Business Administration/Digital Healthcare Management
- DegreeBachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Type of studyCooperative
- Standard period of study6 semesters (incl. internship)
- Commencement of studiesWinter semester (1 Oct)
- Credits (ECTS)210
- Language of instructionGerman / English
- Department / Central InstituteDepartment of Cooperative Studies
Degree programme
The Digital Healthcare Management degree programme combines expertise in business administration and digital technologies with a profound understanding of the distinctive features of the healthcare sector. Students develop the skills required to develop digitalization projects for rollout in the healthcare sector that are economically sound, ethically grounded and sustainable.
The healthcare sector is currently facing the impact of profound social changes: demographic change, digitalization, a shortage of skilled workers and increasing cost pressure. This degree programme qualifies its graduates to work at the interface of management, IT and healthcare provision to make an active contribution to the transformation process.
The HWR Berlin is the only university in Berlin to offer this state-accredited cooperative studies degree programme. Combining the fundamental aspects of business administration with healthcare economics, the degree programme incorporates a focus on digitalization and modern technologies. Students learn how to implement digital solutions in an economically meaningful, ethically grounded and sustainable fashion.
In summary, the degree programme offers a state-accredited, cooperative studies qualification integrating theory and practice; an interdisciplinary curriculum combining management, digitalization and healthcare; a clear focus on cutting-edge digital technologies and intensive collaboration with well-known partners drawn from Berlin’s healthcare sector. Only the regular tuition fees for a state university degree programme apply.
Professional field
Management and controlling in the healthcare sector
- Healthcare manager (with a focus on digital solutions)
- Business economist in the healthcare sector
- Supply chain manager (integrating digital tools in the organization and control of supply chains)
- Health economist (analysis, management and evaluation of digital care and financing models)
- Process and organizational development manager for the healthcare sector
- Digitalization and process management officer (employed in a range of contexts such as a health insurance company, clinics, professional and trade associations)
Digital transformation and project management
- Digital project manager for the healthcare sector
- Project manager for digitalization projects in the healthcare sector
- Project manager for software and IT implementation projects (e.g. HIS, electronic patient records, specialist applications)
- E-healthcare manager
- Digital health consultant
- Innovation manager for the healthcare sector
- Product manager for digital healthcare solutions
- Health app manager/product owner digital health
- Digital transformation coordinator (interface between IT, management and specialist departments)
Data, IT and information systems
- Healthcare data scientist
- Information systems manager for the healthcare sector
- IT project coordinator in the healthcare sector
- Digitalization coordinator/IT coordinator
- IT and data protection coordinator for the healthcare sector
- Requirements manager/healthcare requirements engineer
- Interface managers in IT and specialist departments (e.g. clinic, cashier’s office, MedTech, IT service providers)
Degree structure
This interdisciplinary degree programme combines aspects of business administration and business information systems with a range of issues drawn from medical and health science. It prepares students to perform management, analysis and design tasks at the intersection of healthcare, digitalization and organization.
The programme covers fundamental aspects of business administration – including management, organization, accounting and healthcare economics – whilst also covering a range of computer science subjects such as data management, software engineering, information systems and data analytics. Students also develop a clear understanding of the fundamental aspects of medicine, public health and medical technology in order to achieve a clear grasp of the realities of healthcare provision and their medical and regulatory environment.
The teaching on the Digital Healthcare Management degree programme takes a systematic approach to combining these three perspectives. Digital technologies and information systems are always examined in the context of economic decision-making processes and medical requirements. Project management and innovation modules bring students to work in an interdisciplinary approach and to apply their theoretical understanding of the issues covered in a range of real-world practical contexts.
The fifth theory semester provides the opportunity for students to study abroad; they can also gain international experience during the practical phases.
The Digital Healthcare Management degree programme is an interdisciplinary course combining aspects of business administration, technology and health science. It takes a systematic approach to preparing its students to meet the requirements of the current and ongoing digital transformation of the healthcare sector. The course structure follows a clear progression. After an introduction to the fundamental aspects of business administration and medicine, students work to develop an understanding of digital technologies and a mastery of data management skills. They will have the opportunity to apply their theoretical understanding in practical projects situated at the cutting edge of innovation. The modules are divided into thematic clusters that build on and complement each other.
Module clusters
Cluster 1: Business administration and healthcare economics
The teaching provided in this cluster enables students to develop an understanding of the fundamental aspects of healthcare economics and organization requisite to making management decisions in the healthcare sector. In addition to a focus on classic issues of business administration, the programme also enables its students to consider a range of healthcare economics issues in such a way that qualifies them to analyse and control cost structures and financing models and address the efficiency issues that are characteristic to healthcare institutions. Students develop an understanding of economic activity under the special regulatory and ethical constraints of the healthcare sector.
Cluster 2: Digital technologies and data
This cluster focuses on the development of key digital skills. Through learning about a range of issues in data management, software engineering, data analytics, e-health and the information systems commonly used in the healthcare sector, students develop an understanding of digital systems, are able to analyse data in a structured manner and will develop the skills required in order to subject technological solutions to critical evaluation. The teaching provided in this cluster focuses on the practical use of digital technologies for process optimization, decision-making support and the development of innovative digital healthcare solutions.
Cluster 3: The fundamental aspects of medicine, public health and medical technology
The teaching provided in this cluster enables students to develop a fundamental understanding of the medical, health science and technological issues relevant to their chosen professional field on a level accessible to those without medical training. Teaching in this area covers a basic knowledge of anatomy, clinical pictures, therapy procedures, medical documentation and public health concepts. Students also develop an understanding of the technical and regulatory foundations of medical products and digital healthcare technologies. They learn to classify medical technology systems and software as a medical device in the context of patient care, and to assess them in a safety and user-oriented fashion and to subject their use to critical reflection. This enables students to ensure that digital and technical solutions align with medical, legal and social requirements and act as an interface between the areas of technology, management and healthcare.
Cluster 4: Project management and innovation
The fourth cluster focuses on the methodological skills central to planning, controlling and implementing projects. A focus on project management, academic working practices and innovative content enables students to work within interdisciplinary teams to promote a structured and solution-oriented approach to tasks. Students learn to work independently to plan and implement digital transformation projects in the healthcare sector and subject them to critical reflection.
- University entrance qualification or an entrance qualification for a University of Applied Sciences
- A contract (on a form) with a suitable apprenticeship institution/ company
The Digital Healthcare Management programme is designed for:
People with an interest in health, digital technologies, and management who want to play an active role in shaping the digital transformation of the healthcare sector.
We provide personalized advice, assist with program matching, and guide you through the next steps—from the application process to signing your contract.
Fees and grants
- Tuition fees
None
- Semesterbeitrag
Current semester fee
Division Director
FB 2 Duales Studium
Prof. Dr. Anna Maria von Saucken
Professur Wirtschaftsinformatik (insb. betriebl. Informationssysteme)
+49 30-30877-2427
dgm@hwr-berlin.de
Designated assistant to the director
FB 2 Duales Studium
Joana Latorre
Mitarbeiterin Studiendekanat Projekt Gesundheitsmanagement
+49 30 30877-2033
dgm@hwr-berlin.de
Student advisory service
Department of Cooperative Studies
Personal counselling for dual study programmes
+49 30 30877-2000
studienberatung.dual@ hwr-berlin.de
Office hours (without advance notice)
Thu 15.00 -17.00
Study counselling by telephone
Thu 14.00 -15.00