Distance learning program Public Management (B.A.) – IU International University

πŸ‘‰ The distance learning Public Management (B.A.) at IU is designed for individuals aiming for administrative tasks or leadership positions in the public sector. It targets professionals in administration, career changers, as well as high school graduates interested in law, economics, and digitalization. The programme provides practical skills in public law, management, political science, e-government, data protection, and intercultural competences. Individual specialisations and a flexible start of studies are possible. Admission is possible with (technical) A-levels, professional qualifications or international degrees. IU offers digital learning materials, various time models and support. The degree opens up diverse career opportunities in the public service, associations or public companies.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider IU International University, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
Studying, anytime and anywhere – according to your own rules: The distance learning at IU International University (IU) not only makes this possible, but is constantly meeting individual learning needs and providing the latest gadgets for a maximally flexible study. The state-recognized bachelor's and master's programs, which can be completed part-time or full-time, are intended to adapt to the students' everyday lives – whether alongside work, during parental leave, or while traveling the world. Self-directed learning has never been easier: from the innovative learning app IU Learn, through the online campus with live formats, to the in-house and thus first AI-based university chatbot Syntea. Currently, there are over 130,000 students enrolled at IU – making IU the largest German university.
πŸ“‹ Study Format Distance learning program
πŸŽ“ Field of Study Economy & MediaEconomics
πŸ“œ Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters, Study effort 30 hours weekly
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
πŸ“– Course contents Introduction to Scientific Work for Economics, Management and Communication, Public Law I, Economics and Markets, Basics of Civil Law I, Business Administration, Public and Nonprofit Management, Public Law II, Public Financial Management, Political and Administrative Sciences, Project Management, Basics of Civil Law II, Economic Policy, Administrative Law, Cost Accounting and Budgeting, Intercultural and Ethical Skills, Special Law of Obligations I, Controlling, Accounting and Controlling, Basics of Data Protection and IT Security for non-technical degree programs, Human Resources in the Public Sector, Procurement and Tendering, Collaborative Work, Special Law of Obligations II, Consulting in the Public Sector, E-Government, Grants in the Public Sector, Sustainability and Quality Management, Municipal Law, Seminar: New Public Management, Elective Module A, Elective Module B, Elective Module C, Bachelor Thesis
πŸ“š Electives Intervention management, Performance management, Advanced Leadership, Labour law, Digital HR and Change Management, National and International Tax Law, Public Affairs and PR, Public Diplomacy and PR, Dispute resolution in public law, World of Work 4.0
πŸ‘₯ In-person sessions numerous virtual lectures
βœ… ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Public Management under the number 1112220.
πŸ“… Enrollment Anytime
πŸ’Ά Fees
from 259 € monthly
from 15063 € total
πŸ”— More Info https://www.iu-fernstudium.de
  • 3 flexible time models from full-time to part-time for every life situation
  • interesting specializations, such as in performance administration, intervention administration, or immigration affairs
  • innovative learning concept with IU Learn app and digital courses

Who is the distance learning Public Management at IU suitable for?

With your degree in Public Management, you could work, for example, as a specialist in federal ministries, associations, or public sector companies.

The distance learning Public Management (B.A.) is aimed at people who want to take on challenging tasks and leadership responsibilities in the public sector. Typical target groups are professionals in public administration, career changers interested in legal, economic, and digital processes in civil service, as well as high school graduates interested in societal shaping. The study is ideal for those who want to study flexibly and independently of location – for example, alongside work, during parental leave, or in other life phases. Individuals who want to expand their skills in e-government, data protection, and management to pursue activities at federal, state, local authorities, associations, or public companies benefit particularly.

Admission requirements for the Public Management bachelor's degree

General university entrance qualification (A-levels), subject-specific university entrance qualification, or technical college entrance qualification (vocational baccalaureate, theoretical and practical part): With these qualifications, direct enrollment is possible.

Professional qualification without A-levels: Even without formal university entrance qualification, you can be admitted if at least one of the following requirements is met:

  • Completed advanced training (e.g., master craftsman's diploma, IHK specialist, state-certified business economist)
  • At least a two-year recognized vocational training in Germany followed by at least three years of relevant full-time work experience
  • Depending on the thematic proximity of education and professional experience, a trial course may be possible, or other evidence of study aptitude may be required.

International qualifications: International applicants need an equivalency evaluation of their certificates (according to Anabin) as well as sufficient German language skills (e.g., TestDaF or telc German B2; the certificate must generally not be older than five years).

No Numerus Clausus (NC): There are no entry restrictions based on grades.

Personal prerequisites and requirements

  • Interest in administration, law, and digitization: The study requires curiosity about administrative, legal, and political processes – especially in areas like e-government, data protection, and constitutional law.
  • Self-motivation and self-organization: In digital distance learning, you organize learning units, exams, and time management independently and flexibly.
  • Communication and teamwork skills: Modules on soft skills, intercultural action competence, and collaborative work foster enjoyment in exchange and discourse on key qualifications.
  • Readiness for digital work: Learning content, exams, and seminars take place online; basic PC skills and familiarity with digital tools are therefore helpful.
  • Sense of responsibility and interest in the common good: Professions in the public sector require a strong sense of duty and ethical orientation.

