M.B.A. and Eng. in Operational Excellence

Your engineering background gives you a strong foundation for understanding technical processes. In the M.B.A. and Eng. in Operational Excellence, you expand this expertise with the management and business skills needed for leadership roles.

The M.B.A. and Eng. is an interdisciplinary master’s degree, giving you the skills to bridge the gap between business and technology.

You learn how to analyze and optimize processes using approaches such as Lean Management, Six Sigma, and agile methods, while exploring how digitalization, data management, and smart technologies are transforming production, supply chains, and other business operations. At the same time, you develop a broader understanding of areas such as purchasing, IT, and strategic management.

The program takes a holistic view of operational excellence: sustainable improvements require not only efficient processes and technologies, but also sound business decisions, effective communication, and the ability to lead change.

Through cloud-based simulations, hands-on management games, and real-world case studies, you put what you learn into practice and develop the skills to tackle complex operational challenges.

With the M.B.A. and Eng. in Operational Excellence, you gain:

an interdisciplinary skill set combining engineering, management, and business expertise
a unique qualification at the interface of technology and management with the special degree M.B.A. and Eng.
the ability to analyze, optimize, and manage complex business operations
practical experience with Lean Management, Six Sigma, digitalization, data management, and agile methods
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
valuable industry experience through an integrated two-semester industry phase in a company
the development of intercultural competence through international collaboration and diverse study groups
broad career opportunities in areas such as production management, factory planning, quality management, and supply chain management

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 and Engineering (M.B.A. and Eng.).

Semester 1 and 2:

The M.B.A. and Eng. 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 (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):

Advanced Industrial Transformation and AI
Smart Factory Planning
Lean Business Systems
Supply Chain Management
Business Information Systems with SAP
Quality Management
Project and Process 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

As a graduate, you have in-depth knowledge of supply chain management, lean production, and digitalized industrial processes, combined with practical industry experience. This skill set prepares you for management and specialist roles in production, production planning, and supply chain management.

You have excellent career opportunities in Germany and abroad, especially with German companies operating internationally or foreign companies with a presence in Germany.

Typical career paths include roles such as:

Lean Manager
Product Manager
Quality Manager
Technical Advisor
Operations Controller
Process Manager

For an admission in this M.B.A. and Eng. program, applicants must fulfill the following academic and language requirements.

Academic requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Engineering Sciences, 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

Personal support throughout your studies

Hof University provides a safe and supportive environment for international students. Our Graduate School team and Welcome Center assist you from admission to arrival and throughout your studies.

Graduate School

Operational Excellence

Degree awarded
M.B.A. and Eng.

Department
Graduate School

Duration
4 semesters

Start
Winter and summer semester

Application period

Summer semester: Nov 05 - Nov 30

Winter semester: April 15 - May 31

Tuition fees
3,300 € per semester

Language of instruction
English

Campus
Hof

Key information and resources

Application and admission FAQs for Graduate School students FAQs for degree-seeking students Module descriptions Study and Examination Regulations Preparing your stay Financing your studies

Preparing your stay

If you are joining us from abroad, this page provides key information on preparing your studies, including visa requirements, health insurance, financing, and accommodation.

Preparing your stay

Campus Hof

The Campus Hof is the central hub for academic life and university administration. It brings together teaching, research, and student life in one place.

Students benefit from modern laboratories, a well-equipped university library, and on-campus sports and dining facilities.

The compact campus environment fosters close interaction between students and faculty, contributing to a supportive and familiar study atmosphere.

More about Campus Hof

What our students and graduates say

Aagam standing in front of the university dormitory

Alejandro standing in front of the university building

Aagam from India

"Choosing the MBA & Engineering in Operational Excellence at Hof University of Applied Sciences was one of the most practical and career-defining decisions I’ve made. The program stands out for its strong integration of real-world industrial challenges with data-driven methodologies, enabling me to directly apply concepts in my role within Reliability & Maintenance Engineering at Amazon.
I was particularly impressed by the close collaboration with professors and the highly supportive academic environment, which encourages both critical thinking and hands-on implementation. While German language skills can enhance everyday life and integration, the program itself is well-structured for international students, making it accessible and inclusive. Student life in Hof offers a close-knit, focused environment that fosters meaningful connections and professional growth. For anyone looking to bridge engineering, business, and operational excellence in a truly practical way, this program provides a strong foundation with measurable real-world impact."

Alejandro from Mexico

"What drew me to Hof University was the combination of its academic focus and its location at the heart of Germany’s automotive region. Being so close to companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz made the connection between what we learned in class and the reality of the industry feel very tangible.
In the program, I especially valued the balance between theory and practice. Studying topics such as Smart Factory and Business Administration, and then applying them during my internship at Mercedes-Benz AG, allowed me to understand these subjects on a much deeper and more practical level.
Life as a student in Hof is supportive and international. There are many opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds, and learning German plays an important role in integrating into both the culture and the workplace. For future students, I always recommend embracing not only the academics but also the experiences beyond the classroom: traveling, meeting new people, and discovering new perspectives that enrich both personal and professional growth."

Vedant from India

"As a student pursuing my MBA in Operational Excellence at Hof University, I'm impressed by the program's practical approach and blend of business administration and engineering.
I chose Hof for its reputation in practice-oriented education, its location in industrial Bavaria, and the personalized learning experience it offers. The university provides German language courses, which are crucial for everyday life and future job prospects.
Student life is vibrant, with excellent integration support for international students through orientation weeks and cultural activities. The student club makes sure you feel included with various events and parties!!
Hof's support structure, including the Welcome Center, International Office, and Career Service, is comprehensive and helpful. The city of Hof itself offers a perfect balance of urban amenities and natural beauty. Overall, studying here has been a rewarding experience, combining quality education with practical experience in a supportive environment."

