Leadership - effective leadership (certificate)

Your degree programme for innovative and responsible leadership in a constantly changing world.

What is leadership - effective leadership?

Leadership means inspiring and empowering people to achieve common goals. It is not just about managing tasks, but above all about leading people. Modern managers must be able to act flexibly, empathetically and with foresight in order to successfully lead teams through changes and challenges.

Fields of work

The Leadership Certificate opens up a wide range of career opportunities for you. You can work in various areas, including

  • Team management: Taking on management tasks in teams and departments in a wide range of industries.
  • Change management: Competent support for employees in change processes
  • Personnel management: Development and implementation of strategies for employee management and development.
  • Project management: Management and coordination of complex projects with interdisciplinary teams.

At a glance

Study programmeInfo
Short description:LEAD
Academic degree:Certificate from Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
Standard period of study / scope of services:2 semesters / 20 ECTS credits
Teaching language:German
Study format:Attendance, continuing education, certificate programme
Study start:

Winter and summer semester (from April 2025)

Pre-internship:

not required

Application period:

01 April - 30 September

Admission restriction:

no

Admission requirements:

Applicants who fulfil the following requirements may be admitted:

  1. a completed university degree,
  2. the general or subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (or comparable qualification) or
  3. a secondary school leaving certificate and completed vocational training.
Tuition fees:3,000 euros per semester (plus semester fee) | Early bird discount 10% for applications by 30 June or 31 December.

The certificate programme "Leadership - effective leadership" at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences prepares you specifically for the challenges and requirements of modern managers. In a dynamic world in which digital transformation, globalisation and social change are shaping everyday working life, managers are needed who can not only act efficiently and strategically, but also lead with humanity and empathy. This certificate provides you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to successfully lead teams, shape change processes and make ethically sound decisions. The practical training and interdisciplinary approach enable you to apply the content you have learnt directly in your professional environment.

Information about the degree programme

The Leadership certificate programme offers you a comprehensive and practice-oriented education that optimally prepares you for management tasks in various industries. The modular structure allows you to adapt the programme to your interests. The programme content includes

  • Basics of leadership: Introduction to leadership styles, theories and their application to your own leadership practice.
  • Employee management: Communication, stress management and systemic dialogue.
  • Digital leadership: Tools and strategies for leadership in the digital transformation.
  • Team leadership: Group dynamics, moderation and agile management.
  • Supervision: Reflection on your own leadership behaviour and development through practical case work.
  • Practical projects: Application of what has been learnt in real projects and the development of a Master's thesis.

The certificate programme is aimed at ambitious specialists and managers as well as Bachelor graduates who wish to expand their leadership skills. The programme is particularly suitable for those who have already gained initial management experience or would like to prepare themselves for a management role.

The certificate in "Leadership - effective leadership" opens up numerous career opportunities for you. The competences and skills you acquire are in demand in many areas and give you access to responsible management positions. Typical professional fields are

  • Management positions in companies: You are able to lead teams and departments and make strategic decisions that have a significant impact on the company's success.
  • Change management: Competent handling of change processes and support for employees
  • Personnel management: In Human Resources, you can use your skills in employee management and development to promote talent and positively shape the corporate culture.
  • Project management: You manage complex projects from planning to implementation and ensure smooth coordination of the teams involved.
  • Non-profit organisations and the public sector: You can also take on leadership positions in the social sector and design and manage projects with added social value.

The certificate you obtain not only qualifies you for management tasks in your current professional field, but also offers you the opportunity to move into new sectors and areas of responsibility. The close integration of theory and practice as well as the focus on the latest developments in the field of leadership will make you a sought-after expert on the labour market.

Proof(s) of completion

DegreeCertificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) "Leadership - leading effectively"

RecognitionThe course is state-recognised and imparts practical knowledge that is highly valued for management positions.

Scope of the certificate programme20 ECTS credit points / consisting of classroom and online courses, group work/intervision, self-study, supervision and module examinations.

Module examinations: written and oral

  • Have you already completed a vocational or further training programme? In the "Leadership" certificate programme you can Recognise services already rendered after individual examination leave.
  • Find out more about Funding opportunities

Why you should study Leadership - leading effectively at HSN:

The "Leadership - effective leadership" certificate programme at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences offers you a unique combination of practical training, individual support and state-of-the-art teaching methods. You benefit from:

  • Practical relevance: Intensive cooperation with regional and international companies enables you to put what you have learnt into practice immediately.
  • Individualised support: Small seminar groups and personal support from experienced lecturers ensure an intensive and supportive learning environment.
  • Innovative content: The degree programme covers all relevant areas of modern leadership, from digital transformation and ethical issues to agile leadership methods.
  • Network and career opportunities: You benefit from excellent career opportunities and a strong alumni network thanks to our close links with the business world.

Get a basic overview of financing and funding options for further training here:

Foundation for the promotion of talented young people in vocational training

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research offers a direct funding option via the Foundation for the promotion of talented young people in vocational training. All related information can be found at: www.sbb-stipendien.de

Advancement scholarship - the study grant for experienced professionals

Current is the Online application for the Advancement scholarship - the study grant for experienced professionals possible again.

Prospective and current students can until Monday, 9 June 2025 apply for an advancement scholarship. The Scholarship programme of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports skilled workers with vocational training and several years of practical experience in their first academic degree programme.

Detailed information on the advancement scholarship

Financial and non-material support

For a Full-time study programme scholarship holders receive 992 euros per month plus 80 euros book allowance (i.e. a total of 1,072 euros) and 3,045 euros per calendar year for part-time study. The benefits are a lump sum and independent of income.

In addition, there is an extensive non-material supportThe scholarship holders can take part in numerous seminars on various topics. In addition, there are regional groups on site and a digital network through which they can network and exchange ideas with each other.applications are possible before the start of the programme and until the end of the second semester. There is no age limit for applications.

Information material and application counselling

If you have any questions about your application, our application counselling team will be happy to assist you. Our colleagues can be contacted by e-mail () or by telephone on 0228 / 62931 -43 or -51.

In addition, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, in cooperation with the employment agencies, offers a digital training guides to.

In some cases, employers contribute to the costs of a continuing education Master's degree programme / certificate programme / continuing education course. These in turn have the opportunity to Company-specific subsidies to obtain. When talking to your employer, please feel free to refer to the Employer service of the employment agency.

Costs for further training can, for example, be recognised as income-related expenses, tax deductible be made. You can obtain advice on this from the tax office.

We would be delighted if this compilation helps you to find a suitable funding opportunity for your further academic education at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences.
That's what we wish you!
You are welcome to contact us with any further questions.

Your team at the Institute for Academic Continuing Education

Head of degree programme:

Contact

Module handbook:

LEAD module handbook