Distance learning program Applied Psychology for Executives (M.Sc.) – HSF

👉 The master's degree programme in Applied Psychology for Leaders is aimed at professionals with a bachelor's degree who aspire to or wish to expand a leadership position. You will learn the fundamentals of human information processing, developmental processes in adulthood, as well as leadership skills and psychological communication techniques. Key focus areas include change management, organisational consulting, digital leadership, personnel development, and workplace health. The distance learning programme is designed to be flexible, offers elective modules, and practical block seminars. Admission is also possible based on professional experience, with regular enrolment available without a numerus clausus and at the beginning of every month. You will graduate with the state-accredited Master of Arts degree and benefit from international certificates and personalised support.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Quality since 1848 - also in distance learning! The department onlineplus brings the range of on-campus courses of the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences to an online distance learning format. This way, the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is positioning itself towards the future by embracing the new possibilities of teaching and learning: studies become digital, the campus becomes mobile, and the way of studying becomes more flexible.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Health & SocialPsychology
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to Psychology, Cognitive Foundations of Behaviour and Experience, Basics of Inter- and Intrapersonal Resources in Psychology, Applied Psychology, Leadership Psychology, Leadership Tools, Self-Reflection and Self-Leadership, Psychological Interviewing and Communication, Counselling Methods and Competencies, Specialisation I, Specialisation II, Specialisation III, Colloquium, Master's Thesis
📚 Electives Management of complex leadership situations, physical and mental health, organizational consulting and change management, personnel recruitment and development, leadership and organization in the digital age, decision making
📅 Enrollment Anytime
💶 Fees
from 329 € monthly
from 13176 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.fernstudium-fresenius.de

Who is the Master's programme in Applied Psychology for Leaders suitable for?

The programme is aimed at prospective as well as experienced leaders from various sectors who wish to use psychological knowledge specifically for their leadership and management tasks. You are particularly suited to this if you are already in a leadership role, intend to take on such a position shortly, or work in areas such as coaching, consulting, change management, or personnel development. Bachelor graduates who want to prepare directly for a leadership role after their first degree also belong to the target group of this distance learning programme.

What formal requirements must you meet?

There are different admission routes for the programme:

  • With a university degree (consecutive variant): A completed first degree (Bachelor, Diploma, or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits. The first degree does not necessarily have to be in psychology; missing foundational knowledge may be supplemented during the Master’s programme.
  • With study and professional experience (continuing education variant): A completed first degree (at least 180 ECTS) as well as at least one year of qualified professional experience in a relevant field (e.g. leadership, personnel management, consulting).
  • Without a university degree: A recognised vocational training (at least two years), at least four years of relevant work experience, passing an aptitude test, and submission of a motivation letter.
  • Additional proof: Depending on the individual case, further documents may be required, such as credit points in certain subjects, proof of English skills (e.g. B2 level), or an admission interview.

Personally, in addition to a willingness to engage in academic work, you should bring the following skills and qualities:

  • Interest in people-centred leadership and psychological contexts
  • Strong communication skills and empathy in dealing with team members and stakeholders
  • Capacity for reflection as well as openness to methods of self-leadership and development
  • Self-motivation and discipline for time- and location-independent distance learning
  • Ideally, initial practical leadership experience or a clear goal to take on leadership responsibility

What can you expect from the Master’s distance learning programme in Applied Psychology for Leaders?

In the Master’s degree programme "Applied Psychology for Leaders" (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius, you will develop comprehensive psychological knowledge for the successful assumption of leadership roles. The curriculum is specifically tailored to the requirements of modern leaders and focuses on the application of psychological theories and methods in a corporate context.

