General Management M.B.A.

The program focuses on the strategic, financial, and organizational challenges involved in managing a company. You will explore what drives successful leadership and how organizations can navigate change effectively. Communication and negotiation skills complement this management perspective and help you handle complex professional situations.

The curriculum also covers business operations such as procurement and examines how digitalization is changing companies and their business models. Understanding these developments from different perspectives enables you to respond appropriately to changing business environments.

With the M.B.A. in General Management, you gain:

• the ability to understand companies as complex systems shaped by global developments such as digitalization
• the ability to assess the impact of major trends on business models and strategic decisions
• the skills to identify and manage organizational change
• German language proficiency of at least B1 level upon graduation, supporting professional opportunities in Germany

In addition, the program offers you:

• a practice-oriented learning environment combining case studies, simulations, and applied teaching formats
• the development of intercultural competence through international collaboration and diverse study groups
• valuable industry experience through an integrated two-semester industry phase in a company

An overview of the skills to be acquired in each module can be found in the program's skills matrix.

At Hof University Graduate School, learning is practice-oriented, interactive, and closely connected to real business environments. Teaching is based on the application of academic knowledge in practical contexts and is supported by industry projects, site visits, and direct engagement with practitioners.

Case studies and real-world business examples are used to translate theory into applied understanding and to develop analytical and problem-solving skills relevant to management roles.

Our faculty members (all holding doctoral degrees) combine academic expertise with professional industry experience, ensuring a strong link between research-based knowledge and business practice.

The program also includes career-focused formats such as career talks, job fairs, seminars, and professional development sessions that support networking and career readiness.

The standard duration of the program is four semesters.

Semester 1–2: Academic + applied learning
The first two semesters focus on practice-oriented learning. Students engage with case studies, laboratory work, excursions, and expert sessions that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world application.

Semester 3–4: Industry experience + Master’s thesis 

The third and fourth semesters are dedicated to an integrated industry phase in a company. During this period, students complete a structured internship and apply their knowledge in a professional working environment while gaining substantial practical experience.

The Master’s thesis is written during the industry phase and is based on a current topic within the host company. The topic is defined in close coordination with a supervising professor.

After successful completion of all requirements, Hof University of Applied Sciences awards the academic degree Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

Semester 1 and 2: Academic + applied learning

The Master’s program consists of 12 modules, each worth 5 ECTS credits, divided into four basic modules and eight core modules.

The basic modules build fundamental, interdisciplinary competencies, while the core modules provide in-depth knowledge in the key areas of strategic management, business operations, and leadership.

Basic modules (mandatory):

• Applied Economics and Intercultural Management
• Strategy, Finance and Entrepreneurship
• German Language 1*
• German Language 2*

* Mandatory with German levels of A1-B1 at the point of admission; different language course levels available depending on the student's German level at the beginning of their studies in Hof

Core modules (mandatory):

• Corporate Strategy and Controlling
• Business Information Systems with SAP
• Procurement and Risk Management
• Leadership and Change Management
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Marketing and Sales
• Supply Chain Management
• Elective 

Semester 3 and 4: Industry phase and Master’s thesis

The third and fourth semesters are dedicated to an integrated industry phase in a company. Students complete a structured internship (30 ECTS), a practice-oriented Master’s thesis (25 ECTS), and a Scientific Preparation Training (5 ECTS).

Entry into the internship phase requires proof of at least German language level B1.

Master’s thesis

The Master’s thesis applies the methodological and analytical competencies developed throughout the program.

It is written during the internship and addresses a current, practice-relevant topic within the host company. The topic is defined in coordination with the supervising professor.

View detailed program structure

The M.B.A. in General Management prepares you for management and specialist roles across a range of business functions. Depending on your background and career goals, you can pursue opportunities in areas such as strategic management, procurement, key account management, marketing and brand management, and project management. 

You graduate with practical knowledge of leadership, business model development, and change management. This enables you to contribute to strategic and operational decisions in an international business environment.

Typical career paths include roles such as:

• Procurement Manager
• Project Manager
• Marketing and Brand Manager
• Controller
• Product Manager
• Key Account Manager

For an admission in this MBA program, applicants must fulfill the following academic and language requirements.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (e.g. Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Administration/Economics, or Computer Science), minimum of 180 ECTS credits or equivalent (depending on the higher education system of the applicant’s home country)
• At least one year of professional work experience 

English language requirements

English proficiency must be demonstrated through one of the following:

• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 90
• IELTS Academic: minimum score of 6.5
• PTE Academic: minimum score of 60 

German language requirements

• Minimum German language level A1 at the time of application
• Accepted certificates include Goethe, telc, ÖSD, or equivalent 

By the beginning of the internship phase, students must demonstrate German language level B1. The required language levels A2 and B1 can be completed during the studies in Hof.

For detailed application information, please refer to the Application Guide.

Applications must be submitted through the online application portal

Application periods

• Winter intake: April 15 – May 31
• Summer intake: November 5 – November 30 

All applications are reviewed by the admissions committee. Admission decisions are issued in June for the winter intake and in December for the summer intake.

For questions regarding the application process, please contact:
admission(at)hof-university.de