Digitalisation and Innovation (MBA) Hof University of Applied Sciences

Do you have a Bachelor's degree and some work experience? And do you want to further develop your skills and make an impact as a leader? Then our MBA in Digitalisation & Innovation is the right choice for you! Our interdisciplinary programme combines creative and dynamic business practices with key management elements.

If you come from a non-IT background, rest assured that you do not need prior programming experience; all relevant digital and technological foundations are introduced during the programme.

For IT professionals, the programme offers the opportunity to complement technical expertise with digital management and leadership skills.

The uniqueness of our MBA programme is that it brings together professionals from different disciplines to foster interdisciplinary solutions. In addition, you will delve deeply into the areas of ideation and innovation management, acquiring the skills to successfully implement requisite change processes.

The modules of the Master’s programme are designed to provide a comprehensive skill set that matches the disruptive nature of 21st century markets. They connect innovation management and ideation with digital aspects such as data security, data analytics and digital business models.

To make these learnings applicable on a leadership level, we also share our knowledge and expertise about strategic and financial frameworks, project management and other leadership topics. Our teaching includes various modern methods such as cloud-based simulations, haptic management games and case studies.

Your benefits

With this Master’s programme, you will gain:

• an interdisciplinary skill set to utilise your creative potential at the intersection of digitalisation and management
• the know-how to initiate practical innovations within a company or your own start-up
• excellent career perspectives, e.g. in innovation management, strategic management, consulting, or as a founder
• German language skills of at least level B1 at graduation

In addition, you will benefit from:

• an innovative and diverse mix of teaching methods – virtual learning, blended learning, simulations and case studies besides regular lectures
• development of your intercultural competence
• valuable work experience gained during the internship semesters

Typical entry positions include the following:

• Innovation manager
• Product manager
• Operations manager
• Business development associate
• Digital transformation consultant
• Start-up founder

Course structure

• The standard period of study is four semesters.
• The first two semesters will provide practice-orientated theory (case studies, working in labs, excursions, expert meetings, and so on).
• The third and fourth semesters will be spent working as an intern in the industry to gain more practical experience. Additionally, the Master’s thesis must be written during this period.

Course content

Semesters one and two:

The Master’s programme contains 12 modules, five ECTS per module (four basic modules + eight core modules).

Basic modules (all mandatory)

• Applied Economics and Intercultural Management
• Strategy, Finance and Entrepreneurship
• German Language 1*
• German Language 2*

* Mandatory with German levels of A1 to B1 at the point of admission; different language course levels available depending on the student's German level at the beginning of their studies in Hof

Core modules (all mandatory)

• Innovation Management
• Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things
• Digital Business Models
• IT Security
• AI in Coding and Software Engineering
• Project Management
• Leadership and Change Management
• Elective

Semesters three and four: Internship and Master's thesis

During the third and fourth semesters, students pursue an internship (30 ECTS) at a company, attend a scientific preparation training (5 ECTS) and write their Master's thesis (25 ECTS). For entering the internship, all students have to prove a German language level of at least B1.

A unique feature of our MBA is that students spend the second year (third and fourth semesters) doing a paid practical internship in industry, e.g. in a production facility or a SCM (supply chain management) department. Thus, students can accomplish the following:

• immediately apply their knowledge
• gain profound professional experience
• earn money at the same time

We support our students in finding an appropriate internship and provide contact addresses for this purpose. Frequently, the internship provides the stepping stone to the first job after graduation.

• A Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business Administration / Economics, or Computer Science) or similar from an accredited university, at least 180 ECTS or equivalent (depending on the home country)
• One year of work experience

Administrative fee of approx. 150 EUR per semester

The cost of living in the city of Hof is moderate compared to both other European countries and bigger cities in Germany. On average, living expenses for a student range between 800 and 1,000 EUR per month in total.

The following is an approximate cost calculation of expenditures per month:

• accommodation: 350 to 550 EUR
• mandatory health insurance: about 120 EUR
• food and personal expenditures: at least 350 EUR

Paid internship in the third and fourth semesters

The Career Service team at Hof University offers you a wide range of career preparation and orientation services, including workshops, company excursions, and job fairs. We will prepare you for the German labour market by providing you with specific information, counselling, and qualifications. Thus, you will be able to start your individual career as an intern and as a graduate.

The Housing Office supports international students in finding appropriate accommodation.

Rent for a single student room is approx. 350 to 550 EUR. Rent for a private one-room apartment for one tenant or for a couple is more than 550 EUR. We also have a limited number of double rooms for friends that cost about 250 to 320 EUR per person. Beside the rent, there are additional costs for water, energy, broadcast fee, and Internet.

For a full overview of the practical issues related to living in Hof and our support services for international students, please have a look at the website of our Welcome Service and Housing Office.

Studying at Hof University – your benefits at a glance

• Hands-on education that prepares you for a successful career
• Friendly, international study community
• Personal support from Welcome Service, International Office, and Career Service
• Help finding accommodation and a guided Orientation Week
• Career-building activities like intercultural training, field trips, and company visits

About Hof University

Founded in 1994, Hof University offers a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities and a hands-on learning environment. As a practice-oriented university of applied sciences with integrated internships in all programmes, the employability of our graduates is the main focus of our teaching.

Our commitment to students is reflected in StudyCheck rankings: Hof University was Germany’s most popular university in 2023 and 2024 and continues to receive excellent teaching ratings. In 2026, StudyCheck awarded the “Top Hochschule” distinction, recognising Hof University as one of the most popular institutions in Germany with fewer than 5,000 students.

We offer over 50 Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, advanced computing and AI, business, and design. The Graduate School provides fully English-taught postgraduate programmes for professionals with at least one year of work experience.

Practice-oriented learning

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is application-focused, including real-world projects, company collaborations, and site visits. This approach ensures students gain practical skills and confidence to succeed in national and international careers.

Personal support & international environment

Hof University is known for its friendly study atmosphere. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio enables close interaction between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students benefit from personal support services such as orientation programmes, integration events, and housing assistance.

With over 130 partner universities worldwide and more than 30% international students on campus, Hof University offers a truly multicultural and welcoming environment where you can grow both academically and personally.

Applied research & entrepreneurship

Six research institutes focus on areas such as information systems, sustainable water and energy systems, materials science, and organisational research, always connecting research to practical and sustainable solutions.

Students with entrepreneurial ideas receive guidance and support at Einstein1, the on-campus incubator that helps turn innovative ideas into real-world ventures.

Our main campus is located in the city of Hof, a safe and cosy town located at the top of Bavaria and in the heart of Europe. Hof has a population of about 45,000 inhabitants and offers all the amenities of a university town: a cinema, theatre, an annual film festival and a variety of cafés, bars and clubs.

Our region has the second-highest density of industry across Europe, with many companies specialising in machinery, automotive components, ceramics, and textiles. Many of these are small and medium-sized “hidden champions” in their field, offering excellent opportunities for internships and entry-level jobs.

The city of Hof is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is located between the low mountain regions of the Fichtelgebirge and the Franconian Forest on the banks of the Saale River. You will find excellent possibilities for all outdoor sporting activities such as cycling, hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Big cities like Berlin, Prague, and Munich are also within easy reach by train or bus. This means you can study in a practice-oriented environment while also enjoying life outside the classroom.