General Management M.B.A.

Our business-oriented modules provide you with the strategic and financial framework of companies. Find out about the critical factors for success in leadership and change processes and how to master them with expert communication and negotiation skills.

With our holistic management approach, we also look at business operations such as purchasing and the implications of digitalization. Our teaching methods include various modern methods such as cloud-based simulations, haptic management games and case studies. 

After graduation, you are able to

• conceive a company as a complex system which is influenced by global trends such as digitalization,
• evaluate the implications of such megatrends on business models and
• initiate the appropriate changes to secure the future of a company

In addition, you benefit from

• German language skills of at least level B1 at graduation
• an innovative and diverse mix of teaching methods - virtual learning, blended learning, simulations and case studies besides regular lectures
• development of your intercultural competence
• excellent career perspectives

At Hof University Graduate School, all our programs are practice-oriented, interactive and multimedia-based. Teaching is based on applicationoriented knowledge and is supported by projects with industry, site visits and interaction with experts. Case studies as well as real-life business examples contribute to profound insights into the theoretical knowledge.

Our professors (all with PhD) and lecturers are experts in their respective fields bringing together solid scientific understanding with valuable professional experience. Thus, the knowledge transfer from business life to the classroom is ensured.

In addition, we have a strong focus on career promoting activities for students (e.g. career talks, job fairs, seminars and trainings). A three-day team-building event is a highlight for our third and fourth semester students. It includes an industrial visit and is a great opportunity for students and professors to meet outside the campus. Through an intensive exchange of ideas and networking, a connection is established beyond the point of graduation.

• The standard period of study is 4 semesters.
• The first two semesters provide practice orientated theory (case studies, working in labs, excursions, expert meetings…).
• The third and fourth semester is spent working as an intern in a company to gain more practical experience. The Master Thesis has to be written during this time as well.
• After successful completion of the program, Hof University of Applied Sciences awards the academic degree Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

Semester 1 and 2:

The Master’s program contains 12 modules, 5 ECTS per module (4 basic modules + 6 core modules + 2 elective modules)

Basic modules (all mandatory):

• Applied Economics and Research on the German Market
• Communication and Negotiation Skills
• Leadership and Change Management
• Strategic and Financial Framework

Core modules (all mandatory):

• Process and Information Management
• Corporate Strategy and Controlling
• Project Management
• Procurement Management and Risk Management
• Industrial Marketing and Sales Strategies
• Quality Management

Elective modules (select 2):

• Production Execution and Logistics
• Supply Chain Management
• Production Process Excellence
• Introduction into Business Management Systems with SAP
• Clean Production Technologies
• Sustainability in Product Development, Recycling and Disposal
• Innovation Management
• Applied Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things
• Digital Business Models
• Cyber Security
• Ideation Techniques and Digital Innovation 
• German language A2 and B1 (higher levels also available)*

* If you have a German language level of A1 at the point of admission, the modules German A2 and B1 are mandatory. Other elective modules may be passed as additional modules but will not count toward your degree and can be charged with an extra fee.

Students having advanced German language knowledge on level B1 or higher are free to choose two elective modules. German language B2 or C1 can also be selected as electives.
 

Semester 3 and 4:

Internship
The 3rd and 4th semester are dedicated to an internship (30 ECTS) in a company and a practical Master's Thesis (30 ECTS). For entering the internship, all students have to prove at least the German language level B1.
 

Master's Thesis

• Application of the methodological procedures which were obtained and trained during the entire program.
• The thesis should be written during the internship and should cover a current topic of the company.
• Topic selection has to be done in accordance with the supervising professor.

As a graduate, you...

• have excellent career perspectives, e.g. in strategic management, procurement management, key account management or marketing and brand management
• are to become a manager in an international company
• have an in-depth knowledge and practical understanding in key areas like leadership, development of new business models and implementation of change management.

You are ready to work as

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

For an admission in this Master program, you need to fulfill the following admission criteria:

Academic requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or similar in humanities, social, engineering or economic sciences or similar from an accredited university - minimum 180 ECTS or equivalent (depending on the home country).
• One year of work experience
• Letter of motivation

Language requirements

• Proficiency in English, proven by either
  • TOEFL minimum 90
  • IELTS 6.5 or above
• Basic language skills in German, proven by official test score documents (e.g. Goethe, telc, ÖSD) - minimum level A1 according to the CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

By the beginning of the internship, all students have to prove that they are at a B1 German language level. The German language levels A2 and B1 can be reached during the studies in Hof.

For further information please check our application guide.

All applications must be done via our online application portal.

• The application period for winter intake is between April 15 and May 31.
• The application period for summer intake is between November 05 and November 30.
• An admission committee intensively scrutinizes all applications and decides about final admission. Admission letters will be issued in June for winter intake and December for summer semester intake.

If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact admission(at)hof-university.de.