Hof University Graduate School

Operational Excellence M.B.A. and Eng.

You already earned a Bachelor of Engineering and gathered some professional experience? You are interested in modern business and production processes and the secrets of “Made in Germany”? Then our Master program in Operational Excellence is just right for you.

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Two young engineers checking data on a computer

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Program flyer

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. On the engineering side, the focus is on operational excellence, particularly on methods such as lean management, Six Sigma, agile management, digitalization and Industry 4.0.

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

With this Master’s program, you gain

perfect interdisciplinary toolbox of knowledge and skills of engineering and business know-how
unique Master’s degree at the interface of management and technology with the special degree M.B.A. and Eng.
German language skills of at least level B1 at graduation.

In addition, you benefit from

an innovative mix of teaching methods - virtual learning, blended learning, simulations and case studies
development of your intercultural competence,
valuable work experience gained during the internship semesters
excellent career perspectives in various fields, e.g. production management, factory planning or supply chain management

At Hof University Graduate School, all our programs are practice-oriented, interactive and multimedia-based. Teaching is based on application-oriented 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 production facility or SCM department to gain more practical experience. The Master’s thesis has to be written during this time as well.
After successful completion of the program, Hof University awards the academic degree Master of Business Administration and Engineering (M.B.A. and Eng.).

Semester 1 and 2:

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

Basic modules (all mandatory):

Applied Economics and Intercultural Management
Strategic and Financial Framework
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):

Industry 4.0 / Data Management
Smart Factory Planning and Engineering
Business Process Excellence
Supply Chain Management
Production Planning and Control
Quality Management
Innovation Management
Elective

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...

become a manager in the areas of production, production planning or supply chain management,
have excellent career opportunities, especially in an overseas branch of a German company or a German branch of a foreign company,
have in-depth knowledge and practical understanding of SCM, lean production and industry 4.0.

You are ready to work as

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

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

Academic requirements

A Bachelor’s degree or similar from an accredited university in engineering sciences, at least 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 contactadmission(at)hof-university.de.

Internship

A unique feature of our M.B.A. and Eng. is that students spend the second year (third and fourth semester) doing a practical internship in industry (e.g. in a production facility or SCM department). Also the Master thesis is project-based and done in cooperation with a company. Thus, you can immediately apply your knowledge, gain profound professional experience and earn money at the same time.

Career Service

Operational Excellence

Degree awarded
M.B.A. and M.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

Info and services

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

Timetable

Here you find your timetable.

Timetable

Campus Hof

The campus is the management and administrative center of the university. Here you will find the university library, high-tech laboratories and university sports facilities.

More about Campus Hof

What our graduates say

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.“

Yanzheng from China

"Study in the Master program Operational Excellence at Hof University of Applied Sciences helps me achieve state of the art knowledge in modern practice-oriented business, improve expertise in operational field and obtain the global perspective. I consider it as a pit stop in my career race which sets me further.
Wandering in this city surrounded by forests often makes people feel inner peace, thus allows one to think better. Thanks to German language course, it helps me understand this country a lot and get internship opportunity here."

Eduardo from Mexico

„Studying Operational Excellence at Hof University has been a remarkable experience.

Here it is possible to meet great people and gain valuable knowledge. What I like about the program is the consolidation between the business administration and engineering sides. Grasping both extents provides a holistic approach for better decision-making and practical problem-solving. Also, the German language classes and the compulsory internship are big highlights for international students like me.

Hof is a peaceful and lovely town. Being so close to nature is one of the things I liked the most. The people from the university are always willing to help, which makes the integration process very pleasant. I‘ve been able to get in touch with amazing people and make friends for life.“