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

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:

The Master’s program contains 12 modules, 5 ECTS per module (4 basic modules + 8 core modules).

The basic modules focus on building fundamental, interdisciplinary skills, while the core modules provide in-depth knowledge essential to this specific Master's program.

Basic modules (all 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 (all 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:

Internship
The 3rd and 4th semester are dedicated to an internship (30 ECTS) in a company, a practical Master's Thesis (25 ECTS) and a Scientific Preparation Training (5 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.

   

View detailed program structure

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 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