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.
All lectures at a glance
1st Semester
- Social and Economic Behaviour
- Managing People
- Finance & Accounting
- Supply Chain Management
+ Welcome Week on campus
2nd Semester
- Decision Analysis
- Marketing Management
- Strategic Management & Business Change
- Sustainability and Business Ethics
+ Course Week on campus
3rd Semester
- Choose three from about 40 electives to gain further specialised knowledge (in cooperation with the Rotterdam School of Management, Ersamus University)
+ International study trip (in Cooperation with the Rotterdam School of Management, Ersamus University)
+ In-company Master’s thesis
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 from about 40 options. The electives allow you to customise your studies according to your specific interests and career goals. The electives are offered in cooperation with Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) and can take place in Rotterdam or in Cologne.
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.