M.Sc. in Business Administration
Applications from June 1 to July 15 each year, for a start in the coming Winter Semester (from October).
The M.Sc. in Business Administration is one of the most highly regarded programs for business administration in Germany. It is a general rather than a niche program for a simple yet powerful reason – managers need to understand all aspects of business.
The program provides students with the theoretical foundations, understanding and modern management skills needed to become business, academic and public-sector leaders in a data-driven world. Its focus is on quantitative and empirical research-based education.
The program offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to develop a strong, broad foundation while also following their own interests. Students develop a unique profile through their choice of methodology courses, specializations, electives, and thesis. During their studies, most students further strengthen this profile by working in business or completing internships.
Graduates are in high demand. In business, they find work quickly, earn above average starting salaries, and enjoy positions with a high level of responsibility. Others choose to further their academic career and go on to a doctoral degree.
Students during Orientation in 2022.
Program structure
- 120 ECTS, 4 semesters
- Broad master program: Students choose 2 of 7 specializations
- Can be completed in English or German, or a combination of both
- Very high degree of flexibility
Students can choose between completing a master wholly in English, in German, or in combining courses in German and English.
The program offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to pursue their interests and to develop their own, unique profile.
The regular study period is 4 semesters. To be awarded the degree, students must successfully complete a total of 120 ECTS:
- methods (3 modules, 18 ECTS),
- 2 specializations (4 modules or 24 ECTS in each),
- electives (24 ECTS), and
- a thesis (30 ECTS).
Students complete the methods, specializations, and electives in the first 3 semesters, and the thesis in the final semester.
Students choose 2 out of the 7 specializations:
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Official program documents
- Module Handbook: Detailed descriptions of the modules (courses), including content and learning objectives.
- Examination Regulations: Study program regulations, rights and obligations of the faculty and of students in the study program.
- Subject-specific Provisions: Complements the Examination Regulations. States goals, rules, procedures, and structure of the program.
- Admission bylaws: Provides further detail on the admission requirements as listed below.
See Downloads at the end of this webpage for the PDF versions.
Program goals
The program goals are defined as "Intended Learning Outcomes" (ILOs). The ILOs state what students should learn and develop through the modules and the program.
ILO 1: In-depth business knowledge
- Graduates have an in-depth understanding of business administration – content, theories, and methods.
- Graduates think strategically.
ILO 2. Scholarly thinking
- Graduates can critically reflect on research, and carry out independent research.
- Graduates are capable of life-long learning.
ILO 3. Analytical skills
- Graduates understand theories.
- Graduates can collect and independently analyze different types of data.
- Graduates can make complex decisions based on theories, data, and models.
ILO 4. Management skills
- Graduates can communicate confidently and effectively (orally and in writing).
- Graduates can efficiently and effectively lead projects.
- Graduates can take on leadership roles.
- Graduates think entrepreneurially and are equipped to start and run a business.
ILO 5. Socially-responsible decision making
- Graduates think and act ethically, responsibly, and sustainably.
ILO 6. International mindset
- Graduates engage respectfully and successfully with different cultures and perspectives in an international context.
- Graduates communicate competently and have good negotiation skills in an intercultural context.
What does it all mean?
- Quantitative focus: There is a focus on quantitative data or, in other words, numbers. Although it differs depending on the modules, specializations and thesis topic, students generally need a strong base in mathematics and/or statistics to do well in the program. In other words, students who struggle in mathematics and/or statistics may have difficulties. That’s why the pre-requisite is at least 24 ECTS in mathematics, statistics, and micro-economics at bachelor level.
- Empirical focus: In most cases, faculty use empirical and real-world data in their research and teaching.
- Data-based world: The program aims to prepare students to succeed in a data-based world. This data typically comes in (big) quantitative sets. Students develop the methodological skills to analyze and understand such data.
- Ideal candidates are graduates from research-oriented universities. Experience shows that graduates from research-oriented universities are best equipped to deal with the challenging subject matter in the program, and especially with methods modules and mathematics.
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Faculty of Business Administration
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University of Hamburg
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Faculty graduates
Karla Brinck
- At the University: Doctoral researcher from 2016 to 2019
- Today: Head of People and Organizational Development at Mazars, a global auditing, accounting, and consulting group.
