Innovation Management: Shipping & Logistics (MSc)
Hamburg School of Business Administration · Hamburg, Germany
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
Innovation Management: Shipping & Logistics (MSc) at HSBA in Hamburg is designed for students who want to develop and implement innovative logistics solutions, focusing on shipping and logistics. The programme is taught entirely in English and leads to a Master of Science (MSc).
You study on extended weekends and during selected full-time weeks per semester, collecting a total of 120 ECTS. The specialisation focuses on innovative solutions for the maritime economy, considering the impact of digitalisation, decarbonisation, and geopolitical challenges.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Negotiations & Storytelling
- Innovation Management
- Programming
- Data Analysis
- Entrepreneurial Finance
- Project Management & Business Plans
- Applied Econometrics
- Strategic Digital Economics
- Sustainable Innovation Camp
- Case Studies in Innovation
- Specialisation Part II
- Future of Work & HR Trends
- Research Seminar Scientific Methods
- Specialisation Part III
- Consulting Project
- Master Study Trip
- Maritime Innovation Project
- Master Thesis
Curriculum
120 ECTS master programme with semester-wise module structure (programme concludes with a Master’s thesis).
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | ECTS / CP | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Compulsory General Modules and Project modules (Year 1, Semester 1) | Data Analysis | ||
| Negotiations & Storytelling | ||||
| Research Seminar Scientific Methods | ||||
| Innovation Management | ||||
| Digital Toolbox | ||||
| Service & Product Design | ||||
| Specialisation Part I | ||||
| Electives | ||||
| Master Study Trip | ||||
| Master Thesis Preparation | ||||
| Semester 2 | Compulsory Core Modules and Specialisation Shipping & Logistics continuation (Year 1, Semester 2) | Project Management | ||
| Case Studies in Innovation | ||||
| Consulting Project | ||||
| Design Thinking Workshop | ||||
| Future of Work & Human Resources (HR) | ||||
| Research Seminar Scientific Methods (continued / advanced focus) | ||||
| Sustainable Shipping and Maritime Economics | ||||
| Specialisation Part II | ||||
| Electives (Shipping & Logistics related) | ||||
| Master Study Trip (Shipping & Logistics follow-up) | ||||
| Semester 3 | Specialisation modules and project work (Shipping & Logistics track) | Port and Supply Chain Economics | ||
| Maritime Innovation Project | ||||
| Sustainable Shipping and Maritime Economics (if repeated cohort) | ||||
| Electives | ||||
| Master's Elective / chosen elective module | ||||
| Consulting Project (advanced / continuation) | ||||
| Research Seminar Scientific Methods (application phase) | ||||
| Semester 4 | Specialisation project and thesis preparation | Maritime Innovation Project (Part II) | ||
| Maritime Innovation Project (Part III) | ||||
| Electives | ||||
| Master Thesis Preparation Module | ||||
| Project work / capstone (general) | ||||
| Semester 5 | Master Thesis | Master’s Thesis (Master Thesis IVM) | ||
| Total | All compulsory modules, specialisation modules, electives, and Master’s Thesis | |||
Career outcomes
- You learn how to design and manage innovation in the shipping and logistics context, helping you move into management and specialist roles in maritime-focused businesses.
- You build job-ready strengths in digitalisation and data-driven decision-making through modules like Strategic Digital Economics and Applied Econometrics.
- The program uses design thinking, Kanban, Agile and Scrum approaches, so you can apply modern innovation and project methods to real company problems.
- You work on project modules such as the Consulting Project and innovation-focused shipping projects, giving you practical consulting and innovation experience for employer interviews.
- You develop advanced communication and negotiation capabilities via Negotiations & Storytelling, supporting your progression into cross-functional leadership roles.
- A globally recognised MSc helps you position yourself for further professional growth in international logistics and maritime innovation ecosystems.
Employability rate
Graduates of business, management, and logistics-focused master’s programs in Germany typically see an employability rate of around 88% and an unemployment rate of about 12%, reflecting continued hiring demand in commercial, analytics, and supply-chain functions.
Together, these figures point to a stable career outlook with reliable opportunities for roles linked to shipping, logistics, and innovation management.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree / third-level qualification | International applicants must hold a completed third-level degree with at least 180 ECTS, including good knowledge of mathematics and statistics. At least 60 ECTS of the first degree must be in economics-related subjects, with substitution rules described by HSBA. |
| Grade and quantitative/economics coverage | For the MSc Innovation Management, the first degree should be completed with a grade of at least 'Good' (2.5). If the grade is lower, additional relevant professional experience may be required; HSBA also checks whether your degree covers the required content. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Business & Management | HSBA indicates that admissions require a completed third-level degree (180 ECTS) with at least 60 ECTS in economics-related subjects and good knowledge of mathematics and statistics. They also offer to check in advance whether your first degree covers the required content. |
Language requirements
The MSc Innovation Management: Shipping & Logistics is taught entirely in English. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at least at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
TOEFL iBT
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 22500 / total program | Tuition fees for the entire Master’s programme: 22,500 euros. |
Proof of financial resources
International students must show proof of sufficient funds for living and study in Germany as part of the visa process. HSBA also recommends planning financing early because visa processes can take time.
- Proof of financing for living and study for Germany (required for the visa process; amount depends on individual circumstances)
- HSBA tuition fees total and any eligible early-bird discount (if you apply before 31 May)
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 | DAAD EPOS supports applicants from eligible developing countries to study development-related postgraduate courses in Germany at selected universities. This HSBA MSc specialises in innovation management for shipping and logistics, aligning with development-related postgraduate training under EPOS when selected for the course/university. |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your eligibility profile (before you apply)
Review HSBA’s MSc admission requirements for international applicants, especially the 180 ECTS degree requirement and the economics-related ECTS distribution. Gather your English certificate proof at B2 level and your references (letter of recommendation). If you are unsure whether your degree covers the required content, HSBA offers an advance check.
Submit your written application online
Apply through HSBA’s official application portal and submit the written application during the intake period for the MSc. Upload the required documents listed for the Master application, including your motivational letter in English, CV (preferred in English), and your degree certificate or transcripts. Pay attention to document formatting and ensure your English certificate is included as part of the application.
Selection process and individual interview
After submission, you go through HSBA’s selection process. If you meet the admission requirements, you will be invited to an individual interview with the Academic heads of the MSc Innovation Management (virtual or in person in Hamburg). During the interview, HSBA assesses your personal and academic suitability for the programme.
Receive your study place and complete next steps
After a successful interview and a positive vote by the admissions committee, HSBA offers you a place. You then receive your study contract and further information. After countersigning the contract and providing proof of financing, HSBA looks forward to welcoming you to HSBA.