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Individual Development. Global Impact.

Executive MBA

MBA Dual Degree Programme
Mann und Frau stehend lächelnd und mit verschränkten Armen
The Durham-EBS Executive MBA offers an ideal part-time opportunity for you to advance your career and prepare for your future. Benefit from the teaching experience delivered by two renowned European universities: EBS Universität & Durham University.
Application Info material
  • 18 months
  • 44,950 € total
  • Part-time
  • Fall Term
  • English
  • incl. stay abroad
  • 60 ECTS | 180 UK Credits
  • Dual degree awarded
  • Fall Term to 21.09.2025
  • EBS Universität & Durham University

Two universities. One EMBA.

Durham University and EBS Universität have partnered to offer a distinctive EMBA programme. This programme is designed to enhance your leadership skills and broaden your global business perspective with two degrees in just 18 months. You will experience a blend of academic theory and practical application in the historic setting of Durham in the UK and the scenic Rhine region of Germany. Become part of the alumni networks of two renowned European universities and benefit from their strengths and traditions. The Durham-EBS Executive MBA is an investment in your future that will enable you to make a difference in the global business world.

Our pledge

Executive by name, executive in design.

The future necessitates a new approach to business practice and new leaders who place as much emphasis on societal values as on business success. The future needs executives with the ability to think internationally, work creatively, reflect, and act strategically. Study at two renowned European universities to become a leader who makes a difference.


Advance your career without compromising your commitments
Experience the unique flexibility of our Executive MBA (EMBA) programme with a choice of two study locations: EBS Universität and Durham University. Designed for experienced managers, our programme prioritises the compatibility of study and work. You can choose all optional modules to suit your schedule and study either in Germany, the UK or both. This gives you a personalised and enriching EMBA experience.

International and inspirational
The Durham-EBS Executive MBA encourages the development of business acumen to facilitate better decision making in a dynamic and volatile environment. In addition, the programme affords the opportunity to develop an executive skill set and an international network. During the programme you will work with peers who represent a range of academic backgrounds, nationalities, job functions, industry sectors and companies. Diversity makes the difference. Cohorts are normally represented by a range of academic backgrounds, including business and economics, the social, natural and physical sciences, computer science, law, medicine, and others. Typically, students represent 6 to 10 nationalities, range in age from 28 to 50, and come from diverse professional backgrounds such as aerospace, aviation, automotive, banking and finance, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, consulting, consumer products, engineering and technology, energy and power generation, IT, law, logistics and transport, healthcare, retail, and NGOs. Some students may hold professional qualifications obtained through certified training programmes.

We make studying an experience.
Experience two weeklong residential stays in Durham, an optional week in Silicon Valley, as well as group events and guest speakers throughout the programme. We start by focusing on you and your fellow students with personal introductions and an introduction to Durham University Business School. We then partake in a two-day offsite experience in the charming English Lake District, where enduring relationships are formed. Together with your peers you will develop mindfulness and self-awareness techniques that will help guide you through the programme and your career. Later in the programme, as part of an exclusive cooperation, you will have the opportunity to study the entrepreneurial and start-up culture of Silicon Valley for a week at the University of San Francisco’s School of Management.

Working together to build a network that lasts a lifetime.
You'll get access to a combined network of over 210,000 graduates through Durham University and EBS Universität alumni associations. Durham University Business School serves more than 36,000 alumni in over 140 countries and EBS Universität’s network includes over 12,000 graduates who serve in senior positions around the world.


Contact

Brian Gibbs

Programme Director Executive MBA

About EBS & Durham University

Two renowned European universities

Click on the logos to learn more about Durham University and EBS Universität:

Perspectives

The first step towards a successful future

After completing your Executive MBA programme many options are open to you – from taking on greater responsibility within your current firm or progressing into a different job function. Many Durham-EBS EMBA graduates work successfully in senior positions.

 

Applicants who have gained experience in any sector including business, consulting, finance, legal, scientific, technology, and other professional fields are well positioned to further develop their career through the Durham-EBS Executive MBA.


