ϳԹ

MSc Innovation Management

Innovation Management

Master of Science – part-time

Part-time MSc programme that combines the topics of innovation, entrepreneurship, strategy & product development, big data, internationalisation and further development of existing business areas in order to focus on competitiveness.

Innovation Management – Master's Programme in Hamburg

Part-time postgraduate degree programme with a focus on business planning, corporate management, innovation

Do you already have a Bachelor's degree and are looking for an internationally oriented Master's programme in Hamburg? Our part-time Innovation Management degree programme is taught entirely in English and leads to an internationally recognised Master of Science (MSc) in five semesters. The focus of the business administration course is on innovation, management, business field development and the permanent adaptation of business models in a digitalised, data-driven and globalised world. As early as the 2nd semester, you have the opportunity to specialise by choosing one of five specialisations.

Would you like to find out more general information about the Master's degree programme in Innovation Management?

↓ Then read on ↓

Please activate Javascript in your browser to use this service on this page.

The academic head Prof. Dr. Johns explains the focus and the special features of the parte-time postgraduate degree programme in Innovation Management (MSc).

Key Features

Key Features & Highlights of the Master's programme

  • Business administration studies with an internationally recognised Master's degree (MSc) in Innovation Management at the dual business school in Hamburg

  • Multiple case studies

  • Several real-life projects

  • Teaching methods include Design Thinking, Kanban, Agile and Scrum

  • Study trip to an international destination in the 2nd semester

  • JOB & MASTER Service: JOB & MASTER is a free-of-charge placement service for applicants who wish to combine a challenging academic education at HSBA with valuable professional experience.

  • Mentoring Programme: Students are matched with experienced HSBA Alumni from the Hamburg business community, offering to be ideal sparring partners / role models.

  • Campus in the heart of Hamburg

Degree:
Master of Science
Credits:
120 ECTS
Programme Start
1 October each year
Study duration:
2.5 years (30 months)
Language:
English
Intern
Programme Accreditation

Study Organisation and Programme Structure

Innovation Management (Master of Science) at HSBA

To successfully complete the programme and be awarded the Master of Science degree, 120 ECTS must be collected. The credits are spread over ten modules in the first year and seven modules in the second study year. The programme concludes with the thesis. Teaching takes place on extended weekends and during a few full-time weeks per semester. On average, the weekly study workload amounts to 15 to 20 hours.

Plan of Study & Course Content

  • Innovation Management

    Understanding how innovation leads to market success is key for business development and management. As such, the course will lay the foundations of innovation management by introducing models for understanding the diffusion process of innovation within society.

  • Negotiations & Storytelling

    Communication, methodical rigour and negotiation techniques are soft skills that are necessary for success in the professional world. These competences prepare students for a world in which structured work, communication and negotiation are key to managing their careers. Whether scientific writing or a business model as a concise form of storytelling or a multilateral negotiation: the module prepares students for the world of work with practical exercises.

  • Programming (Python et.al.)

    Successful use of AI tools requires a basic understanding of programming. The introduction to Python also familiarises newcomers with the most important concepts and basics for complex applications.

  • Data Analysis

    This module teaches students about distributions, tests, data architecture, SQL, big data approaches, significance and stochastic modelling.

  • Entrepreneurial Finance

    Innovations in product and business development always harbour financing challenges. This module lays the foundations for understanding the financing of innovations in an international environment.

  • Service and Product Design

    Understanding the needs of users and pivot toward well-designed solutions through ideation, prototyping and testing is therefore the focus of this course. The application of design challenges and product/ service designs is implemented in student projects working in a design lab setting.

  • Study Trip

    Students can choose between four study trips (subject to change) and are themselves in charge of the planning, organisation and implementation of their excursion.

    • Copenhagen (DK)
    • Switzerland
    • Israel
  • Project Management & Business Plans

    Students will be familiarised with the latest methods and developments in project management. In the key part of this module students will learn to apply Design Thinking, Kanban, PPS, Scrum and other methods to project management. A particular focus will be on visualisation and a variety of supportive IT tools.

  • Applied Econometrics

    This module aims to introduce students into the data-driven and results-oriented quantitative modelling of econometrics. Widely spread models of Statistics and Econometrics are considered. The goal is to provide students with an understanding of the rational of quantitative models through applications as well as to apprehend the limitations of such modelling. Furthermore, the students should be able to develop their own applications by analysing a problem, making the necessary assumptions and synthesising knowledge gained into a meaningful result-oriented application.

