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On this page you can learn more about the details of the executive MBA curriculum and program structure.

Advance your career to the next level with the executive MBA from ESMT Berlin and build upon your existing experience in senior leadership positions with new perspectives, skills and insights that will help you lead your organization to success.

  • The program runs for 18 months and comprises 10 modules that each last one week.

  • The modules foster a learning experience that takes on a “corporate retreat” style setting.  

  • Six modules take place in Berlin, Germany, while the other four take place outside of Germany, in other important locations for global business around the world.

  • Between modules, students can pursue independent study, which includes pre-and post-module reading, assignments, case studies, group work, and the final report. 

Curriculum and course availability are subject to change at any time.

EMBA program timeline

Module 1
October 6, 2025 - October 11, 2025

Location: Berlin

Being a responsible leader

The EMBA program begins with a deep immersion in business fundamentals, management functions, and strategy.

Designed to help you make sound business decisions based on equally sound analysis and judgment, the program will teach you to identify key drivers and integrate them into a larger vision for your company and industry. 

Courses include:

  • Introduction to General Management
  • Making Responsible Decisions
  • Leadership in Practice
  • Being a Responsible Leader
  • Data Analytics for Responsible Leaders
Module 2
December 1, 2025 - December 6, 2025

Location: Berlin

Navigating markets
  • Marketing Management
  • Introduction to Economic Thinking
  • Business Strategy
Between modules
January 17, 2026

Coaching day (Online)

An interactive day facilitated by a professional executive coach.

Alongside your study group, you will have the opportunity to reflect upon leadership challenges you may face and to discuss the feedback you received. 

Module 3
February 9, 2026 - February 14, 2026

Location: Berlin 

Running efficient organizations
  • Managerial Accounting and Sustainable Finance
  • Financial Management and Corporate Finance
  • Operations and Supply Chain
Module 4
May 18, 2026 - May 23, 2026

Location: Abroad 

Leading for business success
  • Corporate Strategy and M&A
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Operational Sustainability in a Circular Economy
  • Simulation
Module 5
June 15, 2026 - June 19, 2026

Location: Abroad

Global Network for Advanced Management Network Week

A one-week short exchange where you get the opportunity to study at another university within the Global Network for Advanced Management, with up to 20 schools offering exchanges at the same time as ESMT. 

Partner Schools to choose from:

please note that this list is subject to change, some of the schools included may not be available):

  • Asian Institute of Management (Manila, Philippines) 
  • EGADE Business School (Santa Fe, Mexico) 
  • FGV Business School (Sao Paulo, Brazil) 
  • Fudan University (Shanghai, China) 
  • Haas School of Business Univ. of California Berkeley, (San Francisco, California)
  • Hitotsubashi University Business School (Tokyo, Japan) 
  • IE Business School (Madrid, Spain) 
  • Indian Institute of Management (Bangalore India) 
  • Lagos Business School (Lagos, Nigeria) 
  • Moscow School of Management Skolkovo (Moscow, Russia) 
  • Seoul National University (Seoul, South Korea) 
  • Strathmore Business School (Nairobi, Kenya) 
  • UBC Sauder School of Business (Vancouver, Canada) 
  • University of Cape Town (Cape Town, South Africa) 
  • University of Oxford (Oxford, United Kingdom) 
  • UCD Smurfit (Dublin, Ireland) 
  • University of Ghana (Accra, Ghana) 
  • University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia) 
  • World Business Council for Sustainable Development (Geneva, Switzerland) 
  • Yale SOM  (New Haven, Connecticut, USA) 
Additional Information

Access more information on the Network Week, including a complete list of participating schools and sample exchange curricula.

Short exchanges through the network are available at no additional tuition cost. Students should budget enough for travel and housing during the exchange. Please note that places at certain exchange partners are limited. 

Module 6
July 20, 2026 - July 24, 2026

Location: Abroad

Sustainability and social transformation

Africa is a key market for global businesses given growing populations, abundant natural resources, and a strategic location that facilitates international trade. Coupled with an emphasis on social innovation and sustainability, this exciting region offers students unique opportunities to see the impact of responsible business practices on economic growth and societal development, and develop a holistic perspective crucial for effective leadership.

