Business Administration

This is the basis of the master’s programme. 

You will:

• learn how to classify information and data correctly
• and make it available in a format that suits practical purposes

You will:

• learn to apply forward-looking, management-oriented methodologies for analysis, problem-solving and decision-making
• be able to use these general leadership skills to develop the company and business in a digital and sustainable manner

The module group ‘Corporate/Business Development’ represents the specialisation at the heart of this master’s degree and examines the functional (strategic, financial, organisational, sustainability-based) challenges involved in transforming a business.

The modules focus on the development of entrepreneurial, digital and sustainable management skills.

You will

• gain an understanding of the scientific principles of decision-making and develop this understanding as a central management skill in an in-depth simulation
• develop your ability to apply entrepreneurial thinking and reflect on decision-making and management skills

You will

• learn the principles and methodology of requirements analysis (what) and solution development (how) with a focus on the problem-solving, idea-generating approach known as design thinking
• work on practical issues facing a real business

You will

• examine the key characteristics and consequences of the digitalisation of business and society with a focus on sustainable strategic business development
• examine the key aspects involved in drawing up and implementing a digital transformation strategy

You will

• focus on an integrated understanding of sustainability with an economic, environmental and social dimension
• examine new, sustainable business models, where responsible use of the company’s and the environment’s resources goes hand-in-hand with new economic opportunities and development potential

You will 

• systematically learn to evaluate the quality and veracity of information and to distinguish academic theories from commonly held beliefs (conspiracy theories)
• familiarise yourself with the academic research process and critically evaluate different sources of information 

You will 

• learn different scientific methods (quantitative and qualitative) in hands-on workshops
• apply them to your reasearch topic

You will 

• independently carry out and document an empirical piece of research
• follow the phases of a prototypical research process, academically substantiating, reflecting on and evaluating your decisions

Businesses create value by responding to customer needs with a constant flow of new products and services. In this module, you will learn:

• how to develop new products successfully
• which techniques and tools can be used
• what role aspects such as culture and leadership play

At the end of the course, you can apply for NPD Professional certification from the Product Development Management Association.

An organisation can be structured in entrepreneurial terms, from the company’s foundation to its succession. We analyse and discuss how this can be achieved, why it is important and how to bridge theory and practice. 

For businesses, financial planning and assessment are key business management tools that can be used to pursue three goals:

• Identifying gaps and surpluses in the finances at an early stage
• Evaluating businesses or business units with a view to selling or purchasing
• Measuring the value contributed by a strategy

In this module, you will learn to draw up financial plans for businesses and to evaluate businesses on the basis of those financial plans.

This module takes an in-depth look at the circular economy and uses practical exercises to make the concept more tangible. The module introduces different approaches to increasing operational circularity. We will discuss these approaches and demonstrate them in simulations. The aim of the module is to debate what is required for the various stages of the concept and to confirm the potential of the circular economy in terms of both operational sustainability and sustainable development.

Data is increasingly seen by businesses as a strategic resource. It represents a key source of innovation in a time of digitalisation and allows organisations to establish new business models. With this in mind, we will: 

• examine strategic and organisational aspects of data-based value creation
• take a closer look at the potential of the latest technology trends in the field of artificial intelligence

Today’s businesses operate in a dynamic world. Digitalisation, crises, heightened competition and changing customer expectations represent major challenges for many established providers of goods and services. In this module, we will focus on how marketing can tackle those challenges.

In this module, we focus on ways to plan and manage change processes and relate the findings to our own (leadership) behaviour.

Offices are becoming a thing of the past and digitalisation is changing everything. This module examines: 

• how organisations can shape the future of work so that work gives a person more than it takes
• how we can make meaningful use of changing possibilities

Enabling you to become change makers in your organisations.

This module provides an introduction to innovative financial tools. It looks at forward transactions, futures, swaps and hedging in times of crisis. There is also a particular focus on new approaches and products in the fields of sustainable finance, digital finance and platforms.

Data is playing an increasingly important role in business activities, whether in the context of decision-making, internal processes or business models. With this in mind, this module will:

• provide you with a practical overview of the basic methods of data analysis for a KPI driven corporate management

Businesses are finding themselves morally challenged to accept social responsibility. This situation offers both opportunities and risks. This module examines the ethical principles and the application of corporate responsibility.

The study tour provides insights into international management and promotes intercultural competence. You will reflect on, consolidate and combine the skills and expertise you have acquired in the first three semesters by carrying out a project work in an international context. 

You may participate in the Business School mentoring programme during your studies.

More information: Mentoring programme

The Certificate of Global Competence gives you the opportunity to gain skills in the areas of inter- and transculturalism as part of your regular studies.

The Certificate of Engagement provides proof of the time and effort you dedicated to the BFH Business School.

The supplementary Certificate of Engagement in Sustainability recognises your social commitment and the additional effort you put into expanding your knowledge and skills pertaining to sustainability.

This programme is taught in German and English.

• Please submit proof of your proficiency in German level C1 (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat C1) along with your application.
• For English we recommend level B2. 

University qualifications from other countries must be equivalent to a Swiss bachelor’s degree/university of applied sciences degree. Equivalence will be assessed by the head of the degree programme.

Once you have applied, an advisory interview will take place with the Programme Assistant (Rahel Beck) or the head of the programme.
The interview can also be held before registration. Please contact us directly for this purpose.

There are two ways to finance your studies: loans and grants. More information here: