Language and Short Courses 2026/2027

Entrepreneurial Leadership in Berlin and Europe Entrepreneurial Leadership in Berlin and Europe

Freie Universität Berlin • Berlin

Course location
Berlin
Teaching language
  • English
Language level of course
  • English: B2
Date(s)
  • 17 July - 14 August 2027 (registration deadline: 19 June 2027)
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

A non-refundable programme fee is applicable in addition to the tuition fee. The programme fee includes a social programme open to all students. A reduced programme fee applies to early-bird registrations.

Target group

We welcome students who are interested in the entrepreneurial market as well as those who want to venture out into other disciplines and possess an exceptional insight into the workings of business and leadership in Europe.

Minimum age 18 years
Yes
Description/content

About this course

Leadership surrounds us always and everywhere. Whether as a supervisor, team captain, student activist, or parent, we all need certain leadership skills to thrive in private and professional contexts. However, what makes a good leader has long been debated in research and practice. Leadership theories are constantly evolving, and modern concepts are manifold. At the same time, management scandals such as Wirecard, Dieselgate, and Twitter/X repeatedly bring leadership failures to light. This course introduces a basic understanding of what leadership actually is and how that understanding depends on time and context.

On this basis, we turn to entrepreneurial leadership, a concept that is increasingly relevant also outside of the startup world. Local and global economic, political, and ecological crises challenge traditional assumptions about leadership, entrepreneurship, and their role in society. Today’s leaders are expected not only to drive innovation but also to act responsibly and create sustainable value. We will examine how responsible leadership principles intersect with entrepreneurial thinking and why sustainability is becoming a core element of leadership practice.

The course introduces key frameworks such as the European Commission’s “EntreComp”, which defines entrepreneurship as a competence that creates social, cultural, or financial value for others, based on skills and attitudes that can be learned and applied by anyone. We will explore how these competencies can be applied to develop sustainable business models and address pressing global challenges. Students will also learn about the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in fostering responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship, including support actors such as incubators, accelerators, and investors such as angel investors. To this end, we invite and/or visit guests from local startups and impact communities.

Through participation in the course, students will gain a basic understanding of entrepreneurial leadership in its diversity with a focus on Berlin and Europe. Several guest lectures and excursions will provide practical insights into the local startup environment. Integrated work with historical and modern role models will help students adopt a critical perspective on responsible leadership. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to reflect on and develop their own (entrepreneurial) leadership skills. For this purpose, the course is designed to be highly interactive and relies on innovative teaching methods.

FUBiS courses in the summer terms are combinable.

Recognised language exams offered (e.g. DSH, TestDaF, TOEFL)
No
Certificate received after course completion
  • Certificate of participation, graded
ECTS points (max.)
6
Average number of hours per week
12
Average number of participants per group/course
18
Dates and costs
  • 17 July - 14 August 2027 (registration deadline: 19 June 2027), costs: 1,300 EUR
This price includes
  • Course fees
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

A non-refundable programme fee is applicable in addition to the tuition fee. The programme fee includes a social programme open to all students. A reduced programme fee applies to early-bird registrations.

Teaching language
  • English
Language level of course
  • English: B2
German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required/recommended, no proof required
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Is accommodation organised?
Accommodation is arranged by the organiser.
Type of accommodation

FUBiS arranges appropriate off-campus accommodation for the duration of the programme as an optional service upon request. Accommodation options can be chosen during the registration process. Accommodation is subject to availability. Prices depend on the respective FUBiS course and accommodation type, and they range between 450 EUR and 1,700 EUR (subject to change).

Meals

There is an on-campus dining hall ("Mensa") where students can get breakfast and lunch at a reasonable price.

Is a social and leisure programme offered?
Yes
Description of social and leisure programme

FUBiS offers a variety of extracurricular activities, which are included in the programme fee, e.g.:

  • guided tour of the Reichstag building
  • river boat tour through the centre of Berlin (in summer)

In addition, FUBiS offers optional excursions (for an extra cost) within Berlin as well as to other popular German cities.

Free internet access
Yes
Support in visa matters
No
Pick-up service from train station/airport
No

Freie Universität Berlin

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