Who is the Bachelor of Marketing (B.A.) programme at AKAD University suitable for?
The distance learning programme is aimed at individuals who wish to pursue a career in marketing, sales, product management, PR or e-commerce while valuing maximum flexibility. The programme is particularly suitable for school graduates with university entrance qualifications, but also for working professionals and career changers with commercial or administrative qualifications who want to develop their skills further. Those who already have practical experience in customer- or market-oriented areas will benefit, as will prospective students who have leadership, sales or entrepreneurial ambitions and desire a solid economic foundation in the field of marketing.
Admission: These requirements you must meet
Various routes to access the Bachelor’s degree in Marketing are available at AKAD University:
- Direct university entrance qualification: General higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, university of applied sciences entrance qualification or an equivalent foreign qualification.
- With vocational advancement training: Recognised advanced training and technical college qualifications such as technicians, masters, business economists, specialists, educators also qualify for study.
- With completed vocational training and work experience:
- Through the university aptitude test for a subject-related programme
- Alternatively, registration for a trial study period is possible without the university aptitude test
- German language skills: Foreign applicants must demonstrate German language skills at level DSH-2, TestDaF level 4 or C1 (CEFR).
- The provisions of § 58 of the Baden-Württemberg Higher Education Act apply.
It is recommended that all applicants have basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics. English language skills at CEFR level B2 are necessary to work through the study materials, while level C1 is recommended for the Leadership B.A. specialisation.
Self-motivation, self-organisation and time management are personally recommended, as the study workload is around 30 hours per week. Interest in economic contexts, analytical thinking, communication skills as well as enjoyment in understanding target groups and markets are advantageous. Initial experience in marketing, sales or customer management is helpful but not mandatory, as the course begins with foundational modules.
Which skills do you acquire in the Bachelor’s distance learning programme in Marketing at AKAD University?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme in Marketing, you acquire broad knowledge in business administration and market-oriented corporate management. The content focuses on core areas of marketing as well as solid management and digitalisation topics. You develop skills in strategic and operational marketing management, marketing communication, market and target group analysis, and innovative marketing tools — for example, for B2B and service markets. Additionally, you learn to plan sales strategies, conduct market research, and design digital business models.
- Basics of business administration (business studies, accounting, controlling, business mathematics, statistics)
- Marketing basics and management (e.g. fundamentals of marketing management, strategy, marketing tools, communication policy, CRM, pricing, research)
- Sales, selling and consumer psychology (including B2B sales, personal selling, consumer behaviour)
- Personnel management and development, change management, leadership
- Legal framework conditions (contract law, commercial and competition law)
- Business informatics and digitalisation (digital business models, technology and innovation management)
- Selected specialisations such as social media marketing, search engine marketing, service management, digital marketing, start-up management
You develop methodological skills in analysis, conception and application of marketing tools, practise practical project management and gain insights into psychology and team leadership. A special focus is placed on linking theory and practice so that you can make professionally sound marketing decisions — also for digital and international markets.
How is the process and structure of the Marketing distance learning programme organised?
The course is structured as a completely digital distance learning programme and can be flexibly integrated into your daily life. You can choose between three time models:
- Sprint: 36 months (high learning intensity, fast completion possible)
- Standard: 48 months (classic route for working professionals)
- Stretch: 72 months (low weekly effort, particularly family-friendly)
Throughout the programme, you earn 180 ECTS credits. The modules are designed to first provide fundamental economic and marketing-related knowledge, followed by specialisation in specific areas and practical projects:
- Core compulsory modules including key qualifications, business studies, business informatics, marketing basics, personnel management, law, statistics and finance
- Practice-oriented modules such as "project workshop", projects and final thesis
- Individual specialisation via two areas of focus, including social media marketing, digital marketing, sectoral marketing, search engine marketing, leadership or start-up management
Digital learning materials, video lectures, interactive exercises and live webinars enable time- and location-independent learning. Assessments are submitted flexibly online or at exam centres (e.g. as open-book exams, term papers, practical projects). Academic support, digital study groups and personal contacts support you throughout the programme. On request, you can extend your studies for several months free of charge or schedule exams individually.
What professional opportunities does a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing open up?
A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing opens up numerous career options in a variety of industries. You qualify for specialist and managerial positions, especially in:
- Marketing management and brand management
- Content and social media marketing
- Digital marketing/e-commerce
- Sales management, sales and account management
- Product and campaign management
- Market research and analysis
- Public relations and corporate communications
Graduates are in demand in retail, industry, service or technology companies, agencies and consultancies. Typical job titles range from marketing manager and content marketing manager to e-commerce manager, sales manager, CRM or social media specialist. The course also provides a solid foundation for a Master’s degree in marketing, management or digital subjects, as well as for later self-employment, e.g. as a founder of your own business.
What are the costs and financing options?
The total costs of the “Marketing (B.A.)” distance learning programme at AKAD University depend on the time model. Here is an overview of the fees (as of spring 2024):
- Sprint model (36 months): €389 per month (reduced to €357 in current promotion), total cost approx. €12,852*
- Standard model (48 months): €319 per month (reduced to €295), total cost approx. €14,160*
- Stretch model (72 months): €219 per month (reduced to €203), total cost approx. €15,264*
*The price includes all study materials, digital learning offers and personal support. An additional one-time examination fee of €960 applies (often deferred or waived in promotions). Fees can be partially adjusted flexibly and may be reduced by crediting prior external achievements. The programme can be tested free of charge for 4 weeks. Extensions beyond the standard study period are free of charge in most models.
- Tax advantages: tuition fees can usually be deducted as work-related expenses
- Employer subsidies: many companies financially support part-time studies
- Discounts and special promotions: AKAD regularly grants discounts, especially at semester start times
The tuition fees can be paid in monthly instalments. Additional costs may arise if the free extension period is exceeded. Travel and accommodation costs may be incurred for on-site workshops or optional events, which are not included in the price.
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