  • Specialisation Part I
Cross-Module Topics: Digitalisation | Internationalisation | Project Management Tools | Entrepreneurship
  • Case Studies in Innovation

    Using case studies, theoretical concepts of innovation management are analysed for their potential applicability in a real environment.

  • Consulting Project

    In small groups, students are assigned a project for a partner company. The company provides the real-life context of a challenge. The groups act as consultants to the company and present a consistent solution for the challenge at the end of the semester to the company. The groups are assisted by professors in their analytical, strategic and preparatory work.

  • Strategic Digital Economics

    The topic of this module is to identify the impact of digital technologies and innovations on firm behaviour, business models and market outcomes. Special emphasis will be put on networks and platforms. Finally, the module will discuss the benefits and possible pitfalls of digitisation for the economy and will furthermore address the topic of regulation and government intervention in digital markets.

  • Sustainable Innovation Camp

    This module introduces the topics sustainability and compliance. Both are cross-sectoral themes relevant to managers, employees and other stakeholders of any type of organisation. Fundamental theories and definitions of both topics will be introduced and potentials for business development and innovation as well as challenges and opportunities for investors and other actors in financial markets discussed.

  • Future of Work & HR Trends

    Jobs continue to evolve under the influence of technological, socio-economic, political and demographic changes. What and how work is done is subject to innovative changes. This module examines how digitalisation, the dynamics of today's business environment are impacting and changing work itself, the organisation of work and workplace relationships. The course offers perspectives and insights into the future of work.

  • Research Seminar / Scientific Methods

    This research seminar prepares students for their master thesis.

  • Specialisation Part II
  • Specialisation Part III
Cross-Module Topics: Digitalisation | Internationalisation | Project Management Tools | Entrepreneurship
  • Master's Thesis & Colloquium

    The Thesis concludes the postgraduate programmes at HSBA. Its results will be presented in the final Colloquium.

Cross-Module Topics: Digitalisation | Internationalisation | Project Management Tools | Entrepreneurship

The business administration modules of the Master's degree programme focus on management and the design of successful business models and innovative products and processes in a rapidly changing world. You will learn how companies are managed strategically and financially and recognise the importance of careful, mostly data-supported analysis and flexible strategies in overcoming economic challenges and changes. The project modules are one of the highlights of the programme. Here you act as a consultant for real problems or develop your own projects and apply the theory you have learnt on the course to business practice.


The programme includes the business administration modules Innovation Management and Strategic Business Development as well as the project management module, which teaches concepts such as design thinking, scrum and agile methods. Data Analysis focuses on IT tools and deals intensively with mathematics and statistics. Negotiation techniques and research methods are acquired in Scientific Methods & Competences and teach methodological and analytical skills. Sustainable Innovation & Compliance, Digital Economics and Applied Econometrics underline the need for comprehensive digitalisation and offer a combination of mathematically sound methodological development and extensive applied work with data. During the study trip, you will gain an international perspective on innovation culture and management in other countries.

From the 2nd semester onwards, you can choose from the following specialisations: Business Development, Digitalisation, Finance, Shipping & Logistics and StartUp.

Career Prospects

A Master's degree programme in Innovation Management prepares you for the challenges of digital transformation and gives you the skills to develop and implement innovative products, services and business models. You can work in various areas such as strategic corporate planning, product development, marketing, IT or sales and work as an innovation manager, business development manager, management consultant, entrepreneur, innovation coach or strategist. Or you can start your own company. You will be able to find creative solutions to complex problems, recognise trends and opportunities and promote and manage innovation. With your knowledge and experience, you are an important source of inspiration and support organisations in remaining fit for the future.

Ece Piber, HSBA

"I can sincerely say that HSBA offers a very lively, comfortable and fun environment to study. After my Erasmus semester in HSBA nearly three years ago, I knew I had to return to fully benefit from the innovative study structures, incredibly qualified and successful professors, warm, helpful staff and the international environment at HSBA. What I enjoy most is the entrepreneurial context of our courses. It helps us reach an entrepreneurial, growth-mindset that can easily be applied on an intrapreneurial level too."

Ece Irmak Piber
MSc Business Development (Class of 2021)
Lukas Bilowitzki, HSBA

"The MSc Business Development at HSBA combine the foundations of business administration with the tools of modern entrepreneurship. Focusing on the innovative and digital business world of the 21st century, the degree programmes provide students with the opportunities and skills to master the challenges of the future."

Lukas Bilowitzki
MSc Business Development (Class of 2021)
Louisa Konrad, HSBA

"The study group is very diverse and international, so we all benefit from our different individual experiences. Teamwork is great and we can rely on each other even in difficult situations such as exam times."

