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The academic head Prof. Dr. Katja Starken explains the focus and the special features of the Hamburg 'MBA'.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Practical and international: English-language MBA for prospective managers – focussing on strategy & leadership, sustainability, big data & AIAre you looking for an English-language, internationally oriented MBA programme in Hamburg that will help you advance your career in just one year? With our ‘Hamburg MBA’ you will expand your specialist knowledge with in-depth business know-how and acquire management skills that are recognised on the international market.
It does not matter what your professional and technical background is: You can bring your previous experience to our MBA programme and enrich it with new professional experience, specialist knowledge and methodological and social skills. In addition to business knowledge, we would also like to impart our values to you. After all, it is important to be successful as a future manager in business - both nationally and internationally - on a sustainable and long-term basis. In addition to traditional content, digitalisation and AI, our MBA therefore focuses on strategic, ethical and sustainable thinking and action in order to meet the challenges of today's global economy.
You can also take part in our mentoring programme and benefit from the experience of interesting leaders. Not only will you expand your network, but you can also discuss questions about professional or personal challenges directly.
HSBA's 'Hamburg MBA' offers an excellent opportunity for international students to accelerate their careers with a business-focused, globally oriented education in the heart of Hamburg, one of Germany's key economic hubs.
Our mentoring programme and a strong network - Real highlights for your career
Start your career well prepared with our strong networks
In addition to your studies, we offer you the perfect basis for your professional success with our mentoring programme, our strong corporate network and a range of extracurricular activities.
With our mentoring programme, you can benefit from the experience of interesting leaders. Not only will you expand your network, but you will also be able to discuss questions about professional or personal challenges directly. A real highlight for you and your studies.
Our MBA program goes far beyond traditional learning at university and prepares you optimally for your management tasks in practice. You can make contacts and gain valuable experience during company visits, networking events at our partner companies and interactive workshops on cutting-edge business topics. You will be supported by joint learning and case studies. In addition, our social projects and events offer the perfect opportunity to get involved.
Programme
Study Organisation and Programme Structure of Master of Business Administration (MBA) at HSBA
The practical and application-orientated Master's degree programme teaches the fundamentals of business administration as well as scientific methodological skills and soft skills. Personal and language skills as well as professional skills are promoted so that you can develop an individual qualification profile as a manager and apply it successfully in the German labour market.
The programme encompasses 60 ECTS credits, structured into eight core modules that provide a strong foundation in business management. In addition to these, students can choose one elective that aligns with their personal interests and career goals. Additionally, the MBA offers the opportunity to participate in an optional study trip, providing an enriching international perspective. The final stages of the programme include the Master Thesis, which allows students to delve into a topic of their choice, applying both practical and theoretical knowledge, and a colloquium, where they present and defend their research findings. The programme is supplemented by self-study, group work and additional activities.
Renowned professors with extensive practical experience
Prof. Dr. Katja StarkenProfessor of International Management
Modules: Science and Management Essentials Agile Organisations and Operations
katja.starken(at)hsba.de
Prof. Dr. Sönke HartmannProfessor of Operations Research & Logistics
Modules: AI, Analytics and Decision Making
soenke.hartmann(at)hsba.de
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andy WittProfessor of Business Informatics with a focus on digitalisation
Modules: AI, Analytics and Decision Making
andy.witt(at)hsba.de
Prof. Dr. Tim GoydkePresident & Managing Director
Prof. Dr. Leonhard KhazraeiProfessor of International Management
Modules: Sales and Digital Marketing Global Business and Economics, International Management
leonhard.khazraei(at)hsba.de
Jason HarmanLecturer for Strategy & Innovation, Organisation & Organisational Behaviour, International Business & Emerging Markets, Project Management
Leadership & Communications Trainer, Agile Workshop Facilitator, Business School Lecturer
Modules: International Trade, General Electives, Microeconomics, Global Business and Economics
jason.harman(at)hsba.de
Prof. Dr. Sarah JastramVice President Research & International Affairs, Professor of Business Ethics, Sustainability, and Business Administration
Modules: Strategy and Value-Based Leadership
sarah.jastram(at)hsba.de
Prof. Dr. habil. Stefan PriggeProfessor of Business Administration with a focus on Corporate Accounting / Corporate Finance
Jennifer Duseux-BruneLecturer
Modules: Organisation and Organisational Behaviour, Project Management, Marketing Management
jennifer.duseux-brune(at)hsba.de
Gilles ScheurenLecturer
Marketing-Consultant and Co-Founder Llama League
Modules: Marketing Management, Digital Marketing
Prof. Dr. Michael HöbigProfessor of Logistics Management/ Airbus Endowed Chair of Logistics Management
Mohammad Ali RahimiLecturer
Partner & Director Business Development X1F
Modules: Digitalisation, Digital Innovation Lab – Programming
ali.hamburg(at)gmail.com
Ulf KötherLecturer
Geschäftsführer iovo GmbH and KRT Medical Solutions
Modules: Digital Innovation Lab – Data Business
ukoether(at)krt-medical.de
Pierre-Yves PuigneroLecturer
Director International Accounting at MONTBLANC INT. HOLDING GMBH
Modules: Modern Corporate Finance
More Than Just a Degree: Extracurricular Highlights for Your MBA Journey
Our MBA programme goes beyond academic excellence, offering a range of extracurricular activities designed to expand your network and provide valuable real-world insights.
