Who is the IU Distance Learning Social Management programme suitable for?

With your degree in Social Management, you could work, for example, as a social manager in homes or at foundations and welfare associations.
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The Bachelor's distance learning programme in Social Management is aimed at individuals who aspire to a responsible position in social services and wish to combine management knowledge with social work expertise. The target group includes in particular

• Individuals who want to take on leadership roles in social institutions, non-profit organizations, welfare associations, or foundations
• Employees in social services who want to qualify for positions in middle or upper management
• Working professionals without a "traditional" Abitur who want to academically qualify in social management flexibly and independently of location
• Individuals interested in the intersection of social, economic, and legal issues, as well as being enthusiastic about issues of digitization and innovation
• As well as career changers who have already gained practical experience in social work and want to further develop themselves.

As students, you should have an interest in topics such as social organization, administrative structures, personnel management, and financing non-profit organizations. Communication skills, strategic thinking, and a willingness to engage with societal challenges are helpful for success in both studies and later in your profession.

Admission Requirements

For the Bachelor's programme in Social Management at IU International University, the following formal admission requirements apply:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or
• Subject-specific university entrance qualification or
• Vocational baccalaureate (Fachabitur - school and practical part)

A direct start of studies is usually possible. There are specific requirements for graduates of Waldorf schools and vocational colleges in Baden-Württemberg: an approval from the competent authority is required if the studies are conducted in another federal state.

Studying without Abitur: Even without (subject-specific) Abitur, distance learning is possible if one of the following options has been completed successfully:

• An advanced training course, such as becoming a state-certified business administrator or receiving a master craftsman's certificate,
• or proof of at least a two-year recognized vocational training in Germany and at least three years of full-time work experience (in a relevant field).

In this case, you usually start with a trial study - after successfully completing some modules, regular enrollment takes place.

For international applicants: If the school leaving certificate was obtained abroad, the university will check the equivalence according to the Anabin database (e.g. IB Diploma). In addition, proof of sufficient knowledge of German (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, Telc B2, ÖSD B2) is required, which generally should not be older than five years.

Personal requirements and recommendations:

• Interest in social and business-related issues as well as societal developments
• Willingness to work independently and disciplined and to organize one's own learning routine
• Communication skills and teamwork - also in digital learning environments
• Openness to digital tools and learning platforms
• Empathy and responsibility in dealing with people

Prior knowledge in business administration, law, or social work is helpful, but not a mandatory requirement.

What content do you learn in the Bachelor of Social Management?

In the distance learning course in Social Management at IU International University, you will receive a broad qualification that specifically combines management know-how with social and economic issues. The aim is to prepare you for taking on responsible tasks in the social sector - from welfare organizations to social services to non-profit companies. The study program is modular and comprises 180 ECTS points.

Basic modules:

• Business Administration
• Social Economics and Socioeconomics
• Law (Social Law, Public Law)
• Introduction to Social Work
• Social Management
• Introduction to Scientific Work

Advanced content:

• Human Resources and Labor as well as Organizational Psychology
• Marketing, Fundraising, and Public/Nonprofit Management
• Cost and Performance Accounting, Financing, and Controlling
• Social Policy, Social History, and Ethics
• Practical Social Economics & Project Management
• Intercultural Management, Leadership 4.0, and Digitalization in Social Work
• Quality Management in Social/Pedagogical Action Fields

Research and Methodological Competence:

• Statistics, qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Digital Skills, methods of social work

Individual Focus Areas (Elective Modules): You choose three specializations, e.g.: Management in Social Institutions, Management in Associations, Social Entrepreneurship, Business Consulting, Hospital Management, Online Marketing, Foreign Languages, Sign Language, International Management, and much more.

Practical and Final Phase:

• Project work for setting up a company in the social sector
• Bachelor's Thesis

A remarkable feature of this degree program is that you will extensively acquire knowledge in the digitalization of social processes, AI topics, and modern leadership concepts in social economics. These innovative components will optimally prepare you for current and future challenges.

Course Structure: How does the distance learning course in Social Management work?

The distance learning course is fully digitally organized and can be completed independently of time and location. You can start at any time and choose individually between a full-time and two part-time models:

• Full-time study: 36 months (6 semesters)
• Part-time I: 48 months (8 semesters)
• Part-time II: 72 months (12 semesters)

A free extension is possible. There are no attendance requirements, and you will work on all modules through the online campus and the IU Learn app - both on the PC and mobile. All learning materials (scripts, interactive books, videos) are digitally available; there are supplementary live online seminars and tutorials for many subjects.

• Examinations: Either flexibly as online exams (24/7 possible) or at the examination center. Other forms of assessment such as term papers, project work, or presentations complement the exams.
• Study participation: At your own pace - module selection and order can be flexibly arranged.
• Digital Support: AI-based learning assistant Syntea for questions about learning content and study organization.
• Support: Over 200 professors, 1,000 tutors, as well as study coaches and career services will accompany you.
• Non-binding Trial Month: Test the study for one month without any obligation.

You will learn independently, adapt your studies to your daily life, and can study quickly or slowly - according to your personal life situation.

Career Prospects: What can you do with a Bachelor's degree in Social Management?

With a Bachelor's degree in Social Management (B.A.), you qualify for a variety of management tasks and leadership roles in the social sector. Typical fields of work include:

• Social Managers in foundations and welfare associations (e.g. management, personnel and organizational development, marketing, fundraising, project management, quality management)
• Leadership positions in social institutions (e.g. children's, elderly, disabled or nursing homes: organization, personnel management, financial management, process optimization)
• Management in non-profit companies and associations (networking in political and social networks, development of funding and financing strategies, controlling, social entrepreneurship)
• Other Areas of Deployment: Social services, social start-ups, consultancy, hospital management, online social marketing, or personnel development

The degree is nationally recognized, internationally valid, and enables you to take on responsible tasks in both the public and private or non-profit sectors.

Costs and Financing of the Distance Learning Course in Social Management

The distance learning course in Social Management at IU is a fee-based offering from a private university. The fees depend on the chosen time model and include all digital learning materials:

• Full-time (36 months): from €399 per month
• Part-time I (48 months): from €344 per month
• Part-time II (72 months): from €259 per month
• In addition, there is a one-time graduation fee of approximately €699.

All models include a one-month, non-binding trial period (which is only charged if continued after the trial month). Learning materials and digital platforms are included in the price. There are regularly discount promotions that can significantly reduce the total costs.

• Financing Options: Study loans, education funds, BAföG (if eligible), tax deductibility as further education or operating expenses. Recognized previous achievements (such as training or further education) save time and fees (about €30 per recognized ECTS point).