Curriculum of the Executive MBA Programme

Our part-time programme is designed for participants from various backgrounds and industries. It conforms to your lifestyle with a full-time job by minimising work-related impairments. On alternating weekends lessons take place from Friday evening (18.00 - 21.30 hrs) to Saturday (9.00 - 17.00 hrs). The programme also includes one full week on campus during each of the first two semesters, as well as an international study trip in the third semester. With this convenient schedule, you will earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Cologne in only 18 months.

The Curriculum at a glance

The 18-month program is divided into three semesters. The first two semesters cover all fundamental business administration topics. In the third semester, you have the opportunity to specialize your MBA program through elective courses. The semester concludes with a master's thesis. The Personal Leadership Development Program runs throughout the entire 18 months.

Personal Leadership Development

The PLD programme is a key component of the Executive MBA and runs like a thread throughout all three semesters.

The programme puts the way you act in business under the microscope. This allows you to reflect on your personal and professional approaches while exploring and integrating new leadership concepts and stretegies. Group work, case studies, in-class exercises, and discussions are all designed to help you examine your mindset and behaviour while feedback from your peers provide valuable insights to refine your actions and boost your personal effectiveness - all in a secure and confidential environment.

Individual Coaching Sessions

During your Executive MBA journey, you will have three individual coaching sessions with professional coaches. Your personal coach will guide you throughout the 18-month programme, helping you overcome any challenges. These coaching sessions offer practical, and in-depth guidance tailored to your personal success and professional development.

Electives

In the third semester, you have the opportunity to select three elective courses. The electives allow you to customise your studies according to your specific interests and career goals. 

International Study Trip

The study trip takes place in the beginning of the third semester and is a core element of the Executive MBA programme. You will broaden your business understanding in a socio-economic and cultural environment.
The trip is offered in cooperation with Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

The study trip includes:

• Lecturesat a hosting university
• In-class discussions
• Visits to local enterprises
• Accommodation & Catering

Topics and destinations in the past were among others:

• Washington – “Business & Politics”
• Costa Rica – “Sustainable Business in a (striving) Sustainable Society”
• Dubai – “Energy Decarbonization Revolution: Understanding, Engaging
• and leading Energy Decarbonization”
• London – “Finance”
• Reykjavik – “Green Economy & Sustainability”
• Tallinn – “Mastering Digital Innovation Strategies”
• Athens –  “Startup 101: Turning Ideas into Business Models”

In-company Master`s Thesis

Applying your newly acquired knowledge in practice is an important part of the in-company master´s thesis, which runs during the last semester of your studies. During the five-month project, your objective will be to
assess the models, concepts and theories you have learned during the Executive MBA and apply them to a real-life management challenge in your own organisation.

During the making of the thesis you will be guided by your academic supervisor. They will be able to effectively guide you in further developing the scope of the project, articulating the School’s requirements and providing advice in the research process.