Level Up Your Skills

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, distinguishing yourself requires more than ambition—it demands the right qualifications and skills. Our MSc in Digital Transformation Leadership provides the strategic expertise and cutting-edge knowledge essential to excel in this dynamic field. This master’s programme is designed to prepare you for independent entrepreneurial ventures or senior management positions with leadership responsibilities across various industries and business sizes.

The curriculum offers a unique combination of leadership, decision-making, and digital competencies, equipping you to advance into a future-oriented career in a global company or innovative start-up. Digital technologies are omnipresent in today’s society and business world, driving a digital revolution that evolves at an unprecedented pace. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, Big Data, the Internet of Things, and Blockchain are set to disrupt traditional business models and transform job roles in the industry.

Students will enhance their leadership and management knowledge, and acquire application-specific specialisation skills through real-world challenges and practical experiences

Key Skills Developed

• Leadership and Decision Making
• HR Management and Organization Design
• Cross-Cultural Team Management
• Virtual Team Collaboration
• Emotional Intelligence in Business
• Digital Innovation Management
• Strategic Decision Making

Who is this Programme For?

This programme provides you with all of the essential tools and practical skills to pursue a career in leading transformation projects and change agendas for the digital economy.

• Suitable for aspiring managers and consultants who want to take on leadership roles in the digital domain.
• Opens career opportunities across multiple industries like business management, government administration and digital consulting.
• Helps you gain additional skills in Big Data, cybersecurity, and cloud computing through technical know-how provided by Amazon.
• Provides in-depth knowledge about digital transformation efforts like innovation management, technology, and data control organisation.

Accreditations

The degree programme has been awarded the quality seal of the Accreditation Council Foundation. The Accreditation Council Foundation is a joint institution of the federal states of Germany for quality assurance in study and teaching at German universities.

Gisma University of Applied Sciences is state recognised. It also benefits from AMBA accreditation, which was awarded for the Global MBA and is an honour shared by only 6 universities in Germany and 2% of all universities worldwide. The prestigious AMBA accreditation represents innovation and excellence in education.

How Will You Study?

Gisma University of Applied Sciences supports flexible and individual learning by applying a systematic hybrid learning scheme. You will spend part of your lectures in class at our Potsdam campus. These face-to-face phases are complemented by e-learning sessions. You will work on cases, reflect on readings, take part in online discussions, and participate in group exercises and projects. This variety of learning methods is part of our unique teaching strategy, which includes student-centred pedagogy, project-based learning, collaborative learning, and personalised coaching.

Location: Potsdam, near Berlin

Duration: Standard Track: 120 ECTS (24 months), Eligibility-Based Track: 60 or 90 ECTS (12 or 18 months)

Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct

Tuition Fee: From € 13,000 per year

Modules

Leadership and Decision Making

• HR Management and Organization Design
• Cognitive Psychology & Leadership
• Management of People in Cross Cultural Environments
• Behavioural Competencies in Virtual Teams
• Emotional Agility in International Business
• CEO Decision Making & Case Studies

Project Management and Sustainability

• Project Management
• CSR, Diversity and Ethics

Digital Competencies

• Innovation Management and Digital Transformation
• I.M.E. in a Digital World
• Digital Marketing and Analytics
• Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management
• Electives in Cloud Computing, Big Data and Cyber Security from Amazon, Alibaba and Co.

Study Abroad or Internship or Business Project Option

Scientific and Methods Competencies

• Research Methods and Scientific Work
• Master Thesis

Your Future Career

A digital transformation leadership degree can help you manage and lead digitisation in any international organisation. As a consultant, you will be in the pole position to bring businesses to the next (digitised) level.

Potential graduate opportunities:

• Cloud specialists; annual salary ranges about € 65,000.
• Digital product managers; annual salary ranges about € 68,000.
• Financial analysts; annual salary ranges about € 48,100.
• Solution architects; annual salary ranges about € 69,710.
• Chief digital officers; annual salary ranges about € 1,41,463.
• UX designers; annual salary ranges about € 42,602.
• Digital transformation specialist; annual salary ranges about € 76,333.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (business, economics or social sciences, psychology, law, engineering, computer science, or closely related sciences)
• English proficiency: B2 (IELTS 6.0 overall, no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE or Duolingo. Gisma also offers an English test free of charge.

Tuition Fees

We offer a range of savings and funding options for our programmes. Fees will vary depending on your applicant status:

• Germany/EU applicants
• Ex-pat applicants
• International applicants

Pre-Master’s

A solid undergraduate background in a field relevant to our Master’s programmes is usually required for admission onto our various Master’s programmes. However, many prospective students find that their Bachelor’s degree does not meet the necessary admission criteria. In accordance with German educational standards, these candidates can complete a bridging semester of 30 ECTS, referred to as our “Premasters programme”, to establish familiarity with concepts and skills necessary to do well in their intended Master’s programme. Regardless of your Bachelor’s degree field, we will prepare you for success in your chosen Masters programme!

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Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Gisma University of Applied Sciences MSc Leadership for Digital Transformation equips students with tools and practical skills to lead transformation projects and adapt to the digital economy.
• Objectives: The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles in businesses undergoing digital transformation.
It focuses on developing skills in decision-making, project management, digital competence, innovation management, and scientific methods.
• Description: The program features a blended learning approach, combining online and on-campus components.
It offers flexibility for students to study while residing in their home countries and accessing Gisma's Potsdam campus virtually.

