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

With your Master in Coaching & Supervision, you could work, for example, as a manager or specialist with a coaching mandate, or as a self-employed or employed coach.

The Master's programme in Coaching (M.A., 120 ECTS) at IU is aimed at professionals and university graduates who already have practical experience in the fields of psychology, social sciences, business, or education, and who want to develop into professional coaches. The distance learning course targets individuals who are interested in supporting professionals, teams, and organizations in change processes - whether as self-employed coaches, as internal contacts in companies, or in advisory roles in the non-profit sector. The programme is particularly suitable for those with a keen interest in communication, personal development, and organizational dynamics, who value scientifically based, practice-oriented, and certified coaching competence. It is also designed for those who desire a flexible study schedule alongside work and family commitments.

Admission Requirements Overview

First Degree: A completed, undergraduate degree (minimum 180 ECTS, e.g. bachelor's degree) from a state or state-recognized university or college.

Final Grade: Normally, at least a grade of "Satisfactory" in the undergraduate degree. Admission with a grade of "Sufficient" (up to 4.0) is possible with additional qualifications (e.g. 40 ECTS from a relevant master's programme, relevant completed master's/MBA, recognized further education at DQR7 level).

Professional Experience: Proof of at least 1 year of relevant and qualified professional experience acquired after the first degree. This can also be fulfilled through a completed academically supervised dual study programme, provided the practical part is relevant to coaching.

Direct entry as a participant is also possible, provided that the work experience is completed during the first semesters.

Access without a Bachelor's Degree (special case for 120 ECTS): Those who have not completed an undergraduate degree but meet the following requirements can study after successful completion of a preparatory module:

• (Technical) Diploma or at least a two-year, technically appropriate vocational training (DQR4)
• At least 6 years of relevant professional experience (of which at least 3 years with leadership or expert tasks), documented by work certificates, etc.
• Successful seminar paper and oral examination as part of the IU preparatory module

Language Proficiency for International Applicants: Evidence of sufficient German language skills (at least level B2, e.g. with TestDaF, DSH, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2; must not be older than 5 years).

Recognition of Previous Achievements: Previously completed study and further education achievements as well as practical experience can be recognized upon request, reducing the duration and costs of studies.

Personal Requirements and Important Soft Skills

• Interest in Development Processes: You should enjoy professionally supporting individuals, teams, and organizations in individual challenges and change processes.
• Open Communication: Communication skills, active listening, empathy, and constructive conflict management are key competencies for work as a coach.
• Reflective Ability: The willingness for self-reflection and continuous development is essential in the course of study and in the later coaching profession.
• Self-Motivation and Self-Organization: The distance learning programme is highly flexible but requires the ability to organize oneself and steer learning processes independently.
• Willingness to engage in Academic Work: Interest in scientific theories and methods, as the programme contains research-oriented content (e.g. research methodology, master's thesis).
• Digital Affinity: Dealing with digital learning platforms, online exams, video conferencing software, and AI-based tools is part of everyday study life.
• Practice Orientation: The willingness to actively participate in virtual projects, role-play, and practical phases (e.g. in the elective module "Coaching Lobby") facilitates the acquisition of solid coaching skills.

 You can also find all information about requirements, contents, specialization possibilities, and costs in your personal information package for the part-time online study programme in coaching. With the brochure, you will also receive access to a demo account for myCampus, the IU online campus. Request the brochure now ...

How Does the Master's Degree Course in Coaching Work?

The distance learning programme at IU is modular and offers maximum flexibility. You can start at any time and choose from three different time models:

• Full-time study (24 months): For those aiming to quickly complete their master's degree.
• Part-time I (36 months): Lower monthly fees, ideal for working professionals.
• Part-time II (48 months): Longest duration of study, lowest monthly financial burden.

All study materials are available entirely digitally and via the IU Learn App. The study organization is done through the Online Campus. The examination system is particularly flexible: You can write exams online 24/7 from anywhere, or choose from numerous exam centres. The study structure is divided into 4 semesters:

• 1st & 2nd Semester: Compulsory modules on basics, communication, conflict management, ethics, personality psychology, self-reflection, team and crisis development, virtual settings.
• 3rd Semester: Methods in the coaching process, project work, and two elective modules from a wide range of options.
• 4th Semester: Final phase with the master's thesis.

Practical work, virtual seminars, and interactive teaching sessions promote hands-on learning. The additional module "Coaching Lobby" gives you the opportunity to build coaching skills in supervision settings and earn another certificate.

Career Opportunities and Job Prospects after Master's in Coaching

As a graduate of the Master Coaching (M.A.) at IU, you open up diverse career paths:

• Self-employed Coach: Consulting and guiding individuals, teams, and organizations on development issues, leadership, performance improvement, and conflict resolution.
• Internal Coach/Executive with Coaching Assignment: Supporting employees and teams in companies, introducing New-Work structures, and guiding change processes.
• Human Resources-Organizational Development: Work in HR, Learning & Development, or Change teams, developing talent management programs.
• Non-profit-Public Sector: Applying coaching methods to support employees or executives in social organizations, administrations, or educational institutions.
• With the EASC certificate, you can also qualify for further training as a "Supervisor EASC."
• Another possible path is further academic specialization or pursuing a doctorate.

Coaching skills are in demand across industries – both in the business sector and in social and public sectors.

Costs, fees and financing options

The costs for the Coaching distance learning programme (120 ECTS) vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Full-time (24 months): 499 € per month – total costs approx. 12.775 €
• Part-time I (36 months): 379 € per month – total costs approx. 14.443 €
• Part-time II (48 months): 299 € per month – total costs approx. 15.151 €

Regular discount promotions offer savings on tuition fees. The tuition includes all services such as digital learning materials, access to the online library, personal career coaching and optional live lectures. A non-binding trial month allows you to test the programme for free at the start.

• Financing options: Education funds, private student loans, tax deduction as income-related expenses and various regional funding programmes. IU also accepts individual recognition of prior learning (e.g. from previous studies or further training), which can further reduce costs.

Thanks to the digital learning concept, there are no expenses for textbooks or on-site travel. Semester breaks and extensions (up to 12 months) are available free of charge if you need more time.