Who is suitable for the Bachelor of Education at IU? Requirements and target group at a glance

With your degree in education, you could work as a pedagogue with children and young people, as a pedagogical project collaborator, or as a specialist

The Bachelor's degree program in Education at IU International University is aimed at all those who want to accompany people in different phases of life in their learning – whether children, young people, or adults. The study program is particularly suitable for you if you have a strong interest in educational processes and social development and want to actively shape the opportunities of digital transformation in the field of education. The target group includes both career starters who want to work in education and experienced professionals who want to further qualify or broaden their pedagogical profile. Thanks to flexible time models and 100% online learning, the program is also ideal for professionals, parents, or people in a phase of reorientation.

Admission requirements

With Abitur: You can start directly if you have a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or a university of applied sciences entrance qualification. A Numerus Clausus (NC) is not required.

With an equivalent international qualification: Applicants with a foreign (e.g. IB Diploma) or international school leaving certificate require an equivalency evaluation – IU checks this according to official guidelines.

Without Abitur: Entry is also possible with:

• Master craftsman's certificate or successful further education (e.g. as an IHK specialist).
• Completed, at least two-year vocational training and at least three years of full-time professional experience (depending on previous education, possibly with a trial study).

German language proficiency certificate for foreign applicants (e.g. TestDaF with at least 3 points, Telc B2, DSH1, or a comparable certificate, not older than five years).

Important: Entry into distance learning is possible at any time. There is no application deadline. In addition, IU offers a non-binding trial month.

Personal requirements

• Interest in educational issues, learning and development processes, and social changes
• Openness to digital tools and innovations in the field of education
• Self-organization and willingness to learn independently in an online format
• Communication and reflection skills (further developed during the study)
• Motivation to acquire theoretical and practical pedagogical competencies

Additional note: The study program is specifically suitable for various pedagogical career paths with its elective modules and specialization tracks, e.g. early childhood education, youth work, adult education, remedial education, or media education. Individuals who have already gained practical experience in education, social work, or counseling and want to develop academically will find suitable options here.

What You Learn in the Bachelor of Education: Study Content & Skills

In the distance learning programme in Education at IU International University, the focus is on professional pedagogical action for various age groups and target audiences. You systematically delve into fundamental questions of pedagogy and their implementation in the digital age. In practical terms, this means:

• Fields of Action and Target Groups: You get an overview of pedagogical issues in childhood, youth, and adulthood, supplemented by current topics such as digitization and inclusion.
• Professional Fundamentals: Key modules include Introduction to Pedagogy, Scientific Work, Developmental Psychology, Sociology, Social Psychology, Diversity Management, and Counseling.
• Pedagogical Relationships and Professionalism: You develop competencies in shaping relationships in everyday pedagogical life and reflect on your own role as well as ethical issues.
• Specialized Focus Areas: From the 5th semester onwards, you can specialize in areas such as Childhood Education, Youth Education, Adult Education, Special Needs Education, or Media Education.
• Practical Orientation: Combining theory and practice is strengthened through project modules, an elective practical project, and action-oriented courses.
• Digital Skills: A major emphasis is placed on media education, digitization in education, and dealing with artificial intelligence in learning.
• Specialization Modules in the Elective Area: You choose three of these areas: e.g. Health Promotion & Childhood Education, Teaching in Adult and Continuing Education, Extracurricular Educational Work, Methodological Focuses in Special Needs Education, or Media Work with Children and Adolescents.
• Reflection & Personal Background: A module on self-reflection helps you analyze your own educational biography and further development potential.

The study content is continuously expanded and updated - according to the study schedule, you earn a total of 180 ECTS credits in six semesters (full-time).

How is the Study Process in Distance Learning Education?

The study programme is completely organized online and structured to be particularly flexible - ideal for professionals, parents, or students with varying time budgets.

When Can I Start? You can begin the programme at any time of the year, without being tied to semesters.

How Long Does the Study Last?

• In full-time mode: 6 semesters (36 months)
• Part-time I: 8 semesters (48 months)
• Part-time II: 12 semesters (72 months)
• You can flexibly switch your model during the study.

How Does Digital Learning Work?

• 24/7 access to all content and scripts via Online Campus and App (Interactive Books including quiz questions, videos, podcasts, shortcasts)
• AI learning assistant Syntea, virtual lectures, and optionally live tutorials
• Interactive exchange with instructors and other students in forums and groups

How Are Exams Conducted?

• Mainly as online exams, which you can book flexibly and take around the clock
• Optionally, written exams at exam centres
• Other forms of assessment: essays, projects, presentations, oral exams (mostly via video call)

What About Practical Relevance?

• From 90 ECTS onwards: voluntary practical project in an educational institution with reflection and support for career entry
• Action-oriented courses are a fixed part of each semester

Free Extension: If you need more time, you can extend the study free of charge for up to 12 months.

Organization and documents (performance overview, certificate of enrollment, etc.) are handled entirely through the Online Campus. All learning materials are also available for download.

Career Perspectives and Job Opportunities after the Bachelor of Education

After obtaining your bachelor's degree, diverse opportunities in the educational field open up. Here is an overview of typical professional fields:

• Educator in Facilities: Working with children, adolescents, or adults (e.g. individual support, guidance in the educational process, integration, family support)
• Pedagogical Specialist or Consultant: Development and implementation of educational projects in associations, foundations, or clubs
• Pedagogical-Scientific Collaboration: Concept development, support for qualification measures, employee training and further education, consulting, and networking
• Adult Education & Further Training: Planning and conducting course or educational offerings, coaching, personnel development
• Specialization Possible: By choosing a specialization such as Special Needs Education, Media Education, Childhood Education, or extracurricular educational work
• Advanced Qualifications: With a Bachelor of Education, you can pursue further master's programmes in various educational fields (e.g. Social Work, Educational Management, specific Special Needs or Rehabilitation Education)

IU recommends focusing on a specific field of action already in the elective area to prepare your career systematically.

Fees and Financing: What Does the Education Distance Learning Cost?

The costs are structured according to the chosen time model.

• Full-time (36 months): from €399 per month
• Part-time I (48 months): from €344 per month
• Part-time II (72 months): from €259 per month
• Graduation fee: one-time 699 € at the end of the course

The total price varies according to the duration of the studies. There are no additional costs for learning materials or digital scripts.
Other highlights:

• Access to online library, MS Office, LinkedIn Learning, career coaching are included
• Discount promotions: IU regularly offers promotions through which you can get discounts on tuition fees, an iPad, or a graduation bonus
• Free trial month, fees only apply upon continuation of studies
• Option for semester breaks and free extension if needed

For financing, BAföG (if eligible), student loans, education funds, and tax benefits are available. Recognized previous achievements can reduce study time and fees (around €30 savings per recognized ECTS credit).