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Deutsch Who is the MBA Innovation Management suitable for?
The MBA distance learning programme Innovation Management is aimed at specialists and executives who are responsible for innovation projects in companies or organisations, manage change processes, or want to develop new business areas. The programme is particularly suitable for graduates of business or technical degree courses as well as for professionals from other disciplines who wish to deepen their management knowledge and specifically further qualify in the field of innovation management. Applicants without a first degree may also be admitted under certain conditions through an aptitude test.
What formal requirements must you meet?
Regular admission to the MBA Innovation Management takes place with the following conditions:
- Completed university degree (at least six theoretical semesters, e.g. Bachelor, Diploma or equivalent) with a final grade of at least 2.5; in case of a lower grade, case-by-case examination
- The first university degree should have a workload of 210 ECTS credits. If fewer than 210 ECTS, further qualification during the MBA studies is possible
- At least one year of relevant professional experience after the first degree
Alternatively, admission via the aptitude test is possible if you do not have a completed university degree. For this, you need:
- General or subject-specific university entrance qualification, university of applied sciences entrance qualification, or a qualified professional qualification (overall grade at least 2.5)
- At least three years of relevant professional experience related to innovation management or related fields or
- Degree as Bachelor Professional (e.g. master craftsman examination, business administrator or commercial specialist) plus at least one year of relevant professional experience or
- Degree as Master Professional (third level of professional further education), then no additional professional experience is required
- Successful passing of the internal university aptitude test
On a personal level, you should bring the following qualities and prior experience for distance learning:
- Interest in management tasks and innovation topics, ideally first practical experience with innovation or change projects
- Self-organisation, self-motivation and the ability to study content parallel to work
- Willingness to work in a team, to critically reflect on leadership tasks and solid communication skills
- Basic knowledge of business processes is an advantage but not mandatory
What competencies does the Innovations Management MBA distance learning course impart?
In the Innovations Management MBA, you acquire comprehensive management knowledge and specialise in strategically designing and implementing innovation processes within companies. The curriculum combines classic management subjects with specific innovation expertise in an international context. You develop skills in leadership, marketing, corporate governance as well as systematic innovation management. A special focus lies on analysing and optimising an innovation-promoting corporate culture and building methodological competence for introducing new products, services or business models. In addition to professional know-how, communication and soft skills for managers are specifically trained.
- Management basics: corporate management, financial management, market analysis
- Leadership skills: communication, soft skills, personnel management
- Innovation management: methods, processes, organisational cultural prerequisites
- Marketing: marketing policy, market and customer management
- Quantitative analyses: economics, data and market research
- Degree: master’s thesis in an international context with viva
How is the procedure of the Innovations Management MBA distance learning course structured?
The course is designed for four semesters and allows part-time qualification alongside employment. It combines self-study phases with fixed attendance periods and online tools. Each semester includes three attendance phases at the Nürburgring or Zweibrücken locations, where you receive practical training and networking opportunities. In the fourth semester, an out-of-campus event takes place. Study booklets and learning software enable flexible working. The master’s thesis concludes the course, accompanied by an international master’s thesis seminar and a presentation in the viva. Entry is possible at the summer or winter semester.
- Standard period of study: 4 semesters (including thesis)
- Part-time with study booklets and digital learning materials
- Three attendance phases per semester, mostly at weekends
- Master’s thesis in the 4th semester with international exchange
What career paths does an MBA degree in Innovations Management open up for you?
The degree as Master of Business Administration in Innovations Management qualifies you to assume strategic tasks in companies, especially in innovation and change processes. Graduates are qualified for specialist and management positions in innovation departments, corporate development, R&D or as innovation managers. There are also prospects as project managers, consulting or strategy roles in international companies and start-ups. The MBA provides access to senior civil service positions and, subject to doctoral regulations, also the option to pursue a doctorate.
- Innovation manager in large and medium-sized enterprises
- Strategic or operational leadership of innovation projects
- Career in product management, marketing, R&D or business development
- Consulting and interface roles at the intersection of innovation and management
- Management level with an international focus
- Access to senior public service positions and doctoral studies
What costs and funding options must you expect for the MBA?
The total costs of the Innovations Management MBA amount to €2,100 per semester, totalling €8,500 for the entire course. Additionally, a social contribution of approximately €149 per semester is charged, as well as a one-time chip card issuance fee of €8. Additional fees may apply if the standard period of study is exceeded or in case of retakes. Various funding options exist: support from employers, continuing education scholarships, educational leave or tax deductions for expenses. Many students can claim tuition fees as income-related expenses or special expenses for tax purposes, which reduces the financial burden.
- Cost per semester: €2,100
- Social contribution per semester: approx. €149
- Total fee: approx. €8,500 (if completed within the standard period)
- Funding possible through support programmes and tax benefits
- Option for support by employer or educational leave
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