Admission Requirements

You can enroll in the IU distance learning journalism programme if you have the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), the subject-specific HZB qualification (Fachabitur), or the subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification. If you hold the subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification, it should be related to the journalism course; otherwise, you will first enroll in a trial course before being officially registered.

In addition, you can also enroll at IU without an Abitur. Distance learning without an Abitur is possible under the following conditions:

• You have successfully completed an advanced training course, for example, a training course to become a state-certified business economist.
• Or you have completed a vocational training, such as a training course for digital and print media designer. Following your training, you have worked in a relevant field for at least 2 years. If your training and work experience do not match the journalism distance learning programme, you will first complete a trial course before being officially registered.

Study Content & Modules: This is the Study Schedule in the Bachelor's Programme in Journalism

In the full-time Bachelor's degree programme, students complete modules worth 30 credits per semester or term, usually 6 modules. The choice of when to take each module is largely up to you. A typical study plan for Journalism in distance learning looks like this:

• 1st Semester: Introduction to Media and Communication Sciences, Introduction to Academic Work, Computer Training, Media Processes: Research and Conceptualisation, Typography: Discovering Typefaces, Project: Writing Workshop
• 2nd Semester: Collaborative Work, Media Processes Project: Realisation and Production, History and Ethics of Media, Media Psychology, Print Production, Project: Print Media
• 3rd Semester: Media Economy, Market Research, Storytelling, Project: Format Lab, Basics of Audio-Visual Media, Project: Audio-Visual Media
• 4th Semester: Media Law, Intercultural and Ethical Competencies, Global Journalism, Mobile Media, Content Management Systems, Project: Online and Crossmedia Journalism
• 5th Semester: Seminar: Current Trends in Journalism, Digital Editorial Management, Professional Writing, Augmented, Mixed and Virtual Reality, Elective Subject A
• 6th Semester: Elective Subject B, Elective Subject C, Bachelor's Thesis

Unique to IU distance learning: the many opportunities to delve into interesting elective modules during your studies. In the Journalism Bachelor's programme, you choose a total of 3 specialisation modules:

For your first specialisation module, choose from these topics: Editorial Lab, Social Media Marketing I, TV and Web Presentation.

For your second specialisation module, choose from these topics: Corporate Communication and PR, Communication and PR, Media Marketing, Public Affairs and PR, Public Diplomacy and PR, Editorial Lab, Social Media Marketing I, Sport Media Management, TV and Web Presentation.

For your third specialisation module, choose from: Advanced Leadership, Big Data and Data Protection, Business Consulting, Content Strategy, Corporate Communication and PR, Event Management, Foreign Languages, International Marketing and Branding, Communication and PR, Aviation Management, Market and Advertising Psychology, Media Marketing, Online and Social Media Marketing, HR Specialisation, Project Management (Specialisation), Public Affairs and PR, Public Diplomacy and PR, Editorial Lab, Social Media Marketing, Sport Media Management, General Studies, TV and Web Presentation, Tourism Management, User Experience.

Study Concept: How the Part-Time Journalism Degree Programme at IU Works

You can tailor the online Journalism degree programme at IU International University to fit your life and daily routine as best suits you. For instance, you can choose from 3 study models: In the full-time programme, you will need a total of 6 semesters, equivalent to 36 months, to complete your Bachelor's degree. In Part-Time Study I, you study for 8 semesters. Or you can opt for Part-Time Study II and take up to 12 semesters to complete your Bachelor's degree.

With each module enrollment, you will receive study materials in printed form from IU. Of course, all materials are also available digitally. The IU Interactive Books are innovative learning scripts enriched with video clips and quiz questions at the end of each lesson. Depending on the module, the study materials are complemented by podcasts, live tutorials, and video content in the form of "Shortcasts." You can access the IU Interactive Books via the convenient IU Learn app.

In many modules, virtual classes are also offered, allowing you to interactively engage with your fellow students and lecturers.

One particularly practical and flexible feature is the option to take module exams in the form of online assessments. You can take an online assessment 24/7, 7 days a week, whenever you feel best prepared for the exam, for example, after studying for a construction exam. Additionally, we operate around 40 examination centres in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where you can also take your exams in the traditional way, on-site.