You study Public Management if you want to actively shape societal structures – regardless of whether you are already working in administration or seeking a new professional perspective. The study is particularly suitable for people who need flexibility in their learning routine and are enthusiastic about both management and legal and IT-related topics.

The main contents and competencies in the distance learning programme Public Management (B.A.)

In the distance learning programme Public Management at IU International University, you will acquire a broad, practical knowledge. The aim is to prepare you for the diverse tasks in the public sector – from administration to association work. The modular structure of the programme will teach you:

  • Legal foundations: You will learn public law (e.g. constitutional law, administrative law, European law) and important aspects of civil law. This will help you understand the legal framework of state and municipal administrative actions.
  • Economics and Management: You will deal with business administration, public finance, cost accounting, budgeting, and controlling – essential for managing public institutions.
  • Politics and Administrative Sciences: Particularly in the modules of Political and Administrative Sciences as well as Project Management, you will analyze structures and functions of the public sector.
  • Public and Nonprofit Management: You will examine how non-profit organizations and public agencies operate and what matters in terms of leadership, control, and optimization.
  • Digitalization and E-Government: Topics such as E-Government, data protection, and IT security form a central focus of the study. You will learn how information technology modernizes processes in administration and the challenges regarding security, efficiency, and citizen proximity.
  • Soft Skills and Intercultural Competences: Communication skills, intercultural and ethical skills, as well as consulting and collaborative work, are part of the cross-disciplinary qualifications.
  • Individual Specializations: Through elective modules, you can set your own priorities. Depending on your interests, you can choose specializations such as Intervention Management, Performance Management, or Foreigners' Affairs. Additionally, you have the option to specialize in areas such as Public Affairs, Negotiation and Conflict Management, Foreign Languages, or Digital HR.

Interdisciplinary training will help you connect legal, economic, and socio-political aspects and practically assess them. Your expertise will qualify you to take on responsibilities as a specialist or manager in the public sector.

Structure of the Bachelor's programme: Flexibility, Profiling, and Examinations

The degree programme is 100% online as a distance learning programme and relies entirely on flexible time management:

  • Start of studies at any time: You can start at any time – without fixed semester dates.
  • Three time models: Choose between full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months), or part-time II (72 months), depending on your lifestyle and professional situation.
  • Modular structure: The programme consists of six semesters with a total of 180 ECTS points. Each module concludes with an examination.
  • Examination formats: You will take exams either online (24/7, from anywhere) or at an IU examination center. In addition, there are term papers, project work, as well as presentations and oral examinations.
  • Teaching materials: All materials, interactive learning scripts, and videos are available to you digitally via the IU Online Campus and the IU Learn App – on-demand, around the clock. Optional live tutorials are offered for many modules.
  • Elective modules: Through the three electives, you will develop your individual training profile. You can choose from a variety of topics – from special questions of administrative law to conflict management or current digitalization topics.
  • Personal Support: Professors, tutors, and study coaches support you with all subject- and study-related questions.
  • Practical Learning through AI Tools: With the AI assistance system "Syntea," you will receive individual support for questions and exam preparation.

The final examination is a bachelor's thesis, through which you will also demonstrate your expertise in a self-chosen field.

Entry into the Job Market and Career Opportunities with a degree in Public Management (B.A.)

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Management, you have numerous opportunities in the public service and in public law as well as private organizations:

  • Public Service: Specialist and leadership positions in federal, state, and municipal administrations.
  • Ministries and Authorities: Specialist in areas such as economics and energy, social issues, or education – depending on the respective department and federal state.
  • Associations and NGOs: Consulting, advocacy, and project management in societal, economic, or political associations.
  • Companies in the public sector: Activities in strategic management, procurement, organization, or human resources planning in companies such as city and utility companies.
  • Institutions with public tasks: Assumption of tasks in organizations with socio-political or administration-oriented orientation.

The programme places particular emphasis on imparting current and practice-relevant skills, which are in high demand due to advancing digitalization and the shortage of skilled workers in the public sector. In particular, the specialization options give you access to specialized areas such as E-Government, modernization of administration, or Public Relations.

Note: The specific professional recognition, e.g. for senior and higher executive services, depends on the requirements of the respective authority and federal state.

Costs and Financing Options in the IU Distance Learning Programme Public Management

The tuition fees depend on your chosen time model:

  • Full-time studies (36 months): from 399€ per month
  • Part-time I (48 months): from 344€ per month
  • Part-time II (72 months): from 259€ per month
  • Graduation fee: approximately 699€ once at the end of the programme

The total costs vary according to the duration of the studies. The price includes all digital learning materials, online exams, individual support, and an optional trial month. Additional services such as access to the digital library, career coaching, and community activities are also included.

  • Discounts: IU offers discounts and exclusive bonuses such as vouchers or technology packages at regular intervals (e.g. discounted fees or a free iPad when starting studies during promotional periods).
  • Free Extension: If you need more time, you can extend for up to 12 months free of charge.
  • Financing: Various options are available – BAfΓΆG, education funds, study loans or support from employers. The costs are usually tax-deductible.
  • Recognition of Previous Achievements: Completed training courses or work experience can be credited – saving time and fees (about 30€ per recognized ECTS point).

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