Are you the right target group for the Master’s in Business Psychology (M.Sc.)?

The distance learning Master’s in Business Psychology (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at individuals who already hold a first university degree and wish to deepen their expertise at the interface of psychology and business. You are particularly suited if, for example, you have completed a bachelor’s degree in business psychology, psychology, or a related field, or if you have relevant professional experience in business psychology-related areas. The programme is ideal if you are aiming for leadership or consulting roles in human resources, organisational development, marketing, or other business psychology fields – either for professional advancement or as preparation for an academic career.

Overview of formal admission requirements

You can be admitted to the Master’s programme in Business Psychology (M.Sc.) if you meet one of the following conditions:

• Completed first degree (Bachelor, Diploma, or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits, preferably in business psychology, psychology, or a closely related subject area.
• In case of a different subject, it is often required to catch up on study-relevant content or individual modules.
• Alternatively: Bachelor’s degree (min. 180 ECTS) in another subject plus at least 1 year of relevant professional experience in a business psychology context.
• Admission also possible without a university degree: You need a university entrance qualification (for example, Abitur or Fachabitur), completed qualified vocational training, at least 2 years of subject-specific professional experience, and passing an aptitude test. Additionally, a training certificate, proof of professional experience, and a letter of motivation are required.
• In special cases, an admission interview or submission of further evidence (e.g. certificates, English skills at B2 level) may be necessary.
• A Numerus clausus (NC) is not provided.
• Start of studies is possible at any time at the beginning of the month.

Personally, you should bring the following qualities and skills for distance learning:

• Interest in psychological issues in economic contexts
• Willingness to organise your studies independently, also alongside work
• Analytical thinking ability as well as communication and conflict resolution skills
• Motivation to actively engage with digital learning formats and learn flexibly
• Initial practical experience in business psychology or business administration is an advantage
• English skills at B2 level may be necessary for individual modules or certificates

Which knowledge do you acquire in the Master’s programme in Business Psychology?

In the Master's degree programme in Business Psychology (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you deepen your understanding of psychological processes in companies with a focus on the modern requirements of the working world. The programme combines scientific foundation with a strong practical orientation and specifically prepares you for leadership, consulting, and development tasks in an economic context. Among other things, you learn:

• Analyses of psychological aspects of management in the digital age
• Leadership and communication skills: conducting conversations, conflict management, and coaching
• Empirical research and application of scientific methods
• Practical concepts for organisational development and strategic consulting
• Recruitment, development and HR management
• Marketing and consumer psychology as well as design of customer experiences
• Modern approaches such as Design Thinking, project management, data science management and innovation processes
• Additional competencies in health psychology, intercultural psychology and crisis communication

Through numerous elective options, you can shape your studies according to your own interests: You choose two specialisations from four subject areas and take at least two supplementary subjects. This promotes competences that are essential for leadership and consulting roles, change management, personnel or marketing responsibilities.

How is the distance learning programme structured and organised?

The distance learning programme in Business Psychology (M.Sc.) is consistently designed to be flexible and is aimed primarily at working professionals. You can choose between different study durations (standard: 4 semesters, extensions up to 48 months are also possible).

• Start of studies is possible at any time on the 1st of a month
• Individual learning pace: No fixed semesters, free scheduling of modules
• Digital learning platform (studynet) with interactive studymags, video lectures, online library and AI tools
• All course materials are available digitally; printed materials can be optionally ordered
• Mandatory: 6 days of attendance during the course (e.g. for practical training and personal exchange); additional online seminars are optional
• Examinations are mostly flexible in the form of online exams, term papers, presentations or open-book formats; some exams may require attendance, dates are announced well in advance
• Continuous personal support by study coaches and lecturers, intensive exchange possible via forums, consultations and digital study groups
• Technological integration: AI tools (including ChatGPT) support you with research and self-organisation during your studies

During the course of study, you can set your own accents through specialisations and supplements. International Masterclasses and certificate programmes from Arizona State University (ASU) are available additionally. A model change of the study duration is possible during the degree course if needed.

Which career prospects does the programme open up for you?

With the Master’s degree in Business Psychology (M.Sc.), you qualify for demanding tasks at the interface of business and psychology. Typical areas of deployment and career paths are:

• Organisational consulting, change management and corporate development
• Human resources management, talent development, recruiting and employer branding
• Leadership positions in organisational and personnel development
• Marketing and consumer psychology, market research and strategic marketing
• Communication management, especially internal and external corporate communication
• Self-employment in consulting, as a coach or trainer
• Starting point for an academic career (doctorate possible)

Graduates are particularly in demand in companies, consultancies, agencies, in human resources and wherever solid psychological expertise combined with business understanding is required. The internationally recognised Master's degree also improves your chances for senior positions and opens access to leadership and development projects nationally and internationally.

How high are the costs and what financing options are available?

The tuition fees for the distance learning programme in Business Psychology (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius are scaled according to the model:

• 48 months: €315 per month (with discount: €280.35), total cost €15,120
• 36 months: €395 per month (with discount: €351.55), total cost €14,220
• 24 months: €525 per month (with discount: €467.25), total cost €12,600

The price includes all digital learning materials, access to the online platform and library, support from study coaches and lecturers as well as regular examination fees. Additional costs may arise for optional printed materials, travel to any attendance dates, and possibly technical equipment.

• Flexible payment in monthly instalments according to the chosen study duration model
• Educational loans (e.g. KfW student loan), scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium) and possibly BAföG are available as funding options
• Financing by the employer is possible; tax deductibility as advertising costs / further training expenses is given
• Discount promotions (e.g. START11 code) can reduce the fees

The university guarantees transparency: There are no hidden additional costs. During the course of study, a switch to another fee model to adjust the rate is possible.