Entrepreneurship (MA)

This English-taught consecutive Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship is a practice-focused business administration programme with a clear emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking and action. The curriculum is designed to build the skills and knowledge needed to create and run a new venture, to add value in an existing small or family-owned business, or to drive entrepreneurial transformation within larger corporations. Courses promote personal development and the formation of a professional entrepreneurial identity while equipping students with practical management strategies for diverse business contexts.

The programme stresses hands-on learning and real-world applicability, helping students acquire both the mindset and the tools entrepreneurs need—from opportunity recognition and business model development to implementation and growth. All lectures are delivered in English, and the international mix of students enhances intercultural competence and global perspectives throughout the course.

Like other programmes run by the Department of IBA, this master’s offers flexible study formats. You can follow the traditional full programme or choose the cooperative option, which includes study in partnership with a company and is reflected in a different study plan. It is also possible to shorten the standard duration by omitting the placement semester: the degree can be completed in either four semesters (120 ECTS) or three semesters (90 ECTS) depending on the chosen pathway.

Key facts and completion options

• Language of instruction: English (all lectures taught in English)
• Focus: Entrepreneurial skills, business creation, SME and corporate entrepreneurship
• Study formats: Classic/full programme or cooperative programme (studying in cooperation with a company)
• Duration / ECTS: 4 semesters = 120 ECTS, or 3 semesters = 90 ECTS (placement semester excluded)
• International cohort: programme designed to enhance intercultural skills through diverse classmates and international perspectives

Curriculum overview

This MA is structured across four semesters that guide you from launching a venture to researching advanced entrepreneurial topics. In the first semester you concentrate on founding a company — learning how to shape an idea into a viable business concept. The second semester focuses on growth: strategies and practices needed to scale an early-stage enterprise. The third semester is a placement semester, giving you an opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting. The fourth semester combines advanced development and explorations of special forms of entrepreneurship with completion of the master's thesis.

Core learning outcomes include the ability to design and validate business models, develop growth and scaling strategies, and translate theory into practice during a supervised placement. By the end of the program you should be equipped to found, manage or advise entrepreneurial ventures, or to pursue further research in entrepreneurship through your master’s thesis.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Semester 1 — Founding a company
  • Understand idea development, business model design and the early legal/financial considerations for new ventures.
  • Produce initial plans and pitches for a start-up concept.
• Semester 2 — Growth
  • Learn frameworks for scaling operations, customer acquisition, financing growth and managing organisational change.
  • Develop actionable growth strategies for a developing enterprise.
• Semester 3 — Placement semester
  • Apply skills in a practical context (internship, incubator, or company project) to gain hands-on experience and industry contacts.
  • Reflect on and integrate practical learning with academic knowledge.
• Semester 4 — Advanced development and special forms of entrepreneurship; Master’s thesis
  • Explore advanced topics and alternative entrepreneurial models (e.g., social, corporate, or tech entrepreneurship) and undertake independent research.
  • Complete a master’s thesis that demonstrates your ability to conduct rigorous analysis and propose evidence-based solutions or plans.

Typical application checklist (confirm exact requirements on the program website)

• Bachelor’s degree (typically in business, economics, or related fields)
• Official transcripts and degree certificate
• CV and a motivation letter explaining entrepreneurial interest
• Proof of language proficiency (English and/or German, as required)
• Any additional documents specified by the program (references, portfolio, etc.)

Graduates are prepared to found and run their own start-ups or to take on entrepreneurial roles within small and medium-sized enterprises or family businesses. The applied curriculum and internship experience also equip students for roles in corporate innovation, business development, product management and consultancy focused on growth and transformation.

The programme’s combination of practical projects, company cooperation options and an extended placement semester helps build networks and industry experience that are valuable when moving into leadership, consultancy or founder roles across national and international markets.