Business administration studies with an internationally recognised Master's degree (MSc) in Innovation Management at the dual business school in Hamburg
Innovation Management – Shipping & Logistics (MSc)
Part-time Master's degree programme in Business Administration with a focus on Maritime EconomicsDo 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. You will earn around a third of the 120 ECTS in the Shipping & Logistics specialisation: Hamburg is one of the most important maritime logistics locations. The aim is to decarbonise and digitalise logistics chains and at the same time adapt them to geopolitical challenges. The specialisation examines possible innovative solutions for the maritime economy and considers the impact on shipping and logistics. It is aimed at students with an innovative mindset who are prepared to challenge a conservative industry with concepts for digitalisation and sustainability. As a rule, the three specialisation modules are followed by the Master's thesis in this area.
Key Features
Key Features & Highlights of the Master's programme
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
Study Organisation and Programme Structure
Innovation Management – Shipping & Logistics (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 eight 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
One week excursion with company visits as a learning experience in different dynamic economic regions, prepared and organised by the students together with the lecturers
- 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.
- Sustainable Shipping
The module begins with an overview of traditional maritime economic and financial models. A second focus will be on digital, financial and operational developments in the current shipping environment. Furthermore, the course will recapitulate the regulatory field in relation to sustainability issues (international and regional) and link it to business implications for shipping companies. Finally, the course will discuss whether shipping is prepared not only for environmental sustainability, but also for economic sustainability.
- 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.
- Supply Chains
The module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the economic principles and dynamics that underpin the operation of ports and maritime supply chains. In this course, students will explore the critical concepts, theories and practices that drive the maritime sector so that they are able to analyse and navigate the complex economic challenges and opportunities within the maritime industry as part of the supply chain.
- Maritime Innovation Project
Students define and develop an innovation project in the maritime sector for a partner company or independently (also as a start-up), either alone or in groups. Students will present their project to a jury of maritime experts. At the end of the module, each project must be immediately applicable and able to respond to a clearly defined challenge in the fields of shipping, harbours or logistics.
- Master's Thesis & Colloquium
The Thesis concludes the postgraduate programmes at HSBA. Its results will be presented in the final Colloquium.
The business administration modules of the Master's degree programme focus on management and the design of successful business models and innovative measures in a rapidly changing world. You will learn how companies are managed strategically and financially and recognise the importance of careful 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-life problems 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 emphasise 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.
Career Prospects
Innovation Management with a focus on Shipping & Logistics is an interesting degree programme that offers you many opportunities. You will learn how to develop, evaluate and implement innovative logistics solutions. You will deal with topics such as the logistics industry, innovation management, digitalisation, entrepreneurship and sustainability. You will combine theory and practice in exciting projects and collaborations.
Various areas of the logistics industry will be open to you after graduation. You can design new business models, products or services for the digital transformation of the logistics industry. Whether in shipping and haulage companies, in logistics companies or in public institutions, you will have many opportunities. You can contribute your skills as a logistics analyst, supply chain manager, product manager, innovation consultant, founder, managing director, developer, marketing manager, economic or transport policy maker, regulator or promoter.
A Master's degree in Innovation Management with a specialisation in Shipping & Logistics prepares you for a management position. It also promotes your personal and professional development. You will be a sought-after specialist in a dynamic and future-oriented industry.
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). No knowledge of German is required.
- 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.
Information Events
Upcoming Info Session & Events
MBA Online Info Session
Master Online Info Session – January 2025
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!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Master's programme at HSBA
Is it possible to study the courses part-time or full-time?
The MSc programmes are part-time - so you study while working. The MBA can be studied part-time or full-time. 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 Master's programme at HSBA?
Applications are possible at any time. However, since HSBA only has limited study places and funding programmes are sometimes awarded after receipt of the application, and visa processes can take a long time, 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 Master's programmes 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 HSBA 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 HSBA in Hamburg. On the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, courses take place on two attendance days and in two full-time weeks. The other days are reserved for company visits, language courses and an accompanying cultural programme (Hamburg and the surrounding area).