Management, Leadership, Innovation (MLI)

Overview

This master's program centres on the growing role of innovation within intercultural, digital and technological settings. It is designed to help students from different countries and academic backgrounds build the skills needed to drive innovation across interdisciplinary and rapidly changing environments.

The curriculum balances strong theoretical foundations with practical management strategies and sector-specific best practices. Through case studies and applied learning, students learn to design and implement targeted, goal-oriented solutions for a wide range of organisational transformation challenges.

For international applicants, the course develops competencies valued by modern businesses and entrepreneurs — including cross‑cultural collaboration, digital awareness and strategic leadership — preparing graduates to lead change in diverse professional contexts. Prospective students should consult the university’s admissions pages for details on application steps and support services.

Requirements (check official programme page for full details)

• Open to students from diverse academic and national backgrounds
• Programme language: English — demonstrate appropriate English proficiency as required by the university
• Applicants must meet the university’s specific admission criteria and provide required documentation (degree recognition, transcripts, CV, motivation letter, etc.)
• Check visa, funding and enrolment procedures for international students on the university website

This four-semester, modular Master's balances theory and hands-on practice to develop leaders who can manage innovation and found or scale ventures. The curriculum combines core courses in innovation, leadership and international management with applied components — workshops, prototyping, data analysis and a dedicated practical study phase — so you gain both conceptual frameworks and the skills needed to implement them in real-world settings.

Graduates will be able to think and act entrepreneurially, lead across cultures, assess and manage sustainable innovations, and apply data-driven decision-making. The program emphasizes start-up creation and technology projects, sustainable and circular approaches to innovation, and the ability to communicate research (scientific publication) and solve business problems through practicum work and a Master’s thesis.

Program structure & key modules (credits and primary learning outcomes)

• First semester
  • Advanced Innovation and Leadership Studies (8 CP): develops innovative thinking and leadership abilities; includes entrepreneurship and coaching workshops to strengthen entrepreneurial skills.
  • Managing Start-Ups – the New Venture Technology Project (8 CP): interdisciplinary focus on creating and managing tech start-ups, with prototyping and strategic business planning workshops.
  • Sustainable Innovation Management and Circularity (8 CP): introduces sustainable innovation practices and circularity concepts to raise environmental awareness in innovation.
  • International Management (6 CP): fundamentals of managing organisations in a global context, preparing students for international leadership roles.
• Second semester
  • International Business and Cooperation (8 CP): examines global business dynamics and collaboration strategies relevant to innovation and leadership.
  • Applied Data Analysis (7 CP): practical data analysis skills for evidence-based decision-making.
  • Global Trends and Technology Assessment (8 CP): situates innovation within broader global trends and teaches methods for assessing technologies.
  • Key Competencies (7 CP): develops transferable leadership and interpersonal skills needed in innovative work environments.
• Third semester
  • Practical Study Phase (30 CP): flexible applied term where you can study abroad, complete an internship, or found a start-up; designed to translate classroom learning into practice.
• Fourth semester
  • Scientific Publication (6 CP): trains students to prepare and present research findings for academic dissemination.
  • Practical Project (6 CP): applies theory to real-life cases in collaboration with external companies.
  • Master’s Thesis (18 CP): independent research project completing the degree.

Requirements & credits (concise)

• Program length: 4 semesters (full program).
• Total workload: 120 CP (sum of semester modules).
• Mandatory practical study phase (30 CP) in semester 3: options = study abroad, internship, or founding a start-up.
• If you choose an internship or start-up placement in Germany during semester 3, you must provide proof of previous international experience.

Graduates are prepared for roles that require managing innovation and transformation processes, such as innovation manager, product or project manager, start-up founder, consultant for digital/sustainable transformation, or roles in international business development. The combination of leadership training, entrepreneurship projects and applied data skills supports careers in both established companies and new ventures.

The practical semester and industry-linked projects give students hands-on experience and networking opportunities, which can help when seeking internships or employment in Germany and internationally.