Is the Business Administration Distance Learning Course at FH Kiel Right for You?

The distance learning course in Business Administration at the University of Applied Sciences Kiel is aimed at individuals interested in economic contexts who wish to prepare for leadership roles, specialised functions in management, or qualified activities in corporate organisation, controlling, marketing, or finance. The course is particularly suitable for working professionals seeking an academic foundation in business administration, as well as for school-leavers with a clear economic career goal.

What formal requirements do you need to meet?

The following requirements apply for admission to the Bachelor’s degree course in Business Administration:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
• Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or
• General or subject-specific advanced technical college entrance qualification (consisting of a school and practical part) or
• Successfully passed master craftsman’s examination or
• Equivalent prior education recognised in accordance with §39 Para. 3 of the Schleswig-Holstein Higher Education Act (e.g. vocational qualification)

Additionally, the following notes apply:

• For applications with foreign higher education entrance qualifications, recognised proofs of equivalence and sufficient German language skills are required.
• The course is subject to admission restrictions (numerus clausus).
• Application deadlines: until 15 January (summer semester) or 15 July (winter semester).
• Selection is based, among other things, on the grade point average of the higher education entrance qualification and waiting time.
• Required application documents include certificates, where applicable proofs of higher education entrance qualification, proofs of prior study periods, possibly proofs of vocational training, name changes, or military/civil service periods.

For enrolment, all documents must be submitted completely and on time.

Personally, you should bring the following qualities and experiences:

• Interest in economic issues and business processes
• Willingness to work independently, in a structured manner, and to self-organise, especially in distance learning
• Analytical thinking and basic mathematical understanding
• Teamwork and communication skills for project work and practical phases
• Initiative, perseverance, and discipline for a multi-year study and examination period
• Some practical experience in the economic field (e.g. internships, vocational training, part-time jobs) is advantageous but not mandatory

What Awaits You in the Business Administration Degree at FH Kiel?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration (BWL) at the University of Applied Sciences Kiel provides fundamental and advanced knowledge in all key areas of business administration. The following topics are the focus:

• Introduction to general business administration, entrepreneurship and corporate organisation
• Accounting, bookkeeping and financial statements (including cost and performance accounting, controlling, taxation)
• Economics (micro- and macroeconomics)
• Mathematics for economics and statistics (including data science)
• Marketing (classic and digital), empirical social research, marketing methods
• Project management, process management, change management and strategic management
• Finance and investment, financial management, auditing
• Personnel management, human resource management, labour and social law
• Logistics, supply chain and operations management, e-business management
• Business informatics and digital transformation
• Soft skills and Business English – communication, teamwork and presentation skills
• Business simulation game and practice-oriented projects
• Academic work and empirical methods

During your studies, you can specialise through elective modules and focus areas. Available options include finance, controlling, human resource management, value chain management, advanced business administration, marketing or international management. Practical elements, such as a management project or a company-related internship, prepare you directly for entering the workforce.

How Does the Degree Programme Proceed? Structure and Course Overview

The distance learning Business Administration programme at FH Kiel spans 7 semesters (approximately 3.5 years) and is organised in modules. You work on the content partly online in German and can start the programme each winter or summer semester. The main phases and elements include:

• Programme start always in summer and winter semesters; admission is restricted
• Module structure progressing from fundamental to advanced content over 7 semesters
• Each semester focuses on a thematic priority, beginning with foundational subjects up to specialisation and practice
• Practice-related elements such as business simulation games, concrete projects with regional companies and a management project
• Practical study component with at least 12 weeks of practical experience in the 6th semester
• Final thesis (Bachelor's thesis) and colloquium in the 7th semester
• Individual specialisation from the 5th semester onwards through electives and advanced modules
• Close integration of theory and practice, regular interaction with lecturers and fellow students

The study content is delivered through blended learning, self-study, online learning platforms and on-site phases. FH Kiel places particular emphasis on the integration of real case studies and projects with the regional economy. Exams include written tests, project work, presentations and the final thesis.

Your Prospects after the Business Administration Degree: Careers and Fields of Work

With the Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from FH Kiel, you qualify for a wide range of professional opportunities in nearly all economic sectors. Typical areas of activity and career paths include:

• Specialist and managerial roles in companies across various industries, such as manufacturing, trade, consulting or services
• Controlling, finance, accounting and taxation, auditing
• Marketing, sales, product management and digital marketing
• Personnel management, human resource management, organisational development and leadership
• Supply chain management, logistics and value chain management
• Corporate and management consulting, change management consulting
• Project management, process management and innovation management
• IT-related positions in e-business, business informatics or data analysis
• Work in the public sector and non-profit organisations

Thanks to the practice-oriented training, you are not only qualified for classic employee positions but also well prepared for later self-employment, consultancy work or for further academic qualification (for example, a Master’s degree).

Costs and Financing Options in the Business Administration Distance Learning Programme

The following costs and fees apply per semester for the distance learning Business Administration programme at FH Kiel:

• Tuition fee: 644 euros per semester
• Total cost for 6 semesters (standard period of study): 3,864 euros
• Plus mandatory contributions for the student union, student council, semester ticket and administrative fees (amount varies per semester; current values are published by the university)
• No separate examination fees

Tuition fees are paid on a semester basis. The following financing options are available:

• Use of BAföG (subject to eligibility requirements)
• Education loans or funding through banks (e.g. KfW student loan)
• Support from employers for working professionals
• Possibility of tax deductibility of study costs as work-related expenses or special expenses

Detailed information on fees, deadlines and possible funding programmes is provided by the university before each semester.