Management (MSc)

This degree program links management research and theory in a unique way by combining practical specialisations with interdisciplinary theory relevant to different professional fields. In addition to soft skills, students acquire skills to apply the theoretical teaching in practice in case studies and projects. An international approach is a key aspect of modern management. The entire degree programme has an international orientation and a significant proportion of the courses are taught in English.

The degree programme (120 ECTS credits) has a standard duration of four semesters and comprises a compulsory part (45 ECTS credits), a specialisation part focusing on professional fields (45 ECTS credits) and the Master's thesis (30 ECTS credits). While the compulsory part consists of teaching management perspectives, the specialisation part prepares students for specific management tasks in different types of enterprises. Students can choose modules specialising in the management of service providers, healthcare companies, global enterprises, industrial companies and logistics companies.

Students can also combine modules from the specialisations and take additional modules in managerial accounting, finance, information systems, economics and statistics.

In principle, all applicants with a Bachelor's degree are eligible for this degree programme. The required knowledge in economics must be proven in the admissions examination. This degree programme is primarily aimed at graduates of Bachelor's degree programmes in business and economics.

The degree programme consists of a compulsory part and a specialisation part. Below you can find the study plan and various options for organising your studies. Information can also be found here.

Compulsory subjects

The compulsory part consists of two sections. In the main section (25 ECTS credits) students obtain an in-depth understanding of the purpose and instruments of market and resource-oriented management in modules such as 'Business Strategy', 'Financial foundations of management' or 'Technology and innovation management'. This section gives students a holistic perspective of management. In the applied section (20 ECTS credits) students link theory to practice and choose from a variety of seminars. They learn how to apply management concepts in case study seminars and projects, as well as in seminars on the application of management techniques, management research, team skills, presentation skills and negotiation skills.

Specialisation

In the specialisation part, students are free to choose nine modules from a large number of modules in different specialisation areas and combine them according to their individual needs. The modules are divided into six module groups, each of which focuses on management tasks in a specific sector. The module groups are structured as follows:

Management in the healthcare sector: students acquire the knowledge they need for careers at pharmaceutical companies, health insurance providers or outpatient or inpatient healthcare services. One module focuses on the foundations of medicine to equip students with specialist knowledge required in this field.

Management in industrial companies: in these modules, students acquire all of the skills they need to work in the management of industrial companies, including skills in procurement management or business-to-business marketing. Services in the industrial sector and the specifics of management in international industrial companies are also covered.

Management of global companies: students are introduced to the challenges of globalisation for company management and prepared for careers in global companies.

Services management: the modules focus on the specific requirements of services management in logistics, industry and the financial sector, in particular on aspects of service marketing and service innovations.

Supply chain management: in these modules, students acquire knowledge and skills in various aspects of logistics (in the business-to-business and consumer area). They are prepared for careers in supply chain management and logistics consulting.

Interdisciplinary modules: in addition to the module groups above, students can choose modules in subjects such as managerial accounting, finance, information systems, economics and statistics.

Students who prefer a more general programme of studies and do not want to focus on specific types of companies or sectors can earn all of their 45 ECTS credits in modules from all module groups.

Good proficiency in English is recommended, as a substantial part of the modules are conducted in English. The admissions examination takes place in April. Students who did not graduate from a Bachelor's degree programme in business and economics are advised to prepare for the admissions examination. Further information can also be found here.

Is there an alternative option to the admissions examination?

If an applicant cannot sit the admissions examination for reasons beyond their control or if the effort involved in sitting the admissions examination is disproportionate, submission of a GMAT with at least 600 points can replace the examination.

Can I apply for the degree programme without the admissions examination or GMAT?

No.

Can I apply if I did not graduate from a business-related degree programme?

Graduates who did not complete a business-related degree programme can also apply for the degree programme.

When does the admissions examination take place and when can I register for it?

The admissions examination takes place no later than one month prior to the application deadline (usually April). The date of the admissions examination is published on the degree programme website at least four weeks in advance. You can register on the website.

During my Bachelor's degree programme, I achieved an average grade of x, gathered y weeks of work experience and spent z weeks abroad. How likely is it that I will be admitted to the Master's degree programme in Management?

We cannot comment on the likelihood of admission in advance.

When will I receive the admissions letter/rejection notification?

All admissions letters and rejection notifications are sent out in early to mid-July.

Are Bachelor's degrees from universities of cooperative education (Duale Hochschule), universities of applied sciences (FH) and traditional universities considered to be equal?

All applicants who meet the admissions requirements are assessed based on the same criteria. We require the institution of higher education where the Bachelor's degree programme was completed to be an accredited institution.

Do graduates from the FAU School of Business and Economics and FAU graduates in general receive preferential treatment?

No. All applicants who meet the admissions requirements are assessed based on the same criteria.

Do I have to have a certain number of ECTS credits in specific subjects (for example, statistics or economics) in my Bachelor's degree in order to be eligible for the degree programme?

No. Whether your knowledge of economics is sufficient is assessed based on the admissions examination only.

Is a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) test or BEC (Business English Certificate) Higher test required?

No.

As an international student, what sort of proof of German proficiency must be provided?

You must have passed the DSH II examination.

Is it possible to study abroad? When?

Yes, it is generally possible to study abroad. We recommend the second or third semester.

General admission requirements

This degree program is taught in German. Therefore, a good knowledge of German is an essential prerequisite to successfully completing the degree program. Proof of German language proficiency at DSH 2 level or equivalent is required for admission.

Selection criteria

• Achievements in the Bachelor's degree programme
• Results of the admissions examination
• Work experience (business/economics-related)
• Time spent abroad (study abroad or business/economics-related work experience abroad)