Louisa Konrad
MSc Business Development (Class of 2022)
Jannik Pokar, HSBA

"Business Development in the digital age plays a fundamental role in the existence and evolution of our modern society and it has increased in importance. I am convinced the MSc in Business Development is the perfect programme to push every business career to the next level."

Jannik Pokar
MSc Business Development (Class of 2022)
Fernanda Suarez, HSBA

"Being part of the MSc Business Development programme at HSBA has been a great opportunity for me to develop my hard and soft skills. The programme has enabled me to implement innovative and digital tools to my current work and I am looking forward to apply them into the design of my own business model at a time when the advance of digitalisation is unmistakable."

Fernanda Suarez Jaimes
MSc Business Development (Class of 2022)

Application

Admissions Requirements & Application Process

Admission Requirements

For the MSc Innovation Management the following admission requirements apply:

  • A completed third-level degree with an economics or business administration focus with 180 ECTS, including good knowledge in maths and stats. The degree should have been completed with a minimum German grade “good” (2.5) or equivalent. We would be pleased to check whether your first university degree covers the required content.
  • Ability to study in English (minimum level: B2 of the European Framework of Reference)
  • Letter of recommendation from a current or recent employer or an academic reference
  • Successfully completed HSBA selection process (online application, individual interview)

Online Application

Set the course for your career!

After you have submitted your written application to us, you will go through our selection process. The process ensures that students have the personal, social and professional prerequisites needed to complete the study programme successfully.

Tip for international applicants and prospective students: You can find detailed information here and in our International Student Guide.

Apply now!

Order your programme brochure for free

Want to learn more about our part-time Master's programmes? Request your free brochure here.

Please activate Javascript in your browser to use this service on this page.

Any Questions?

We are happy to help you personally!

Please activate Javascript in your browser to use this service on this page.

Juliane Michaelis
Juliane Michaelis

Manager Student Recruitment & Company Relations

+49 40 822160-932
juliane.michaelis@hsba.de

Ask a student

Would you like to address your questions directly to our students? Please contact Muriel Spanke (MSc Business Development) and Florian Kriz (MSc Digital Transformation & Sustainability) by e-mail. The two Master students will be happy to answer your questions!

Subscribe to the Master newsletter and stay up to date!

Would you like to be kept up to date on the latest news, upcoming events and important dates relating to the Master's degree programme at HSBA?

Subscribe now

Partner Companies

More than 300 cooperation companies support HSBA

agiles Informationssysteme GmbH
Innovabee GmbH
GRYN GmbH
TUI Cruises GmbH
CLUE ONE GMBH & CO. KG
Help Tech GmbH
Sievert Baustoffe GmbH & Co. KG
Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft
HELM AG
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
ZELOS Management Consultants
BIEGLO GmbH
REM Capital
Smartseller GmbH & Co. KG
IMPACT GmbH
Encavis AG
Liesner & Co. GmbH
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy
Alsterbuben GmbH
Deloitte GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
PwC PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
InnoGames GmbH
Reemtsma Cigarettenfabriken GmbH
CFlox GmbH
MPC Capital AG
Maersk Deutschland A/S & Co. KG
Lother GmbH
Metroplan Holding GmbH
Barclays Bank Ireland PLC Hamburg Branch
Philips GmbH Market DACH
Brightpoint Fund Services GmbH
BERENBERG Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG
Beiersdorf AG
WTS Advisory AG
leogistics GmbH

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the Master's programme at HSBA

Is it possible to study the courses part-time or full-time?

The study programmes are part-time, so you study while working. Depending on the Master's programme, courses are held on individual weekdays or extended weekends and in individual full-time weeks in Hamburg.

When can I apply for a part-time Master's programme at HSBA?

Applications are possible at any time. However, since HSBA only has limited study places and funding programmes are partly awarded after receipt of the application, we recommend an early application for your Master's programme. If you want to apply for the JOB & MASTER offer at the same time, we recommend an early application to our university due to the longer procedure.

When do the courses in the part-time Master's programs take place?

In the Master's programme Innovation Management (MSc), the courses take place on extended weekends and in individual full-time weeks at the ϳԹ in Hamburg. In the Master's programme Digital Transformation & Sustainability (MSc), the courses take place on two attendance days and in two full-time weeks at the ϳԹ in Hamburg. 

Questions?Juliane Michaelis
Juliane Michaelis

Juliane Michaelis

Manager Student Recruitment & Company Relations
+49 40 822160-932
juliane.michaelis(at)hsba.de

Contact Box: Callback

All times are specified in CEST

Contact Box: Message