Digital Leadership
Study Digital Leadership and shape the economy of tomorrow
Do you want to understand how technology, strategy, and creativity interact — and how real innovation emerges from that synergy? Then the Master’s in Digital Leadership (M.A.) at mdh in Berlin is your next step.
As a Digital Leader, you operate at the intersection of business, creativity, and technology. You learn how to strategically drive innovation processes, develop digital business models for start-ups and international companies, and lead teams in a way that turns ideas into competitive advantage. You’ll study in an international environment on our state-of-the-art campus in Berlin-Charlottenburg — hands-on, well-connected, and future-focused.
Duration
ECTS points
Degree
Start
Language
Campus
Format
Monthly fees
YOUR STUDIES
The Master’s in Digital Leadership brings together digital media management, strategic management, and expertise from the creative industries into one integrated skill set.
You learn how companies develop sustainable strategies, build digital business models, and manage innovation systematically. Working closely with industry partners, you analyze key drivers of the future — from tech innovation and influencer marketing to digital change management and artificial intelligence.
At the same time, you move beyond theory. You design strategies, develop concrete solutions, and translate them into clear, impactful communication.
Responsibility over pure growth
Digital Leadership is about more than efficiency and profitability. Leading transformation means taking responsibility — for organizations, for people, and for societal impact. That’s why sustainability, environmental responsibility, and entrepreneurial decision-making are integral parts of the program. You learn how to align economic success with social responsibility in a strategic and future-proof way.
Learning through real-world cases
You don’t experience innovation as an abstract concept, but through hands-on collaboration with real partners. For example:
- Global Infrastructure Leadership: Together with technology leaders such as Huawei, you explore how global digital infrastructures are built and governed — and what technological sovereignty means today.
- Creative Market Disruption: Using companies like HYGH and CapCut as case studies, you analyze how content tools and ad-tech platforms are reshaping entire markets.
- User-Centric Innovation: In collaboration with Techniker Krankenkasse, you examine how established organizations set new standards through apps, platform strategies, and digital services.
You can look forward to:
Your Study Content
The program is divided into attendance semesters with theory and project modules and another semester that is completely dedicated to the master's thesis.
In lectures, seminars and projects we will be dealing with the following topics:
Management and leadership competence in creative work processes
- Leadership in creatives teams, agile project management & recruiting
- Company policy, corporate social responsibility and sustainability
- Interculturality, diversity, environmental and company analysis
- Strategy, development and implementation
Innovation Processes and New Technologies
- Innovation & Emerging Technologies, as for example Blockchain, AI and crypto currencies
- Internet of Things & Innovation Management
Why study Digital Leadership at mdh?
Modern management no longer thinks in terms of industries — it thinks in terms of competencies. That’s why, throughout your studies at mdh, you work on real cases from different markets. In close collaboration with companies such as Huawei, CapCut, and HYGH, you connect theory with practice from day one.
You tackle real business challenges, build valuable industry connections early on, and develop a professional profile that is in demand. You grow into a decision-maker who understands creativity as a business lever and uses technology as a tool for sustainable growth.
Your advantages at a glance:
Network expansion: Through mdh’s established industry partnerships, you expand your professional network with relevant and high-level contacts during your Master’s studies.
Specialized expertise: You gain in-depth knowledge in your field, broaden your strategic perspective, and strengthen your leadership skills for modern, interdisciplinary teams.
Confidence & independence: A Master’s program is also a personal development journey. You sharpen your competencies, build self-awareness, and gain the confidence to take on greater responsibility — professionally and personally.
Career progression & accelerated entry into leadership roles: A Master’s degree opens the door to more demanding positions, greater responsibility, and higher earning potential.
Application & Admission
Individual time models make the master's program at mdh very flexible and can be tailored to your personal needs. Our student advisors will be happy to advise you and provide you with further information.
Enrollment Requirements
- English skills. Language proof: TOEFL IPT: 627, TOEFL IBT: 95, IELTS (Academic): 7, Cambridge FCE: C1, PTE Academic: 76, IB Diploma: English A or B at HL, BI 'English Language Proficiency Exam': PASS. We also accept Duolingo.
Your personality and talents are more important than top grades!
