MASTER IN MANAGEMENT | STRATEGY AND BUSINESS CONSULTING (M.SC.)

Full-time Study Program

Master Strategy and Consulting in the Age of AI

Top consultants combine analytical thinking, strong communication, and the effective use of AI. The HHL Master in Management | Strategy and Business Consulting Program develops these capabilities across three key areas:

  • IQ: Structured problem solving and data-driven decision-making
  • EQ: Understanding client needs, clear communication, and team leadership
  • AQ: Applying AI to generate insights and strategic recommendations

Through consulting projects, case discussions with industry experts, and hands-on learning, you will learn how to turn analysis into impactful strategies. The program is complemented by dedicated career counseling, international perspectives, and an inspiring study environment at
HHL Campus in Leipzig.

At a glance

  • Degree: M.Sc. | 120 ECTS
  • Location: Leipzig
  • Language: English
  • Start: September
  • Duration: 21-24 months
  • Application deadline: June 30 (non-EU candidates: May 31)
  • Eligibility: Bachelor degree in a business-related program, 3 months work experience
HHL Students attending HHL Career Day

Five Reasons for HHL’s Master in Management | Strategy and Business Consulting

  • Become a Consultant of the Future: Develop a unique skill set combining analytical intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and AI literacy (AQ).
  • Learn Consulting by Doing: Work on real-life consulting projects, strategy case discussions, and company challenges – with practice-oriented input from guest lecturers from the consulting industry.
  • Build Your Network: Benefit from expert coaching, a strong alumni and company network, and top tier career opportunities in consulting firms (approx. 50 % start in strategy consulting).
  • Gain Global Experience: Study abroad at one of 140 partner universities worldwide, with no additional fees.
  • Shape Your Own Career Path: Customize your program with electives, internships, and practical experiences aligned with your consulting goals.

The HHL Master in Management | Strategy and Business Consulting: Program Overview

1. Welcome Weeks

Kicking off a new life chapter at HHL

New students starting their journey at HHL are welcomed with open arms during the vibrant Welcome Weeks. It’s more than just an introduction; it’s a celebration of #hhlspirit. From program introductions to on-campus adventures, these weeks forge friendships that span programs and continents. Events like the Welcome BBQ, an exciting dragon boat tour, the city-wide team rally and the Campus Games not only foster togetherness, but help to strengthen our unique HHL community. Together, we forge bonds that last far beyond graduation and create a support network that is as diverse as it is sustainable.

    2. Essentials

    Learn what counts

    This is where you start your HHL journey and take a deep breath of our school’s DNA. We do not only onboard your diverse class in what is essential in terms of hard skills but also develop your entrepreneurial spirit as well as your sense for teamwork and community. Moreover, we want to help you in becoming the best version of yourself by learning meaningful self-leadership frameworks and gaining awareness for the cross-functional abilities needed to excel in a modern business world.Overview Essential Courses

      3. Elective Essentials

      Lay the foundation

      With the Elective Essentials, you can further shape your profile according to your interests and career goals while gaining new skills. In the Master in Management | Strategy and Business Consulting, you choose a total of four modules from the following options:
      Overview Elective Essentials

        4. Business Competencies

        Real-World Experience, Lasting Impact

        Through consulting projects, case discussions with industry experts, and hands-on experiences, you’ll learn how to transform analysis into actionable strategies that create real impact for organizations. Whether it’s tackling real company challenges, studying abroad, or completing internships, the practical experience you gain, along with the connections and relationships you build, will serve you far beyond graduation.
        Our program offers a range of unique opportunities to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills, equipping you with the expertise and network to excel in strategy and consulting careers.

        Student Consulting Project

        This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a consultant. Your challenge is to collaborate in a team of four to six students to advise and support a company in solving a real-life problem. Working closely with both company representatives and HHL faculty, you will learn first-hand what it means to initiate real change.

        Explore the most recent projects in our blog

        Internships

        Whether in strategy consulting, business development, or strategic management, our integrated internship gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience in diverse sectors and corporate cultures. It’s your opportunity to explore new perspectives, build valuable contacts, and develop skills aligned with your unique career goals. In addition to the mandatory internship, you can complete up to two additional internships to further deepen your practical experience.Overview Business Competencies

          5. Strategy and Business Consulting Deep Dives

          Become a consultant that stands out!

