Who Benefits from the MBA Leadership Distance Learning Programme?

The MBA programme “Leadership” at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at professionals who want to take on or expand leadership roles within companies or organisations. The distance learning course is particularly suitable for graduates from business-related fields as well as for experienced managers and junior managers who wish to deepen their management and leadership skills at a master’s level. It is also an option for career changers with extensive relevant professional experience and aspirations for advancement.

Admission: What Requirements Must You Meet?

The following formal certificates are required for admission to the MBA Leadership:

• You have completed a first degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credit points.
• You have at least 1 year of qualified professional experience in a relevant field (required for advanced master’s programmes; the practical experience must relate to the management or leadership context).
• Alternatively: With a university entrance qualification, completed vocational training, at least 2 years of relevant professional experience and passing an aptitude test, admission without a prior degree is possible. In this case, a training certificate, proof of professional experience and a motivation letter are required.
• Additional individual requirements may apply, such as proof of ECTS credits in relevant subjects, English proficiency at B2 level, or participation in an admission interview. The university reviews this on a case-by-case basis.
• There is no Numerus Clausus (NC), and you can start without A-levels provided the other requirements are met.

Personally, you should bring the following qualities and experience:

• Professional experience with initial leadership tasks or areas of responsibility
• Interest in strategic corporate management, change management and sustainable leadership
• Self-organisation and the ability to flexibly integrate learning phases into your professional life
• Critical-analytical thinking ability as well as willingness to reflect on your own leadership style
• Communication skills and teamwork, especially in dealing with hybrid and diverse teams
• Basic knowledge of English (helpful for international aspects and literature)

Your Study Content in the MBA Leadership: What Awaits You?

In the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Leadership at Hochschule Fresenius, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge of leadership, management and economic control. The curriculum links classical management skills with current approaches to digital and sustainable corporate management. These thematic focal points await you:

• Strategic Management and Economics: You analyse economic interrelationships, develop strategies and learn to apply business management models for corporate governance.
• Quality Management and Personnel Leadership: Methods and tools for sustainable process improvements and efficient personnel deployment are in focus.
• Applied Psychology for Leaders: You examine psychological aspects of employee leadership and organisational development.
• Macroeconomic Developments and Management Decisions: Knowing and evaluating macroeconomic influences for entrepreneurial decision-making.
• Data Analysis for Business Decisions: Methods for analysing company data to make evidence-based decisions.
• Product and Process Management: You develop and optimise business processes and actively shape product life cycles.
• Finance and Financial Organisation: Fundamentals and specialised topics of financial management as well as controlling tools for practical use.
• Change Management and Digital Leadership: Knowledge and practical methods to manage digital transformation projects and change processes.
• Economic Modelling and Entrepreneurship: You develop entrepreneurial thinking and model innovative business models.
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics: Raising awareness for sustainable and ethical corporate management.
• Current Topics in Leadership and Management: Addressing trends such as New Work and modern leadership approaches.

In the elective area you choose an individual specialisation module, for example:

• International and Intercultural Management for Leaders
• Leadership Tools for a Hybrid Working World
• Sustainable Leadership in the Age of Digitalisation and New Work

During the completion of the modules you will develop practice-relevant skills in team, conflict and innovation management, project management, personnel development as well as the management of change processes. The course concludes with a master’s thesis in which you academically and practically deal with a self-chosen leadership topic.

How Your Distance Learning Works: Structure and Procedure

The MBA Leadership is designed as a fully flexible distance learning course – you can start at any time on the 1st of a month. The course comprises 90 ECTS credits and can be completed in three variants:

• Full-time model: 3 semesters (18 months)
• Part-time/professionally compatible model: 4 semesters (24 months) or 6 semesters (36 months)

You structure your modules at your own pace as there are no fixed semester deadlines. The study content is mainly provided digitally via the learning platform studynet. Important aspects of everyday study life:

• Multimedia studymags, video lectures, e-books and digital libraries accompany your self-study.
• Personal support by study coaches and contact to lecturers via chats, forums and video consultations.
• Optional printed versions of study magazines can be ordered for a fee.
• Examinations are carried out flexibly: written exams (mostly also available as online exams), term papers, presentations and open-book formats.
• Optional face-to-face workshops (e.g. in “SaturdayOnly” mode) are voluntary – the entire course is also 100% possible online.
• 24/7 online exams allow you to take exams at a self-chosen time.

Exchange with fellow students takes place via the online campus, virtual learning groups and discussion forums. After successful completion of all modules and the master’s thesis, you will be awarded the degree Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects – Where Will the MBA Leadership Take You?

With the MBA Leadership you qualify for demanding leadership tasks in companies of all industries and sizes:

• Leadership and Management Positions: Leading teams, departments or business units in industry, trade, service or non-profit organisations.
• Change Management and Digital Transformation: Taking on key roles to manage and implement change processes in companies.
• Consulting and Project Management: Working as a consultant focusing on leadership, restructuring or innovation.
• Executive Management and Leadership: Development into a member of executive management, authorised officer (Prokurist) or managing director.
• Personnel Management and Organisational Development: Responsible tasks in staff development and organisational control.
• Academic Career: Opportunity for doctoral studies or research at universities and colleges.

The acquired skills are particularly in demand in internationally operating companies, in modern, hybrid working environments and in the development of sustainable business models. Many graduates move into higher salary brackets or significantly expand their areas of responsibility after completing their studies.

Costs and Financing: What Do You Need to Plan For?

The MBA Leadership in distance learning at Hochschule Fresenius is subject to fees. The total costs depend on the chosen time model:

• 36 months: €405 monthly (total costs: €11,016)
• 24 months: €545 monthly (total costs: €13,080)
• 18 months: €695 monthly (total costs: €12,510)

Included in the price are:

• Access to all digital learning content, studymags and the online library
• Support by study coaches, lecturers and student services
• Regular examination fees and issuance of the final certificate

Not included are optional costs such as printed materials, any travel costs to examination centres (for on-site exams) and technical equipment (e.g. own laptop).

Various financing options are available:

• Payment in monthly instalments according to the chosen study duration
• Possible support by employer (especially for employees who want to specifically further qualify themselves)
• Study loans (e.g. KfW student loan)
• Scholarship programmes (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium)
• Tax deductibility of tuition fees as income-related expenses or special expenses, depending on individual circumstances

Hochschule Fresenius offers individual advice on financing issues on request and supports the clarification of funding options.