This programme will serve as the cornerstone of your international career and support your continued development by providing you with:

  • Ongoing mentoring, guidance, and support from our experienced programme directors.
  • The opportunity to work with a certified coach at EBS to reassess your life goals and career path.
  • Access to an extensive alumni network - Durham University Business School has over 36,000 alumni and EBS Universität has a global alumni base of over 12,000 individuals.
  • Ongoing operational support from our team of academic and EMBA programme experts for all your needs.
  • Access to an online career platform, supported by Durham University Business School, to enhance your additional skills.
  • Membership of Hatfield College at Durham University, giving you access to local services and dedicated student support.
  • A dedicated student support service to assist you with any challenges you may encounter during your studies.

Success stories

A successful network - our alumni.

Our demonstrated expertise in imparting knowledge, skills and different approaches to solving business problems is proven in a strong network of alumni, many of whom work in top positions in business. By studying the Durham-EBS Executive MBA you will become part of the alumni networks of both Durham University Business School and EBS Universität. Alumni of the Durham-EBS Executive MBA outline their motivations and experiences below.

Learn more
Study programme structure

Executive MBA, Part-time

The Executive MBA is completed on a part-time basis and instruction is delivered primarily in monthly three-day modules over 14 months, followed by a 4-month strategic business project. With an emphasis on in-person delivery, you will engage with professors, fellow students, and programme materials designed to optimise the learning environment. 

Programme structure of the Executive MBA

Students enjoy a one-week residential at Durham University in September of their first and second year, during which they complete one core module. The other core modules are taught at the EBS campus in Oestrich-Winkel, Germany. Students may take all their optional modules at EBS or at Durham, or a combination of both locations. In addition, students may participate in a one-week elective module on New Venture Creation offered by the University of San Francisco School of Management.

Study content

This is what you learn during the Durham-EBS Executive MBA

You will complete nine core modules, three elective modules from a range of electives offered, and the capstone strategic business project within 18 months. Two residential stays at Durham University are held respectively in September of the first and second year. To enable students to broaden their international educational experience, a special week-long elective module is offered in Silicon Valley through our cooperation with the University of San Francisco School of Management.

 


Core modules

The core modules enable you to develop deeper knowledge of business strategy and functional expertise. Two of the core modules are completed during the residential stays in Durham. Modules are held monthly typically from Thursday to Saturday and include:

  • Accounting
  • Boardroom Exercise
  • Economics for Global Business
  • Finance
  • Leading and Managing People
  • Marketing
  • Operations and Technology
  • Strategic Management
  • Sustainability and Ethics

 

Elective modules

During the second term you will select three elective modules from several options. The electives allow you to tailor your study focus to match your professional interests, needs and goals. Elective modules are offered at both EBS Universität and Durham University, with an additional option of studying in the United States. The elective modules typically include the following:

  • Advanced Finance for Business
  • Business Analytics
  • Leading Change
  • Management Consultancy
  • Negotiation
  • New Venture Creation (typically offered in San Francisco)
  • Project Management


Students enjoy residential stays at Durham University during the first and second year of their studies. The first-year residential enables you to get to know your fellow students, be introduced to the programme, and become familiar with Durham University and the city of Durham.

 

Considerable time is dedicated to group formation and relationship building. This occurs through a range of indoor and outdoor activities in Durham and the Lake District National Park. During this time, you will get to know your fellow students better, make valuable contacts, and further develop your personal skills. You will also complete your first core module during this week, Leading and Managing People.

 

The second-year residential focuses on the Boardroom Exercise core module, a real-life management simulation that draws from learnings gained in the previous modules. The course is highly interactive, and students work with non-executive directors of UK companies and organisations as they refine their work.



The New Venture Creation elective module enhances the international component of your studies with additional experience abroad. You will immerse yourself in an entrepreneurial environment and dynamic business culture while studying the development and launch of new business ideas. During this one-week module you will attend lectures at the University of San Francisco School of Management, visit start-ups in Silicon Valley, and learn from industry leaders who have founded successful businesses, which in prior years have included the Cisco, Intel, Salesforce, and The North Face.



As you approach the culmination of your studies, you will have the opportunity to explore a business issue or contemporary challenge in your company, industry, or sector, utilising the experience, knowledge and skills developed in the programme in a final strategic business project.



In addition to exceptional knowledge transfer, the programme promotes individual leadership skills and professional development. Throughout the programme you have many opportunities to develop your leadership approach and capabilities.