          The Strategy and Business Consulting Focus is designed to turn you into a standout expert by combining academic excellence with practical insights into real-world business challenges. While diving deep into strategy, consulting frameworks, and hands-on projects, you will maintain a clear view of the big picture, enabling smart decision-making and impactful solutions for organizations.
          The program develops the three core skills – Analytical Brilliance, Emotional Intelligence and AI Literacy – essential for tomorrow’s consultants, preparing you to excel in strategy and business consulting and make a real impact in your career.
          Overview Deep Dive Courses

          Today, two key competencies define successful consultants: first, the ability to use artificial intelligence in a reflective and responsible way when advising clients; and second, the ability to help clients harness AI effectively. In my course, Mind Meets Machine, I equip students at HHL with exactly these skills, enabling them to combine human judgment with AI to create real impact for clients.

           

           

           

           

           

          Dr. Alexander Noßmann
          Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG & BCG X)

            Program Schedule

            Program Schedule FT MiM

            International Experience

            Term abroad

            The world is your oyster at HHL!

            International competencies are essential for successful managers, consultants, entrepreneurs and executives in an increasingly globalized world. This is why HHL prioritizes maintaining global partnerships. Whether it’s New York, Paris, Lima, Oslo, Singapore, Hong Kong or Sydney; a term abroad at one of our 140 global partner universities will give you an exciting change of perspective. The HHL team will guide you before, during and after your term abroad. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore new countries and new cultures and to expand your own international network.

            I am very thankful to HHL for enabling me to attend NYU Stern without any additional charge, even though it is one of the most expensive MBA programs in the US. It was one of the best times of my life.

            Pauline Sophie Till
            HHL Alumna, Managing Director Richard Lampert, ex McKinsey

              Double degree option

              One more option for you: An additional degree from one of HHL’s partner universities! Aside from your term abroad, you have the option of receiving an additional degree from one of our global network of partner universities. Don’t worry, there’s no need to decide on your international options just yet! And of course, your HHL team is here to support you!

              About the double-degree option

              Our partner universities with double degree options at a glance: 

                Our Class Profile

                Icon Class

                60

                Students in the FT MiM class

                Icon Group

                ~20

                Students in the Strategy and Business Consulting Track

                Icon Earth

                35%

                International Students

                24

                Average age

                1-2 years

                Average work experience

                A Master’s program that pays off!

                #3
                For graduates' salaries in Europe

                Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2025

                81,5k
                Average starting salary after graduation (EUR)

                HHL FT MiM Employment Report 2025

                50%
                Career start in strategy consulting

                HHL FT MiM Employment Report 2025

                #5
                Career Service worldwide

                Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2025

                #9
                Worldwide for Alumni Network

                Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2025

                It’s an easy climb up your career ladder with our HHL Career Service

                Our strong industry network connects you directly with leading consulting firms through workshops, events, company visits, and real projects. Close ties to alumni and recruiters provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a strong foundation for launching your consulting career – reflected in the fact that over 50% of graduates start in strategy consulting.
                This success is supported by our award-winning Career Development Team, ranked 5th worldwide by the Financial Times. Through personalized coaching, workshops, and expert guidance, they support you throughout your job search – helping you achieve an average starting salary of over
                EUR 81,500.

                How we accelerate your career success

                Identify your purpose

                • Personality tests
                • Career orientation workshops
                • Self-leadership training
                • Individual coaching
                • Webinars

                Navigate the job market effectively

                Maximize your network

                • On-campus company presentations
                • On-campus interviews
                • Alumni talks
                • Company excursions
                • Recruiting workshops
                • Student consulting projects
                • Yearly Career Day

                  Our recruiting partners

                  • Accenture
                  • Bain & Company
                  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
                  • Deloitte
                  • EY Parthenon
                  • KMPG
                  • McKinsey & Company
                  • Porsche Consulting
                  • Roland Berger
                  • Simon-Kucher & Partners
                  • Stern Stewart & Co.
                  • Strategy&
                  • Struktur Management Partner
                  • Oliver Wyman
                  • Volkswagen Consulting
                  • And many more…

                    What our alumni say

                    Portrait of Katharina Brünig, HHL Alumna, Senior Consultant, McKinsey & Company
                    Katharina Brünig
                    HHL Alumna | Senior Consultant, McKinsey & Company

                    Through my studies at HHL, I gained essential methodological foundations in communication and structured problem-solving, which I was able to deepen through numerous case study group projects and still apply in my daily work today. At the same time, HHL opened up new career paths that I had not previously considered.

