Baubetriebswirtschaft, Baumanagement (weiterführend)

This degree program (Studium) is offered at universities and universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). Learning takes place on campus (lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries) and at home (preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, potentially attending online courses).

The standard duration of study is 2-4 semesters.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). In some cases, tuition fees may apply (for 'long-term students,' a second degree, or after exhausting a set study credit), along with expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions. Contributions for student health insurance may also be required (typically when exceeding the age of 25 or certain income limits). Information on funding opportunities can be found from the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studierendenwerk) and the Federal Education Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duale Studiengänge) combine a degree program (Studium) with professional activity or practical phases in a company. In the advanced subject of Baubetriebswirtschaft, Baumanagement, there are practice-integrating dual study programs. Further information and a search for dual study programs can be found on the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules include construction business administration and calculation, building construction, construction project management and construction process disruptions, construction processes, real estate management, integrated project delivery, intelligent building, interdisciplinary collaboration, processes and management, technical foundations in modeling and informatics, commercial law and private building law. Elective modules may include the preservation of existing buildings, sustainable urban planning, rainwater management/sewer rehabilitation, and negotiation and conflict management in construction projects. Practical study content varies by university but may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in a construction company, potentially abroad), and semesters abroad.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures and seminars are attended in the university's lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester; participation in online courses from home may also be required. For part-time students (Berufsbegleitendes Studium), this means working during the day on weekdays and attending university in the evenings or on weekends. Independent work involves preparing for and following up on courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (including during the lecture-free period). It is important to deepen skills in scientific work, plan studies independently, adhere to given study periods, and submit study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation may involve completing internships (e.g., in a construction company, potentially abroad) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, there is a binational advanced German-French study program in European Construction Management in France. Universities offering this program include Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes and Université de Lorraine (Metz). Graduates receive a Master of Science (M.Sc.) or Master of Science mention Génie Civil et Management en Europe degree. Further information can be found on the website of the Hochschule des Saarlandes.

The following subjects can be alternatives for Baubetriebswirtschaft, Baumanagement (advanced): Management and Corporate Leadership, Real Estate Management (advanced), Corporate Leadership, Management (advanced), Business Administration, Business Administration (advanced), Management Consulting (advanced), International Economics (advanced), and Economics (advanced). Commonalities include acquiring business knowledge and planning, organizing, calculating, and implementing entrepreneurial decisions.

Universities typically require the following undergraduate degrees: Architecture (undergraduate), Construction Business Management, Construction Management (undergraduate), Civil Engineering (undergraduate), Business Administration, Business Administration (undergraduate), Real Estate Management (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. For example, foreign languages, IT skills, and communication and negotiation skills are relevant. Elective modules such as the preservation of existing buildings can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example, in a construction company, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university). For universities in Germany, refer to the Hochschulkompass university search.

This advanced study program deepens knowledge from undergraduate studies and, if applicable, professional experience. Students usually specialize in specific topics, which may include construction and real estate, management methods, or Building Information Modeling (BIM). Additionally, there are master's programs that cover a broad spectrum of construction business administration or construction management. The study leads to a second university degree. Baubetriebswirtschaft, Baumanagement is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium), distance learning, or part-time program.

Examples: Construction Operations - Leadership/Processes/Technology (Master), Construction Process Management (Master), Construction Law and Construction Economics (Master), Building Information Modeling (BIM) (Master), European Construction Management/Génie Civil et Management en Europe (Master), Management for Construction, Real Estate and Infrastructure (Master), Technology and Management in Construction Operations (Master).

Master's graduates in Construction Business Administration and Construction Management have various career opportunities in the private sector, such as construction planning, construction management, real estate management, or facility management. Those aiming for an academic career usually need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to senior professional positions in the private sector and research.

In the 1930s, the topic of construction operations gained more prominence in civil engineering programs due to internationalization and increasing demands. The 1970s saw the introduction of business administration programs with a focus on construction economics. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, reformed the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing degree programs and qualifications (introducing Bachelor's and Master's degrees), and improving student and faculty mobility.

Depending on the study program, various Master's degrees are awarded: Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Engineering (MBE), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), and Master of Science (M.Sc.).

No remuneration is received during studies. For practical phases, such as during an internship in a company, compensation can be agreed upon. It may be possible to write the Master's thesis as part of an activity in a company, with remuneration during this time usually aligning with internship compensation. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the company.

Legal regulations for studies are set at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and inter-state structural guidelines. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, e.g., on the accreditation of study programs, apply. At the university level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective degree programs are applicable.

The prerequisite for studying is a first professionally qualifying university degree; usually, an undergraduate degree in Construction Business Administration, Construction Management, or a related discipline such as architecture or civil engineering is required. For continuing education programs, at least one year of professional experience is necessary. Depending on the university, an internal selection process takes place, with selection criteria including performance in the first professionally qualifying degree. For dual study programs (duales Studium), an internship or employment contract with a suitable company (practice partner) is generally required. Proof of English or French language skills may be necessary, and professional experience in the construction industry may also be required.