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Germany offers one of the largest selections of health and social science distance learning programmes in Europe – from psychology at the University of Hagen starting at around 2,200 € total to social work at public universities for under 2,000 €. Most programmes are offered by public universities at a fraction of the cost of comparable degrees in the US, UK or Australia. This page compares all health and social science distance learning programmes available in Germany – bachelor and master, public and private.
- 30 Top courses in the field of Health & Social Care compared
- Which subject area fits your goals?
- What does a health or social science distance programme cost?
- Public or private: how the two options compare
- Career paths and salary: what to expect after graduation
- Who can apply? Admission requirements by programme level
- What sets these programmes apart: placements, psychology and accreditation
- Related fields
- Frequently asked questions
30 Top courses in the field of Health & Social Care compared
We have a total of 311 courses in the field of Health & Social. The first 30 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Psychology
- University of Hagen
- 6 Semester
- German
Social work
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Private University Goettingen
- 6 Semester
- from 249 € monthly
- German
Educational Science
- University of Hagen
- 6 Semester
- German
Psychology
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Early Childhood Education
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 7 Semester
- Koblenz, Rheinland-Pfalz
- German
Social Management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Social Work (MAPS)
- University of Applied Sciences Münster
- 5 Semester
- German
Social Management
- University of Wismar
- 8 Semester
- from 179 € monthly
- German
Applied Psychology
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Bremen
- from 268 € monthly
- German
Business and Cultural Management in Education and Culture
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 279 € monthly
- German
Health Psychology
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Healthcare Management
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Private University Goettingen
- 4 Semester
- from 390 € monthly
- German
Health economics
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- from 268 € monthly
- German
Health Management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- from 285 € monthly
- German
Management of health facilities
- University of Wismar
- 8 Semester
- from 159 € monthly
- German
Care management
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- from 288 € monthly
- German
Nutritional advice
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 7 Semester
- from 360 € monthly
- German
Nursing Management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Educational Science
- University of Hagen
- 4 Semester
- German
Medical professions
- DIPLOMA University
- 5 Semester
- from 137 € monthly
- German
Early Childhood Education
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Education and Social Management with a focus on Early Childhood
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 7 Semester
- Koblenz, Rheinland-Pfalz
- German
Sociology - Approaches to Contemporary Society
- University of Hagen
- 4 Semester
- German
Health and Social Management
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- from 270 € monthly
- German
Applied Gerontology
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 4 Semester
- from 311 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- University of Hagen
- 4 Semester
- German
Medical and Health Technology Management
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- from 268 € monthly
- German
Which subject area fits your goals?
Health and social science distance learning programmes in Germany span 10 subject areas. Each differs in content, practical requirements and career prospects.
| Subject area | Typical programmes | Career fields |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | B.Sc. Psychology, M.Sc. Psychology, Applied Psychology | Clinical psychology, counselling, human resources, organisational development |
| Pedagogy | Educational Science, Early Childhood Education, Adult Education | Schools, daycare centres, adult education, corporate training |
| Health Management | Healthcare Management, Health Economics, Hospital Management | Hospitals, health insurers, pharmaceutical companies, consulting |
| Social Work | Social Work (B.A./M.A.), Social Security, Psychosocial Counselling | Youth welfare, counselling centres, rehabilitation, social services |
| Nursing Science | Nursing Management, Academic Nursing, Health Promotion | Hospitals, care facilities, public health, nursing education |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | Biomedical Sciences, Health Science, Medical Technology | Research, pharmaceutical industry, public health authorities |
| Nutritional Science | Nutrition Counselling, Food Technology, Dietetics | Food industry, nutrition counselling, quality management |
| Sports Science | Sports Management, Prevention, Fitness Economics | Sports organisations, fitness industry, health promotion |
| Social Management | Social Economy, Non-Profit Management | Non-profit organisations, social enterprises, public administration |
| Therapy Sciences | Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy | Rehabilitation clinics, private practices, hospitals |
Psychology is the most popular distance learning subject in Germany. Public universities offer it at remarkably low cost – the University of Hagen charges around 2,200 € total for the B.Sc. Psychology. Social work and pedagogy programmes are available from around 1,100 € total at public university consortia.