Industry Deep Dives connect you directly with high-profile guest speakers from the business world, while Networking Lunches create a relaxed setting to engage with executives. Company Visits give you exclusive access to corporate cultures, and additional Industry Networking Events offer targeted opportunities to build your professional network.
Global Perspectives – International Experiences That Make a Difference
International exposure and intercultural exchange are key pillars of our MBA programme
A small, diverse cohort fosters deep discussions and a global outlook, equipping you with the skills needed for an international career.
Through collaborative projects and debates with classmates from around the world, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of global business and leadership strategies. Our Summer Schools allow you to immerse yourself in a different academic environment, explore new teaching methods, and connect with students and faculty from across the globe. An optional Study Trip takes you to a dynamic economic region, where company visits, interactive workshops, and direct engagement with industry experts provide valuable insights into a key international market.
Career Prospects
The Hamburg MBA offers a wide range of career opportunities, preparing you for leadership and management roles across various industries. Whether aspiring to become a CEO, department head, or project manager, this degree provides essential skills for thriving in different business environments. The interdisciplinary focus enables graduates to manage across functions, making them highly attractive candidates for positions in corporate consulting, finance, marketing, sales, human resources, operations, and logistics.
At HSBA, students benefit from a network of over 300 corporate partners, including renowned Hamburg-based companies such as Airbus, Beiersdorf (Nivea), EY, Hapag-Lloyd, Montblanc, OTTO, and Shell. These partnerships offer a perfect balance of theory and practice, allowing students to engage with industry leaders and gain practical experience during their studies. This collaboration enhances the educational journey and provides vital networking opportunities, positioning students for success in the job market.
What truly distinguishes the Hamburg MBA is its focus on sharpening decision-making skills, improving the ability to lead complex negotiations, and fostering innovative thinking. This degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in a dynamic global business environment, where adaptability and innovation are essential.
Prof. Dr. Katja StarkenThe Hamburg MBA teaches important entrepreneurial skills and leadership competences, but also global mindsets and a set of values that prepare our students for sustainable, long-term success around the world.
Academic Head and Lecturer
Prof. Dr. Tim GoydkeWith the Hamburg MBA, students not only invest in education, but position themselves to succeed in today's global business world. Whether it's advancing in your current field or transitioning to a new industry, our programme provides the tools, network and opportunities that young professionals and experienced graduates need to succeed.
President and Lecturer
Christoph RohlingWhat made the MBA at HSBA particularly valuable were my fellow students from different countries and with a wide range of professional backgrounds, coupled with lecturers and guest lecturers directly from the business world. This meant we were able to learn a great deal from each other's experiences
Managing Director Parto and HSBA Alumnus
Jens KaminskiMy studies at HSBA were an incredibly enriching experience that benefited me both professionally and personally. The hands-on approach to learning and the broad range of topics helped me develop my leadership skills and prepare for global challenges. The international focus, along with the exchange with fellow students and my mentor, provided me with valuable insights into different cultures and business practices – an invaluable asset in today's interconnected world.
IBA Technology Sales and HSBA Alumnus
Dr. Nadia BouhalliThe MBA at HSBA took my career to a whole new level. Not only was I able to deepen my management skills and build a valuable network that I still benefit from today, but I have since become involved in HSBA's mentoring programme myself, so that I can pass on my experiences to the next generation.
