Is the Master’s Degree in Education, Management and Leadership suitable for you?

The distance learning programme Education, Management and Leadership (M.A.) is aimed at individuals from the education sector who wish to specifically prepare for leadership roles or professionalise their existing management position. It is particularly intended for professionals in schools, educational institutions, continuing education providers, adult education or personnel management who want to deepen pedagogical, management-related and digital skills. Career changers with proven professional experience also have the opportunity to enter the Master’s programme, regardless of a traditional bachelor’s degree.

Composition of the admission requirements

Various admission options apply for enrolment in the Master’s programme Education, Management and Leadership at Hochschule Fresenius:

• Bachelor’s, Diploma or Magister degree: Completed first degree (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diploma, Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits; further programme-specific requirements may be required depending on prior studies.
• Professional alternative with university degree: Completed first degree (min. 180 ECTS) plus at least one year of qualified professional experience in a relevant field.
• Admission without a first degree:
  • University entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur, Fachabitur or equivalent) or completed recognised professional training
  • At least two years of relevant professional experience in the education or social sector
  • Passed aptitude test (e.g. term paper with subject-specific focus)
  • Proof of professional training and work experience; motivational letter required

In addition, for unrelated prior studies, individual supplementary qualifications, proof of certain credit points or participation in an admission interview may be required.

Personally, you should bring experience in pedagogical practice or educational management and a strong interest in leadership, development and change processes in the education sector. Also important are willingness for self-organised and digital learning, analytical thinking, communication skills and ability to work in a team. For career changers, self-motivation as well as professional experience in the relevant field are also crucial.

Which subject areas does the Master’s degree in Education, Management and Leadership cover?

In the Master’s degree programme Education, Management and Leadership (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you acquire comprehensive skills at the intersection of pedagogy, management and leadership. The curriculum focuses on educational processes as dynamic, socially relevant systems and combines pedagogical expertise with business management know-how. The core study contents include:

• Introduction and academic work: Self-organised learning, pedagogy as a science, didactic models, education in interdisciplinary contexts.
• Education theory and practice: Pedagogy of the lifespan, media pedagogy and media didactics, education and society, ethics and sustainability.
• Quality and education management: Quality management in education, educational research, both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Management and leadership in educational contexts: Sustainable personnel management, work and leadership models (also virtual and international), psychology for managers, change management, employment law.
• Elective modules (individual specialisations): Instructional Design, education management and programme planning, internationalisation of educational offerings, digital and personal communication, digital teaching technologies, media education and media psychology, national and international media law.

The skills acquired include:

• Analysis and design of complex educational processes
• Management of teams and specialist departments in educational organisations
• Planning, controlling and evaluation of educational offerings and projects
• Development and implementation of digital teaching and learning formats
• Professional communication and change process management
• Action competence in (inter-)national education management

How is the course structured and scheduled?

The Master’s programme is designed as a location-independent distance learning course and offers maximum flexibility:

• Duration: The standard period of study is 4 to 8 semesters (equivalent to 24, 36 or 48 months), depending on the chosen model and individual pace.
• Start of studies: Enrolment is possible on the 1st of any month, with no fixed semester deadlines.
• Module structure: The course comprises 120 ECTS, divided into compulsory and elective modules. Specialisations can be chosen individually; two elective modules must be selected from the core area, one may also be chosen from another Master’s programme.
• Digital learning environment: Teaching materials are provided multimedia-style (Studymags, video lectures, online exercises) via the learning platform “studynet”. Study materials are available digitally and can also be ordered as printed booklets if desired (for a fee).
• Support: Personal study coaches accompany you throughout the course. Contact with lecturers takes place via chats, virtual office hours and forums.
• Examinations: Various exam formats such as term papers, online presentations, (open-book) exams and project work – many exams can be completed entirely online, a few exams may be held on site at examination centres.
• Internationalisation: Access to masterclasses and certificate programmes in cooperation with international partner universities (e.g. ASU) is integrated.

What career prospects does the degree open up?

The Master’s degree prepares you for demanding specialist and leadership roles in the educational sector. Typical fields of application are:

• Leadership positions in educational institutions (schools, academies, continuing education institutions, universities and non-profit organisations)
• Personnel development and human resource management in the educational sector
• Programme and quality management in educational institutions
• Project management in the development and implementation of digital teaching and learning offerings
• Consulting, change management and organisational development in educational or social enterprises
• Strategic education management at national and international levels

The degree especially qualifies you for key functions at the interface between pedagogy, management and digitalisation. Graduates are able to shape educational processes holistically, introduce innovations and lead organisations confidently. The interdisciplinary orientation also makes you attractive for roles in consulting, as a continuing education manager or in the public sector.

Overview of tuition fees and financing options

The monthly tuition fees depend on the chosen duration model:

• 48 months: €315 monthly (discounted €280.35 with discount code)
• 36 months: €395 monthly (discounted €351.55 with discount code)
• 24 months: €525 monthly (discounted €467.25 with discount code)

The mentioned fees include:

• Access to the study platform, digital teaching materials and online library
• Support from study coaches and lecturers
• All regular examination fees and certificates
• No semester fees and no hidden additional costs, except voluntary expenses for printed materials or travel to rarely required on-site exams.

Financing options:

• Participation in scholarship programmes, e.g. Deutschlandstipendium
• Funding such as continuing education BAföG (subject to meeting the requirements)
• Student loans (e.g. KfW student loan)
• Support from the employer if the qualification is relevant to the company
• Tax deductibility of tuition fees as work-related expenses or business expenses (depending on personal situation)

The university’s own advisory service supports you on request in finding suitable funding options.