Who is the distance learning programme in Business Administration and Customer Experience Management suitable for?

With your degree in Business Administration and Customer Experience Management, you could work, for instance, as a Customer Experience Manager on strategies and measures for the customer journey.

The Bachelor's distance learning programme "Business Administration and Customer Experience Management" at IU International University is aimed at those who aspire to a career at the intersection of business, marketing, and digitization. It particularly targets individuals who want to shape customer-oriented processes - whether as career starters after (secondary) school leaving exams, as career changers with a commercial education, or as professionals who want to specifically expand their skills in the field of Customer Experience. The study concept is tailored to an active professional life as well as to learners with family commitments or varying working hours, as it offers maximum flexibility in terms of time and effort.

Admission Requirements

For direct entry to the Bachelor's programme at IU International University, the following formal admission requirements apply:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
• Subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification

Studying without a school-leaving certificate: Admission is also possible without a traditional university entrance qualification if the following requirements are met:

• Completed advanced vocational training (e.g, master craftsman's certificate, state-certified business economists, IHK-HWK business specialists).
• Completed, at least two-year recognized vocational training and at least three years of full-time professional experience (in a thematically related area). In the case of a vocational training in a non-related field, a trial study programme is completed first.

International prospective students: School certificates from abroad are checked for equivalence (Anabin); a generally recognized proof of German language skills may also be relevant (e.g., TestDaF, DSH1, Telc Deutsch B2, ÖSD B2).

There is no numerus clausus (NC); applications are possible online at any time, and the start of studies can be chosen flexibly. A free trial month is offered to everyone.

Personal Requirements

• Analytical skills: Interest in business contexts and systematic evaluation of data.
• Communication skills: Enjoyment of exchange with customers, teams from different departments, and communicating complex issues.
• Digital affinity: Openness to digital media, learning platforms, modern tools, and the use of AI assistants.
• Self-organization: Ability to work independently and in a structured way - especially important in flexible distance learning.
• Customer perspective: Strong curiosity about consumer behavior and new trends in marketing, sales, and customer support.
• Willingness for continuous further education: The field of Customer Experience Management is dynamic - openness to new methods, concepts, and technological developments is important.
• Foreign language skills: Good English skills are advantageous, as many course contents are internationally oriented.

Who is the study program suitable for?

• For (secondary) school leavers looking for a modern, future-oriented entry into business and management.
• For professionals from commercial, service-oriented, or related fields who want to further qualify alongside their careers.
• For career changers with completed vocational training and professional experience who want to move into Customer Experience Management.
• For everyone who wants to study flexibly and independently - for example, alongside work, during parental leave, or abroad.

The study program is ideal if you are passionate about customer satisfaction, strategic marketing and all aspects of digital business development, and want to make this passion the basis of your career.

What You Learn in the Bachelor of Business Administration and Customer Experience Management

In the Bachelor's programme in Business Administration and Customer Experience Management at IU International University, you will acquire a solid knowledge of business administration combined with specialized knowledge in the field of Customer Experience. The focus is on how companies recognize the needs, desires, and behaviors of their customers and develop business models based on them.

• Foundations of Business Administration: You will deal with topics such as Business Administration, Managerial Economics, Accounting and Balance Sheets, as well as Investment and Financing.
• Customer Orientation and Customer Experience: Modules such as Consumer Behavior, Service Management, Storytelling, Customer Relationship Management, Customer-Centered Data, and Customer Journey will teach you how companies can delight customers at every touchpoint.
• Analytical Skills: You will learn how to conduct cost and performance accounting, use statistics, apply qualitative research methods, and carry out Marketing Analytics projects.
• Modern Management Methods: Change Management, Agile Project Management, and Collaborative Work are on the curriculum, as well as the development of sustainable corporate strategies.
• Elective Modules for Your Specialization: From the fifth semester onwards, you choose 3 focuses. Popular options include Influencer Marketing and Social Selling, Online and Social Media Marketing, UX Prototyping, Big Data and Web Analytics, Customer Experience Insights, Event Management, or Foreign Languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian).
• Intercultural & Ethical Competencies: You will learn how to act interculturally and ethically with a focus on international markets and develop sustainable business models.
• Transfer of Practice: In practice-oriented projects and seminars, such as the Customer Journey or Sustainability from the consumer's perspective, you apply your knowledge in a concrete way.

Upon completion, you will be able to manage processes from a customer perspective, analyze data on customer satisfaction, and develop effective Customer Experience strategies.

How the Distance Learning Programme at IU Works

The study programme is entirely online, offering maximum flexibility. You can choose whether to study full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months), or part-time II (72 months). During your studies, you can adjust the pace at any time and switch between time models as you wish. Enrollment is possible all year round, and you can individually choose your study start.

• Self-Determined Learning: All study materials are available to you digitally via the online campus and the IU Learn App. Additionally, you can receive study materials in print if desired.
• Didactic Concept: The content is multimedia-based - with interactive textbooks, videos, podcasts, shortcasts, and integrated quiz questions for learning control.
• Virtual Events: You can optionally participate in live tutorials, online seminars, and interactive workshops. There are no mandatory attendance dates.
• Flexible Examination Formats: You take exams online 24/7 or, if desired, at the examination center near you. Examination formats include traditional exams, essays, project reports, presentations, and open-book exams.
• AI-Supported Learning Assistance: With the AI tool "Syntea," you are supported around the clock with any questions. Your personal tutor, study coaches, and the Career Service also provide support.
• Recognition of Previous Achievements: Professional further education, training, or already completed study achievements can be credited towards the programme - saving time and study fees.
• Practical Relevance: The study content and projects are directly aligned with real challenges in companies.

These structures allow you to combine your distance learning optimally with work, family, or other commitments.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects After Graduation

With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Customer Experience Management, you qualify for numerous interesting positions at the interface between business and customer experience.

• Customer Experience Manager: You analyze the interactions between companies and customers, optimize the Customer Journey, develop measures for increased customer satisfaction, and implement new strategies for memorable customer experiences.
• Consultant for Customer Experience Management: You advise companies on the development and implementation of Customer Experience strategies, identify areas for improvement, and derive concrete measures from them.
• Marketing and Communications Manager: You coordinate campaigns, are responsible for storytelling projects, and use data analysis to target customers effectively.
• Positions in Customer Success, CRM Management, or User Experience: Here, you can specialize in data-based relationship management, for example as a Customer Success Specialist, UX Consultant, or CRM Expert.
• Management Positions: With increasing experience, you can advance to the position of Chief Experience Officer (CXO) or into leadership roles in management, marketing, or sales.

The acquired skills are in demand in traditional sectors such as commerce, the service sector, and industry as well as in digital startups or consulting.

Costs and Financing: How Much Does the Distance Learning Programme Cost?

The tuition fees depend on the selected time model:

• Full-time Model (36 months): from 399 euros per month (total approx. 15,063 euros, including graduation fee)
• Part-time Model I (48 months): from 344 euros per month (total approx. 17,211 euros)
• Part-time Model II (72 months): from 259 euros per month (total approx. 19,347 euros)
• Graduation fee: one-time 699 euros at the end of the programme

Services included: Digital study materials, access to the online library, support by tutors, study and career coaching, option for a semester abroad, learning AI, and participation in virtual teaching events. A free trial month is part of the offer: you can test the programme without obligation at first.

Financing Options:

• BAföG, education funds, student loans, or tax deductibility of tuition fees for employees
• Regular discount promotions, e.g. start bonus, iPad, or cashback
• Individual payment models for financial relief
• Prior achievements from work or education not only reduce study time but also costs (about 30 euros savings per credited ECTS point)