Distance learning program Crisis management in civil protection (B.A.) – DIPLOMA University

👉 The distance learning programme in Crisis Management in Civil Protection (B.A.) is aimed at emergency personnel from ambulance services, fire brigades, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), as well as employees in security authorities who wish to expand their skills in crisis and disaster management. You will learn about strategic decision-making processes, operational command, staff work, hazard prevention, as well as legal and economic fundamentals. The seven-semester part-time programme is organised online, includes practical phases at the DRK Skills Lab in Hennef, and allows the accreditation of qualifications as a paramedic or emergency medical technician. Tuition fees start at 147 euros per month, the programme is accessible without an admission test or university entrance qualification, and offers flexible extensions of up to four semesters.

Crisis management in civil protection (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters
💶 Fees
from 147 € monthly
from 9252 € total
🏫 Provider DIPLOMA University, UAS based in Bad Sooden-Allendorf (Germany)
The DIPLOMA University is a state-recognized private university that offers flexible study models such as online distance learning, dual study programmes, and face-to-face study. With over 40 degree programmes in areas such as health, business, and technology, it enables part-time learning and practice-oriented research. Sustainability, social responsibility, and international cooperation shape the profile of the university.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialHealth management
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Crisis management and strategic civil protection, operational leadership, leadership principles and simulation training, staff work, situation overview and tactical decision-making processes, hazard prevention, CBRN security and operational concepts, legal foundations in crisis and disaster situations, authorities and legal requirements in civil protection, risk assessment according to the BBK method and hazard analyses, scenario planning and quality and risk management, operational and crisis communication including social media, conflict management and interdisciplinary cooperation, emergency and crisis psychology, psychotraumatology, psychosocial support in staff units and special operational situations, business administration in health and crisis management, cost accounting, resource and demand planning, logistics and supply in crisis situations, project work, scientific research and presentation skills.
📚 Electives Public Relations - target group-oriented crisis communication, Public Health
📅 Enrollment Anytime
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the distance learning programme in Crisis Management for Civil Protection (B.A.) suitable for?

The distance learning programme is aimed at individuals who aspire to take on a responsible role in civil protection, disaster control or crisis management. The programme is particularly suitable for emergency service personnel, firefighters, staff at aid organisations (e.g. DRK, THW, Johanniter), employees of authorities with security duties, as well as for career changers and working professionals who wish to qualify scientifically for leadership and staff roles. It also opens a pathway for individuals without a higher education entrance qualification who have completed further advanced training or at least a three-year vocational training, enabling them to deepen theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills in hazard prevention and crisis management.

What admission requirements apply for the programme?

To be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in Crisis Management for Civil Protection, you need one of the following qualifications:

  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
  • Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or
  • Advanced technical college entrance qualification or
  • Master craftsman’s certificate or comparable advanced training and professional qualification in accordance with the requirements of the legal ordinance of the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art or
  • Intermediate school leaving certificate (e.g. Realschule) plus a recognised vocational training of at least three years with a graduation grade of 2.5 or better (according to the above-mentioned legal ordinance).

If you do not have emergency medical service qualifications or equivalent, you will complete the training to become a paramedic in the first semester. With proof of qualifications as a “paramedic” or “emergency medical technician”, direct entry into the 2nd or 3rd semester is possible after individual examination.
For foreign qualifications, equivalence to German qualifications must be demonstrated. Basic knowledge of the German language is a prerequisite.

Personal requirements besides the willingness for self-organised learning in distance study are especially communicative strength, resilience in stressful situations as well as interest in interdisciplinary cooperation. Previous experience or work in fire services, emergency services, care facilities, security or disaster control is advantageous but not obligatory. You should be able to work in a structured and analytical manner and have a high sense of responsibility for the safety of people.

Expert Knowledge and Competences in Crisis Management: What You Learn in the Degree Programme

In the Bachelor’s degree programme “Crisis Management in Civil Protection” at DIPLOMA University, you acquire practical knowledge for dealing with crisis, hazard and disaster situations. You develop specialised expertise tailored specifically to the requirements of emergency personnel, employees in civil protection, as well as authorities and organisations with security responsibilities. The curriculum equips you with competences in the following areas:

  • Crisis and Operational Management: Strategies for handling major damage events, operational command, situation overview, staff work and procedures for hazard prevention including simulation trainings.
  • Law and Risk Analysis: Legal foundations and powers in civil protection, application of quality and risk management, hazard analyses, and planning of emergency and crisis scenarios.
  • Communication and Psychosocial Competences: Crisis communication, in particular public relations and target group-specific communication, social media, conflict management, emergency psychology and psychotraumatology.
  • Economics and Organisation: Business management basics for health and crisis sectors, cost accounting, resource planning, logistics in crisis situations as well as project work and presentation techniques.

