment payment, employer funding, government support such as Aufstiegs-BAföG or scholarships.
- Tax deductibility: Tuition fees can be claimed as work-related expenses under certain conditions.
The fee model facilitates financing while studying alongside work. If you have questions about cost coverage, AKAD University’s advisors will assist you individually.
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