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Master of Science (M.Sc.)Innovation Management

In a globalised and dynamic economy, successful innovations are a decisive competitive advantage. In the Master’s degree in Innovation Management, you learn to anticipate where and which innovations are needed and how they can be developed cost-effectively and successfully introduced into the target market. You take into account the interdisciplinary technical, economic, social and intercultural influencing factors and are able to act effectively even in a turbulent environment.

  • Campus Hilltop

  • Period in semester3 Semester

  • Languages of instructionGerman

  • Application PeriodsWinter semester: 30 April to 15 July
    Summer semester: 31 October to 15 January

  • Admission RequirementsBasic knowledge of business administration and a successfully completed Bachelor’s or Diploma degree

Apply now!
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Content Information

The course content covers the key areas of innovation management, technology management, change management and organisational development. An external case workshop lasting several days enables you to contribute your knowledge and systematically expand it in the team. In an accompanying project, a colloquium and the Master’s thesis, you deal with practice-relevant issues based on current scientific research results (possibly in cooperation with one or more companies).

Career Perspectives

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With your Master’s degree, challenging key positions in established companies in all industries are open to you. Your future employer can rely on your comprehensive knowledge and skills in the field of innovation management acquired during your studies. Due to the strong practical relevance of your Master’s degree, you can quickly grasp real problems, analyse them thoroughly and successfully develop implementable solutions. This enables you to contribute to the lasting competitiveness of your company. 

Your career prospects

  • Research and Development Management
  • Innovation Management
  • Product Management
  • Sales
  • Purchasing
  • Process Management
  • Key-Account Management
  • Change Management
  • General management, assistant function at top management level
  • Work in a start-up
With your Master’s degree, challenging key positions in established companies in all industries are open to you.

Application/Admission

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You apply for this degree programme online via the campus management system HEonline of the Hochschule Esslingen.

Apply now

Please make sure that your full application documents include attachment of the admission application and a maximum three-page essay on the topic of innovation.

Zwei Studierende lernen an einem Buch
  1. Check the requirements
    The admission and enrolment regulations as well as the special selection criteria for Master's degree programmes inform you about the application requirements for this degree programme.

  2. Enrol in the application portal
    You register in the “HEonline” application portal of Esslingen University of Applied Sciences with your personal data and enrol for the degree programme you would like to take.

  3. Upload your documents
    You upload your documents and certificates in the HEonline portal. We need your documents by the enrolment deadline at the latest.

  4. All done!
    Once you have uploaded all documents by the deadline, we will process your application. You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether we can offer you a place on this degree programme.

suitability

This awaits you

You can expect professors with many years of practical experience and excellent scientific knowledge. Project partners like the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) and the German Society for Quality (DGQ) allow you to develop your scientific experience through large research projects.  With your Master’s thesis and a possible doctorate, you can become part of our research community yourself.
For particularly committed and capable students, there is also the possibility of a doctorate, for example in cooperation with the University of Stuttgart or the Technical University of Berlin.

Students of the Master's degree programme in Innovation Management at a case workshop

In tune with practice

“I learned a lot of new things from the motivating lecturers in the Master’s programme in Innovation Management at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. The programme was interesting from start to finish and always close to practice. Afterwards, I was even able to start and successfully complete a doctoral programme in cooperation with the TU Berlin. The programme was worth it for me in every respect!”

Dr.-Ing. MSc. Michael Dunst, Alumni of the Innovation Management degree programme
Esslingen University

Good decision

“As a former Mechanical Engineering student, the step to go completely in the direction of business administration was not an easy one for me. But in terms of my studies, it was probably the best choice I could have made. Innovation Management is an incredibly interesting degree programme that has significantly advanced me in every way and broadened my knowledge horizon.”

Noel Constantino, student of the Innovation Management degree programme
Graduate reports on his Master in Innovation Management
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What distinguishes usGood reasons for studying at Esslingen University

Practice innovation

GründES! offers you the best tools and infrastructure to develop your innovative flair and entrepreneurial spirit.

Career start

The Career Centre builds the bridge between studying and practice: Master thesis, application training, job portal...

Feedback from employers

Graduates of the programme are very well trained and qualified for innovation and change processes.

Teamwork

In the colloquium and in the project, you work in small working groups that will promote your ability to work in a team. 

Doctorate

Particularly committed students have good opportunities to do a doctorate after graduation.

Practical relevance

You deal with practice-relevant issues on the basis of current research results.

apply

Interested? Apply now! for the summersemester 2025