Who is the Master's Distance Learning Programme in Coaching at IU designed for?

With your Master's in Coaching, you can work, for example, as a manager with coaching assignments or as an HR manager, personnel developer, and training manager.

The Master's programme in Coaching at IU International University is aimed at professionals and managers who want to use coaching competencies specifically in their everyday work or who want to qualify for professional coaching. Typical participants come from areas such as personnel development, human resources, consulting, project management, or management and want to expand their knowledge in a practice-oriented way – for example, to accompany teams through change processes, develop New Work strategies further, or support executives in times of change. Applicants who already have coaching experience or who want to work as independent coaches or in agile and virtual work contexts in the future also benefit from the study programme. The programme is also interesting for those who value a compact, flexibly organized further education format that can be easily integrated into work and daily life.

Admission Requirements

Completed undergraduate degree (Bachelor, Diploma, State Examination, etc.):

• Final grade of at least "Satisfactory"
• Study at a state or state-recognized university
• The first degree must comprise at least 180 ECTS credits

Proof of qualified professional experience:

• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience after completing the primary degree (for 210 or 240 ECTS credits in the primary degree)
• For 180 ECTS in the primary degree: Additional minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience and completion of bridging courses (30 ECTS) or alternatively 2 years of relevant work experience
• For 240 ECTS in the primary degree: Work experience is not mandatory (see individual case review)

For the 60-ECTS program, work experience must generally be acquired after the primary degree; relevant practical activities in dual studies may be credited

Alternative access options:

• Completed, at least 2-year vocational training with professional reference and at least 6 years of professional experience (of which 3 years with leadership responsibilities or expert activities) possible (including passing an aptitude test at IU & Seminar paper)
• Applicants with a Bachelor's grade of 3.5-4.0 require additional relevant study or further education achievements at the Master's level amounting to at least 20 ECTS or a relevant completed Master's/MBA

Foreign applicants must also provide proof of German language skills (at least level B2, e.g. through TestDaF or Telc Deutsch B2)

Admission is based on the regulations of the IU International University and can be possible in individual cases for special qualifications (e.g. DQR7 certificates, non-university qualifications). Further details and exceptions will be individually reviewed by the university.

Personal requirements for the study:

• Self-motivation, organizational talent, and willingness for independent learning in distance education
• Interest in personal development, reflection, and working with people
• Readiness to connect theoretical knowledge with practical issues from coaching, leadership, or consulting
• Sense of responsibility and communication skills, especially in interactive exchanges
• Basic digital skills and openness to new technologies (e.g. learning AI Syntea and online tools)

A distance education like that of IU offers maximum flexibility and is ideal for professionals who want to adapt their studies to their work routine or seek an international, location-independent further education.

What will you learn in the Master Coaching programme? – Contents and Skills in Detail

The Master's programme in Coaching (M.A., 60 ECTS) at IU International University provides you with solid expertise in the field of modern and evidence-based coaching. The goal is to prepare you to professionally design, conduct, and evaluate coaching sessions. The following competencies and content await you:

• Foundations of Coaching: You will receive an introduction to scientifically proven coaching methods and learn how to plan and structure coaching processes systematically.
• Self-reflection: The focus is on developing your own reflective skills to increase coaching effectiveness and sharpen your role in the process.
• Research Methodology: You will acquire relevant scientific methods for analyzing coaching processes, aiming to further develop your work based on evidence.
• Virtual Coaching & Self-coaching: In the seminar, you will learn how to implement coaching digitally and through self-application, which is particularly in demand in the context of New Work.
• New Work and Methodological Competence: You will explore coaching in the context of modern work environments and discover how innovative approaches are applied in multicultural and agile teams.
• Methods in the Coaching Process: Numerous tools, such as systemic and agile coaching, are taught in a practical manner.
• Project & Live Coaching: In a practice-oriented project, you will develop your own coaching concept and conduct coaching sessions.

You can choose from various specialisations (elective modules, each 10 ECTS), such as:

• Work, Organisational & Business Psychology
• Coaching of Executives
• Digital Business and Agility
• Diversity Management
• Promotion of Resilience
• Crisis Intervention
• Systemic Coaching & Supervision
• AI and Mastering Prompts (AI-supported Coaching)

You will conclude the programme with a practice-oriented master's thesis. Many classes take place virtually, providing you with flexibility and a high degree of interaction with lecturers and fellow students.

How does the Master's programme in Coaching in Distance Learning work?

The Master's programme in Coaching is entirely designed as an online distance learning course. You can choose from three scheduling options:

• Full-time: 12 months (2 semesters) – suitable for a swift study within a short period
• Part-time I: 18 months (3 semesters) – for professionals with a medium workload
• Part-time II: 24 months (4 semesters) – maximum flexibility with lower monthly rates

You can start at any time – there are no fixed application deadlines. Examinations are available online around the clock (alternatively also in examination centres), allowing you to determine your learning pace independently. The innovative learning concept is based on digital study materials, video lectures, podcasts, and the IU Learn app with interactive elements.

• All materials are available digitally and often in print.
• Virtual live events and tutorials promote interaction.
• The learning AI "Syntea" provides continuous support for questions during the learning process.
• An extension of the study duration is possible free of charge (up to 12 months).
• Prior achievements are assessed and can reduce study time/costs.

You can easily manage organizational matters such as exam registration or adjusting your course schedule via the online campus myCampus.

What career opportunities do you have after completing the Master Coaching programme?

With a Master of Arts in Coaching, various paths are open to you. Typical fields of application include:

• Leadership & Specialist with Coaching Assignment: You support employees and teams in achieving goals, development, and change management – e.g. as a manager, team leader, or Scrum Master.
• Self-employed or employed coach: You accompany individuals, groups, or organizations in dealing with complex challenges.
• HR Management and Personnel Development: Your expertise qualifies you as an HR manager, personnel developer, or training manager, especially when coaching skills and talent management are in demand.
• Specialised Roles: For example, as a resilience coach, supervisor, coach for virtual or agile teams, diversity coach, or change consultant.

The programme is state-recognised and accredited (FIBAA, AR seal, ZFU). The certificate is internationally valid – ideal for entering consultative, supportive, and management positions in the field of coaching.

What are the costs of the Master Coaching programme and how can you finance it?

The costs depend on the chosen schedule:

• Full-time (12 months): from €775 per month
• Part-time I (18 months): from €575 per month
• Part-time II (24 months): from €475 per month

Total costs range from approximately €10,099 to €12,199, depending on the duration of studies. This includes a one-time graduation fee (approximately €799), as well as all digital teaching materials, use of AI, online library, and study coaching.

• IU offers ongoing discount promotions and cashback bonuses.
• You can have previous achievements recognised (shortening of study duration and approximately €30 savings per ECTS).
• Tuition fees are often tax-deductible (as professional development).
• Financing options: BAföG, student loans, education funds, or instalment payment; information available through IU's financing check.
• You can test the programme for one month without obligation.