Learning to start a business: New Master's programme in economics
05/26/2026Entrepreneurship & Innovation is the name of a new Master's degree programme at the University of Würzburg. It is open to all students with a Bachelor's degree. Applications for the winter semester are possible until 15 July 2026.
"Economic downturn? Climate change? Military turning point? Our economic and ecological future lies in the hands of people who think and act like entrepreneurs," says Professor Sascha Walter, head of the new Master's programme. "That's why Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg has launched a new degree programme: the Master's in Entrepreneurship & Innovation." It will start in the winter semester 2026/27.
The standard period of study is four semesters and comprises 120 credit points. The number of places on the programme is unlimited. Interested students can apply until 15 July 2026 to start their studies in winter.
It is open to students from all disciplines - only a Bachelor's degree is required. "We want to support those who want to set up their own company, drive innovation in existing companies or succeed a company," says Katharina Kommer, Master's coordinator and subject advisor at the faculty. The Master's programme focuses on interdisciplinary skills that are crucial for start-ups.
Applicants undergo an aptitude test before starting the programme: This consists of answering questions online in around 15 minutes. "The process helps us to identify the skills, experience and interests of prospective students. For us, the focus is on whether the person has a lot of creativity, a desire to start a business and, if applicable, already has an idea. However, the latter is not a must when applying," explains Kommer.
Teaching is coordinated by three chairs at the Department of Management:
- Business Management and Marketing, Head: Professor Jana-Kristin Prigge
- Entrepreneurship & Strategy, Head: Professor Sascha Walter
- Business Management and Business Information Systems, Head: Professor Axel Winkelmann
Focus on practice
Practice is the top priority throughout the Master's programme: Over the first three semesters, students complete several project seminars on innovation and start-ups. A joint compulsory section in the first half of the programme imparts theoretical knowledge.
The compulsory electives in the second and third semesters help students to set their own specialisations. In addition to entrepreneurship, this also includes intrapreneurship and company succession.
Regional cooperation partners and start-up counselling at the university
The Mainfranken region is known for its active start-up scene. The new Master's programme cooperates with seven regional partners in teaching and practice:
- Gründen in Mainfranken
- Zentrum für Digitale Innovationen Mainfranken
- Gründen@Würzburg
- 14leafs Venture Capital Fund
- Innovation- und Gründerzentrum Würzburg
- Würzburg-Schweinfurt Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- City of Würzburg
The University of Würzburg also has its own start-up advice centre, which advises, supports and accompanies students and other people interested in starting a business at the university.
More information on start-up counselling
Contact
Prof. Dr. Sascha Walter (Programme Director) and Katharina Kommer, (Master's Coordinator and Student Advisor), Faculty of Management and Economics, T +49931 31-89660, master@wiwi.uni-wuerzburg.de
