A master's degree in Business Psychology offers the opportunity to combine scientifically founded knowledge with practical skills. Graduates qualify for a variety of fields such as personnel development, change management, marketing, product development, and business consulting. Specialised career fields like Behavioral Insights Management, UX Research, or Health and Sustainability Management are also open.

This article provides an overview of the master's programmes in Business Psychology at the University of Hagen and Fresenius University of Applied Sciences - covering admission requirements, course content, and costs for the distance learning programme.

Programmes, University of Hagen and Fresenius University Overview

The University of Hagen (in Germany commonly known as FernUniversität in Hagen or just FernUni Hagen) is the only state distance learning university of Germany. For over 50 years, it has been the right place for those aiming for a complete academic education but not able or willing to enroll in an on-site university. Currently, it has 63,000 students, making it the largest university in Germany numerically after IU International University. It offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's programmes, postgraduate courses, academy studies, and preparatory courses.

Fresenius University is a private university of applied sciences based in Idstein, Hesse. It offers an extensive range of study programmes available both on-site and digitally through the "Onlineplus" platform. The university covers numerous fields such as Business Psychology, Social Work, and Data Science. With over 18,000 students, it is one of the most traditional universities in Germany and focuses on flexible, modern learning concepts.

The two M.Sc. Business Psychology at a Glance:

Admission Requirements

The University of Hagen puts special emphasis on a solid academic foundation. Admission requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Economics, Psychology, or Business Psychology.
• Evidence of at least 10 credits in Mathematics or Statistics.
• Missing content from the bachelor's programme can be made up for through a so-called academy study offering relevant modules.

Enrollment at FernUni Hagen is only possible for the summer or winter semester.

Fresenius University is more flexible with admission requirements:

• 180 ECTS bachelor's degree with at least 20 credits in Business Economics and 70 points in Psychology.
• Applicants with differing study contents can take an admission test.

Enrollments are possible here at any time, offering more flexibility to start the distance learning programme.

Course Content and Specialisations

The programme at University of Hagen consists of 120 credits and combines scientific foundation with practical content: Mandatory modules include Work and Health Psychology, Intercultural Psychology, Personnel Development, and Methods of Business Psychology. A special feature here: In the first semester, students are introduced to Psychology or Business Economics, depending on their prior studies.

An overview of course content at FernUni Hagen:

• 1 Introduction module
• 5 Mandatory modules: Introduction to Business Psychology, Methods of Business Psychology, Work and Health Psychology, Personnel Selection and Development, Intercultural Psychology and Sustainability in Global Context
• 3 Elective modules
• Project seminar to prepare methodically for the master's thesis.
• Master's thesis for in-depth exploration in a selected research area.

The following elective modules allow for specialisation:

• Market Research and Consumer Behavior
• Forward-Looking Leadership
• Applied Econometrics
• Expectations, Uncertainty, and Financial Markets
• Behavioural Economics

The modules are extensive and require an intense engagement with theoretical foundations. The examination formats at FernUni Hagen include exams and written assignments submitted through the digital learning environment.

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences also offers a 120 ECTS programme with a more practice-oriented approach: Modules such as Current Topics in Business Psychology, Decision-Making Psychology, Leadership Psychology, and Digital Transformation reflect the practical relevance.

An overview of course content at Fresenius University:

• 1st Semester: Current Topics in Business Psychology, Self-Reflection and Self-Leadership, Quantitative Research Methods, 2 Complementary Subjects
• 2nd Semester: Leadership Psychology, Digital Transformation, Qualitative Research Methods, 2 Complementary Subjects
• 3rd Semester: Decision-Making Psychology, Value-Oriented Business Leadership, Psychological Counselling and Communication, Empirical Research Project
• 4th Semester: Focus 1
• 5th Semester: Focus 2
• 6th Semester: Colloquium, Master's Thesis

Options for specialisation include complementary subjects such as:

• Corporate Communication
• Crisis Communication with Internal and External Stakeholders
• Innovation Processes and Technology Development
• Data Science Management
• Health Psychology
• Intercultural Psychology
• Project Management
• Design Thinking

Additionally, the following focus areas are available for selection:

• Focus 1: Organisational Consulting and Change Management or Personnel Recruitment and Development
• Focus 2: Leadership and Organisation in the Digital Age or Marketing and Consumer Psychology

Examinations at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences are designed with more flexibility, including the option to take them online. Study materials, available digitally, can be provided in print form with high-quality design if needed.

Costs and Financing

As a state university, FernUni Hagen offers one of the most cost-effective options: The total costs amount to around €1,300, based on a basic fee and course-dependent fees. Part-time or full-time study models are available and do not significantly affect costs. Additional expenses may arise from travel costs to exam centres.

On the other hand, the private Fresenius University is considerably more expensive: Monthly fees start at €467 for full-time study (24 months, total: approx. €11,200). Financing models like part-time (48 months) reduce the monthly burden but increase the total costs to around €13,400. Printed materials ("StudyMags") are optional and incur additional costs.

Conclusion

The offering of University of Hagen is better suited for students who value comprehensive specialization and cost-effective studies. Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, on the other hand, targets more practice-oriented students who want to study alongside work and enter specialized career fields.

Both programmes offer excellent opportunities to qualify in the future-proof field of Business Psychology. The choice can be guided by professional goals, financial possibilities, and the desired level of flexibility and specialisation.