Who is the MBA General Management at AKAD University Suitable for?
The MBA programme in General Management is aimed at professionals with a first university degree who want to take on leadership responsibilities in companies, consultancies, or organisations or specifically expand their management skills. You are especially addressed if you come from business, engineering, computer science, natural sciences, or related disciplines and can already demonstrate at least one year of qualified professional experience. The degree programme is ideal for working professionals who want to flexibly work towards a management position in leadership, consulting, or corporate development alongside their job.
What formal requirements must you meet?
For admission to the MBA programme in General Management you need:
- A successfully completed university degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma) with at least 180 ECTS or an equivalent qualification.
- At least one year of qualified work experience after the first degree.
- If you do not have a German university degree: proof of sufficient German language skills, for example through DSH-2, TestDaF level 4, GER level C1 or an equivalent certificate.
If you have an economics diploma (e.g. Dipl.-Kaufmann, Dipl.-Betriebswirt) and at least one year of professional experience, you can have the 1st and 2nd semesters credited and thus shorten the duration of your studies. For certain other business-related first degrees, the accreditation of individual semesters is also possible.
Personally, you should bring the following requirements:
- Solid knowledge of academic work, especially in independently writing academic texts.
- English language skills to successfully complete English-language modules.
- Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics.
- The ability to organise yourself independently and study with discipline over a longer period (12 to 48 months).
- Interest in business processes and analytical thinking skills.
- Willingness to take on responsibilities in companies, in teams or in projects.
Which Contents and Competences Will You Acquire in the MBA General Management?
In the MBA General Management programme at AKAD University, you will acquire comprehensive business administration skills for leadership-level tasks. The curriculum includes core business disciplines as well as practice-oriented and international focal points:
- Foundation modules: Marketing Management, Corporate Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, Cost and Performance Accounting, and Tax Law
- Core areas: Investment and Financing, Strategic Management and Controlling, Technology Management, Organisation and Business Development, Process Organisation
- Internationality: International Management and Intercultural Communication, fostering intercultural competences and global perspectives
- Practice-oriented case study work for developing analytical and solution-oriented competences
- Elective modules (specialisations):
- Corporate Governance and Sustainability
- Global Marketing
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- International Management
- Final phase: Master’s thesis and scientific colloquium with independent project work
You will develop competences in strategic planning, change management, sustainable corporate governance and learn to make entrepreneurial decisions based on facts and foresight. The programme is complemented by imparting leadership skills, communication abilities, and international management knowledge.
How Is the Distance Learning Programme Structured and Organised?
The MBA programme is fully organised online and can be flexibly integrated into everyday life. It comprises 120 ECTS and can be completed in 24 to 48 months depending on prior achievements and the chosen time model. By crediting relevant prior achievements, the programme can be shortened to 2 to 3 semesters.
- Individual learning pace: Three time models (Sprint – 24 months, Standard – 36 months, Stretch – 48 months) allow adjustment of the workload to your personal situation.
- Digital learning environment: The AKAD Online Campus offers access to all study materials such as scripts, videos, webinars, podcasts, and exercises. You can work through the modules in any order and at your own pace.
- Examination formats: Exams take place as online written exams, term papers, open-book exams, case studies, and the master’s thesis. Most exams can be taken flexibly online – attendance is not mandatory.
- Interactive teaching formats: Live webinars, online seminars and discussion rounds enable exchange with lecturers and other students.
- Support: There are personal contact persons for each module; the student support team assists with organisational questions.
- Community: Virtual study groups, forums, and alumni networks promote exchange.
Regular self-tests as well as AI-supported learning assistance help you efficiently control your study progress. The final thesis is completed independently and defended in the colloquium, usually online. A four-week free trial period facilitates entry.
For Which Positions and Sectors Does the MBA General Management Qualify You?
With the MBA General Management degree, you can take on broad leadership responsibilities in national and international companies. Typical fields of application include:
- Executive management and C-level positions: Leading entire companies or business units, strategic corporate development
- Sales management: Planning and implementing sales strategies, leading sales teams
- Management consulting: Consulting in management, change management, restructuring, and sustainable development
- Financial management (CFO): Steering financial strategy, controlling all financing processes
- Human resource management: Leading HR departments, strategic personnel development
- Global management functions: Coordinating international projects and teams, managing intercultural processes
The MBA is a classic springboard for advancing into top management, for career changers entering new industries, as well as for subsequent doctoral studies. Graduates are particularly in demand in corporations, medium-sized enterprises, consultancies, and start-ups.
What Study Fees and Financing Options Should You Expect?
The total cost for the MBA General Management distance learning programme depends on the chosen study duration and time model. Monthly fees and total sums vary:
- Sprint model (24 months): approx. €481 per month, total fee starting at approx. €11,496
- Standard model (36 months): approx. €367 per month
- Stretch model (48 months): approx. €295 per month
- Examination fee: One-time €960 (usually included in the total price)
- Free extension of several months, additional costs apply only with significant exceeding of the standard period
The price includes all learning materials, access to the online campus, individual support, and examinations. Voluntary face-to-face events, travel or accommodation costs are not reimbursed.
You have the following financing options:
- Tax deductibility as business expenses or special expenses
- Support or cost coverage by your employer
- Regular discount campaigns by the university
- Free four-week trial period at the beginning of the studies
For even more flexible study, you can credit ECTS from prior achievements, which further reduces duration and total costs.
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