Commodity Leader Cabin Electronics at Airbus and HSBA Alumna
Living in Hamburg
Study in one of the most beautiful metropolises in Europe
The Inner Alster lake in the centre, the proximity to two seas, the wide range of leisure activities and the excellent shopping facilities are the basis for Hamburg being one of the top ten city destinations for tourism in Europe. Hamburg is one of the most dynamic economic regions in Europe and home to many globally operating companies. As a harbour city, it is traditionally an important foreign trade location and is one of the leading logistics locations in Germany. Musicals, cabaret, theatre, a lively club scene, district cultural centres, galleries and museums - Hamburg has a lot to offer. At HSBA, you study in the heart of Hamburg, right next to the city hall and the stock exchange, at the centre of economic and social life.
Admission Requirements
For the MBA Master of Business Administration the following admission requirements apply:
- A completed excellent first university degree (third-level) of at least 240 ECTS (of which 60 ECTS can be replaced by relevant professional experience)
- At least one year of relevant professional experience
- 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.
Information Events
Upcoming Info Sessions & Events
22
Thu
May
Virtual Event
22 May 2025, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
2.00 pm
MBA Online Info Session – May 2025
Read more
10
Tue
Jun
10 Jun 2025, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm
5.30 pm
|
Campus of HSBA
HSBA Beyond Business – Opportunities and challenges for women on their way to the top
Read more
23
Mon
Jun
Virtual Event
23 Jun 2025, 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm
6.00 pm
|
online (via Zoom)
Master Online Info Session – June 2025
Read more
24
Tue
Jun
Virtual Event
24 Jun 2025, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
2.00 pm
MBA Online Info Session – June 2025
Read more
Juliane Michaelis
Senior Manager Student Recruitment & Company Relations
+49 40 822160-932juliane.michaelis@hsba.de
Ask a student
Would you like to address your questions directly to our students? Please contact Lucie Karpinski (MSc Innovation Management) and Patrick Henz (MSc Digital Transformation & Sustainability) by e-mail. Students from abroad are welcome to contact Kumru Özkan (MSc Business Development programme)! The three Master's students will be happy to answer your questions!
News from the campus, faculty and network
News & Stories
Internationals: To Hamburg for a Master's Degree - a Personal Account
Germany is a popular destination for international students, and is currently actually the country in Europe hosting the highest number of students from abroad.* The high quality of life, the excellent education system and the opportunity to work in Germany after graduating are some of the main reasons why many young people decide to study here. For each student, the intercultural experiences that come with living and studying in a new country are, however, particularly important.
Our postgraduate student Kumru Özkan approves this statement. She has lived in Hamburg for the last years, arriving from Turkey in 2023 to enroll at HSBA, studying the part-time, English-language Master’sprogramme in Business Development (now Innovation Management). Recently, she had the unique opportunity to talk to the Second Mayor of Hamburg, Katharina Fegebank, about her experiences, her motivation and her personal challenges. Kumru and the Second Mayor met at the annual Hamburg Senate Reception for International Students at the Hamburg city hall. Read on for Kumru’s story which she told us at a recent interview.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Master's programme at HSBA
What is the difference between an MSc and an MBA?
The consecutive MSc builds on and deepens the specialist and methodological knowledge acquired in the first degree programme in economics.
An MBA is aimed at graduates from other disciplines (engineers, lawyers, doctors, etc.) who have taken on management tasks as part of their professional career or are planning to do so and would like to acquire the business expertise to do so. An MBA can also be of interest to professionals with a commercial background who are looking for application-orientated further training after a long period of professional activity.
What degree does one receive with a Master's degree at HSBA?
The business master's programmes Innovation Management and Digital Transformation & Sustainability both lead to the degree Master of Science (MSc). The MBA programme leads to the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA). The degrees are internationally recognised and entitle you to take up doctoral studies after graduation.
When does the MBA programme at HSBA start and how long does it take?
The MBA programme starts on 1 October and lasts 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time).
What are the advantages of a MBA programme at HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration?
Would you like to develop and expand your management expertise? Then our MBA programme at HSBA is just right for you if you are looking for a modern programme in English. The programme is aimed at students with initial professional experience and a first academic degree, which does not necessarily have to be in the field of business administration. Our approach is to form our MBA students in small study groups into responsible and cosmopolitan people with strong professional and methodological expertise as well as distinctive soft skills.
