Who is the distance learning course in Communication Psychology suitable for?

The distance learning course "Communication Psychology, B.Sc." at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at individuals who want to combine the fundamentals of psychology and communication science with up-to-date media and management skills. It is suitable for you if you envision your professional future in areas such as corporate communication, media, personnel development, marketing, market research, or public relations, and have an interest in designing communication processes analytically and tailored to target groups. The course is structured flexibly, making it attractive for working professionals, career changers, as well as people with family obligations or other commitments.

What formal requirements do you need?

The following admission requirements apply for enrolment in the distance learning course Communication Psychology (B.Sc.):

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur) or
• Subject-specific university entrance qualification in a suitable subject area or in the specified federal state
• Alternatively possible: Completed vocational training of at least two years plus at least two years of full-time professional experience in a related field and passing a subject-specific university entrance examination
• Another option: Completed master craftsman’s examination or a comparable advanced training with at least 400 hours (e.g. as a specialist or technician) plus subject-specific university entrance examination
• Access is also possible with a secondary school leaving certificate and a relevant vocational training of at least three years (final grade at least 2.5); in this case, initial admission is granted with a study agreement and the requirement to achieve at least 30 credit points (CP) in the first year of study. If the final grade is lower, an additional university entrance examination is required.
• A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required; the course is NC-free.
• Prior achievements from previous studies or training may be credited where applicable.

Personal requirements include motivation and discipline for independent learning in distance education. An interest in psychological and communicative issues, analytical thinking, openness to intercultural topics, as well as good written and oral communication skills are advantageous. Knowledge of English is helpful, as some modules are taught in English. For a successful course of study, basic digital skills are also necessary.

Study Content in Detail: What You Learn in the Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Psychology

In the distance learning Bachelor of Science in Communication Psychology at Hochschule Fresenius, you study modules from psychology, communication science, media and communication management. The course provides you with both theoretical and practical skills necessary for the analysis and design of effective communication.

• Fundamentals of Psychology: General Psychology I and II, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology
• Research and Academic Work: Academic Writing, Research Methods I and II, descriptive and inductive statistics, empirical research project
• Communication and Media Competence: Psychological Foundations of Communication, Media, Ethics and Society, Media and Journalism, Digitalisation in Corporate Communication
• Management and Practice: Communication Management, Project Management, Media Management, Modern Work and Organisational Management
• Intercultural and English-language Competences: Intercultural Competence, Business Language Issues, Business Negotiation Competencies (two modules in English)
• Practical Application: Introductory project on self-organised learning, Communication and Presentation, empirical research project, Bachelor thesis

Later in your studies, you can choose specialisations from the following focus areas:

• Corporate Communication: Communication Strategies and Concepts, Public Relations, Internal Communication, Advertising Messages and Social Listening
• Psychology of Special Communication Situations: Conversation Management and Argumentation, Moderation and Interviewing, Intercultural Communication, Psychological Aspects of Attitude and Behaviour Change

Through this broad methodological and content base, you develop analytical thinking, scientific problem-solving skills, media competence as well as skills for target-group-appropriate, intercultural and digital communication.

Course Structure: How to Organise Your Distance Learning at Hochschule Fresenius

The distance learning course is fully organised online and allows a flexible start on the 1st of any month. You choose between three time models:

• 36 months (full-time)
• 48 months
• 72 months (part-time with reduced monthly fee)

You complete the modules through self-study on the online campus studynet. Digital study magazines (Studymags), teaching videos, e-books, academic articles and multimedia exercises are available there. All materials can also be downloaded as PDFs and, if desired, ordered as printed booklets for a fee.

Examinations take place in flexible formats:

• Online written exams (also possible as open-book exams)
• Written assignments
• Presentations or oral reports (also virtual)
• Project work and empirical research projects

Most examinations are held online. Occasionally, on-site examinations may be necessary; dates are announced well in advance and kept to a minimum.

Throughout your studies, you will be supported by a personal study coach – who assists you individually with study organisation, exam preparation and motivation. Academic exchange with professors and fellow students is also possible via studynet and digital consultation hours.

Two English-language modules as well as optional international online certificates (ASU®) complete your learning experience.

Career Prospects & Job Opportunities: Outlook After Your Graduation

With the Bachelor of Science in Communication Psychology, you are versatilely qualified for roles at the interface of psychology, media and communication. Possible fields of work include:

• Corporate Communication and Public Relations
• Marketing, Market Research and Marketing Consultancy
• Press and Public Relations work in companies and agencies
• Personal development for work in social media and community management
• Human Resource Development and Internal Communication
• Communication Consultancy, Crisis and Change Communication
• Media Management as well as roles in publishing houses, digital platforms or media companies
• Research and Evaluation related to media and communication effects

Internationally oriented modules and cooperation with Arizona State University (ASU®) also expand your opportunities for activities in an international context. A subsequent Master’s degree in Psychology, Communication Science, Media Management or Business Psychology is also possible.

Costs and Financing: What You Should Invest for the Bachelor in Communication Psychology

The monthly tuition fees depend on the chosen time model:

• 72 months: €235 (discounted price: from €209.15)
• 48 months: €325 (discounted price: from €289.25)
• 36 months: €375 (discounted price: from €333.75)

Total costs: from €13,500 depending on study duration and discount. The price includes all digital learning materials, examination fees, support and use of the online library. Only optional costs for printed materials and travel expenses to possible on-site exams are added.

The following financing options are available:

• KfW student loan
• BAföG (if eligibility criteria are met)
• Scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium
• Employer funding (possible with part-time study)
• Tax deductibility as training expenses or income-related expenses

The university offers flexible payment models and the possibility of individual instalment adjustments during your studies. A four-week free trial study period makes it easier to get started.