                    Portrait of Alexander Kout, HHL Alumnus, Vice President, Stern Stewart & Co.
                    Alexander Kout
                    HHL Alumnus | Vice President, Stern Stewart & Co.

                    As an HHL alumnus, I can say that the course “Problem Solving and Communication” is one of the most challenging and relevant classes at HHL. In strategy consulting, it is not only essential to structure complex problems and develop effective solutions, but also to communicate them in a clear and compelling way. As a practice partner, it is always inspiring to work with a new generation of talented students, challenge them with real-world problems, and see how they grow through the experience.

                    Portrait of Lena Mittelmeier, HHL Alumna, Senior Manager/Sales Strategy, Apleona Group
                    Lena Mittelmeier
                    HHL Alumna | Senior Manager/Sales Strategy, Apleona Group

                    Through diverse teaching formats and dynamic team settings, HHL continuously challenged me to grow both professionally and personally. It provided a powerful environment to pursue my career ambitions while exploring new interests and taking on responsibilities beyond the classroom. Surrounded by bright and driven peers, I developed the skills and mindset needed for a successful career in strategy.

                    Start your HHL educational journey now!

                    Take the first application step without the HHL Entry Test or GMAT

                    Our student community is a carefully selected collegial network of motivated peers.  We not only take hard facts into consideration, such as bachelor grades or HHL Entry Test/GMAT but also your personality, your motivation and your ambition.

                    Are you unsure if your profile fits with our admission criteria?
                    Please contact us and we will help you.

                    Free Profile Check  Further application information


                    Tuition Fees and Financing Options

                    The investment in a FT MiM | Strategy and Business Consulting at HHL is definitely worth it. With an average starting salary of EUR 81,500 and a salary of about EUR 115,000 3 years after graduation, HHL graduates rank among the best-paid Master’s graduates (Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2025)!

                    Tuition fees

                    The tuition fees for the complete program amount to EUR 38,500. We offer a tuition fee reduction if you submit your complete application by the following Early Bird deadlines*:

                    • Early Bird 1: November 30 – Discount: EUR 4,500 
                    • Early Bird 2: January 31 – Discount: EUR 3,000
                    • Early Bird 3: March 31 – Discount: EUR 1,500

                    This covers all tuition and examination costs and includes the tuition fees for the term abroad at one of our partner universities. And, of course, the fees do not have to be paid in one lump sum. You will pay your tuition fees in four instalments – spread out over two years. For further information, see our payment terms. One more important note: Your tuition fees are tax-deductible as an anticipated income-related expense. Check out our brochure (in German) on this for tips. Please contact your tax consultant for more information.

                    *In order to receive the early bird discount, you will need to submit your application by the above deadlines, as well as submit all missing documents and tests (including GMAT/GRE or HHL Entry Test) and successfully pass the HHL admissions interview until January 31 (Early Bird 1), March 31 (Early Bird 2) or June 30 (Early Bird 3).

                      Scholarships

                      Additionally, we support you in financing your Master in Management studies. Aside from our range of financing options, we award scholarships to outstanding and particularly driven applicants.

                      How can you secure a scholarship? Convince us of your excellent record and your exceptional personality. Contact us to learn more, we will be happy to advise you!
                      Scholarships Overview 

                        Payment policy

                        Pay your tuition fees in installments!

                        After having been admitted to HHL, you are required to pay a down payment of EUR 3,000. The remaining fees will be paid as follows: The first and second installments are payable on October 1 and March 1 of the first study year. The third and fourth installments are payable on September 1 and March 1 of the second study year.