MSc in Business Administration – Major Innovation and Entrepreneurship
"Leave the well-trodden path and dare to forge your own by means of inspiration, creativity, and entrepreneurial craftsmanship. Leave the ivory tower of your university and go out into the market."
Prof. Dr. Gunther Kucza, Head of Program
Various organizational contexts today require innovative thought and action. Our Master's program in Business Administration with a specialization in Innovation and Entrepreneurship will enable you to act entrepreneurial and be geared towards innovation – be it in an established company or a startup.
Learn how to design and drive innovation projects and business model transformation in different social and economic environments across professional and organizational boundaries.
At a Glance
Title: Master of Science (MSc) ZHAW in Business Administration with a Specialization in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Start of New Program: Mid-September
Workload: 90 ECTS credits (equivalent to approx. 2,700 hours of study)
Duration: 4 semesters or 6 semesters
Part-time: The curriculum is optimised for part-time study. We recommend a maximum professional activity of 70% (6 semesters) or 50% (4 semesters).
Registration deadline: 30 May 2025 - apply now
Location: Winterthur, Canton of Zurich (Switzerland)
Classes held on: Mondays and Tuesdays
Tuition Fee: CHF 720.- per semester + additional study-related expenses
Admission Requirements: Admission Procedure
Language of instruction: Mostly German; English in the third (or fifth) semester
Studying abroad: Students can do a semester abroad in their third (or fifth) semester at one of our numerous partner universities.
Accreditation/Award: AACSB, EQUIS, Top European Business School (Financial Times Ranking)
Content and Program Structure
The curriculum emphasizes innovative thinking and entrepreneurial action, so the competence profile our graduates acquire meets a clear need of the labor market. With the compulsory elective modules, you can deepen your knowledge in specific topic areas according to your interests and inclination.
The following compulsory elective modules are available:
- Customer Centric Innovation
- Impact Entrepreneurship
- Narrating Entrepreneurship
- Digital Marketing for Startups
- Sustainability
You will also have the opportunity to take part in a study trip or summer school at one of our international partner universities as part of the elective modules.
Module Overview for the 4-Semester Study Program
Creating Genuine Market Impact With Practice Partners
Testimonials
As Flexible as You
This Master's program will allow you to become highly qualified while enabling you to combine study and part-time work. You can benefit from an immediate, practically oriented knowledge transfer and continue your professional career at the same time.
You can choose between our four-semester or our six-semester course of study. In the case of four semesters, you will have classes two days per week, in the six-semester option, classes are held on one or one and a half days per week. You can combine study with part-time work or family responsibilities of up to 50% or 70%.
By doing a semester abroad, you will be able to build an international network, further improve your foreign language skills, and experience the study program from a different perspective. You have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in the third (or fifth) semester of the Master's program at one of our numerous partner universities.
Ask a Student
"Do you have any questions concerning the Master in Business Administration – Major Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the ZHAW Library, sports and leisure activities, or life in Winterthur and Zurich? Please contact me."
Sarina Rutz, Student, MSc in Business Administration – Major Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Your Career Prospects
This degree program gives you the skills to take on demanding key entrepreneurial positions in established companies and corporate start-ups. These roles could be in the areas of business development, innovation management, technology management, product management, project management, or consulting.
In addition, entry into the fascinating world of start-ups is encouraged and supported by various initiatives during your studies. For example, you can become self-employed with your own company or work as a start-up coach, business angel, or venture capitalist. Prospective founders also benefit from the extensive range of events, advice, and support on the subject of founding a start-up at our university of applied sciences.
Our alumni have exciting jobs in a broad field of application across all industries:
Admission
Applications undergo an admission procedure. Admission is decided by the head of the program. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Bachelor's degree from a state-recognized university or university of applied sciences in business administration / economics (min. 180 ECTS-Credits) or the equivalent in a related degree program*
- Ability to follow German and English language instruction at university level and use teaching materials in both languages (reference value: C1 level)
- Willingness to learn and high degree of motivation
- Positive result of ability test
* If an applicant does not yet have all the entrance qualifications required for admission, or if the applicant’s Bachelor's degree is from a related degree program, he or she may be admitted under the condition of providing additional qualifications later.
If needed, please feel free to contact the Head of Program without obligation to confirm whether you meet the admission requirements outlined above.
Brochure, in German
Student Counseling
ZHAW School of Management and Law - Student Counseling
We will be happy to answer all your specific questions about the MSc Business Administration, specialization Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the ZHAW School of Management and Law in a personal consultation.
Information and Enrollment
MSc Information Events
Find out more about our practice-oriented Master's degree programs at the information events and ask us your questions.
Admission Check
Are you interested in a Master's degree program and would like to know whether you meet the requirements? Or do you have questions about the course?
Enrollment Master's Degree Programs
With a Master's degree, you are investing in your future. You will expand your professional and personal skills and increase your career opportunities.
MSc Information Events
Admission Check
Enrollment Master's Degree Programs
Find out more about our practice-oriented Master's degree programs at the information events and ask us your questions.
Are you interested in a Master's degree program and would like to know whether you meet the requirements? Or do you have questions about the course?
With a Master's degree, you are investing in your future. You will expand your professional and personal skills and increase your career opportunities.