What does a health or social science distance programme cost?
Health and social science distance learning programmes in Germany are comparatively affordable. Most public universities charge significantly less than private distance learning institutions. The Centre for Distance Learning (zfh) offers pedagogy and social work programmes from approximately 1,100 € total. The University of Hagen charges around 2,200 € for psychology.
Bachelor: cost comparison
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education & Training, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | from 1365 € total | |
| Pedagogy for Health and Nursing Professions, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | University of West Saxony Zwickau | from 1662 € total | |
| Social work, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | from 1945 € total | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | University of Hagen | from 2174 € total | |
| Applied Nursing Management, Bachelor of Science Part-time program | University of West Saxony Zwickau | from 2208 € total | |
| Educational Science, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | University of Hagen | from 2229 € total |
Master: cost comparison
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychosocial Counselling and Therapy in Social Work, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | from 920 € total | |
| Early childhood education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | from 980 € total | |
| Psychology, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Hagen | from 1596 € total | |
| Nursing Science, Nursing Management, Master of Science Distance learning program | Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena | from 1725 € total | |
| Food technology, Master of Engineering Part-time program | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | from 5250 € total | |
| Social management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | from 5750 € total from 192 € monthly |
International cost comparison
Compared to English-speaking countries, German distance learning programmes in health and social sciences are remarkably affordable:
| Country | Typical total cost (Master) | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (public) | 920–2,700 € | German |
| Germany (private) | 8,000–15,000 € | German |
| United Kingdom | 10,000–20,000 GBP | English |
| United States | 20,000–60,000 USD | English |
| Australia | 15,000–40,000 AUD | English |
Funding options for international students
- Tax deductions: Tuition fees for a second degree (e.g. master’s) are fully tax-deductible in Germany as income-related expenses (Werbungskosten).
- Employer sponsorship: Many employers in the healthcare sector support further education financially – especially for nurses and care professionals seeking academic qualifications.
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students, including for part-time programmes.
Public or private: how the two options compare
Public universities dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, while private providers offer more flexibility and individual support. Here is how they compare:
| Criterion | Public universities | Private universities |
|---|---|---|
| Providers (examples) | University of Hagen, Centre for Distance Learning (zfh), Institute for Collaborative Studies | IU International University, APOLLON University, SRH Distance Learning University |
| Total cost (bachelor) | From approx. 1,100 € | From approx. 7,500 € |
| Total cost (master) | From approx. 920 € | From approx. 8,000 € |
| Support model | Self-directed, online forums | Individual support, personal study coaches |
| Exam formats | Mainly on-site exams at fixed dates | Online exams available, flexible scheduling |
| Practical phases | Block placements at university locations | Flexible placement models, partner institutions |
Career paths and salary: what to expect after graduation
Health and social science graduates work in hospitals, counselling centres, youth welfare offices, care facilities and the private sector. Salary prospects depend on the subject area and sector.
| Field | Entry-level salary (annual) | With 5+ years experience |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine/Health Sciences | approx. 42,300 € | approx. 58,000 € |
| Psychology/Counselling | approx. 40,000 € | approx. 54,000 € |
| Health Management | approx. 38,000 € | approx. 52,000 € |
| Pedagogy/Education | approx. 37,000 € | approx. 46,000 € |
| Nursing Science (academic) | approx. 36,000 € | approx. 45,000 € |
| Social Work | approx. 36,000 € | approx. 42,000 € |
Germany’s demographic change and the growing demand for healthcare professionals create strong career prospects for graduates in this field. A master’s degree is increasingly required for management positions in hospitals, care facilities and counselling centres.