Africa is a key market for global businesses given growing populations, abundant natural resources, and a strategic location that facilitates international trade. Coupled with an emphasis on social innovation and sustainability, this exciting region offers students unique opportunities to see the impact of responsible business practices on economic growth and societal development, and develop a holistic perspective crucial for effective leadership.

Module 7
September 14, 2026 - September 19, 2026

Location: Berlin

Broadening your expertise
  • Organizing for Innovation / Global Strategies
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion / Design Thinking
  • Leading through Networks / Sustainable Energy Future
  • Managing Business Integrity / Agile Leadership

The second phase of the program prepares you to make a difference by developing your strategic leadership capabilities.

The program will challenge you to shift your focus from the short term to the long term – from the fundamental business toolbox to a broader understanding of your company’s sustainability and impact on society.

You will return to your company with a much clearer vision for successfully leading international teams.

Between modules
October 24, 2026

Coaching Day (Online)

An interactive day facilitated by a professional executive coach.

On this interactive coaching day you can check on your progress, re-formulate goals and reflect on your learning experience.

Module 8
November 16, 2026 - November 21, 2026

Location: Berlin

Capitalizing on opportunities and overcoming challenges
  • Strategic Entrepreneurship
  • Digital Business Strategies
  • Negotiations
  • Total Impact Performance
Applied Learning Project (modules 6, 7, 8)

Through modules six, seven and eight, you will develop your final report with faculty guidance including applied fieldwork with your company.

You will apply your newly gained skills and insights to help solve your organization’s ongoing challenges in a project that builds on ESMT’s unique approach to bridging the academic and the applied.

In consultation with your company or organization, and with our faculty, you will develop a project that addresses a business or management issue of broader relevance.

The project draws on empirical fieldwork and academic theories to develop real and immediate value to your organization.

You will present your project to faculty and sponsors at your company and submit a final report based on the project to ESMT.

You can use this opportunity to forge new networks in your organization, apply new skills, initiate change within your organization, and gain personal visibility at broader and higher levels.

Project recently completed by alumni
  • Evaluating make/buy strategies for radical innovations in a complex manufacturing industry
  • Identifying barriers to and incentives for adopting energy-efficient technologies in the European steel industry
  • Attracting and retaining highly skilled workforce in emerging markets
  • Increasing market share with multi-channel marketing: an approach to design and review distribution channels
  • Comparing active vs. passive portfolio management in the bond market
Module 9
March 1, 2027 - March 5, 2027

Location: Abroad 

Discovering new realities: International Field Seminar (IFS)

An opportunity to apply a global mindset as you take on leadership challenges in diverse countries and cultures. 

The IFS will challenge you and your fellow participants to experience leading international projects inside the offices of global companies on other continents.

Recent seminars took EMBA classes in Japan, China, Brazil, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Argentina.

One recent IFS destination was Japan in the spring of 2023. Participants took a deep dive into the specific characteristics of the Japanese economy and the key socioeconomic factors that businesses based there have to consider.

Company visits included multinationals such as Allianz, Mercedes Benz, DHL Global Forwarding, Siemens, Fujitsu and KPMG.

Module 10
April 12, 2027 - April 17, 2027

Location: Berlin 

Creating a better world
  • Human Well-being and Career Crucibles
  • Executive Presence and Communication
  • Global Economy and Politics
  • Advanced ESG
  • Coaching Day

Participants gain the tools and knowledge necessary to:

  • Navigate personal growth
  • Enhance communication and presence
  • Drive sustainable business practices
  • Understand the economic dynamics of the global marketplace
Throughout the program

Leadership development

Leadership in Practice workshops are conducted throughout the program.

Coaching: Three group coaching sessions are held during the program, two online and one in person. Individual coaching sessions are offered and can play a huge role helping you progress academically and professionally.

Self-study

Between modules students pursue independent study. which includes pre- and post-module reading, assignments, case studies, group work. and the final report.