Change management and transformation
At a glance
Faculty
Academic degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Form of study
Consecutive Master
Standard period of study
3 semesters (incl. Master’s thesis), 90 ECTS, extension to 5 semesters possible
Place of study
Language of instruction
German
Start of studies
regular March 15 (for the summer semester),
Lateral entry possible as of October 01
Admission requirements
- University degree or other equivalent qualification in the field of economics or a related course of study
- Generally 210 ECTS including a practical semester; for degrees with 180 ECTS, missing ECTS in theory or practice can be made up before the start of studies or within one year after the start of studies. Recognition is possible.
- You can find more information in the study and examination regulations
- For international applicants: all information about the application including an overview of the required language certificates here
Costs
Semester fee (incl. semester ticket)
Semester abroad
Possible as a theoretical or practical semester
Studying with a practice partner
Accreditation
accredited
Registration
from November 15 – March 14 (for summer semester)
from May 02 – September 30 (for winter semester)
Profile of the degree program
Companies are facing major challenges today: Digitalization and ecological changes are influencing their products, production processes and working methods. In order to successfully master these transformations, they need specialists who can deal with both people and numbers and are able to manage complex change processes. This is precisely where the “Change Management and Transformation” course comes in.
In this degree course, you will combine business knowledge with behavioral science aspects. You will not only learn the theory, but also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practice, shape it and reflect on it. You will become adept at initiating and implementing change processes and measuring their success.
“In a world of accelerated change, those who can adapt themselves and their team will be successful. A professional transformation process and the tools of change management can allay fears, increase acceptance and dramatically increase the chances of successful change and the speed of implementation. Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts is closing a crucial gap in the education on offer here!”Thomas Spangler, Brose Sitech
What we value
Transforming what you have learned into practice
A central component of the Master’s degree program is the cumulative thesis. But what does “cumulative” actually mean? It is about putting into practice what you have learned during your studies, trying it out, reflecting on it and adapting it if necessary. You learn not only from successes, but also from possible setbacks. Over the course of your studies, you will develop a concept from an initial project outline, which you will put into practice in the third semester. You will be accompanied by professors who will support you in reflecting and adapting.
PraxisPLUS
Studying with in-depth practical experience in the PraxisPLUS model offers you the opportunity to gain more practical experience during your studies – without extending the duration of your studies. The prerequisite is a work contract with a company/institution. You can apply your knowledge from the lecture directly at work. The work in the company is remunerated. This in turn makes it easier to finance your studies.
Study abroad & double degree
Coburg University of Applied Sciences maintains relationships with numerous foreign partner universities. Students have the opportunity to spend a semester or do an internship abroad. It is also possible to obtain a double degree in the Master’s in Change Management and Transformation. This means that students obtain a Master’s degree from Coburg University of Applied Sciences and a Master’s degree from our partner university, the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), Australia. Further information can be found here.
Four perspectives on change
The course aims to enable young people to see and understand the phenomena of change from different perspectives. Specifically, this involves the perspectives of “the company”, “the individual employees”, “the departments and teams” and the role of the change manager, i.e. “the self”.
First perspective "Company"
- Entrepreneurial thinking and leadership
- Developing business models and strategies
- Understanding strategic decisions
- Further develop organizational structures and processes
- get rigid organizations moving
Second perspective "Employees"
- Communicating changes
- Understanding, motivating and encouraging fears
- Recognize and break patterns
- mediate between people
- Recognizing and understanding obstacles to development
Third perspective "Departments and teams"
- Recognize the professionalism of others
- to work together across projects
- Understanding complexity and ambiguity and turning it into something positive
- Using (management) tools competently and flexibly
- negotiate creatively
- Resolving conflicts of interest
- Understanding emotions and bringing people together
- Classify and interpret information and data
Fourth perspective "Change Manager"
- Combining theory and practice
- Enduring conflicts and helping to resolve them
- Dealing with risks and personal failure
- Lead yourself and understand the interactions with others
- Develop a trusting and optimistic attitude
Course content and procedure
1st semester
- Behavioral sciences 1 and 2
- Methods and instruments in change management 1 and 2
- Corporate development and transformation 1
2nd semester
- Future Skills 1
- Leading Project
- Leading Change
- Corporate development and transformation 2
- Final thesis: Concept
3rd semester
- Leading Team
- Future Skills 2
- Final thesis: testing and mentoring
- Thesis with colloquium
Insights
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More InformationCurriculum and examination regulations
The module plan provides an overview of the structure of the degree program. The module handbook provides information on the content of the individual modules. The study and examination regulations form the legal basis of the degree program. Prof. Dr. Hedwig Schmid, head of the course, will be happy to answer any questions about the content of the course.
FAQs
We will inform you!
Would you like to know more about the degree program or do you have any questions? Then take part in our information event about MS Teams:
- Thursday, May 21, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pm,
online via MSTeams, meeting ID: 382 456 806 529 73, code: 5ae6mo9L - Thursday, June 25, 2026
16:00 – 17:00
online via MSTeams, meeting ID: 399 359 594 443 417, code: QB6C3Am3 - Thursday, July 30, 2026
16:00 – 17:00,
online via MSTeams, meeting ID: 370 013 580 074 840, code: zE9Hk3VS - Thursday, September 17, 2026
11:30 am – 12:30 pm,
online via MSTeams, Meeting ID: 386 792 394 277 715, Code: Nb7ey2K4
Job & Career
Specifically trained specialists who implement innovation and transformation processes in companies are in high demand. The search term “change management” currently produces many hits on online job exchanges in Germany. The special concept of the degree course with its cumulative final thesis provides students with intensive and high-quality contact with practice. The experience they gain enables them to hit the ground running as soon as they graduate.
Do your doctorate now!
After successfully completing your Master’s degree, you can further deepen your knowledge with a doctorate at Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
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