Working in Germany after graduation
International students who complete a German degree can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa (§20 Aufenthaltsgesetz). Healthcare and social work professionals are in high demand in Germany, and graduates may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. German degrees are recognised worldwide through the ECTS system. For credential evaluation in other countries, the anabin database and WES (World Education Services) provide official recognition.
Who can apply? Admission requirements by programme level
Bachelor programmes
- Standard entry: German Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or an equivalent international qualification. Credential evaluation through anabin or uni-assist is required for non-German qualifications.
- Without Abitur: Access is possible with a German Meister qualification, a completed vocational training in a health or social profession plus professional experience, or through an entrance exam.
- Subject-specific requirements: Therapy science programmes (physiotherapy, occupational therapy) typically require a completed professional training in the respective therapy field.
Master programmes
- First degree: A completed bachelor’s degree in a related field, often with a minimum grade (e.g. 2.5 on the German scale or equivalent).
- Psychology M.Sc.: Requires a relevant B.Sc. in Psychology. For clinical training, the bachelor must be “polyvalent” and the master must include a clinical focus.
- Social Work M.A.: A B.A. in Social Work or a related field, sometimes with state recognition (staatliche Anerkennung) as a prerequisite.
Language requirements
Most programmes are taught in German. Applicants whose first language is not German typically need a B2 or C1 certificate (TestDaF, DSH or equivalent). A few programmes at private universities offer English-language options, particularly in health management.
What sets these programmes apart: placements, psychology and accreditation
Practical placements
Unlike purely theoretical fields, many health and social science programmes include mandatory practical placements (Praktika). Social work students must complete supervised fieldwork, while nursing and therapy science students need clinical practice hours. These placements are typically arranged by the student at a local institution, making them compatible with distance learning.
Psychology: the path to clinical training
Germany reformed its psychotherapy training system in 2020. To become a licensed psychotherapist, students now need a “polyvalent” B.Sc. in Psychology followed by a clinical M.Sc. The University of Hagen is one of the few distance learning providers offering a polyvalent B.Sc. that meets these requirements.
Accreditation and recognition
All programmes listed on this page are state-recognised and accredited – either through the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) or through state-specific approval procedures. A distance learning degree is legally equivalent to a campus-based degree. The diploma does not indicate whether the degree was earned through distance learning.
Related fields
Depending on your career goals, you may also want to explore these related fields:
- Economy & Media – for programmes in business administration, management or health economics with a business focus
- Natural Sciences – for programmes in biology, chemistry or environmental science
- Technology & Informatics – for health informatics or medical technology programmes
Frequently asked questions
- Can I study psychology via distance learning in Germany? Yes. The University of Hagen offers the B.Sc. Psychology (polyvalent) for around 2,200 € total. Private universities offer additional application-oriented programmes. Note: most programmes are taught in German.
- How much does a health or social science distance programme cost in Germany? At public universities, total costs start at approximately 920 € (master) or 1,100 € (bachelor). Private providers charge between 7,500 and 15,000 € but offer more individual support and flexible exam formats.
- Do I need practical experience for a health science programme? For most bachelor programmes, no. Therapy science programmes (physiotherapy, occupational therapy) require a completed professional training. Many programmes include mandatory practical placements during the course of study.
- How long does a health or social science distance programme take? A bachelor typically takes 6–8 semesters, a master 3–5 semesters. Most programmes allow free extensions if you need more time.
- Are German health science degrees recognised internationally? Yes. All programmes listed here are state-recognised and accredited. German degrees are recognised worldwide through the ECTS system. For official credential evaluation, use the anabin database or WES.
- Do I need to speak German to study health sciences in Germany? Most programmes are taught in German and require B2 or C1 proficiency. A few programmes at private universities are available in English, particularly in health management.
About the Author Christian Wolf
Hi, I'm Christian, the founder of fernstudi.net & your personal, independent study advisor 👋 Do you have questions about a course of study or are unsure which course is right for you? I'm happy to help - in detail, competently, honestly, and individually.
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