Who can benefit from the distance learning programme Integrative Learning Therapy (M.A.)?

The master's degree programme "Integrative Learning Therapy" at SRH Fernhochschule is aimed at people who want to provide targeted therapeutic support to children and adolescents with special difficulties in reading, writing or arithmetic. The programme is especially intended for educational professionals, therapists, teachers as well as graduates of related degree programmes (e.g. psychology, education, special education, speech therapy) who want to expand their skillset with sound knowledge of learning therapy and practical experience. Furthermore, the practice-oriented programme is suitable for employed persons already working in supportive, advisory or therapeutic fields with children and who wish to prepare for work in learning therapy institutions or in their own practice. Due to the recognised FiL standard, the programme is also relevant for professionals aiming for a nationwide recognised qualification in the field of learning therapy.

Admission requirements at a glance

The admission requirements depend on the chosen study variant (60, 90 or 120 ECTS). In principle, a completed university degree is required to begin the programme. The specific requirements differ as follows:

• For the 60-ECTS variant:
  • Completed relevant university degree (e.g. Bachelor's or Diploma) in education, psychology, speech therapy or a closely related field
  • At least two years of professional experience in a relevant field
  • Basic understanding of psychology, education or speech therapy
  • Aptitude test or motivational interview with the programme director (depending on individual background)
• For the 90-ECTS variant:
  • Completed relevant university degree
  • At least one year of professional experience in a relevant field
  • Basic understanding of psychology, education or speech therapy
  • Depending on prior education, possibly a motivational interview with the programme director
• For the 120-ECTS variant:
  • Completed university degree
  • At least one year of professional experience

In addition to these formal criteria, proof of relevant practical experience may be required. Detailed information on the admission requirements depending on prior education and study variant can be found in the official study information of SRH Fernhochschule.

Personal requirements and necessary competencies

In addition to the formal admission criteria, certain personal requirements are advisable for successful participation in the master's degree programme "Integrative Learning Therapy":

• Interest in the individual support of children and adolescents with learning difficulties
• Willingness to engage with scientific, educational and psychological issues
• Empathy, strong communication skills and enjoyment of working with young people and their families
• Practical experience in educational, advisory or therapeutic activities is an advantage
• Self-motivation and a sense of responsibility to conduct distance learning in a structured and independent manner
• Basic digital skills, as teaching materials are primarily provided in digital form

The target group benefits from a pronounced interest in interdisciplinary work in the educational-therapeutic context and the desire to scientifically underpin their own practice approaches. The programme is designed to further develop the professional and personal skills required for a professional and responsible activity in learning therapy.

Study Content in Detail

The master’s degree programme “Integrative Learning Therapy” at SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University focuses on the scientifically sound support and promotion of people with specific learning difficulties, such as in the area of reading and spelling or dyscalculia. The curriculum-based programme imparts specialist knowledge and practical skills related to diagnosis, counselling, prevention, and intervention in the context of learning therapy.

• Empirical Social Research: Methods of scientific work, data collection and evaluation.
• Fundamentals of Pedagogy and Psychology for Learning Therapy: Pedagogical and psychological basic concepts, development of children and adolescents.
• Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology: Theory and practice of psychological disorders in the learning context.
• Interdisciplinary Aspects of Learning Therapy: Mechanisms of action, models and approaches of learning therapeutic interventions.
• Setup and Management of a Learning Therapy Practice: Establishment, management and leadership of one’s own practice.
• Didactics of Literacy Acquisition: Diagnostics and support for reading and spelling difficulties.
• Didactics of Mathematics: Support for calculation disorders and mathematical weaknesses.
• Practical Modules: Practical placements to apply specialist knowledge in real learning therapeutic institutions.
• Digital Media in Learning Therapy: Application and evaluation of digital learning tools.
• Financing, Marketing and Sales of Learning Therapy: Economic and communicative aspects of offer creation.
• Elective Modules: Specialisation in learning therapy & psychology, management & practice leadership, school & social work.
• Master’s Thesis: Independent academic treatment of a current question in integrative learning therapy.

The content is oriented towards the guidelines of recognised professional associations such as the Fachverband für integrative Lerntherapie e.V. (FiL), whose recognition is regarded as a quality feature.

Course Structure and Organisation

The course is offered as distance learning and is completely location-independent. The modular structure allows for individual focus areas according to one’s own interests and professional goals. There are three study durations to choose from, depending on the entry profile and the desired scope of the degree:

• 120 ECTS (4 semesters): Includes foundational topics in pedagogy, psychology, subject-specific didactics, several practical modules as well as an extensive master’s thesis.
• 90 ECTS (3 semesters): In-depth specialisation for applicants with relevant prior knowledge and corresponding qualifications.
• 60 ECTS (2 semesters): Compact course of study for persons who already possess extensive prior achievements and professional experience in the field of learning therapy.

The course can be started monthly. All study materials are provided digitally. Practical application takes place within the framework of mandatory practical modules in recognised learning therapy institutions – on request in cooperation with the Duden Institutes for Learning Therapy. The individual final thesis (master’s thesis) enables scientific deepening on a chosen topic of learning therapy.

Career Opportunities and Professional Perspectives

Graduates of the master’s degree programme “Integrative Learning Therapy” qualify for a broad range of activities in the field of educational and psychological support of children and adolescents with school-related learning disorders. Typical fields of activity include:

• Work as learning therapist in their own practices, therapy centres and school institutions
• Educational and psychological counselling in public institutions (e.g., youth welfare offices, counselling centres)
• Leadership and management roles in learning therapy practices and educational institutions
• Participation in the training and further education of professionals in the field of learning therapy
• Development of learning therapeutic programmes and materials

Due to the recognition of the programme by the Fachverband für integrative Lerntherapie e.V. (FiL), the qualification is also valued by authorities and institutions as proof of a well-founded learning therapy training. This is particularly advantageous when cooperating with youth welfare offices.

Costs and Financing Options

SRH Fernhochschule offers different financing models for the master’s programme “Integrative Learning Therapy”:

• Flex 1: 673.44 euros per month over 18 months (total costs: 12,122 euros)
• Flex 2: 539.00 euros per month over 25 months (total costs: 13,475 euros)

The study duration is flexible, and both models grant access to all services and materials. On request, the course can be extended without additional costs up to twice the standard period of study. Students receive study materials digitally and benefit from personal support. Additionally, there are regularly promotion-linked bonuses, such as a Superpower Bonus of 1,000 euros, which further reduce the overall costs.