Strategic Management and Consulting (M.Sc.)
Develop Innovative Solutions for Complex Challenges with a Master’s in Management Consulting!

Develop Global Business Strategies and Lead Organisations with Your Master's Degree in Strategic Management
The future of businesses is shaped by smart strategies and well-founded decisions. With the English-taught Master’s in Strategic Management and Consulting, you will acquire the skills needed to develop visionary strategies in dynamic markets and implement them successfully. Over four semesters, you will gain expertise in data-driven decision-making, innovative business models, and addressing the challenges of digitalisation and sustainability.
This programme goes beyond basic management principles. You will explore corporate strategy, governance, and risk management, while building a strong toolkit of consulting and analytical methods. Practical projects and a focus on real-world business challenges prepare you for a career in consulting, strategic management, or entrepreneurship.
The Master's degree in Strategic Management and Consulting opens diverse career pathways, including corporate leadership, consulting firms, or starting your own business. With a strong emphasis on modern business challenges, such as digital transformation and sustainable business practices, you will be well-equipped to develop innovative solutions and guide companies through complex change processes.
Start your journey towards a high-impact, future-proof career today!

Lerninhalte
1
Strategic Analysis & Management
3
ECTS
- Strategy making process and strategic reasoning: cognitive process of strategy
creation through the prism of logic and intuition - Setting strategic purpose in the context of responsible stakeholder management
- Advanced external environment analysis: markets, industries and competitive
landscapes in static and dynamic perspective in the domestic and international
context - Diagnosing and managing strategic capability through national borders over time
- Cultural and institutional context of strategic management: concepts, frameworks
and analytical tools - Generic and interactive business strategies, inside-out and outside-in perspective on
achieving and sustaining competitive advantage internationally - Network-level strategies
- Corporate development and configuration: strategic options and portfolio matrices
- Strategy formation
- Strategic change and corporate restructuring
- Strategic renewal
- Strategy evaluation and strategic controls: tools and methods
- Organizing for success
Strategic Analysis & Management
3
ECTS
- Strategy making process and strategic reasoning: cognitive process of strategy
creation through the prism of logic and intuition - Setting strategic purpose in the context of responsible stakeholder management
- Advanced external environment analysis: markets, industries and competitive
landscapes in static and dynamic perspective in the domestic and international
context - Diagnosing and managing strategic capability through national borders over time
- Cultural and institutional context of strategic management: concepts, frameworks
and analytical tools - Generic and interactive business strategies, inside-out and outside-in perspective on
achieving and sustaining competitive advantage internationally - Network-level strategies
- Corporate development and configuration: strategic options and portfolio matrices
- Strategy formation
- Strategic change and corporate restructuring
- Strategic renewal
- Strategy evaluation and strategic controls: tools and methods
- Organizing for success
Innovation Management & Digital Transformation
3
ECTS
- Diagnosing the change context: diffusion and dynamics of innovation
- Sources & types of innovation
- Product/service, process & business model innovation
- Individual and corporate creativity
- Strategic innovation management & the innovation process incl. New Product Development (NPD)
- Introduction to digitalization, digital age & digital divide
- Digital drivers & disruptive forces
- Technological drivers of digital transformation
- Socio-technological change associated with the adoption of the mentioned drivers
- Introduction to the digital organization & digital business models
- Impact of digitalization on the value chain (Industry 4.0)
- Digitalization-related innovation theories & technology management
- Digitalization leadership & organisational transformation concepts
- Change management & transformational leadership
- Agility and VUCA world
- SCRUM and Design Thinking
Innovation Management & Digital Transformation
3
ECTS
- Diagnosing the change context: diffusion and dynamics of innovation
- Sources & types of innovation
- Product/service, process & business model innovation
- Individual and corporate creativity
- Strategic innovation management & the innovation process incl. New Product Development (NPD)
- Introduction to digitalization, digital age & digital divide
- Digital drivers & disruptive forces
- Technological drivers of digital transformation
- Socio-technological change associated with the adoption of the mentioned drivers
- Introduction to the digital organization & digital business models
- Impact of digitalization on the value chain (Industry 4.0)
- Digitalization-related innovation theories & technology management
- Digitalization leadership & organisational transformation concepts
- Change management & transformational leadership
- Agility and VUCA world
- SCRUM and Design Thinking
Empirical Research Methods
3
ECTS
- Development of a research question
- Primary vs. secondary data
- Steps of research process
- Research designs
- Quantitative and qualitative data
- Structured methods of data collection: questionnaire and structured interview
- Un- and semi-structured methods: qualitative interview and focus group
- Quantitative and qualitative content analysis
- Ethical considerations of data collection
- Sampling
- Data analysis using statistical software programs (SPSS)
