Executive M(double degree)

The Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) / Double Degree program at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) offers experienced professionals an exceptional opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of global business practices. Designed for executives seeking to accelerate their careers, this dual-degree program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical leadership development, providing students with a comprehensive and international perspective on modern management. The program is tailored to meet the needs of busy professionals, offering a flexible schedule that allows students to balance their work commitments with their educational pursuits.

Throughout the program, participants engage in a diverse curriculum that covers core areas such as strategic management, finance, marketing, innovation, and organizational behavior. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills essential for senior management roles. The double degree component enables students to earn two recognized diplomas from prestigious institutions, enriching their credentials and expanding their global network. This international exposure is further enhanced through various exchange options and collaborative projects with peers from different cultural and professional backgrounds.

The faculty consists of renowned academics and industry practitioners who bring their extensive expertise into the classroom, ensuring that learning is both theoretical and applied. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in case studies, leadership seminars, and international study trips, fostering a hands-on approach to learning. The program also emphasizes personal development through coaching, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities, helping students to refine their leadership style and strategic vision.

Graduates of the EMBA / Double Degree program are well-positioned to take on high-level management roles across various industries worldwide. They benefit from a strong alumni network and ongoing career support services, facilitating connections, business opportunities, and continuous professional growth. Whether aiming to move up within their current organization or transition to new sectors, participants leave the program equipped with advanced knowledge, a broadened perspective, and a global outlook essential for success in today’s interconnected business environment.

Educational organisation

The programme follows a modular format over a total of 24 months, with block courses on the campuses of the Hertie School and ESMT in Berlin as well as courses in Brussels and in other cities. The total programme consists of 82 days on either the ESMT or the Hertie School campus (40 days in the first year and 42 days in the second year). Thirteen of those days offer flexibility for participants to choose from a group of electives.

The first year kicks off with a joint module on "Business Innovation and Governance" delivered by both ESMT and the Hertie School. The following modules cover "Business Foundations and Management Functions" from ESMT's EMBA programme as well as a module titled "Intersectoral Governance" with selected courses from the Hertie School's EMPA.
Following the core programme, participants can choose up to three courses from the Hertie School's elective portfolio, including:

• Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Governance and Anti-corruption
• Evaluating Public Policies
• The Security-Development Nexus
• Energy Sustainability and Climate Change

Participants can also choose two out of the following skill courses delivered by the Hertie School:

• Cooperation and Problem Solving in International Context
• Negotiation
• Moderation
• Conflict Management
• Consulting
• Campaigning, hands-on

In addition to the general modules of the first year, ESMT delivers training and coaching in its "Individual Leadership Development Itinerary" module, adding to the skill courses in the context of the leadership development focus of the programme. The first year ends with the following module delivered by the Hertie School: "Governance in Theory and Practice: European Union Governance" and includes a workshop in Brussels.

The second year includes two joint modules delivered by both ESMT and Hertie: A Capstone Seminar and Practice Project Webinars.
Participants will then cover the intersectoral nature of "Public Private Interaction", a module delivered by the Hertie School which includes the following:

• Organisational Forms
• Public Affairs and Political Communication
• The Regulatory State
• Public Private Partnerships

Global immersion continues after the Brussels workshop with the international field seminar and the Global Network Week organised by ESMT:

• International field seminar: This seminar consists of two weeks, during which students interact with senior business leaders, network, and reflect on global business development in a country of strategic significance. Previous locations visited include Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
• GNAM Global Network Week: GNAM (Global Network for Advanced Management) is a partnership between 25 business schools worldwide. During the Network Week, students can take part in one-week exchange programmes at another network university. Up to six schools offer exchanges at the same time as ESMT. Member schools include Yale SOM (USA), Asian Institute of Management (Manila, Philippines), EGADE Business School (Santa Fe, Mexico), IE Business School (Madrid, Spain), Koç University (Istanbul, Turkey), and others.

The two-year dual degree ends with the successful presentation of a Master's thesis at the end of the programme.