  • Foundations of Psychology: Introduction to psychological ways of thinking, cognitive processes, patterns of behaviour and experience.
  • Cognitive and Developmental Psychology Foundations: Understanding human information processing, individual developmental processes in adulthood.
  • Leadership Psychology and Leadership Tools: Analysis of various leadership approaches, development of instruments for leadership and employee motivation in hybrid and digital work environments.
  • Self-Leadership and Self-Reflection: Methods for developing personal resources, reflection on one’s own leadership behaviour.
  • Communication and Psychological Conversation Techniques: Counselling techniques, conflict resolution skills, conversation psychology in the professional environment.
  • Consulting Methods and Intervention Competencies: Application of scientific methods in coaching and change management contexts.
  • Individual Specialisation: You select several specialisations, including:
    • Management of Complex Leadership Situations
    • Organisational Consulting and Change Management
    • Leadership and Organisation in the Digital Age
    • Recruitment and Personnel Development
    • Physical and Mental Health
    • Decision Making
    • Special Focus "Leadership in Practice" for participants with relevant professional experience

The programme is complemented by practical projects, block seminars for the development of consulting and leadership skills, as well as by writing a master’s thesis with colloquium.

What is the structure and process of the distance learning programme?

The distance learning programme is designed for maximum flexibility and can be completed in different time models depending on your life situation:

  • Duration of Study: Optional 4, 6, or 8 semesters (24, 36, or 48 months). A change between the time models is possible during the course of study.
  • Learning Concept: All study content is accessible via the online campus "studynet". Study modules are completed through self-study, supported by digital study magazines (Studymags), video lectures, online exercises, and the online library.
  • Examinations: Flexible examination formats such as 24/7 online exams, term papers, presentations, and open-book exams. Attendance requirements are rare and limited to a few examinations.
  • Practical Orientation: Block seminars for developing leadership skills — exchange with other students and lecturers.
  • Individual Support: Personal study coaches accompany you throughout the entire programme. Lecturers are available via forums, office hours, and webinars.
  • Start: Study can commence on the 1st of any month.
  • Additionally: Access to international certificate courses from ASU (Arizona State University), opportunity for individual specialisation and use of modern AI learning platforms.

Your prospects: where will the degree open doors for you?

With a master’s degree in Applied Psychology for Leaders, you qualify for demanding roles in the leadership field and have a wide range of employment opportunities:

  • Leadership Positions: Management of departments, teams or business units in companies from business, administration, and the non-profit sector.
  • Personnel and Organisational Development: Development, coaching and support of employees and leaders, implementation of change processes.
  • Consulting and Coaching: Work as an internal or external consultant in the fields of personnel, change management, psychological counselling, or coaching.
  • Human Resources and Recruiting: Design and implementation of measures for recruitment, retention and development of personnel.
  • Digital Transformation: Support of digital change processes and leadership in hybrid work environments.
  • Health Management: Implementation of health promotion measures in the work context.
  • Academic Career: The degree entitles you to pursue a doctorate, thus opening paths into research and science.

With the master’s degree, you lay the foundation for career advancements in almost all sectors where qualified leaders with psychological expertise are sought after.

How much does the distance learning programme in Applied Psychology for Executives at Hochschule Fresenius cost?

Hochschule Fresenius offers three flexible time models for the distance learning programme in Applied Psychology for Executives with study durations of 24, 36 or 48 months. The standard study period is 24 months (4 semesters). The most affordable time model (48 months) starts from 329 euros per month. The shortest model (24 months) has higher monthly rates, but the total cost is only 13.176 euros.

The tuition fees include all digital study materials, access to the online library and learning platform, personal support from study coaches and lecturers, examination fees for online exams, and international certificates and masterclasses from Arizona State University (ASU®). There are no hidden additional costs.

Various financing options are available: BAföG is possible for distance learning under certain conditions, as are the KfW student loan and the German government's education loan. Scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium or university-internal programmes may also apply. Many employers support part-time studies as part of professional development. Additionally, tuition fees may be tax-deductible as income-related expenses or special expenses under certain conditions. Hochschule Fresenius also regularly offers promotional discounts that can further reduce the monthly fees.

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