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Hof University Graduate Schoool

Digitalization and Innovation M.B.A.

You already earned a Bachelor and gathered some professional experience? You would like to use your creative potential in your future career and make an impact as a leader? Our M.B.A. program in Digitalization and Innovation accommodates creative and dynamic business practices as well as traditional management elements.

 

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The modules of the Master’s program are designed to provide a comprehensive skill set that matches the disruptive nature of 21st century markets. They connect innovation management and ideation with digital aspects such as data security, data analytics and digital business models.

To make these learnings applicable on a leadership level, we also share our knowledge and expertise about strategic and financial frameworks, project management and other leadership topics. Our teaching includes various modern methods such as cloud-based simulations, haptic management games and case studies. 

With this Master’s program, you gain

  • an interdisciplinary skillset to utilize your creative potential at the intersection of digitalization and management,
  • the know-how to initiate practical innovations within a company or your own start-up,
  • excellent career perspectives, e.g. in innovation management, strategic management, consulting, or as a founder,
  • German language skills of at least level B1 at graduation.

In addition, you benefit from

  • an innovative and diverse mix of teaching methods - virtual learning, blended learning, simulations and case studies besides regular lectures,
  • development of your intercultural competence,
  • valuable work experience gained during the internship semesters.

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, 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 Master’s program contains 12 modules, 5 ECTS per module (4 basic modules + 8 core modules).
  • 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 company to gain more practical experience. The Master Thesis has to be written during this time as well.
  • After successful completion of the program, 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)

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)

  • Innovation Management
  • Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things
  • Digital Business Models
  • IT-Security
  • Ideation Techniques and Digital Innovation
  • Project Management
  • Leadership and Change Management
  • Elective 1

 

Semester 3 and 4:

Internship & Master Thesis

  • practical work-experience
  • Master‘s thesis with a company

As a graduate, you...

  • have excellent career opportunities in the field of management, at a time when flexibility, creativity and innovation are key success factors
  • you want to use your creative potential to make an impact in leadership positions,
  • have a deep understanding and knowledge of business practices and areas that connect innovation management and ideation with essential digital know-how.

You are ready to work as

  • Innovation Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Business Development Associate
  • Digital Transformation Consultant
  • Startup Founder

 

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, 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 contact admission(at)hof-university.de.

Internship

A unique feature of our M.B.A. is that students spend the second year doing a practical internship in industry (e.g. in innovation management, business development, or project management). The Master thesis too 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

Digitalization and Innovation

Degree awarded
M.B.A.
Department
Graduate School
Duration
4 semesters
Start
Winter and summer semester
Application period

Winter semester: April 15 - May 31

Summer semester: November 5 - November 30

Tuition fees
3,300 € per semester
Language of instruction
English
Campus
Hof

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 students say

Olga from Russia

"I have known Hof University for its practical and interdisciplinary approach to studies. I have always been passionate about studying interconnections and integrations of evolving and conventional business processes, and wanted to continue my professional growth in the area of innovation management. So, when I heard about this MBA program, I instantly knew that it was the perfect match for me.

Digitalization and Innovation offers its students a great variety of relevant topics together with a solid theoretical base. The Master’s program helps the students develop an expertise in leadership topics, strategic development and project management.

In the previous semester, I participated in the course Ideation Techniques and Digital Innovation, in which we learnt about various designing thinking tools. The course has greatly enhanced my outlook and approaches to creating and innovating. Concepts learned during this course have already firmly established themselves in my professional toolbox.

Overall, I would recommend the Master in Digitalization and Innovation for anyone who is looking for integrated business administration studies, best teaching methods, and deep industry insights, coupled with the well-known German excellence."

Contact

 Aneta Okon
Aneta Okon +49 9281 409 - 3250

Student Affairs - Program manager

You are interested in applying but still have questions?

Please contact our Welcome Center.

You are already enrolled in this program and have a question?

Please contact our Graduate School team.