Management, Leadership, Innovation (MLI) University of Applied Sciences Koblenz

The Master's degree programme in Management, Leadership, Innovation is dedicated to the increasing importance of innovation in intercultural, digital and technological contexts. It supports students from different countries and disciplines in developing competencies for building innovation in interdisciplinary and constantly changing fields of action.

The programme is tailored to address the diverse and evolving challenges and needs faced by modern businesses and entrepreneurs. By combining solid theoretical foundations with relevant business management strategies and best-practice examples from various sectors, the programme enables students to develop and implement goal-oriented solutions for a wide range of company-specific transformation processes.

The Master’s in Management, Leadership, Innovation (MLI) is a four-semester degree programme. It aims to provide a balance between theoretical study and a practice-based approach. The curriculum is structured in a modular format to allow for a systematic and comprehensive exploration of the various facets within management, leadership and innovation.

First semester:

• Advanced Innovation and Leadership Studies (8 CP): This course introduces students to innovative thinking and leadership. Supplemented by entrepreneurship and coaching workshops, it aims to strengthen entrepreneurial skills.
• Managing Start-Ups – The New Venture Technology Project (8 CP): This interdisciplinary course focuses on the creation and management of technological start-ups and includes workshops in app programming and strategic business planning.
• Sustainable Innovation Management and Circularity (8 CP): Focusing on sustainable innovation management and circularity, this course raises environmental awareness in the context of innovation.
• International Management (6 CP): An exploration of international management principles that helps prepare students for global leadership roles

Second semester:

• International Business and Cooperation (8 CP): Focusing on international business dynamics and cooperation strategies, this course provides an understanding of the global dimensions inherent in innovation and leadership.
• Applied Data Analysis (7 CP): Students will acquire the skills necessary to analyse data and make decisions based on data-driven methodologies.
• Global Trends and Technology Assessment (8 CP): This course explores global trends and technology assessment, broadening the understanding of innovation within a contextual framework.
• Key Competencies (7 CP): This course disseminates key competencies required for leadership roles in innovative environments.

Third semester:

• Practical Study Phase (30 CP): This phase gives participants the flexibility to choose to study abroad, undertake an internship or found their own start-ups. 

Fourth semester:

• Scientific Publication (6 CP): Students will cultivate the ability to present their research findings through scientific publication.
• Practical Project (6 CP): Using real-life case studies, students will apply their theoretical knowledge to case studies with external companies.
• Master's Thesis (18 CP): As the final part of the programme, students will write their Master's theses.

For the winter semester (semester start: 1 October)

• Applicants with a German degree: apply by 15 July
• Applicants with a degree obtained outside of Germany: apply by 15 June

For the summer semester (semester start: 1 April)

• Applicants with a German degree: apply by 15 January
• Applicants with a degree obtained outside of Germany: apply by 15 December

If the university entrance qualification was obtained abroad, applicants must apply via uni-assist. The portal opens in May for the winter semester and in November for the summer semester.

The application process for the Master's degree programme "Management, Leadership, Innovation" with the degree "Master of Arts (MA)" takes place in two steps. In the first step, the following proof must be provided by the application deadline:

• Completion of a professionally qualifying degree programme with a minimum grade of 2.3 (according to the German grading system)
• Submission of a research proposal ("one-pager") on an MLI-related topic
• Proof of English language skills at level B2 or higher (German language skills not required)
• Please also provide the PDF "Checklist and Notes on the Aptitude Test".
• As part of the application process, you are invited to a short video interview. This is used to further assess your scientific aptitude.

Please note: Neither practical nor international experience is required for admission.

A social contribution is due each semester (the current amount can be enquired at the Studierendenverwaltung). This includes benefits such as a semester ticket (valid from Koblenz to Cologne). No tuition fees are charged.

Can vary greatly depending on accommodation, shopping and travel behaviour. Approximate monthly costs vary between 800 and 1,100 EUR.

It is possible to work part-time during the programme, but this should not exceed 20 hours per week. This is a full-time programme and it is recommended that students give priority to their studies. However, gaining practical experience or working within the university as a student assistant or research assistant is also encouraged and recommended for students' future careers.