Study abroad unit(s)

Executive MBA/MPA students spend three modules abroad:

The first international module consists of a one-week workshop in Brussels in the context of the "Governance in Theory and Practice" module delivered by the Hertie School.

The second international module spent abroad is the international field seminar. Students spend two weeks interacting with senior business leaders, networking, and reflecting on global business development in a country of strategic significance, typically in an emerging economy.

The third international module consists of the GNAM Global Network Week. During this Network Week, students can participate in a one-week, short-term exchange at another network university.

Internships

An integral part of the Executive MBA/MPA programme is the applied field work, which forms the basis for the Master's thesis.
During this period, participants work on assignments addressing current business issues in their respective companies or organisations in order to propose applicable recommendations to their employers' management. The nature of the assignment is similar to that of a management consulting project, whereby the company/organisation acts as project sponsor.
ESMT faculty members who are also highly experienced consultants and enjoy close relationships with their corporate clients, provide tight supervision and guidance. Additionally, through the international field seminar, participants become familiar with selected emerging markets that are expected to play an essential role in the future business, non-profit and NGO world.

Forms of assessment

Assessments include written and oral exams, individual and/or group presentations, and submitting papers. In some courses, a significant part of a student's evaluation will be based on class participation.

Course objectives

The ESMT-Hertie Executive MBA/MPA is designed to prepare students exhibiting high potential for executive leadership positions in a globalised world, which is characterised by ever deeper connections between business, politics and civil society. Linking ESMT's EMBA and the Hertie School's EMPA programmes and combining them with modules focusing on the cross-sectoral interplay, the unique curriculum provides participants with core MBA training combined with expertise in policy and governance analysis.

Students will be able to:

• develop their business and innovative capabilities
• increase their effectiveness as responsible leaders
• gain competences in cross-sectoral cooperation
• learn how to respond to, and make the most of, the defining challenges facing politics, business, and society

Language requirements

For candidates with limited experience in business English, an English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or others) is required.

Academic requirements

• At least five years of professional experience
• An undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Strong GMAT/GRE scores, or ESMT's admissions test scores (ESMT's admission test may be taken on campus the same day as the admission interview)
• For candidates with limited experience in business English, an English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or others) is required.
• Clear commitment from your company with regards to study-time allowances, or an in-depth discussion with our EMBA and/or EMPA management about your career plan for career change candidates
• Strong performance at the personal interview with ESMT and Hertie School representatives

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Costs of living

In addition to tuition, students are expected to cover the cost of their travel to and from modules. Students are also required to pay for their accommodation during modules in Berlin and during the course offerings of Global Network of Advanced Management. They are additionally responsible for any costs that may incur during the completion of their thesis.

Job opportunities

Participants remain employed at their respective companies while participating in the programme.

Funding opportunities within the university

For self-funded candidates, ESMT and the Hertie School offer merit-based scholarships. Applicants demonstrating academic excellence, potential for growth during their professional career, or strong leadership skills may qualify for a scholarship.
http://www.esmt.org/emba-empa

Arrival support

ESMT provides extensive support in the search for accommodation by reserving an ample amount of hotel rooms for each module, from which participants may choose. The ESMT admissions team provides each participant with an arrival guide containing thorough information on Berlin infrastructure, services and entertainment opportunities. Participants will also receive a complete information package from the programme office including the schedule, syllabus, etc. Due to the modular format of the programme, student visa support is usually not necessary.

Services and support for international students

The ESMT and Hertie Admissions Office and the Executive MBA/MPA programme managers provide logistical support regarding travel arrangements, search for accommodation, and the provision of learning materials from the very beginning of the programme. As international institutions, ESMT's and Hertie's faculty and staff often speak the native language of the students, which is another way in which the schools can support an international student body.

Accommodation

The EMBA and EMPA offices book a sufficient contingent of hotel rooms prior to each module. Students are responsible for choosing the respective hotel and covering the costs, but will be supported by the EMBA and EMPA offices from the very beginning.