 

During your studies you will be working in interdisciplinary, international teams of students. You will sharpen your analytical and problem-solving skills while refining your communication skills and ability to convince others of your ideas.

 

Learning will take place through a combination of teaching, group work and discussion. You will work on business case studies to recognise, evaluate and resolve various business challenges faced by organisations. You will draw on contemporary business practice, theory, and research to analyse the underlying issues and propose real-world solutions.


MBA dual degree

EBS Universität & Durham University

Rank 3

in Germany | Eduniversal Best Masters 2023

2

strong international alumni networks

Accreditations of EBS Universität
Accreditations of Durham University
Caroline Hehl | CEO at HEHL GALVANOTRONIC
I would recommend the EMBA to all ambitious people who want to expand or refresh their knowledge, who are willing to broaden their horizons and are open to new topics, perspectives and people.
To the interview with our Alumna Caroline
Characteristics and skills

Your profile

In today's busy business environment there is less time to gain and broaden experience and to grow into new positions. The Durham-EBS Executive MBA solves this by combining your current work with knowledge and skills gained though studying for a higher level qualification. This programme is aimed at anyone with management, personnel and/or budgetary responsibility who wants to sharpen their leadership skills further and broaden their expertise.


We set high standards to ensure our EMBA students are of a high calibre. We require students to have well-developed analytical and reasoning powers. You also need to have an appetite to learn and work hard, have excellent communication skills, be able to work under pressure and be motivated to make a difference.


Application process

Admission requirements and application

The Durham-EBS Executive MBA trains managers who help shape and drive the economy. This process begins by selecting the right people for the Executive MBA Programme.


Begin your application by submitting the following documents:

  • A university entrance qualification and a Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS or an equivalent recognised qualification
  • Proof of at least five years professional experience by the programme start date

OR

  • A Master's degree with at least 90 ECTS or an equivalent recognised qualification
  • Proof of at least three years professional experience by the programme start date

 

AND

  • A curriculum vitae in English
  • University diploma and transcript(s) in both original language and English
  • Demonstrated proficiency in English (English language certificate or other accepted proof)
  • A personal motivation letter


Please apply online and upload your documents via our application portal. We will check them immediately. We look forward to meeting you at an individual selection interview if you meet the requirements.

It is advisable to apply before July of the year you wish to start.



Applicants will be invited to participate in an informal admission interview conducted jointly by the EBS and Durham programme directors during which they will have the opportunity to showcase their academic and professional achievements, discuss professional goals, and gain further insights into the programme.

Scholarships may be awarded to well-qualified applicants who demonstrate significant achievements of either an academic or professional nature or a combination of both. Well-qualified female applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and/or professional achievement or potential may be considered for a “Women in Business” scholarship.

We look forward to welcoming you onto the Durham-EBS Executive MBA programme.


Tuition fees and funding

An investment in your future

The Durham-EBS Executive MBA is an investment in a high-quality educational experience and your career. You need to plan the following investment for the Durham-EBS Executive MBA study programme:

Tuition fees in total: 44,950 euros
(for 18 month, including all fees)


Benefit from the early bird bonus of 10% if you apply by 31 May 2024.

We aim to enable all excellent applicants to study - regardless of their economic situation. Your performance, motivation and personality are decisive here. There is a wide range of options for financing a study programme. In many cases, it makes sense to combine various options. Take a look at the possibilities of scholarships and student funding. Here, you can find out which option is best for you.

Student Financing
Students are advised on student financing and scholarships
To the application

You have questions about the application process?

We will advise you personally on all questions relating the study programme, your application, and funding options.

Advisory service Apply now

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Our student advisory service

Choosing a course of study is a big decision. It has a strong influence on the whole life that follows. Often studying involves leaving home and is the first step into an independent life of one’s own.
More about student advisory service

Brian Gibbs

Programme Director Executive MBA

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Order information material about this degree programme and get more information about study contents, admission requirements, tuition fees and financing options.


Interested in more than one study programme?


Infomaterial on several study programmes can be ordered here.

Register quickly and easily

  1. Register on the application platform
  2. Fill in your application and attach the documents
  3. We will contact you for all further steps

Brian Gibbs

Programme Director Executive MBA