MSc in Business Administration

Overview

This English-language MSc in Business Administration is widely recognised among Germany’s business programmes and takes a generalist approach—reflecting the idea that effective managers must grasp all facets of an organisation. The curriculum gives students a solid grounding in management theory and contemporary skills needed to lead in a data-driven environment, preparing graduates for roles across business, academia, and the public sector.

Curriculum and study style

The programme emphasises quantitative and empirical, research-based training, so students develop strong analytical and methodological competencies. It is designed to be flexible: you build a broad foundation while tailoring your study path through choices of methodology courses, specialisations, elective modules and your master’s thesis. Many students further refine their profile and gain practical insights by working in industry or completing internships during their studies.

Career prospects

Graduates are sought after by employers—many secure jobs quickly, command above-average starting salaries and take on positions with significant responsibility. A number of graduates also choose to continue into doctoral study to pursue an academic career.

Program expectations & practical notes

• Strong emphasis on quantitative and empirical methods—be prepared for data-driven coursework and research.
• Flexible programme structure: you will select methodology courses, specialisations, electives and write a thesis to shape your individual profile.
• Practical experience (work or internships) is commonly used to strengthen your profile during the programme.
• Designed to prepare students for leadership roles in business, public sector or for further academic study (PhD).
• For specific admission criteria, application procedures and deadlines, consult the official programme webpage.

Program overview This is a broad, flexible four-semester Master’s programme (120 ECTS) that lets students shape a personalised profile by combining methodological training, two subject specialisations, elective courses and a research thesis. The curriculum is designed to build solid methodological and analytical skills, deepen domain expertise in chosen areas of business, and culminate in an independent research project or applied thesis.

Specialisations and language tracks There are two course tracks. The English track (taught in English) offers specialisations in Business Analytics; Finance, Banking and Insurance; Marketing; and Operations and Supply Chain Management. The general track (taught in German and/or English) includes those four options plus Auditing and Taxation; Health Care Management; and Management. Regardless of track, every student completes two specialisations, enabling either focused depth or interdisciplinary combinations across functions.

Curriculum structure and learning outcomes Students take three methods modules (total 18 ECTS) to acquire research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques, and decision-support tools; they then complete two specialisations (24 ECTS each) and choose electives (24 ECTS) to round out their profile. The final semester is devoted to a 30‑ECTS master’s thesis that demonstrates the ability to design and carry out independent research or an applied project. Overall learning outcomes include advanced methodological competence, subject-matter expertise in chosen business areas, the capacity for independent research, and practical readiness for careers in industry, finance, consulting or healthcare management. There is also an option to pursue a double-degree pathway with Kyoto University: enrolled students may apply for this route, and on successful completion of the six‑semester double-degree programme they receive an MSc in Business Administration from Universität Hamburg and an MBA from Kyoto University.

Key requirements and structure

• Total workload: 120 ECTS (regular duration: 4 semesters)
• Methods: 3 modules — 18 ECTS
• Two specialisations: 24 ECTS each (students must choose two)
• Electives: 24 ECTS
• Master’s thesis: 30 ECTS (completed in final semester)
• Coursework (methods, specialisations, electives) completed in first three semesters; thesis in fourth semester
• English track (taught in English): Business Analytics; Finance, Banking and Insurance; Marketing; Operations and Supply Chain Management
• General track (taught in German and/or English): same as above plus Auditing and Taxation; Health Care Management; Management
• Double-degree option: apply after enrolment; six‑semester pathway awards an MSc from Universität Hamburg and an MBA from Kyoto University

Graduates are sought after by industry and public organisations: many secure employment quickly, often with above-average starting salaries and positions that carry substantial responsibility. Common career destinations include consulting, finance and banking, analytics, marketing, operations and supply chain roles, and management positions in private and public sector organisations.

The programme’s strong quantitative and research training also provides a clear path to doctoral study for those interested in an academic or research career. Practical experience gained through internships, working-student roles and the school’s mentoring programme further enhances graduates’ employability and professional networks.