In the elective area, you deepen your knowledge in Public Relations – target group-specific crisis communication. The study programme was developed in cooperation with the DRK Landesverband Nordrhein e.V. and combines medical basics, rescue sciences, leadership and economic aspects into a holistic approach.

Course Structure: This is how the Distance Learning Programme in Crisis Management is Organised

The programme is designed as a part-time online course alongside employment over 7 semesters (standard period of study) and comprises 180 ECTS credits. You start each winter or summer semester (April/October) and can enrol at any time. The combination of self-organised learning (study booklets, e-learning) and regular live online seminars (12–14 per semester, mostly on Saturdays) offers maximum flexibility – ideal for working professionals and emergency personnel.

  • Practical Phase: In the 4th semester you participate in a practical on-site seminar at the Skills Lab of the DRK Landesverband Nordrhein e.V. in Hennef. Here you train real operational scenarios in modern simulation environments.
  • Practical Relevance: In the 4th and 5th semesters you can apply what you have learned specifically within your work in civil protection or in suitable organisations. The results are documented in the internship report.
  • Individual Study Duration: As a paramedic you may be credited with the 2nd semester, as an emergency paramedic with the 3rd semester, thereby shortening your course of study.
  • Degree: Upon successful completion of all module exams and the bachelor thesis, you will be awarded the internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

You benefit from a free extension of the study period by up to four semesters. Digital learning materials, direct contact with teaching staff and a supporting alumni network complete the distance learning concept.

Career Prospects after the Bachelor’s Degree in Crisis Management in Civil Protection

With the bachelor’s degree you qualify for responsible roles relating to civil protection, disaster control and crisis prevention. Typical areas of deployment include:

  • Authorities and Ministries (e. g. Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance, interior ministries)
  • Relief Organisations and NGOs (DRK, THW, Johanniter, Malteser, ASB)
  • Fire Brigades and Disaster Control Offices at municipal, state and federal levels
  • Operators of Critical Infrastructures (energy supply, transport, hospitals)
  • Private Companies (security consultancy, emergency and risk management)

Typical tasks include developing emergency plans, conducting risk analyses, coordinating emergency personnel, leading crisis teams and staff work, planning evacuations, and strategic communication. Activities in training and further education, project management and consultancy functions are also possible.

The degree programme also lays the foundation for further studies at master’s level – for example in Health Management (M.A.), Applied Health and Therapy Sciences (M.A.), Vocational Pedagogy (M.A.) or MBA in Leadership & Management.

Tuition Fees Transparently Presented: Costs and Financing Options at a Glance

The costs for the distance learning programme in Crisis Management in Civil Protection are flexibly structured and depend on your prior qualifications as well as the chosen payment plan. The following options are available:

  • Regular Study: €147 monthly (72 instalments) up to €257 monthly (36 instalments), a total maximum of €9,252 for the entire programme
  • For Paramedics (starting from 2nd semester):
    • 36 monthly instalments of €257
    • 48 monthly instalments of €207
    • 72 monthly instalments of €147
    • One-off examination fee: €695
  • For Emergency Paramedics (starting from 3rd semester):
    • 30 monthly instalments of €257
    • 48 monthly instalments of €187
    • 60 monthly instalments of €157
    • One-off examination fee: €695

The following financing options are available to you:

  • Discount Promotions: Combination of early bird and study buddy discounts possible
  • Support from Employers or grants for specific target groups
  • Tax Deductibility: Costs as income-related expenses (for part-time studies) or special expenses up to €6,000 annually (for first degree after A-levels)
  • Education and Study Loans (e.g. KfW)
  • 4 weeks free trial as well as free extension of study time by up to 4 semesters

All learning materials, use of the e-library, office licences and access to the alumni network are already included. Flexible instalment payments and individual counselling ensure that you find the financing model that suits you best.

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