Who benefits from the Distance Learning Programme in Human Resource Management?

The Distance Learning Programme in Human Resource Management (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is suitable for working professionals and individuals who want to establish themselves in human resources or specifically develop further in the HR field. It addresses employees from companies across all sectors, career changers and entrants with commercial, administrative or social science backgrounds, as well as interested parties from the field of business administration. The study offer is expressly aimed both at school leavers with university entrance qualification and applicants without such qualification who possess professional experience or relevant advanced training. The programme also provides a suitable structure for those already working in HR and wishing to academically consolidate their knowledge, thanks to flexible learning times and alternative examination formats.

What formal admission requirements apply?

• With university entrance qualification:
  A general university entrance qualification (Abitur), a university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachabitur), or a subject-specific university entrance qualification is required. These qualifications allow direct admission.
• With professional qualification and work experience:
  You can be admitted without Abitur if the following requirements are met:
  • At least a 2-year completed vocational training plus at least 2 years of full-time employment in a closely related field,
    and the successful passing of a subject-specific university entrance examination.
• With advanced training qualification:
  Those who have completed a master craftsman’s examination or advanced training (e.g. business administrator, technician) with at least 400 hours of instruction can also start. The subject-specific university entrance examination must also be taken.
• With intermediate school-leaving certificate and long vocational training:
  If you have completed a vocational training lasting at least 3 years with a final grade of 2.5 or better, admission is possible by achieving 18 ECTS credits in the first semester or 30 ECTS in the first academic year. For lower final grades, a university entrance examination is additionally required.
• Further requirements:
  Applicants without classical school qualifications will be assessed individually. A counselling interview is mandatory. Individual recognition of prior learning is possible.

Personally, you should bring the following prerequisites:

• Self-organisation and self-motivation for a largely self-directed, digital distance learning programme
• Interest in business processes and human resource management
• Communication and teamwork skills, as human resource management requires exchange and interaction
• Willingness to engage with legal, psychological and digital topics
• Initial practical insights into administration, business or the HR environment, e.g. through work experience, internships or voluntary work in the social sector, are recommended
• Critical thinking and enthusiasm for analytical work, as market research and personnel analysis are also part of the study content
• Basic technical skills for handling digital learning platforms

What content can you expect? – Study contents and competencies in Human Resource Management, B.A.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Human Resource Management at Hochschule Fresenius provides you with a broad understanding of all facets of modern human resource management and related business administration fields. The curriculum combines foundational knowledge, professionalisation and current practical topics.

• General Management: Introduction to business administration and economics, accounting, cost accounting, finance, financial reporting, controlling, marketing and market research. Topics such as online business, online marketing as well as public relations and corporate social responsibility complete the foundation.
• Law in business: You engage with civil law, commercial, corporate and labour law and receive a thorough insight into the legal framework relevant for human resource management.
• Methodical and communicative competencies: A focus is placed on self-organised and scientific working, communication and presentation techniques. Intercultural competence and business English are taught integratively.
• Digitalisation & transformation: You cover current developments such as digital business models, agile working environments, sustainable HR management and digital leadership.
• Core fields of human resource management: The focus is on personnel economics, strategic and operational human resource management, change management, personnel consulting and coaching fundamentals. You learn how personnel decisions have an impact and how to manage key HR processes.
• Personnel psychology: Topics include personnel leadership, teamwork, personnel diagnostics, personnel development as well as applied personnel psychology. Here you build expertise in diagnostic and development-oriented HR work.
• Specialisation and practical relevance: Elective areas offer opportunities for profiling (e.g. project management, employer branding, quality management, corporate health) and support individual orientation based on professional goals.

In the process, you develop analytical, communicative and strategic skills to act effectively in modern HR departments or as a consultant.

How does your degree progress? – Structure and procedure of the distance learning programme

The distance learning degree in Human Resource Management (B.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is designed for maximum flexibility. After your digital enrolment, you can start at any time on the 1st of a month and adapt your learning pace to your personal life situation.

• Duration of studies: You choose between three time models – 36, 48 or 72 months (equivalent to 6 to 12 semesters). Changing the duration of study is possible during the course.
• Self-directed learning: Via the multimedia learning platform studynet, you use study magazines (Studymags), video lectures, e-books, online exercises and digital libraries. You are completely location- and time-independent.
• Innovative exam formats: Instead of many written exams, you will primarily encounter alternative examination formats (e.g. essays, case studies, presentations, open-book exams and online tests). On-site exams are minimised; many exams can be taken flexibly online 24/7.
• Optional presence: For personal exchange, voluntary workshops (e.g. in the SaturdayOnly format) are available, but they are not compulsory.
• Support: Each student receives a personal study coach throughout the entire degree as well as access to experienced lecturers via office hours, forums and webinars.
• Digital support services: Additional services such as the AI-based platform NextGeneration:AI, digital library resources and optional additional courses via StudyPLUS are available.

The entire degree is designed for working professionals and people with other commitments. You can complete your modules largely in a freely selectable order and exam-free break phases are possible.

Career prospects – Career opportunities after studying Human Resource Management

With the B.A. in Human Resource Management, numerous professional options open up for you in corporate, consulting or public sectors. The qualification is in demand now more than ever in times of skilled labour shortage and transformation in the job market.

• HR departments in companies of all industries: Employment in the areas of recruiting, personnel development, employer branding, compensation & benefits, personnel administration or HR controlling.
• Leadership career: In medium-sized and large companies, paths are open to you as an HR manager, team leader or project manager.
• Consulting and coaching: You are qualified for positions in personnel and organisational consulting, change management or as an internal/external coach.
• Specialised HR functions: Entry into fields such as digital transformation in HR, occupational health management, personnel psychology/diagnostics or personnel information systems.
• Self-employment: The degree also enables the step into self-employment as an HR consultant.

Alternatively, there is the option to proceed to consecutive Master’s programmes, e.g. in the areas of human resource management, business psychology or management.

Your study costs and financing options at a glance

The following planable costs arise for the distance learning programme in Human Resource Management at Hochschule Fresenius (status 2024, variable depending on the chosen model, possibly discounted):

• Monthly tuition fee (depending on duration and discount):
  • 36 months: from approx. €334 per month
  • 48 months: from approx. €289 per month
  • 72 months: from approx. €209 per month
• Total costs (typical example): For a medium duration of study, total fees amount to around €12,420. The actual amount depends on individual study duration and possible discounts (e.g. code START11).
• Included services: Digital learning materials, use of the learning platform, access to the online library, personal support, examination fees, student ID as well as access to additional offers and international certificates.
• Optional additional costs: Travel to rare on-site exams, voluntary presence workshops, print versions of the study magazines (at extra charge), own technical equipment.

Financing options:

• Study loans (e.g. KfW student loan)
• Scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium)
• BAföG for eligible students under certain conditions
• Employer funding within personnel development and continuing education budgets
• Tax deductibility of study costs as work-related expenses or special expenses with professional relation

Hochschule Fresenius offers individual advice on financing and enables flexible payment plans as well as free extensions if needed.