- Univariate analysis, bivariate analysis (crosstab and correlation), multiple linear regression
- Writing a research report – structural and other formal requirements
Empirical Research Methods
3
ECTS
- Development of a research question
- Primary vs. secondary data
- Steps of research process
- Research designs
- Quantitative and qualitative data
- Structured methods of data collection: questionnaire and structured interview
- Un- and semi-structured methods: qualitative interview and focus group
- Quantitative and qualitative content analysis
- Ethical considerations of data collection
- Sampling
- Data analysis using statistical software programs (SPSS)
- Univariate analysis, bivariate analysis (crosstab and correlation), multiple linear regression
- Writing a research report – structural and other formal requirements
Business Economics
3
ECTS
- Analysis of demand, supply, and market equilibrium
- Theory of consumer choice
- Theory of the firm, production and cost analysis
- Market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, contestable markets
- Game theory
- Pricing strategies
- Factor markets, labor economics
- Economics of information
- Industrial organization
- Limitations of markets and interventions by the government
- Econometric techniques related to these topics
Business Economics
3
ECTS
- Analysis of demand, supply, and market equilibrium
- Theory of consumer choice
- Theory of the firm, production and cost analysis
- Market structures: perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly, contestable markets
- Game theory
- Pricing strategies
- Factor markets, labor economics
- Economics of information
- Industrial organization
- Limitations of markets and interventions by the government
- Econometric techniques related to these topics
Data Science
3
ECTS
- Machine learning, AI and neural networks
- Information visualization
- Big Data and statistical methods for big data analysis
- Data mining
- Database systems (e.g Hadoop, Kubernetes)
Data Science
3
ECTS
- Machine learning, AI and neural networks
- Information visualization
- Big Data and statistical methods for big data analysis
- Data mining
- Database systems (e.g Hadoop, Kubernetes)
Evidence-Based Problem Solving - CaseLab
3
ECTS
- Strategy process
- Strategic thinking
- Strategy formation
- Strategic content and context
- Organizational context
- Industry context
Evidence-Based Problem Solving - CaseLab
3
ECTS
- Strategy process
- Strategic thinking
- Strategy formation
- Strategic content and context
- Organizational context
- Industry context
Business Intelligence
3
ECTS
- Introduction in Business Intelligence
- KPIs and Dashboards
- Report definitions
- Multidimensional Modeling
- OLAP
- Data warehouses within a company infrastructure
- Interfaces and ETL
- BI Software Products
Business Intelligence
3
ECTS
- Introduction in Business Intelligence
- KPIs and Dashboards
- Report definitions
- Multidimensional Modeling
- OLAP
- Data warehouses within a company infrastructure
- Interfaces and ETL
- BI Software Products
Consulting Techniques
3
ECTS
- Management consulting as a management activity
- Management consulting as an industry and profession: areas, history, development in the era of globalization
- Controversies and ethics of management consulting
- Consulting engagement as problem solving exercise
- Analytical and interactive data processing and forecasting methods
- Analytical problem solving approaches and techniques
- Creative approaches to problem solving and decision making
- Evidence-based decision making methods
- Structured and logical report writing techniques
- Effective communication techniques
Consulting Techniques
3
ECTS
- Management consulting as a management activity
- Management consulting as an industry and profession: areas, history, development in the era of globalization
- Controversies and ethics of management consulting
- Consulting engagement as problem solving exercise
- Analytical and interactive data processing and forecasting methods
- Analytical problem solving approaches and techniques
- Creative approaches to problem solving and decision making
- Evidence-based decision making methods
- Structured and logical report writing techniques
- Effective communication techniques
International Project Management
2
ECTS
- Social competence: Communication, motivation, groups and team structures, leadership, conflict management
- Methodological competence: Structural aspects, time management, cost management, human resource management, creativity and problem solving
- Organisational competence: Quality management, documentation, risk management, project start and closure
International Project Management
2
ECTS
- Social competence: Communication, motivation, groups and team structures, leadership, conflict management
- Methodological competence: Structural aspects, time management, cost management, human resource management, creativity and problem solving
- Organisational competence: Quality management, documentation, risk management, project start and closure
Language & Communication Skills
2
ECTS
The “Scholarly Writing and Analysis” course is offered for German native speakers. German as a foreign language is offered as an obligatory course for Non-native German speakers.
Language & Communication Skills
2
ECTS
The “Scholarly Writing and Analysis” course is offered for German native speakers. German as a foreign language is offered as an obligatory course for Non-native German speakers.
Why CBS UNIVERSITY
Your path to CBS
Starting your studies at CBS University of Applied Sciences is as unique as you are – and at the same time, completely hassle-free. With our user-friendly online application process, you can apply from anywhere, with no numerus clausus restrictions. Instead of rigid admission requirements, we focus on a personal selection process that highlights your strengths and potential.
Whether you choose a dual, part-time, or full-time programme, CBS University offers the perfect combination of theory and practice.

