Innovation Management: Business Development (MSc)
Hamburg School of Business Administration · Hamburg, Germany
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Innovation Management is a part-time Master of Science programme focused on business planning, corporate management, innovation, and the continuous adaptation of business models in a digitalised, data-driven, and globalised world. The programme is taught entirely in English and leads to an internationally recognised MSc degree.
You can specialise from the second semester onwards by choosing one of six specialisations, including Business Development. The curriculum combines multiple case studies and real-life projects and includes a master's thesis to conclude the programme.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Build business and innovation management fundamentals through HSBA modules covering innovation management and strategic business development.
- Develop practical innovation methods using design thinking approaches, agile/scrum ways of working, and case-based learning.
- Strengthen analytical and data skills through data analysis and applied econometrics content described in the program overview.
- Choose from specialisations including AI Transformation, Business Development: Marketing & Sales, Finance, Shipping & Logistics, Start-up, and Sustainable Intrapreneurship.
- Apply innovation management concepts through programme project modules and real-life project work.
- Deepen research and negotiation skills via scientific methods and competences and business negotiation techniques described in the program overview.
- Complete the MSc with a master thesis that synthesises your applied innovation and business development learning.
- Consolidate specialisation knowledge and demonstrate independent academic work in your final thesis phase.
Curriculum
Master of Science programme with a total of 120 ECTS across core modules, business development specialisation modules, project modules, and the Master’s thesis.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | ECTS / CP | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | General and core modules | Innovation Management | ||
| Project Management | ||||
| Scientific Methods & Competences | ||||
| Strategic Digital Economics | ||||
| Data Analysis | ||||
| Negotiations and Storytelling | ||||
| Semester 2 | Core modules and Business Development specialisation (Part I) | Strategic Business Development (Specialisation: Business Development) | ||
| Case Studies in Innovation | ||||
| Sustainable Innovation Camp | ||||
| Specialisation Part I | ||||
| Project Module (Consulting Project) | ||||
| Semester 3 | Core modules and Business Development specialisation (Part II) plus project work | Marketing Transformation & Sales Management (Specialisation: Business Development) | ||
| Research Seminar Scientific Methods | ||||
| Specialisation Part II | ||||
| Specialisation Part III | ||||
| Project (Consulting Project continuation / project work) | ||||
| Semester 4 | Business Development specialisation (Part III) and final project preparation | Systematic Approaches in Leadership & Innovation (Specialisation: Business Development) | ||
| Specialisation Part III | ||||
| Electives | ||||
| Master’s Thesis preparation module (if applicable in study plan) | ||||
| Project Module (if applicable in study plan) | ||||
| Semester 5 | Master Thesis | Master’s Thesis (Master Thesis IVM) | ||
| Colloquium (part of Master’s Thesis assessment) | ||||
| Total | Core modules, Business Development specialisation modules, project modules, electives, and Master’s thesis | |||
Career outcomes
- You graduate with MSc-level expertise in innovation management and business development, helping you qualify for business and product innovation roles in Germany.
- By working with real-life projects and multiple case studies, you build practical decision-making and execution skills that employers look for in innovation teams.
- Your training in Design Thinking, Kanban, Agile, and Scrum prepares you to contribute in modern product and innovation processes where these methods are commonly used.
- The programme’s specialisation options let you align your MSc with the career direction you want, such as AI-driven innovation, marketing and sales business development, or start-up strategy.
- Project-based learning and the study trip strengthen your international perspective, which is valuable for innovation careers across global or cross-border companies.
- The part-time format is designed so you can combine study with professional development, giving you a smoother transition into advancement roles while learning.
Employability rate
Graduates of innovation and business development-related master’s programmes in Germany typically see an employability rate of around 86% and an unemployment rate of about 14%, reflecting continuing demand for qualified business and innovation professionals.
Together, these figures point to a reasonably stable career outlook with ongoing hiring needs for analytics-driven and innovation-focused talent.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree equivalent | International applicants need a completed third-level degree with at least 180 ECTS. For the MSc Innovation Management, at least 60 ECTS must be in economics-related subjects, including good knowledge of mathematics and statistics. |
| Grade, subject balance, and possible substitutions | The degree should be completed with a grade of at least 'Good' (2.5). Up to 15 ECTS of the economics-related component may be substituted by credits in scientific or quantitative methods, and up to 30 ECTS may be substituted by one year of relevant professional experience. |
| English study readiness and references | International applicants must provide English proficiency at minimum B2 (CEFR) and submit a letter of recommendation from a current or former employer or an academic reference. Successful completion of the application process (online application and individual interview) is also required. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | Direct match | International applicants must have at least 60 ECTS in economics-related subjects within their first degree; up to 15 ECTS may be substituted by scientific or quantitative methods, and up to 30 ECTS may be substituted by one year of relevant professional experience. |
| Technology | Conditional match | If your economics-related ECTS are below the required level, the programme allows substitutions from scientific or quantitative methods credits and relevant professional experience, subject to admissions review. |
Language requirements
The MSc Innovation Management at HSBA is taught entirely in English. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at least at B2 level (CEFR).
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 0 / per year | HSBA lists monthly tuition for the MSc Innovation Management (regular track) as 750 €/month, with total cost 22,500 €; HSBA also lists a Fast Track option at 937.50 €/month (same total cost 22,500 €). |
| Semester fee | EUR 0 / per semester |
Proof of financial resources
International students applying from abroad must be able to cover tuition and living costs for studying in Germany. HSBA recommends preparing proof of sufficient financial resources as part of your visa/residence permit process, commonly using a blocked account method.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources for living and studying in Germany (commonly via a blocked account method)
- Any additional funding arrangements you apply for (for example employer support), documented for your study planning and visa process
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | N/A |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | October - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
🎓 Scholarship
| Provider | Scheme name | Coverage | Eligibility notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD | EPOS — Development-Related Postgraduate Courses | Tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance | EPOS supports participants from developing countries to pursue development-related postgraduate courses at selected German universities. Applicants apply for eligible courses at participating institutions, and the scholarship is designed for master’s-level study in Germany, which applies to the MSc Innovation Management programme format. |
📝 How to Apply
Start your online application
Create your application in HSBA's online application portal and submit your written application for the MSc Innovation Management. Upload the required documents such as your degree/transcript evidence, English certificate (minimum B2 CEFR), and your recommendation letter.
Admissions selection and individual interview
After receiving your application, HSBA runs a selection process to check your personal, social, and professional prerequisites to complete the programme. If your application meets the admission requirements, you will be invited to an individual interview with the academic heads of the programme.
Get a study place and complete enrolment steps
Following a successful interview and a positive decision by the admissions committee, HSBA offers you a place and sends your study contract. You then complete countersigning of the contract and provide proof of financing before enrolment.