Management in Nonprofit-Organisations (M.A.)
Master of Arts
Features of the degree program Management in Nonprofit-Organisations
Professional nonprofit management is a sought-after profession. Managers of foundations, associations, or social institutions require specific skills and know-how to reach the nonprofit aims of their organisations. The Master degree program Management in Nonprofit-Organisations provides instruction in just these qualifications.
Nonprofit-Organisations are quickly gaining in importance, and their numbers are growing rapidly. Yet this also means increased competition between them. Organisations must compete for donations, honorary members, or public esteem. "To survive this competition, a new type of manager is needed," says Prof. Dr. Gesa Birnkraut, head of the Master degree program. "Professionals with socio-political instinct are in high demand, professionals with sound management know-how who are familiar with the distinctive political and legal features of the nonprofit sector."
News
As of winter semester 2024/2025, a number of changes to the curriculum will take effect as a result of reaccreditation. One major change is that the language of instruction will be switched from German to English. This applies to all core modules of the program as well as the specialisation in Development Cooperation. The other three specialisations (Change Management, Human Resources Management, and Education Management and Planning in Municipalities) will continue to be offered in German (subject to approval by the accreditation agency).
The change in the language of instruction also brings about a change in the admission regulations: applicants must demonstrate a knowledge of English equivalent to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the time of application. Applicants who have neither a German university entrance qualification nor a Bachelor degree from a German higher education institution must also provide evidence of sufficient knowledge of German, i.e. at least level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), or equivalent supporting documents (subject to approval by the accreditation agency).
Admission requirements
- A degree in one of the following fields: social sciences or business management or another relevant undergraduate degree
- Language skills for WS 23/24 intakes: Foreign applicants must prove that they have at least B1 level German at the time of application. Students must provide proof of level B2 German by the time lectures begin.
- Language skills for WS 24/25 intakes: Applicants must demonstrate at least B2 level English at the time of application. In addition, foreign applicants must provide proof of at least level A1 German (subject to approval by the accreditation agency).
The degree program at a glance
- Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Start
Winter semester
- Placement test
–
- Standard period of study
4 semesters
- Language
German - Winter semester 2023/2024
English - Winter semester 2024/2025
- Type of study
Consecutive Master degree program
- Numerus Clausus
--
- Location
Osnabrück – Caprivi Campus
- Admission restriction
Yes
Detailed Information
The Verein für Nonprofit-Management e.V. (Association for Non-Profit Management) is situated at the crossroads of theory and practice in the non-profit field. The association was established by Masters’ students of Management in Non-Profit Organizations in 2012.
We encourage a lively exchange of knowledge and experience between students and graduates of the Master study program in Management in Non-Profit Organizations at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and non-profit organizations. The association’s network paves the way for students and graduates to enter the workforce, while giving organizations the ideal opportunity to attract young talent. Our objective, as a reliable intermediary, is to ensure a consistent relationship between the individual target groups.
We achieve this through:
- Active networking
- Information events
- Fireside chats
- Field trips
- Internship, final thesis and job placement
Future non-profit managers may find employment in the following fields of activity, among others:
- Humanitarian or social organisations, charities
- Political organisations, non-governmental organisations
- Industrial and professional associations
- Foundations
- Development aid agencies
- Environmental protection and nature conservation associations
- Church-related organisations
- Consumer policy organisations
- Non-profit organisations involved in sports, culture, education or training
- Formally organised citizens’ initiatives
Contact
- Program management
Prof. Dr. Gesa Birnkraut
Program director
Room: CH 0107
Phone: +49 (0)541 969-3527
E-mail: g.birnkraut@hs-osnabrueck.de
Office hours:
by arrangement
- Advice and coordination
Mechthild Gerdes M.A.
Program coordinator
Room: CH 0106
Phone: +49 (0)541 969-3054
E-mail: npo@hs-osnabrueck.de
Office hours:
by arrangement
- Application, admission and exams
Katharina Bockelmann
Registrar's office
Room: AF 0010
Phone: +49 (0)541 969-3320
E-mail: k.bockelmann@hs-osnabrueck.de
Office hours:
Mon: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Tue: 09:30 am - 12:00 am
Thu: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Fri: 09:30 am - 12:00 am