Admission requirements
The Zugangsvoraussetzungen für dein Master-Studium an der CBS University of Applied Sciences variieren je nach Studiengang . into your studies at CBSSciences is so Like yourself — and at the same time designed. With our easy to use Can you yourself apply, completely without . Instead of staring Waiting for you with us is a that is your strengthsand focuses on potential. Regardless of whether you opt for dual, part-time or full-time study, the CBSUniversity offers you the of
Deadlines
The application deadline is year round open, even before you graduate from high school. For dual study programs, you should sufficient lead time Plan so that we can find your suitable practice partner. The start of studies is flexible: in the winter semester or, for selected programs, also in the summer semester. One early candidature is particularly important for limited study places secure and apply for any necessary visas in good time.
funding
A dual or part-time study Is often used by the Practice partner financed, which is also a valuable occupational provides accompaniment. A full-time study On the other hand, can be achieved by numerous Funding opportunities like BAföG or stipends Personalize to give you an optimal connection of personal Development and academic To make the future possible.
HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ITS BEST
At CBS, we are committed to seamlessly integrating theory and practice, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly and gain valuable insights into the real working world.
Business Projects
Im Rahmen der Business Projects an der CBS International Business School haben Studierende die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam mit renommierten Unternehmen an realitätsnahen Projekten zu arbeiten. Diese praxisorientierte Lehrform verbindet theoretisches Wissen mit konkreten wirtschaftlichen Fragestellungen und gewährt tiefe Einblicke in berufliche Abläufe.
Unternehmenskooperation
Dank eines Netzwerks von über 1.300 etablierten Unternehmen aus diversen Branchen profitieren Studierende von exklusiven Einblicken in die Arbeitswelt. Diese Kooperationen eröffnen nicht nur spannende Perspektiven, sondern fördern auch die Entwicklung wichtiger Kontakte und bieten nachhaltige Karrieremöglichkeiten.
Praktikum/Berufserfahrung
Ob in Form von Pflichtpraktika, die fester Bestandteil vieler Studiengänge sind, oder durch die Integration von Berufserfahrung in duale und berufsbegleitende Programme: Du kannst dein Fachwissen direkt in der realen Arbeitswelt anwenden.
WIE FINDE ICH MEINEN PERFEKTEN KARRIEREWEG?
Der Career Service und das Talent Development der CBS unterstützen dich dabei, dein ideales Partnerunternehmen zu finden. Mit 1:1-Coachings, Workshops und einem breiten Netzwerk an Unternehmenspartnern begleiten wir dich über deine gesamte Studienzeit hinweg. Gemeinsam entwickeln wir eine Strategie, die zu deinen Stärken und Karrierezielen passt.

Ablauf und Präsenzzeiten deS Masterstudiums


Inspiration und Impact – Das sagen unsere Alumni
Lass dich von den Erfahrungen unserer Alumni inspirieren und entdecke, wie das Master-Studium an der CBS ihre berufliche und persönliche Entwicklung geprägt hat.
FAQ: The most important questions about studying Strategic Management and Consulting
Here you can find answers to all important questions all around your Strategic Management and Consulting master's degree. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
What is Strategic Management and Consulting?
The Master’s in Strategic Management and Consulting prepares students for challenges in corporate strategy and management consulting. You will develop analytical and conceptual skills to create and implement successful business strategies.
Why should you study the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme?
Dieser Master Studiengang vermittelt dir fundierte Kenntnisse in Strategieentwicklung, Change Management und Consulting-Techniken. Er ist ideal für angehende Führungskräfte und Unternehmensberater, die in einem dynamischen, globalen Umfeld arbeiten möchten.
How long does the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme last?
The Master’s in Strategic Management and Consulting typically lasts 4 semesters (2 years) and concludes with the award of a Master of Arts (M.A.).
Does the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme have a Numerus Clausus (NC)?
There is generally no NC for the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme. Admission is based on your academic background and relevant professional experience.
What are the admission requirements for the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme?
Applicants need a recognised Bachelor’s degree in business, IT, or a related field. Since the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme is taught entirely in English, strong English skills are required.
How is the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme structured?
The programme includes practical projects, strategic case studies, corporate partnerships, and consulting simulations to provide hands-on experience.
Where can I study the Strategic Management and Consulting undergraduate programme?
The Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme is offered at the Cologne campus.
What will I learn in the Strategic Management and Consulting Master’s programme? What are the core subjects?
Key study areas include Corporate Strategy, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Business Management, Business Development and Innovative Business Models.
How much can you earn after completing your studies?
Graduates can expect starting salaries between €50,000 and €80,000 per year, depending on industry and experience.
Can I write my Master’s thesis in collaboration with a company during the Strategic Management and Consulting studies?
Yes! In the final semester, you can either spend a semester abroad or complete a corporate internship, providing the perfect opportunity to write your Master’s thesis with a business focus.
Any questions? We're here to help
Do you have any questions about our bachelor's or master's degree programs? Our Student Advisory team is here to support you! Schedule your personal consultation—online or in person—for tailored, non-binding guidance on finding the right study program for you.
