Requirements and Target Audience: Finding the Right Start for the Bachelor's Programme in Applied German Studies

With your degree in Applied German Studies, you can work, for example, as a literary scholar (e.g. as a research assistant at the Institute of German Studies), a language expert in various fields, or a journalist in the media industry.

The distance learning programme Applied German Studies at IU International University is aimed at all those who are enthusiastic about language, literature and digital media and are looking for a practice-oriented path into the working world. The target audience includes both traditional high school graduates and professionals – for example, those with a commercial, media-related or other type of education – who want to reorient themselves professionally, develop their language skills further, or specifically start out in the fields of media, culture, communication, and innovative technologies. It is particularly aimed at people who want to structure their studies flexibly in part-time or full-time while juggling a job, family, or other commitments.

Admission Requirements: What You Need to Start Your Studies

General or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (A-levels) or university of applied sciences entrance qualification: With one of these qualifications, you can start the Bachelor's degree in Applied German Studies directly. It doesn’t matter whether you have a traditional high school diploma, a technical college entrance qualification (both theoretical and practical parts), or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.

Studying without (subject-specific) A-levels: You don’t have a high school diploma? In that case, entry is still possible:

• With a master craftsman's certificate, a comparable advanced training qualification (e.g. as an IHK specialist) or
• With at least a two-year recognised vocational training in Germany and subsequently at least three years of full-time work experience. In this case, entry usually starts with a trial study. Your suitability will be assessed – after that, regular enrolment will take place.

International qualifications: If you have obtained your A-levels or a vocational qualification abroad, IU will review the equivalence according to Anabin. The same applies to qualifications within the EU (level DQR 4).

Language Proof for International Applicants: If you do not have a German-language school or professional diploma, provide proof of your German language skills with one of the following certificates:

• TestDaF (at least 4 points in all sections)
• DSH (DSH-2)
• Telc German C1
• ÖSD C1

Important: The language proof is usually not older than 5 years and must be submitted before the start of the studies.

Note: At IU International University, there is no numerus clausus (NC) and no fixed application deadlines – you can apply at any time and start flexibly.

Personal Requirements: This Profile Will Help You in Your Studies

• Interest in language, literature, and digital media: You enjoy analysing texts, linguistic structures, and modern communication technology.
• Openness to new things and motivation to learn: The programme combines classical German studies with current issues of digitalisation, AI, and the media landscape.
• Self-organisation and personal responsibility: As the distance learning is completely digital and flexible, you should be able to manage your learning on your own.
• Team spirit, communication skills, and intercultural openness: Many tasks require interaction with fellow students and lecturers, as well as reflection on social and cultural issues.
• Basic computer skills: You should be familiar with digital tools (e.g. online campus, email, text editing) as many learning contents are conveyed virtually.

What do you learn in the distance learning programme Applied German Studies at IU?

In the Bachelor's programme in Applied German Studies at IU International University, you will learn basic and advanced competencies in linguistics, literary studies, and the world of media. The aim is to provide you not only with theoretical knowledge but also with application-oriented skills for the modern job market.

• Linguistic Foundations: You systematically engage with areas such as phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax, as well as semantics and pragmatics. This way, you will understand the structure, evolution, and function of the German language.
• Literary Studies: Contents range from the beginnings of German-language literature in the Middle Ages to literary transformations up to the present day. You will learn to analyze literary texts from various periods and practically apply current research findings.
• Cultural and Media Studies: Modules such as literary and cultural theory, digital humanities, or intermediality will teach you how texts and language function in digital, media, and cultural contexts.
• Digital Skills & AI: Projects and modules on AI excellence, data science, or digital methods will ensure that you are up to date in the field of digital media and new technologies.
• Practical and Project Phases: You will work on case studies, analyze texts with digital tools, write professional texts in projects, and have the opportunity to choose a mandatory internship or gain insights into the professional field through practical elective modules.
• Individual Focus Areas: Through elective modules, you can specialize in areas such as literature and culture, media and communication, or innovative technologies.

Overall, you will train in analytical text comprehension, creative writing, professional use of digital media, as well as intercultural communication. Soft skills such as project management and teamwork are also part of the curriculum.

How is the course structured in the distance learning programme?

The study programme is flexible and tailored to the needs of working and otherwise busy students:

• Individual Start: You can start at any time and are not tied to fixed semesters.
• Three Time Models: You can choose between full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months), or part-time II (72 months) – depending on how much time you want to invest per week. It is possible to switch during the course of study.
• 100% Online & Location-Independent: You will mainly work with digital study materials (PDF, video, interactive scripts), supplemented by optional online tutorials and live events. Printed study materials are also available.
• Flexible Examination Model: Exams can be taken online 24/7 or alternatively on-site at examination centres. Besides traditional exams, there are also assignments, project reports, presentations, or open-book formats.
• Practical Relevance: You can choose between a mandatory internship in the professional field (30 ECTS) or opt for practice-oriented modules instead.
• Individual Specializations: Elective modules and specialization tracks allow you to set your own priorities – for example, in the areas of media, journalism, data science, or intercultural communication.
• Support & Community: You will be supported by lecturers, tutors, and study coaches throughout your studies. You will be well connected through the online campus.

The course follows a modular structure: Each semester, according to the course schedule, you will take six modules with 5 ECTS points each plus elective area(s). Recommended sequences will guide you, but you decide when and how you want to learn. In the final semester, you will write your bachelor's thesis.

What are the career prospects after the study?

With a B.A. in Applied German Studies, you are well qualified for a variety of career paths – thanks to the combination of language skills, literary analysis, media knowledge, and digital expertise:

• Literary Scholar: You analyze texts and media, work in research, teaching, educational institutions, or publishing houses.
• Linguist: Fields of application include linguistic research, communication consulting, or the development of AI language technologies.
• Journalist: As media-savvy text professionals, you conceptualize contributions, report, research, and edit – in traditional journalism as well as in online, specialist, or scientific editorial offices.
• PR and Communications Manager: You prepare content in a comprehensible way for different target groups, manage media appearances, and increase the visibility of companies or institutions.
• Digital Writer, Content Manager: With intermedial and digital skills, you work at the interface of language, innovation, social media, and cultural mediation.

Thanks to elective areas and internships, fields of work such as the media industry, communication departments, education sector, research, publishing, public relations, cultural mediation, corporate communication, or content creation are accessible.

What are the costs and what financing options are available?

The monthly costs vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Full-time (36 months): from approx. €399 per month
• Part-time I (48 months): from approx. €344 per month
• Part-time II (72 months): from approx. €259 per month
• Graduation fee: one-time approx. €699 at the end of the study

The total costs – depending on the duration of the study – currently range from approximately €15,063 to €19,347, including the graduation fee.

• There are regular discounts and special promotions at IU
• Two free semesters for extending the study are included – so you have a buffer in case you need more time.
• Virtual teaching materials, online library, software (e.g. MS Office), study coaching, and examinations are included in the price.

To ease the burden, you can use funding opportunities such as BAföG (under certain conditions), student loans, education funds, and tax benefits (e.g. as advertising costs/extraordinary burdens). The recognition of previous achievements (e.g. completed training or already completed study achievements) reduces study time and fees.