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.

Costs and financing options for the distance learning programme

The costs for the distance learning programme "Applied Psychology for Leaders" (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius are transparently structured and adapt to the chosen time model:

• 48 months: €315 per month, total €9,876 (with discount: from €280.35 per month)
• 36 months: €395 per month (with discount: from €351.55 per month)
• 24 months: €525 per month (with discount: from €467.25 per month)

• Included in the fees: access to the online campus, digital learning materials, study coaches and lecturer support, access to the online library, all examination fees, student ID.
• Additional costs may occur for voluntary attendance workshops, printed study materials or occasionally for travel expenses to attendance exams (if required).

Financing options:

• Installment payment available according to chosen time model, individual adjustment of instalments possible when changing the study model.
• Possible funding: KfW student loan, Deutschlandstipendium, individual scholarships, tax deductibility as work-related expenses, support from employers.
• With the discount code “START11” the monthly fee is permanently reduced.

The distance learning programme is flexibly manageable and offers security through transparent fee structures. The university offers individual advice on financing options to find the right solution for your personal situation.