- 3 flexible time models from full-time to part-time for every stage of life
- interesting specializations, such as in special education in working with children and adolescents
- innovative learning concept with IU Learn app and digital teaching events
- incl. degree as State-certified Special Needs Educator
These are the admission requirements for the Bachelor's in Special Education
You can enroll in the Bachelor's distance learning programme in Special Education at IU International University (IU) if you provide us with your high school diploma (general higher education entrance qualification), your technical college entrance qualification or your subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.
Alternatively, you can also enroll without a high school diploma. Studying without a high school diploma at IU is possible under the following conditions:
- You have successfully completed an advanced training course, for example, a training course to become a certified business economist.
- Or you have completed a vocational training, for example, training as a office clerk. After your training, you have worked in this profession full-time for at least 3 years. If your training does not match the thematic focus of the distance learning programme in Special Education, you will first complete a trial study before being enrolled regularly.

Study Contents & Modules: This is the Study Schedule in the Bachelor's Programme in Special Needs Education
The bachelor's programme at IU International University is structured in modules. One module usually consists of 5 credits (ECTS) and concludes with an examination, such as an exam or a written assignment. This way, you complete your bachelor's degree step by step – and even have a considerable amount of freedom in determining when to complete each module.
In full-time studies, you can structure your study plan as follows, for example:
- 1st semester: Introduction to Special Needs Education, Introduction to Academic Work, Social History, Philosophy, Ethics, Social Economics, Self-Management and Time Management, Sociology
- 2nd semester: Special Needs Education Diagnostics, Education, Sensory Impairment, Learning and Language Support Areas, Socio-Emotional Support Areas, Social Policy, Social Law
- 3rd semester: Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, Special Needs Education Support Concepts, Inclusion, Personal Skills, Ethical and Social Tensions in the Context of Disability/Special Educational Needs
- 4th semester: Medical and Psychological Fundamentals, Psychological and Neurobiological Fundamentals, Relationship and Counseling Management, Case Management in Special Needs Education, Educational and Support Management, Conflict Management and Mediation
- 5th semester: Quality Management in Healthcare, Seminar: Current Topics in Special Needs Education, Elective Subject A, Seminar: Methodology and Didactics in Special Needs Education, Leadership Functions in Social Institutions
- 6th semester: Elective Subject B, Supervision, Intervision, Coaching, Inclusion in Special Needs Education, Bachelor's Thesis
What's special about studying at IU: the numerous opportunities to deepen your studies with interesting elective modules. In the Special Needs Education bachelor's programme, you choose a total of 2 specialization modules:
The first specialization module offers topics such as: Special Needs Education in Hospitals, Special Needs Education in Work with Children and Adolescents, Special Needs Education in Work with Seniors, Special Needs Education during Rehabilitation.
For your second specialization module, you can choose from topics like: Outpatient Nursing Care, Foreign Language, Sign Language, Health Economics (Specialization), Health Care Management, Special Needs Education in Hospitals, Special Needs Education in Work with Children and Adolescents, Special Needs Education in Work with Seniors, Special Needs Education during Rehabilitation, Early Childhood Education I, Hospital Management, Management in Social Institutions, Management in Associations and at Provider Level, Care Management, Social Entrepreneurship, Inpatient Nursing Care, General Studies.
Dual Degree Programme: Bachelor of Arts + State-Accredited Special Needs Education Professional
In addition to the internationally recognized Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with 180 ECTS credits, students in this programme have the opportunity to obtain the title of "State-Accredited Special Needs Education Professional."
What are the benefits? With the state accreditation as a special needs education professional, you qualify for work in this field. Thanks to this recognition, you may, for example, be entitled to higher salary benefits, meaning you earn more. Furthermore, if you wish to enter the civil service, you will need to provide evidence of state accreditation.
To receive the state accreditation in addition to the bachelor's degree at IU, you must:
- Successfully complete your Special Needs Education distance learning programme with a Bachelor of Arts.
- Complete a practical project in a professionally suitable institution lasting 100 days.
- Prepare a project work.
- Submit an extended police clearance certificate when applying for the certificate.
Study Concept: How the Part-Time Special Needs Education Study Programme Works at IU
The online Special Needs Education programme at IU International University can be flexibly adapted to your life and daily routine, making it best suited to you. For instance, you can choose from 3 study models: In the full-time study, you need a total of 6 semesters, i.e. 36 months, to complete the bachelor's degree. In part-time study I, you study for a total of 8 semesters until graduation. Or you can opt for part-time study II and take up to 12 semesters to complete the bachelor's degree.
With each module registration, you will receive printed study materials from IU. All materials are also available to you digitally. The IU Interactive Books are innovative learning scripts enriched with video clips and quiz questions at the end of a lesson. Depending on the module, study materials are complemented by podcasts, live tutorials, and video content in the form of so-called Shortcasts. You can access the IU Interactive Books via the practical IU Learn App.
Additionally, many modules offer virtual learning events where you can interactively engage with your peers and instructors.
Conveniently, you have the flexibility to take module exams in the form of online exams. You can take an online exam 7 days a week, 24 hours a day – whenever you feel best prepared for the exam in, for example, Building Construction. Moreover, we operate around 40 exam centres in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland where you can also take your exams in the traditional on-site manner.

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