Requirements and Target Group: Who is the distance learning Health Management (B.A.) at IU suitable for?

With the B.A. Health Management at IU, for example, you can enter hospital management or corporate health management.
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The distance learning Health Management (B.A.) at IU International University is aimed at individuals who are aiming for a responsible career at the intersection of health, business administration, and management. It is particularly aimed at career starters and career changers who wish to work strategically, administratively, or in an advisory capacity in the growing health sector. The distance learning programme is ideal for people who value flexibility - for example, while working, during parental leave, or from abroad. Especially individuals who have already completed a commercial or health-related training can significantly reduce their study time and costs through recognitions. International enthusiasts as well as career changers who aim to take on leadership responsibilities in the healthcare sector also belong to the target group.

Admission Requirements

General university entrance qualification:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or university of applied sciences entrance qualification.
• Certificates from Waldorf schools or vocational colleges can be recognized after confirmation by the relevant authority.
• Applicants with international qualifications must undergo an equivalency assessment (example: IB diploma).

Study without Abitur:

• Proof of a qualified career advancement training (e.g. master craftsman's certificate, state-certified business administrator, IHK specialist) or
• At least two years of recognized vocational training in Germany plus at least 3 years of full-time work experience (alternatively: trial study, if training and occupation are not relevant).
• Graduates from other EU countries require an equivalent training at DQR level 4 approved by the university.

Language certificate for non-native speakers:

• TestDaF (at least level 3 in all areas)
• DSH (at least DSH1)
• Telc German B2 or ÖSD B2

Language certificates must not be older than five years (exceptions possible upon request).

Access with professional qualifications: Through a completed training, especially as a management assistant in healthcare, 50-90 ECTS credits can be recognized (online recognition application required).

Additional information: Applications are possible at any time, there are no application deadlines. The start of studies can be chosen flexibly. A free trial month allows for the non-binding testing of the degree programme.

Personal Requirements: Which characteristics and prior knowledge support academic success?

• Interest in the healthcare sector: Understanding of health policy, economic, and social contexts is helpful.
• Independence and organizational talent: As the programme is completely online and flexible, you should be able to work independently and manage your time.
• Digital affinity: The use of digital tools (online campus, learning app, AI learning assistant Syntea) is an integral part of the study concept.
• Communication skills: Communicative competence is advantageous for future leadership roles in projects, teams, and dealing with patients or colleagues.
• Readiness for continuous development: The healthcare industry is evolving; openness to new technologies, methods, and ongoing knowledge updates is crucial.
• Educational background and practical experience: Training in a commercial or health-related area as well as work experience in the social or healthcare sector are advantageous but not mandatory.
• Foundations in mathematics and law: Mathematical and analytical skills are beneficial for modules such as statistics, cost accounting, or healthcare law.

What do you learn in the Bachelor's programme in Health Management at IU?

In the distance learning programme Health Management (B.A.) at IU International University, you will acquire comprehensive know-how at the interface of health and business administration. The study contents are divided into compulsory modules and elective modules, so that on the one hand you acquire sound basic knowledge, on the other hand individual focal points.

• Basic modules: Introduction to health management, business administration, management and project management, medical basics for non-medical professionals, scientific work and statistics.
• Law and billing: Law in the healthcare sector, general law, billing systems. You will learn how health services are billed and what legal framework conditions apply.
• Economics and market: You will deal with the structure and economy of the healthcare market, marketing, accounting and balance sheet, as well as investment and financing.
• Practice-oriented skills: Service management, quality assurance, technology in healthcare and collaborative work.
• Specialization options: Three elective modules allow you to specialize individually, for example in hospital management, nursing management, operational health management, digital health, health tourism, M-Health, or health economics.
• Practical option: Instead of elective modules, you can complete an internship with practical reflection (30 ECTS) and integrate direct work experience.

In addition, current and future-relevant topics such as artificial intelligence in healthcare provision, e-health, or healthcare research are covered. Competencies such as quality management, personnel management, and intercultural skills round off your profile. In projects, seminars, and case studies, you will strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills in the healthcare sector.

How does the distance learning programme in Health Management work?

The distance learning programme at IU is completely digitized and designed to be maximally flexible. You can determine your starting date yourself and choose between three time models: full-time (6 semesters / 36 months), part-time I (8 semesters / 48 months) or part-time II (12 semesters / 72 months). You can also easily switch between the models after the start.

• Learning materials: Digital scripts (IU Interactive Books), accessible via Online Campus and IU Learn App, supplemented by videos, podcasts, shortcasts, self-tests, and online tutorials.
• 100% online exams: You take your exams time and location independently - either as an online exam (bookable around the clock), as a term paper, presentation, or project work. There is no attendance requirement.
• Virtual lectures: Many modules offer online seminars, tutorials, and opportunities for exchange with lecturers and fellow students.
• AI learning assistant: The chatbot Syntea supports you in your everyday studies as an intelligent help for organizational, technical, or professional questions.
• Optional internship: You can bring your practical experience into your studies through an integrated internship or through recognized previous achievements.
• Service & Support: Study coaches, career services, and a large online community help you with career planning, study tips, and networking.

The programme is designed for a high level of self-study, but offers help at any time through tutors, professors, and the online portal. All documents and features are available digitally around the clock.

What career perspectives does the degree programme open up?

With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Management, you are qualified for a variety of professional perspectives in the healthcare sector - both in the public and private sectors. After graduation, you can work in particular in the following areas:

• Hospital management: Take on responsible tasks in the administration, controlling, and strategic development of clinics.
• Nursing and social services: Management of care facilities, outpatient services, or social institutions - especially in quality management and process optimization.
• Health economics and consulting: Planning and steering of health services at health insurance companies, associations, consulting firms, or research institutions.
• Health services: Development and management of prevention programs, health events and campaigns, (digital) patient management.
• Corporate health management: Implementation and supervision of health programs in companies and organizations.
• Digital health and innovation: Participation in the digitalization of processes, introduction of modern e-health solutions, and support of transformation projects.

In addition, you are qualified to take on responsible positions in the areas of human resources management, billing, marketing, or consulting in the health care sector. The degree also provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate studies (e.g. health economics, public health).

Costs and Financing Options

The tuition fees for the distance learning programme in Health Management at IU depend on your chosen time model:

• Full-time (36 months): from €399 per month, total price approx. €15,063 (including graduation fee)
• Part-time I (48 months): from €349 per month, total price approx. €17,211
• Part-time II (72 months): from €259 per month, total price approx. €19,347
• Graduation fee: one-time approx. €699 at the end of the programme

The price includes all learning materials, online campus usage, exams, virtual lectures, and support. Additional costs only arise in the case of special services.

With appropriate prior education (e.g. completed training as an industrial clerk in the healthcare sector), you can have up to 90 ECTS credits recognized and thus reduce the duration and cost of your studies.

• Financing: IU regularly offers discount promotions, interest-free instalment payment, scholarship programs, educational funds, the possibility of tax deduction for study costs, and support for BAföG applications.
• Non-binding trial month: You can test the programme for free for one month before making a final decision.
• You can extend the duration of your studies flexibly, for up to 12 months, without additional fees.