Both my doctorate and my professional work have focused on human resources, meaning everything related to a company’s staffing. There is a great deal of overlap and I often tap into my academic expertise in my everyday work. Nonetheless, it was still a big change, especially with regard to working approaches. While doing my doctorate, I spent many hours highly concentrated and focused on a single topic. In my job, however, I jump quickly from one topic to another; I am still highly focused but for shorter periods of time.
It was clear to me that I would be involved with HR topics after doing my doctorate, but not in which industry or in what role. I applied to various companies and profited in many cases from my experiences as a student: during your studies, it is very easy to gain insight into various areas. This way, you learn very different disciplines. Thus, I can only recommend doing internships; take on a student job in a company and/or as an assistant within a professorship. That is an excellent way to find out what you really want to do later.
Jochen Hartmann
- At the University: Doctoral researcher (in the professorship Marketing and Customer Insight, 2017–2021) and postdoctoral researcher (in the professorship Marketing and Branding, 2020–2021)
- Today: Professor of digital marketing at the Technical University of Munich
I realized early in my studies that I have a passion for academia. After 2 years as a consultant with McKinsey, I began at Universität Hamburg. I was able to familiarize myself with all aspects of academia and I profited immensely from the various support programs for doctoral and early career researchers. For example, I had multiple opportunities to do research at the Columbia Business School or in St. Gallen.
At a personal level, different mentors supported me, including my doctoral supervisor Prof. Dr. Mark Heitmann, alongside Prof. Dr. Henrik Sattler and Prof. Dr. Oded Netzer. They also advised me when I had to make important decisions about my academic career: for example, during my time as a postdoc at Universität Hamburg, I was offered a position as an assistant professor at Groningen University. Because I was so happy in Hamburg, the move was a hard one for me to make. Ultimately, I decided to go and I didn’t regret it. A career in academia requires a great deal of flexibility, which you need to be aware of. At the same time, it offers a lot of room to shape your own career. I can only advise students considering this career path to find out what you have a passion for, to seek international and interdisciplinary exchange, and to focus on topics that might contribute productively to society.
Anastasia Lebedeva
- At the University: M.Sc. with a focus on logistics and supply chain management (2016–2018)
- Today: Manager in the field of data-driven supply chain management at the managment consulting company Capgemini Invent
It became clear to me quickly in my various internships in, among other things, consulting and supply chain management, that these topics interest me most. This is why I chose that focus in my master’s studies and I specifically applied for companies in the field. Having said that, the finer nuances of the interview process are not necessarily a part of your studies. So I also attended workshops and activities at the Career Center at Universität Hamburg and talked to alumni of my degree program who had already started working and were able to give me valuable tips.
I was also able, of course, to use and deepen my academic expertise in various projects in my job, for example, when preparing and analyzing data or solving different supply chain use cases. I also continue to learn and nurture my curiosity. Learning to never give up and to not fear new challenges are two of the most important things I took away from my master’s studies. Above all, I would advise students, in addition to doing various internships, to enjoy their studies and have fun!
Lukas Kwietniewski
- At the University: Bachelor’s in socioeconomics with a focus on business administration (2207–2010), M.Sc. (2010–2012), doctorate within the professorship for management in the field of health economics (2012–2016)
- Today: Director of health care analysis for Statista GmbH
I first studied law, but I quit after 3 semesters. My alleged failure inspired me to focus more strongly on my real interests: in the degree programs that followed, I always had a lot of fun working with data and deriving practical solutions. The master’s program and my work as an undergraduate research assistant for Prof. Schreyögg also awakened my interest in academic work.
One of the most important skills that I learned in my studies is definitely how to get organized, to structure my time, and to set priorities—If I would give any advice to students, it is to learn these skills as early as possible, for example, to create weekly plans to prepare for tests. These skills helped me especially in the early years in my job and they still do, even when, over time, the focus of my work has shifted to management and strategy. The expertise I gained in my studies and by doing my doctorate also continue to be an important foundation. The combination of deeper understanding of health system management in my master’s studies and my affinity for working with data sets have been helpful guiding principles in my career. Students, however, should always try out different things. There is nary a person who can precisely plan or predict their own future.
Links
- Academic Office
- Semester dates and deadlines
- City of Hamburg: Information for international students
Downloads
Official program documents [PDFs]:
- Examination regulations
- Subject-specific provisions
- Module Handbook
- Admission bylaws
- Special conditions for Admission (2016)
Please note: Amendments are changes to specific areas of the regulations or bylaws.
Contacts
Send all questions about the program, applications, and being accepted to the Academic Office: msc-bwl-bewerbung"AT"uni-hamburg.de