Who Benefits from the MBA General Management in Distance Learning?

The MBA programme in General Management at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at professionals from all industries who aspire to a leadership position or wish to systematically expand their management expertise. It is especially targeted at junior executives, graduates of business-related or related degree programmes, as well as experienced specialists with relevant professional experience who want to acquire business management skills across industries. The programme is also suitable for career changers with relevant professional and leadership experience who want to enhance their career prospects in an international and digital management environment.

Admission Requirements in Detail

The following options apply for admission to the MBA General Management:

• A completed first degree (Bachelor, Diplom or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits
• Additionally at least 1 year of qualified professional experience in a field relevant to the programme
• Alternatively, for MBA programmes with 60, 90 or more ECTS credits:
  • With 180 ECTS: at least 3 years of professional experience
  • With 210 ECTS: at least 2 years of professional experience
  • With 240 ECTS: at least 1 year of professional experience
• Without a university degree: university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur), completed vocational training and at least 2 years of professional experience in the relevant field as well as passing an aptitude test (e.g. term paper); a motivation letter and proofs are required
• In addition, programme-specific proofs may be required, for example in business-related areas or proof of English at B2 level

You should bring the following:

• Analytical skills and the ability to think in an interconnected way
• Self-motivation and perseverance for a multi-year, part-time distance learning programme
• Practical professional experience, ideally with initial leadership tasks or team responsibility
• Willingness to work on business management and digital topics in an interdisciplinary manner
• Communication skills and interest in intercultural management issues
• Good self-organisation, time management and the ability to independently manage learning processes

Study Content in Detail: What Does the MBA General Management Teach?

In the MBA General Management programme at Hochschule Fresenius, you acquire comprehensive business and management-oriented skills. The content is based on the MBA guidelines of the European Quality Link (EQUAL) and covers all essential areas of modern management. Below you will find an overview of the key learning fields and skills acquired:

• Strategic Management and Economics: You analyse principles of strategic corporate management, economic interrelations, and the impact of economic trends on management decisions.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Business Ethics: Teaching current standards for responsible, sustainable, and ethical conduct in companies.
• Digitalisation and Digital Management: You learn how digital transformation changes companies and how to develop digital strategies.
• Organisational Management and Behaviour in Organisations: Analysis of organisational structures, change management, and organisational psychology basics for executives.
• Entrepreneurship and Management Decisions: Knowledge in economic modelling and founding new business models.
• Investment, Financing and Controlling: You deal with corporate financing, investment calculation, and modern controlling.
• Agile Leadership and Leadership: You develop your leadership personality and learn about leadership styles in dynamic change processes.
• Human Resource Management: Recruiting, development, and strategic personnel work.
• Methods of Data Analysis: Application of various analysis methods for well-founded decision-making in companies.
• Marketing Management and Digital Brand Management: Development of holistic marketing strategies and brand management in the digital space.
• International and Intercultural Management: You engage with global business models, international markets, and intercultural collaboration.
• Master’s Thesis: In the final scientific project, you independently work on a practice-relevant management topic according to scientific standards.

Additionally, the programme offers supplementary qualifications through international ASU® certificates and access to masterclasses at Arizona State University. Practical case studies and the integration of modern AI tools accompany the acquisition of competencies.

Course Structure: How is the MBA Organised as a Distance Learning Programme?

The MBA General Management is designed as a part-time distance learning programme with particular flexibility. Here are the key details about the organisation:

• Duration of Studies: Standard duration 3 – 6 semesters (corresponding to 18, 24 or 36 months). You determine the schedule according to your individual life and work situation; switching is possible during the course of study.
• Start Date: Flexible enrolment – you can start monthly.
• Study Organisation: You study on the digital platform studynet. All modules, studymags (digital study booklets), video lectures, scientific e-books and the online library are available here.
• Learning Formats: Independent learning via digital self-study; optional attendance workshops if needed (format “SaturdayOnly”); all compulsory content can be completed online.
• Examinations: Various exam forms: online and on-site exams, term papers, presentations via video conference, open-book exams and 24/7 online tests. Most exams can be taken online; face-to-face dates are kept to a minimum.
• Support: Every student receives a personal study coach for individual support; direct contact with lecturers and professors via online office hours, forums, and live webinars.
• Degree: Successful completion of all modules and the passed master’s thesis leads to the recognised degree “Master of Business Administration (MBA)” with 90 ECTS.

The course is fully digital, including modern AI tools for learning and research processes. All learning materials are also usable on mobile devices or offline; the studymags can be ordered as printed versions on request (optional, at additional cost).

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities: Where Does the MBA General Management Lead?

With the MBA General Management, you gain cross-sector leadership skills that qualify you for responsible positions in companies of various sizes and industries. Typical fields of application and career prospects are:

• Leadership Positions and Management Tasks: Taking on management functions in industrial companies, service providers, trade, or the public sector.
• Specialist and Project Management: Leading strategic, international or digital projects – e.g. as department head, team leader or project manager.
• Human Resource Management: Responsibility for personnel development and strategy.
• Business Consulting and Consulting: Working as a consultant for corporate strategy, digitalisation or transformation.
• Sales, Marketing and International Management: Leadership roles in sales, international business or brand management.
• Self-employment and Entrepreneurship: Preparation for founding and managing your own company.
• Academic Career: The degree qualifies you for a doctorate or further academic activities.

The MBA is internationally recognised and can be used as proof of leadership strength, strategic thinking as well as digital and transformational competence. It facilitates entry into higher salary brackets and opens up new areas of responsibility.

Costs and Financing: What Do You Invest in the Distance Learning Programme?

The following costs are incurred for the MBA General Management distance learning programme at Hochschule Fresenius:

• Tuition Fees (with promotional discount, status June 2024):
  • 18 months: €618.55 / month
  • 24 months: €485.05 / month
  • 36 months: €360.45 / month
  Monthly instalments are reduced if longer models are chosen. Prices include digital teaching materials, tutorials, examinations and support.
• Included in the overall package:
  • Access to all digital learning materials and the online library
  • Support from study coaches and teaching staff
  • Exam fees for regular examinations
  • Participation in international ASU® certificates and masterclasses
• Additional (optional) costs:
  • Travel and possible accommodation costs for on-site exams or workshops (if necessary and desired)
  • Printed study booklets if ordered
  • Own technical equipment (computer, internet access)

Various financing options are available:

• Plannable monthly instalments for maximum calculability
• Switching between study time models possible (e.g. due to professional changes)
• Funding opportunities such as scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium), student loans (e.g. KfW student loan), support from employers or tax benefits (costs deductible as work-related expenses or business expenses for the self-employed)

The cost structure is transparent; no hidden fees arise. The university offers personal advice on the optimal financing strategy.