Master of Science in Strategischem Management und Leadership

Think strategically, act responsibly, and actively shape the future with inspiring leadership.

This programme is taught in German.

In a dynamic, globally interconnected world full of complex challenges, our economy and society need leaders who bring more than just subject-specific knowledge. We need sharp minds who think strategically, act responsibly, and actively shape the future with inspiring leadership.

The Master’s degree in Strategic Management and Leadership at FHNW enables you to analyze different business situations, make informed decisions, and lead teams, projects, or departments goal-oriented. With the combination of profound and in-depth knowledge, the development of your personality, and the option to select your individual area of specialisation, this Master’s programme is the logical continuation of a Bachelor’s degree in the area of business administration.

• Flexibility: Choose your individual focus areas through elective modules and your major, allowing you to prepare yourself optimally for your career.
• Strategic Management & Leadership combined: You develop both analytical management skills and effective leadership abilities – exactly the combination the job market is looking for.
• Practice orientation meets research: Real-world business challenges promote practice-oriented learning and strengthen your ability to act. You connect current scientific findings with concrete projects.
• Modern learning methods: Asynchronous and synchronous online sessions allow for more flexible learning in terms of time and place, while bootcamps and project-based learning enhance networking and exchange opportunities.
• Support: The integrated coaching programme fosters your personal development as a leader.

Career Prospects

With a Master’s degree in Strategic Management and Leadership, a wide range of career paths are open to you. As a graduate of our programme, you can take on leadership and expert roles across a wide range of industries. During your studies, you will further strengthen your leadership skills and learn how to make strategic decisions and successfully manage teams, projects, or departments. Additionally, you can specialise in a specific field (major).

Structure and Content

The standard period of study is four semesters. The degree can also be completed in six semesters, allowing for a flexible study duration adapted to your personal circumstances.

• Class days: On-site lectures on Fridays (full day), synchronous online sessions and asynchronous learning units on Wednesday evenings, plus 2–3 bootcamps per semester (Thursday to Saturday)
• The exact dates of the bootcamps will be announced in June (for the autumn semester) and in December (for the spring semester).
• Class Schedule Overview (PDF)
• Workload: 21–24 ECTS per semester

Modules and Structure

The Master’s in Strategic Management and Leadership consists of a two-stage structure:

Stage 1: You acquire in-depth and profound knowledge of strategic management, leadership and research methods through compulsory modules (33 ECTS).

Stage 2: You deepen your knowledge and skill through:

• the major (36 ECTS)
• the compulsory elective modules (9 ECTS) and
• the Master's thesis (12 ECTS)