Corvinus University of Budapest

What you'll study

The programme delivers a comprehensive suite of management disciplines, emphasising strategic decision‑making, organisational leadership and practical application. Core topics include strategic management, corporate finance and financial decision making for executives, marketing strategy, operations and supply chain management, people and change management, leadership and negotiation, corporate governance and business law, and ethics.

Modules are taught with an executive audience in mind: short, intensive blocks, case studies, simulations and a strong emphasis on peer learning. The programme typically includes:

• Strategic Management and Corporate Development — competitive strategy, growth pathways, mergers & acquisitions basics and scenario planning.
• Finance for Executives — interpreting financial statements, capital budgeting, valuation fundamentals and financing decisions.
• Leadership, Organisational Behaviour and HR Strategy — leading high‑performance teams, change leadership, talent management and executive coaching.
• Marketing and Customer Strategy — strategic brand management, customer analytics and digital marketing trends relevant for senior managers.
• Operations and Innovation — process optimisation, service operations, technology adoption and innovation management.
• Corporate Governance, Law and Ethics — compliance, boardroom practice, ethical decision making and stakeholder management.
• Digital Transformation and Data‑Driven Decision Making — practical coverage of digital strategy, data analytics for managers and implications of new technologies for business models.
• Applied Project / Capstone — a consultancy‑style project or strategic capstone that addresses a real organisational challenge, often carried out for the participant’s employer or a corporate partner.

Teaching methods combine lectures from academic staff and industry practitioners, case discussions, workshops, company visits and individual executive coaching. Elective modules and short international study visits may be available depending on the programme cycle.

Entry requirements

The programme is targeted at experienced professionals who are already in, or are preparing for, senior management roles. Typical entry requirements include:

• A recognised undergraduate degree or equivalent in any discipline.
• Several years of professional experience with demonstrated managerial or leadership responsibility — applicants are usually mid‑career or senior managers.
• A current CV and a statement of purpose outlining career objectives and reasons for pursuing an executive MBA.
• References or a recommendation, preferably from a current or former supervisor who can attest to leadership potential and managerial achievements.
• An interview with programme staff or a selection committee to assess fit and readiness for the executive environment.

Applicants whose first language is not the language of instruction may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in the programme language. Work experience and professional achievement are important selection factors; standard entry tests (such as GMAT) are not always required but may be requested in individual cases.

Career prospects

Graduates use the Executive MBA to accelerate into senior leadership roles or to broaden their remit as general managers. Typical career paths include promotion to department head, regional or divisional leadership, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief executive officer, or board membership. The degree is also commonly used by entrepreneurs and business owners to professionalise and scale operations, and by consultants to strengthen strategic advisory capabilities.

Corvinus’s corporate links and the programme’s applied projects help participants build relationships with employers and industry leaders across finance, manufacturing, technology, professional services and the public sector in Hungary and the wider Central European region.

Why study at Corvinus University of Budapest

Corvinus is a leading university in Hungary with a long tradition in economics, business and social sciences, offering close connections to Central European industry and public institutions. The Executive MBA programme leverages experienced faculty and practitioners, applied teaching methods and an executive peer group to deliver learning that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Key advantages include a strong regional alumni network, frequent engagement with local and international companies through projects and invited speakers, personalised executive coaching and a focus on the business contexts relevant to Hungary and neighbouring markets. The programme’s location in Budapest provides convenient access to Central European business hubs and a dynamic environment for networking and professional development.