Englisch 
Deutsch 
The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Digital Marketing (MBA) under the number 1142222. Who is this MBA for – and what you need to qualify
You are a fit if you work in marketing or communications and want to step up to strategy and leadership: for example, a social media or performance specialist seeking end-to-end campaign ownership; a designer or content lead who now manages digital channels and needs solid analytics and marketing management; or a product, e-commerce or tech professional in a start-up who aims to drive growth, branding and customer acquisition internationally alongside a full-time job.
Admission requirements
Entry is based on a completed first degree and professional experience; you can start in any month. Teaching language is German.
- First degree (Bachelor or equivalent) from a recognised university. Your credit volume is mapped to ECTS:
- 120 ECTS track: first degree with 180/210/240 ECTS plus at least 1 year of work experience.
- 90 ECTS track: first degree with 180/210/240 ECTS, at least 1 year of work experience, business/economics understanding; for 180 ECTS, a motivation interview is required.
- 60 ECTS track: first degree with 180/210/240 ECTS, at least 2 years of work experience, subject understanding; aptitude test or motivation interview depending on prior credits.
- Admission with foreign qualifications: international Bachelor’s degrees are accepted if they are comparable in level; the university allocates your credits to the 60/90/120 ECTS tracks.
- No Abitur required: this is a postgraduate MBA; admission rests on your first degree and experience.
- Language proficiency (programme taught in German): if German is not your native language, you will need advanced German, typically at C1 level. Commonly recognised proofs include TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat C1/C2 or telc C1 Hochschule.
Personal requirements
Remote study from abroad demands reliable time management and strong reading and writing skills in German for academic materials, exams and group work. Plan with an average workload of about 29 hours per week in the standard track; peaks occur around exams and the thesis. You should be comfortable with data, dashboards and learning new tools, and able to structure learning blocks around a full-time job and time zones.
- High self-organisation and perseverance over several semesters.
- Realistic scheduling: fixed weekly slots for study, assignments and exam prep.
- Stable internet access and a quiet workspace for online classes and assessments.
- Willingness to work quantitatively (analytics, KPIs) and qualitatively (brand, content).
What will you study in the Digital Marketing (MBA) at SRH Distance Learning University – The Mobile University?
The programme is taught in German. You should plan with advanced German skills (typically C1). For application from abroad, standard proofs such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat C1 are commonly expected. The MBA combines strategic marketing, data skills and leadership, with options to study 120, 90 or 60 ECTS. As a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a German Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), it is practice-oriented and state-approved by the ZFU (German authority for distance learning oversight).
Strategy and campaigns – You develop and steer cross-channel initiatives in modules such as Digital Marketing Strategies & Campaign Management, Online & Social Media Marketing, and Search Engine Marketing (SEM). You learn how to align content, media and budgets to audience and funnel goals.
Data, analytics and optimisation – You work with Data Analysis, Big Data Management & Analytics, and Controlling, Analytics & Monitoring. The focus is on setting up tracking, interpreting KPIs, A/B testing, and translating insights into performance improvements and reports decision-makers will trust.
Law, research and consumer psychology – You ground decisions with Empirical Social Research and explore Market and Advertising Psychology. A dedicated media law module covers legal frameworks for online and social media marketing, including data protection and platform specifics.
Leadership and transformation – Digital Leadership & Transformation and applied management content build your ability to lead teams, run change initiatives and connect marketing outputs to broader business strategy.
Electives to shape your profile: You choose from specialisations such as Design Thinking & Innovation, AI in Marketing and PR, Influencer Management, Digital Media Management, Cyber Security in IoT, Digital Processes, Entrepreneurship and more. The exact number of electives depends on your ECTS track (e.g. three in the 120-ECTS route).
Applied learning: A practice project links the curriculum to real briefs, and you finish with a Master’s thesis. The course is ZFU-approved and leads to an MBA degree. The university is state-recognised; ZFU refers to the German Central Office for Distance Learning (Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht), which approves distance-learning courses for consumer protection and quality.
How does the Digital Marketing (MBA) distance programme work?
You study fully online with monthly start dates and can choose 120, 90 or 60 ECTS tracks. Learning is asynchronous-first, exams are offered online, and there are no mandatory on-site days in Germany. As a purely remote programme, you do not need a visa to participate from abroad. ZFU admission number: 1142222.