Please apply via e-Mail (or regular mail). This is what we need from you:
- A motivation letter (tell us what inspires you – ca. 1 page)
- Representative work samples (Sketches, pictures, collages or early work, etc…)
- Relevant grade reports as well as a resume with your current photo
You may apply before your bachelor graduation.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor´s degree or diploma in the areas of Design, media, art, architecture or similar creative fields
- Or a university degree in an economics or business
You may enrol at mdh without a degree as long as you have a minimum of 180 ECTS. Missing ECTS credits can be acquired through our development program. Even extracurricular activities like real-world projects may be eligible for accreditation. Please contact our student consulting service for an in-depth consultation.
Information for applicants from abroad: You have the possibility to check your international certificates independently in advance via uni-assist and to inform yourself about the requirements for your admission: TO UNI-ASSIST
Personal Requirements
- Interest in innovative trends, technologies and designs
- Creativity and imagination
- Curiosity for human behavior and product innovations
- Teamwork, intuition and empathy
Tuition Fees:
- Campus Berlin: English language program: EU-Citizens: 3.900,00 EUR/Semester | Non-EU citizens: 6.300,00 EUR/Semester
For all courses we charge a one-time registration fee of 490,00 EUR and a one-time examination fee of 1.050,00 EUR.
For non-EU citizens, the one-time examination fee of 1.050,00 EUR is included in the tuition price.
Insights
Who is Digital Leadership for?
Digital Leadership is designed for individuals who don’t see technology in isolation, but as part of a larger system alongside strategy, creativity, and responsibility. It’s for people who want to shape the future — not just manage it.
If you think entrepreneurially, work analytically, and have a strong sense for trends, innovation, and societal developments, this program provides the ideal environment to take your skills to the next level.
The program is particularly suited to:
- Team players who can inspire creative teams with new ideas
- Data enthusiasts who enjoy working with numbers
- Idea generators with visions for the future
- Bachelor graduates passionate about tech innovation and leadership
Exhibition Hall
Urbanergy (Digital Leadership)
App development on the topic of energy transition.
Urbanergy
Our students developed the entire campaign concept.
Urbanergy
In teams, they explored how digital media is driving the energy transition.
Urbanergy
Digital and analog approaches to solutions were developed.
Urbanergy
Exploring usage patterns.
Urbanergy
Core Values on the topic of the energy transition.
Urbanergy
Graphic representation for energy storage.
FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME - YOU DECIDE!
The Master's program in Digital Leadership comprises full-time regular 3 semesters (if the entry is with 210 Bachelor ECTS). We offer various options, including part-time, alongside your job.
Your studies can last 18, 24, 30 months or even longer. Important: With Bachelor and Master degree you have reached a total of 300 ECTS points.
MASTER TIME MODELS
|
|
Full-time - Fast Track |
Full-time |
Part-Time - Alongside the job |
|
Master Semester |
3 |
4 |
5+ |
|
Already existing Bachelor ECTS |
210 |
180 |
180 / 210 |
|
Master ECTS |
90 |
120 |
90 / 120 |
|
ECTS total |
300 |
300 |
300 |
STUDY ALONGSIDE YOUR JOB
You want to study Digital Leadership while working? That's no problem at mdh! Our lectures also take place in the evenings from Monday to Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:15 pm. This way, you can continue to work full-time or part-time and be more financially independent. You can also apply the knowledge you have acquired in your studies to your everyday working life, which has a positive effect on your career development and qualifies you for higher positions. Another plus are our valuable contacts: While studying at mdh, you can easily expand your professional network.
Your career prospects
You can use your skills in digital agencies and advertising agencies. Consulting firms and companies from the creative industries are also open to our graduates as possible employers. The field of activity covers the entire media industry: music industry, publishing houses, art market, TV and film industry, performing arts, architecture offices, design agencies, press, advertising market, software and games industry.
Typical professions:
- Project Leader
- Digital Transformation Manager
- Digital Transformation Consultant
- Change Management Expert
- Business Strategy Analyst
- Senior Marketing Manager
- Data Analyst
- Innovation Manager
- Agile Expert
- IT Business Consultant
- Head of Digitalization
- Global Partnerships Manager
- ...
Your career prospects after graduating from mdh are promising. Invest in your creative passion and gain not only professional fulfillment, but also the opportunity to succeed financially! Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences prepares you optimally.
Game-changer of the present
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already helping companies in the creative industry to adapt existing products to customers' needs. The end of this development is far from in sight. More and more creative processes will be co-developed by algorithms in the future. In a video series, Prof. Dr. Roland Frank took a look at the game changers of the present. Check out our Youtube Channel.
