Corvinus University of Budapest

What you'll study

This graduate-level diploma combines core managerial skills with specialised modules on research policy, technology transfer and innovation systems. Teaching blends lectures, case studies, group work and a final applied project or internship designed to demonstrate competence in managing research and innovation activities.

• Research Policy and Science Systems — frameworks for national and international research funding, research ecosystems, and the role of universities and public research organisations.
• Innovation Management — theories and tools for managing organisational innovation, new product development, open innovation and absorbing external knowledge.
• Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property — basics of IP, commercialisation routes, licensing, start-up creation and university-industry collaboration models.
• Project and Grant Management — planning, budgeting, consortium management, reporting and risk management for research projects, including EU and other competitive funding schemes.
• Research Evaluation and Metrics — indicators of research performance, bibliometrics, impact assessment and qualitative evaluation approaches.
• Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation — business modelling for science-based ventures, market assessment and pitching to investors.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Methods — research design, statistics for evaluative purposes and qualitative approaches for stakeholder analysis.
• Applied Project / Internship — an applied consultancy-style project, capstone assignment or placement with a research office, technology transfer office, innovation hub or company.

Courses are typically delivered by Corvinus faculty with input from practitioners in research offices, industry R&D and public policy. Assessment is a combination of written assignments, group reports, presentations and the final applied project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in economics, management, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering or a related field. Those with substantial relevant professional experience in research administration, R&D, or innovation management may also be considered.

• Academic transcript from prior degree(s).
• CV outlining academic and professional experience.
• Motivation letter explaining reasons for applying and how the programme fits career goals.
• Reference letters (usually one or two) from academic or professional referees.
• Proof of language proficiency if the applicant’s prior degree was not taught in the language of instruction; Corvinus accepts recognised English language certificates or evidence of prior study/work in English, where applicable.

Selection is typically based on academic background, relevant experience and the strength of application documents. Applicants are advised to check the programme page at Corvinus for any additional or updated requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enter roles that connect research, policy and business. Typical positions include research and innovation manager, technology transfer officer, project manager for funded research consortia, research administration professional, and consultant on innovation strategy.

• University research support offices and technology transfer offices.
• Public research institutes and government agencies working on R&D and innovation policy.
• Corporate R&D management, innovation units and open innovation teams.
• Consultancies advising on grant strategy, innovation ecosystems and commercialisation.
• Entrepreneurial roles in science-based start-ups and spin-offs.

The programme is also suitable for those wishing to progress to specialised master’s or doctoral studies in innovation studies, science and technology policy or management.

Why study at Corvinus University of Budapest

Corvinus is one of Central Europe’s established centres for economics, business and public policy education, with strong links to research organisations, government bodies and industry across the region. The university offers access to practitioners involved in European and national research programmes and to a network of alumni working in research administration and innovation across academia and business.

Studying at Corvinus provides a balance of rigorous theoretical foundations and applied training tailored to the Hungarian and wider Central European innovation context, making it a practical choice for those aiming to manage research projects, support commercialisation of research or shape innovation policy.