Teaching language and proof of language
The teaching language is German. To succeed, you need advanced German (commonly C1). Applicants from outside German-speaking countries typically provide recognised certificates such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat at the required level. Study materials, assessments and academic writing are in German.
Learning format and study materials
This is a Fernstudium: you learn via an online platform with digital study notes, video lectures, templates and practical assignments. As a Fachhochschule programme, the design is application-focused. Self-paced modules are complemented by optional live webinars and Q&A sessions scheduled in Central European Time (CET/CEST).
Exams and where you take them
Written exams and many assessments can be taken online with remote proctoring. Alternative formats (e.g. assignments, presentations, project work) are integrated throughout. If you prefer on-site exams, SRH runs test centres in Germany; from outside Germany, the default option is online examination.
On-site sessions in Germany
There are no compulsory on-campus phases. Optional seminars and networking events are offered; participation is voluntary and can be helpful if you are in Germany or visiting.
Weekly workload, time models and pacing
Plan around 25–30 hours per week in the standard schedule. Time models: 120 ECTS (4 semesters), 90 ECTS (3 semesters), 60 ECTS (2 semesters). You can start any month and extend beyond the regular duration at no extra tuition for a generous buffer (typically up to 12–24 months, depending on track). Live elements, when offered, occur in CET/CEST; recordings are usually available.
What does the Digital Marketing (MBA) cost?
Total tuition depends on the ECTS track and payment model. For the 120-ECTS route, typical totals range around €15,096–€16,164 depending on instalment length; for 90 ECTS, around €13,122–€14,475; for 60 ECTS, around €9,948–€10,864. Longer instalment plans reduce monthly payments and slightly increase the overall total; shorter plans do the opposite.
Indicative monthly rates (regular, undiscounted): 120 ECTS approximately €629 per month (24 months) or €449 per month (36 months); 90 ECTS around €729 per month (18 months) or €579 per month (25 months); 60 ECTS around €829 per month (12 months) or €679 per month (16 months). You can pay from abroad via common international methods. Study materials are included; online exams do not add separate fees. The university grants free time extensions after the standard duration (up to 12–24 months, depending on track), keeping overall costs predictable.
As a distance programme, you avoid relocation and visa costs. Budget for your own hardware, software subscriptions you choose to use (e.g. analytics tools), and optional travel if you attend in-person events.
What careers and recognition does the Digital Marketing (MBA) offer?
The MBA carries ECTS credits within the Bologna framework and is accredited under Germany’s national system through the German Accreditation Council; the current accreditation runs to 30 September 2030. The university is state-recognised (Baden-Württemberg). For international careers, this signals a recognised Master’s level (second-cycle) qualification with transparent credit points, aiding portability and employer understanding worldwide.
Typical roles after graduation include:
- Digital Marketing Manager, Head of Performance Marketing, Growth Marketing Manager
- Brand, Product or Communications Manager with a digital focus
- E-commerce Manager or Customer Acquisition/CRM Lead
- Digital Strategy Consultant or Agency Account Director
Salaries vary strongly by region and experience. In Germany, marketing leadership roles commonly range from mid-five figures to low-six figures (euros) with significant variance by sector, company size and P&L responsibility. Internationally, the MBA can support progression into team lead and head-of roles, especially when combined with several years of demonstrable campaign and analytics impact.
Who is the Digital Marketing (MBA) right for – and who not?
This MBA is built for working professionals who want a recognised Master’s degree without pausing their career. It suits marketers and career changers with digital exposure who are ready to operate at strategy, leadership and data-driven decision level.
- You want a fully remote, ZFU-approved German Fernstudium with monthly start dates.
- Your German is strong enough to study, write and present at Master’s level.
- You already work in marketing, product, e-commerce or communications and aim for leadership or specialist roles.
- You value applied learning: projects, analytics, and modules you can put to work immediately.
- You need predictable monthly costs and the option to extend time without extra tuition.
There are also clear cases where this programme is not a fit. Read these carefully if you plan to study from outside German-speaking countries.
- You need an English-taught MBA; this programme is delivered fully in German.
- You cannot provide advanced German (typically C1) or suitable proof of language for admission and academic success.
- You seek a campus experience in Germany for visa or relocation purposes; this purely online format does not provide a study visa route.
- You prefer or require frequent in-person classes; on-site sessions here are optional only.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Digital Marketing (MBA)? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University or the editorial team will answer you.