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Outline:

• Content: The program encompasses various modules focusing on leadership, digital transformation, project management, and scientific methods.
• Structure: The program consists of three core areas: Leadership and Decision Making, Project Management and Sustainability, and Digital Competencies.
Additionally, students can choose specializations in Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Cyber Security.
• Schedule: The program duration is 12 or 24 months, with intakes beginning in January, April, July, and October.
• Modules:
| Module Name | Description | |---|---| | Leadership and Decision Making | - Covers topics like HR management, organizational design, cognitive psychology, cross-cultural management, behavioral competencies, and emotional agility.
• Includes case studies of different CEO decision-making scenarios.
| Project Management and Sustainability | - Focuses on project management methodology, CSR considerations, diversity management, and ethical aspects. | Study Abroad, Internship, or Business Project | - Students choose between engaging in a study abroad experience, undertaking an internship, or completing a business project. | | Digital Competencies | - Covers subjects like Innovation Management and Digital Transformation, Digital Marketing and Analytics, Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management, and electives in Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Cyber Security from leading providers like Amazon, Alibaba, and Co. (Source: MSc Leadership for Digital Transformation | Online & On-Campus) | | Scientific and Methods Competence | - Equips students with research methods and scientific work skills needed for completing their Master's Thesis.

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Assessment:

• Methods: The program utilizes various assessment methods, including case studies, essays, presentations, exams, and a Master's Thesis.
• Criteria: Assessments evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, application of skills, critical thinking, and research abilities.

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Teaching:

• Methods: The program employs interactive teaching methods, including lectures, case studies, group discussions, and project work.
• Faculty: The program features expert faculty with industry experience and knowledge from prominent companies like Amazon, United Nations, Harvard, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, IBM, and Allianz.
• Unique Approach: The program integrates virtual access to the Gisma campus at Potsdam, offering an online learning experience while maintaining a collaborative and interactive environment.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in cloud computing, digital product management, finance, solution architecture, chief digital officer roles, UX design, and digital transformation specialists.
• Opportunities: The program prepares graduates for leadership positions in businesses undergoing digital transformation, enabling them to drive organizational change and innovation.
• Outcomes: Graduates gain knowledge and skills to navigate the digital economy and adapt to the changing business landscape.

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Other:

• Digitalization: The program emphasizes the growing importance of digitalization in influencing business models, technologies, and customer value propositions.
• Flexibility: The program offers both online and on-campus learning options, allowing students to study from home or visit the Gisma campus in Potsdam.
• Accreditations: Gisma University of Applied Sciences is state-recognized and holds AMBA accreditation, signifying innovation and excellence in education.
For German/EU applicants, fees start from €8,500 per year, while international applicants pay from €11,575 per year.

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Standard Tuition Fees Germany/EU applicants From € 8,500 per year International applicants from € 11,575 per year Flexible payment plan Gisma offers flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the costs of your programme fees in up to six instalments. A refundable deposit of €3,000 is required to secure your place, and the remainder of the tuition fee is to be paid after the start of programme in accordance with your payment schedule. Payments are accepted by bank transfer, or via one of our payment partners – Transfermate and Stripe.

GISMA University of Applied Sciences: A Summary

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Overview:

GISMA University of Applied Sciences is a private institution offering internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business and related fields. Founded in 1999, GISMA focuses on interdisciplinary education and digital literacy, preparing graduates to thrive in the global business world.

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Services Offered:

GISMA provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Career Centre:

Offers career counseling, resume building, interview preparation, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.

Visa Advice:

Assists international students with visa applications and related processes.

Accommodation:

Provides guidance and support in finding suitable accommodation options.

Financial Aids:

Offers various funding options and incentives for students.

German Add-On Course:

Provides language learning opportunities to enhance global mobility and career prospects.

Alumni Network:

Offers career opportunities, networking events, and resources to graduates.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

GISMA offers a vibrant campus experience across three locations: Potsdam, Berlin, and London. Students can expect:

State-of-the-art facilities:

The Potsdam campus boasts a modern and well-equipped learning environment.

Cultural immersion:

The opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of Germany.

International community:

A diverse student body from around the world, fostering a global learning environment.

Career support:

Dedicated career services to help students achieve their professional goals.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Globally recognized degrees:

GISMA offers internationally accredited degrees, enhancing career prospects.

Elite faculty:

Experienced professors with backgrounds from top companies like Amazon, UN, Harvard, and KPMG.

Strong industry partnerships:

Collaborations with leading organizations like Tata Consulting Services.

Interdisciplinary approach:

Focus on developing skills relevant to the modern business landscape.

Dynamic learning environment:

A combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

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Academic Programs:

GISMA offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including:

Undergraduate:

BSc degrees in areas like data science, AI, digital business, and management.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees aimed at future managers, leaders, consultants, and entrepreneurs.

Short Courses:

Specialized programs in various business-related fields.

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Other:

• GISMA is one of six universities in Germany with AMBA Accreditation, awarded for its Global MBA program.
• The institution is committed to sustainable and responsible business education, joining the Global PRME Initiative.
• GISMA is part of GUS Germany GmbH, a network of higher education institutions with a global reach.