Shantall from Bolivia

"The Master's program Operational Excellence offers a great platform to connect with international students from different engineering backgrounds, thus making it an amazing course to exchange ideas and open the horizon. The practice-oriented approach opens the gate to the German industry landscape, and it is worthwhile to watch out for the numerous family-owned hidden champions.
As the students are coming from all around the world it is an experience to grow not solely on an academic but as well on a personal level and make friends for life. The city of Hof features a lot of outside activities to enjoy the weekends like swimming at the lake Untreusee, canoeing at the river Saale or hiking in the Fichtelgebirge. And of course, there is always a spare time for Bavarian Brotzeit."

Keval from India

"Studying the Master of Operational Excellence program is an incredible learning experience with a practical approach that will help you broaden your knowledge related to business administration and engineering management. You also gain new skills and develop expertise to take advantage of new opportunities for your professional career.
I am also really happy with the extraordinary professors for sharing their experiences and valuable knowledge. Along with that, the German language lessons were very beneficial in terms of improving my language skills and making it easier to find internships. Also, all departments of the university are very active and supportive in answering your queries.
Hof is a wonderful town located on the northeastern corner of the state of Bavaria. It has beautiful gardens and forests, a zoo, a lake, etc. for wandering and spending your best time with your friends. You will meet amazing people from all over the world here and you will make lifelong friends, enjoy your student life and build wonderful memories.”

Nikunj from India

"The Master program Operational Excellence is strategically designed to enable you for a successful career. The theoretical knowledge gained at the university can be applied practically in industry during the internship and Master Thesis. This practical experience allowed me to expand my professional and social skills. The course also offers you to learn German language thoroughly, giving you an edge in the German job markets.
I highly recommend this program at Hof University to my peers."

Akash from India

"For someone like me, desiring for a practical oriented Master, Hof University proved to be a perfect place for pursuing my Master studies in Germany. The curriculum is designed by the professors having several years of professional experiences in their respective fields. Therefore, the students are prepared according to the current and future industry demands. The University has a very modern infrastructure with a 24 hours accessible library and computers, Wi-Fi, canteen and sport facilities. During my initial days the University helped me with finding an accommodation, completing the necessary government formalities and settling in Hof. Throughout the year, the Student Union organizes several fun and engaging events, thereby creating an overall intercultural atmosphere."

Shanan from India

"I grew personally and professionally after collecting an exceptional work experience during my internship at Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg and writing my Master Thesis at Skoda Auto in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. I am now working at Skoda Auto in the same department as Project Manager after successfully completing my Master Thesis, thanks to the Master degree program offered at Hof University.
The program offers a one year theoretical knowledge in the relevant fields and grants an opportunity to further apply it within the industries for the next whole year. Thus, individuals are developed to be employable and industry ready."

Eduardo from Honduras

“The decision to study the Operational Excellence Master’s program at Hof University was simply one of the best decisions I have ever made throughout my professional career. This program emphasizes on management topics for quality, logistics, production.
Also, I learnt about German industry 4.0 which makes the difference for companies in Germany. The practical experience of the internship and master thesis helped me understand the true German operational excellence and to get truly integrated."

Aditya from India

„The M.B.A. and Eng. in Operational Excellence has one of the most attractive course structures for a Master’s student in Germany. One year of classroom training followed by a 6- month mandatory internship and a 6-month thesis mark it as a complete package. This combined theoretical and practical experience builds the students in a way that they are regarded as a valuable asset for the organization post-graduation.
Another, very important aspect when you want to survive in Germany is the local language, German. The program makes sure that you reach at least German B1 proficiency level by making A2 and B1 level mandatory subjects.“

Industry 4.0: Practical insights at Hof University

Prof. Dr. Heike Markus, Program Head, explains the latest addition to our machine hall and its practical use for our students

FAQs

The M.B.A. and Eng. is a single interdisciplinary Master’s degree that combines management and engineering. It prepares you to bridge the gap between business and technology and to take on responsibilities at the interface of both fields. With this combined degree students have excellent job perspectives.

Yes. The program is designed for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least one year of professional experience. Please check the full admission requirements for details on accepted qualifications and additional requirements.

Yes. Basic German language skills (level A1) are a mandatory admission requirement.

German language courses are integrated into the curriculum, starting from A1 level. Students are required to reach B1 by the start of the internship phase.

Yes. Applicants are required to have at least one year of professional work experience.

The integrated industry phase takes place during the third and fourth semesters. You complete a structured internship in a company, apply the knowledge and skills gained during your studies to real-world challenges, and gain substantial practical work experience. During this phase, you also write your Master’s thesis on a current, practice-relevant topic in cooperation with your host company and a supervising professor.

The internship is an integral part of the program and must be completed over two semesters.

Students are responsible for securing their own internship position, with guidance and support provided by the Career Service. The university does not operate a placement service.

Graduates may be eligible to apply for post-study residence options in Germany, depending on individual circumstances and applicable immigration regulations.

Yes. International students receive support in finding accommodation through the university’s Housing Office.

Get in touch with our team

For general questions regarding programs, admission requirements, or studying at the Graduate School, we recommend using our contact form. Our team will make sure your request reaches the right contact person.

Contact the Welcome Center