Where medicine meets management: Witten/Herdecke University launches innovative Bachelor's degree programme "Management in the health care system"

With the new Bachelor's degree programme “Health Care Management” (B. Sc.), the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society at Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) is expanding its offering with a forward-looking programme that combines management skills with in-depth knowledge of the health care system. It is aimed at young people who want to combine their interest in both areas in a targeted manner; applications are now open.

"We have developed the new degree programme together with medicine in order to combine management and healthcare appropriately," says Prof. Dr Sabine Bohnet-Joschko, who is responsible for the programme. Therefore, in addition to questions of strategy, organisation and management, the course also covers medical and health science fundamentals. "Our students learn how to contextually analyse, evaluate and responsibly shape complex challenges in the health care system," says Prof. Bohnet-Joschko.

Management knowledge with a focus on health issues - practical and interdisciplinary

With its many years of teaching and research experience in medicine and economics, Witten/Herdecke University offers the ideal prerequisites for taking a holistic approach to management in the health care system. Lecturers on the degree programme contribute their expertise from science and practice in management and healthcare - a real added value for students who enter into dialogue with relevant players in the health care system at an early stage and can directly compare management issues with everyday medical practice:

• Prof Dr Klaus Weckbecker, renowned general practitioner, leads the module "Medicine for non-medics:inside".
• Prof Dr Tobias Esch, physician and bestselling author, contributes his expertise in "Prevention and Health Promotion".
• Prof Dr Oliver Gröne, internationally recognised expert for integrated forms of care, teaches "Health policy and systems".
• Prof Dr Sabine Bohnet-Joschko, a proven expert in innovation and digital transformation in the health care system, teaches how change processes can be designed in an analytically sound and impact-oriented manner in the module "Consulting in the health care system".
• Prof Dr Jan Ehlers, an expert in digital transformation, is responsible for the "Digital Health" module, which teaches key future skills in dealing with technology and innovation.

The large network of cooperating healthcare institutions also enables students to gain an early insight into their future working world and make valuable contacts. The theoretical knowledge acquired is also applied directly in practical modules such as the Witten Management Workshop or in the completion of initial research and practical projects on topics of the students' choice.

A career with purpose - in a growing industry

Dealing with megatrends - from demographic change and sustainability to digitalisation and the sensible use of artificial intelligence - makes the degree programme particularly relevant for the working world of tomorrow. This is because the demand for well-trained specialists and managers in the healthcare sector is high and will continue to rise in the coming years. The ability to understand and help shape complex structures in the health care system makes graduates of the Bachelor's degree programme sought-after experts. Career paths can lead to consulting for healthcare organisations, start-ups with a focus on the common good and innovation or healthcare policy. "Health is one of the key issues for the future of our society. At Witten/Herdecke, we train people who want to actively help shape this future - with scientific depth, ethical awareness and a creative spirit," says Prof Bohnet-Joschko.

Enrol now at Witten/Herdecke University!

The Management in the Health Care System degree programme starts in the summer semester of 2026, but if you don't want to wait that long, you can apply for the Management degree programme for the winter semester of 2025/26 (application deadline: 15 August) and start the foundation course in October. It will then be possible to switch to the Bachelor's degree programme "Management in the health care system" in the summer semester without losing any time. All further information on deadlines and the application procedure can be found on the UW/H website.

More than just a university - an inspiring teaching and learning environment

Witten/Herdecke University focuses on personal development; young people with ambition and attitude are encouraged here to go their own way, to reflect on different opinions and perspectives and to grow beyond themselves. Students complete ten per cent of their studies in the Studium fundamentale. In this way, the university opens up a view beyond their specialised studies and enables them to develop and expand their reflective, artistic and communicative skills.

Small learning groups, innovative seminars and dialogue-oriented teaching as well as an inspiring environment challenge and encourage students. They are part of a first-class network right from the start. Thanks to the Income Share Agreement (ISA) of the Wittener StudierendenGesellschaft, everyone at UW/H has the opportunity to receive an excellent education, regardless of their social and financial background.