Who says what by what means to whom with what effect? Communication scientists deal with these questions, and in this context also with media and language. Distance learning programmes in communication studies are interesting for anyone who wants to pursue professional positions in the media industry, as a translator, in public relations, and in communication management. We provide here a comprehensive overview of the study options in the German-speaking region.
All distance learning courses in the field of Communication at a glance
We have a total of 15 courses in the field of Communications Studies.
International Business Communication
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
This Bachelor distance learning programme combines economics with language and cultural studies, providing management techniques, intercultural competences, and basics of business informatics. Choose from one of the 4 specialisations: Marketing …
Specialized translation business
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
No NC, no admission restrictions, enrollment is also possible without A-levels. In the study programme for specialist translators for German and English or for German, English, and French at AKAD …
Communication & Event Management
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- German
- Introduction to Communication Science and Media Economics, Basics of Idea, Innovation and Project Management, Communication and Brand Management, Basi…
Corporate communication and rhetoric
- University of Koblenz
- 5 Semester
- German
- Foundations of Business and Organizational Rhetoric, Communication Management, Classical Rhetoric and Rhetorical Basic Competencies, Forms of Conversa…
Communication psychology
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
This Bachelor's programme will provide you with fundamental psychological theories and models of communication that will help you to persuade professionally. You will learn how to solve problems, communicate empathetically, …
Communication Management
- IST University of Management
- 4 Semester
- German
- Compulsory modules General Management: Marketing & Sales, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Skills, Digital Transformation, Master Thesis, Colloquium on Ma…
Public relations and communication
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
Germany-wide the first distance learning course in the field of PR! This course provides you with a comprehensive blend of business and media fundamentals, classic PR expertise, as well as …
Social Media
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In this unique distance learning programme, you will systematically engage with topics such as storytelling, image and video editing, podcast production, and community management. The programme also naturally provides foundational …
Global Management and Communication
- AKAD University
- 4 Semester
- German
The master's programme "Global Management and Communication" offers a focused education for the global business world and emphasises the link between management and intercultural communication. It is aimed at individuals …
Strategic Communication & Digital Marketing
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 4 Semester
- German
- Strategic Communication & Crossmedia, Corporate & Change Communications (Elective Module), Crossmedia Media Production, Digital Marketing & User Exper…
Business Administration and Intercultural Communication
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 6 Semester
- German
- Business Administration and Management, Intercultural Communication and Intercultural Management, Cultural Understanding (e.g. Cultural Spaces USA, La…
Communication psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The course combines theoretical content with practical applications to prepare students for a variety of professional activities in the field of communication. Students learn about psychological concepts and methods that …
Online marketing and social media
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's degree programme in Online and Social Media Marketing (B.A.) at the European Correspondence School Hamburg is aimed at individuals seeking a solid preparation for entry into or advancement …
Media Communication & Journalism
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 36 Months
- German
- Media theory, communication science, digital media business, strategic communication / PR, journalism / media studies, media and press law, cross-medi…
Social Media Management, Bachelor of Arts
- INU - Innovative University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
- Introductory project for self-organized learning, Basics of Business Administration, Digital Marketing and Business Models, Agile Project Management, …
These universities offer communication studies via distance learning
Here are the main universities offering distance learning programmes in the field of communication studies at a glance:
The Fresenius University is a private, state-recognized university based in Idstein, Hesse. The history of the university dates back to 1848. In the WS 2021/2022, a total of 18,000 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers distance learning programmes through its onlineplus department.
The IU International University is a private university based in Erfurt, Thuringia. Since SS 2021, IU has been the largest university in Germany, with over 100,000 enrolled students. The university offers on-campus courses, dual degree programmes, and more than 100 distance learning programmes.
The AKAD University is a private, state-recognized university based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The university was founded in 1959, and in WS 2022/2023, a total of 6,187 students were enrolled at the university.
European Distance University Hamburg: Euro-FH is a private, state-recognized university headquartered in Hamburg. The university was founded in 2003, with a total of 9,646 students enrolled in WS 2022/2023. Euro-FH is a business school that offers degree programmes in the field of business administration.
SRH Distance Learning University: SRH Distance Learning University – The Mobile University is a state-recognized, private university based in Riedlingen, Baden-Württemberg. The university was founded in 1996, with a total of 6,321 students enrolled at SRH Riedlingen in WS 2020/2021. The university describes itself as a "quality leader in distance learning." In the field of health & social affairs, the university offers both a B.A. in Social Work and a B.A. in Social Management.
The Cost of Distance Learning in Communication Sciences
Since most of the distance learning programmes we present here are offered by private universities, you need to calculate the corresponding tuition fees. The range varies from around €10,500 to just under €13,000 in total tuition fees for bachelor's programmes. If you choose to study part-time, it may be slightly more expensive at some universities. However, at almost all universities, you can also pay in monthly installments, for example, €199 monthly at IU for part-time study.
Here are the total tuition fees for a range of programmes in the field of communication sciences compared:
Media Management vs. Communication Sciences: Which is suitable for whom?

Can't decide whether you should study media science or communication science?
Media science deals with media themselves, especially with mass media and online media. Part of a media studies programme of course always includes communication science. In a university media studies programme, you will focus heavily on media analysis, media theory, and of course media history. Since the distance learning programmes we present here are offered by universities of applied sciences, the programmes are much more practice-oriented. This means that in distance learning, you will not study media science, but for example media management. With such a distance learning programme, you prepare yourself for work in publishing houses, for example.
Communication science deals in general with human communication. Accordingly, in a communication science programme, you will certainly also deal with media and media theory. On the other hand, you will also touch on the fields of psychology, linguistics, and sociology. With a degree in communication management, you are slightly more versatile than with a degree in media studies. Depending on the programme, you might work, for example, in the PR department of internationally operating companies. Or you might go into human resources and take on the management of a company.
Still can't decide? Then simply combine both fields of study. Here are all the distance learning programmes that combine both subjects into a bachelor's programme:
Study Advice
Questions on the topic? Use our study advice, we are happy to help.
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