Who is the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at FernUni Hagen suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Computer Science at FernUniversität Hagen is aimed at individuals who wish to complete an academically sound computer science degree flexibly and irrespective of location. It is particularly targeted at working professionals, family people, school leavers, as well as people with special life circumstances such as disability, chronic illness, or stays abroad. The programme is suitable for anyone who wants to acquire fundamental and practice-relevant IT knowledge and prepare for activities in information technology – regardless of previous professional experience or prior IT education.

Admission requirements for the Computer Science degree

The formal admission requirements for the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at FernUniversität Hagen are as follows:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
• Master craftsman certificate or comparable professional advanced training examination
• Subject-specific university entrance qualification for professionally qualified persons according to state law (e.g. after completed vocational training and several years of professional experience, usually via an aptitude test)
• Enrolment for the summer or winter semester within the regular application period

In addition, you should have the following personal requirements:

• Strong mathematical-logical thinking skills and interest in technical issues
• Self-motivation and perseverance for a multi-year distance learning degree with a high proportion of self-study
• Structured and independent working style as well as organisational talent
• Willingness to solve complex problems and interest in computer science topics such as programming, software development, and IT security
• Basic skills in using digital media and learning platforms
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to communicate for accompanying online seminars and group projects

What content and skills will you study in the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science?

In the Bachelor's degree programme in Computer Science at FernUniversität Hagen, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of the fundamentals and methods of computer science. The course imparts both theoretical and practical competencies, enabling you to understand subject-related contexts and independently develop solutions to computer science problems. At the beginning, you will focus on basic topics such as programming, data structures, and mathematical fundamentals for computer scientists. You will gain insights into hardware-related and theoretical aspects of computer science as well as software systems, and participate in an initial practical course that deepens your programming skills in application.

From the third semester onwards, you set your own individual priorities: In the elective compulsory section, you select four modules from areas such as computer systems, information systems and artificial intelligence, software engineering and programming languages, operating systems, distributed and cooperative systems, or systems theory. Choosing a module from the faculty’s Master's degree programmes is also possible and specifically broadens your profile.

An integrated minor subject provides you with competencies in legal fundamentals and management aspects of information technology. Within the framework of a specialist internship and a seminar, you independently implement topics, present results, and practise key qualifications such as teamwork and presentation techniques. The study programme is completed by an independently written Bachelor's thesis.

• Fundamentals of computer science: programming, algorithms, mathematics for computer scientists
• Core modules and internships: software systems, data structures, practical application orientation
• Specialisation areas: elective modules such as artificial intelligence, systems theory, software engineering, operating systems
• Integrated minor: legal and management competences in IT contexts
• Key qualifications: teamwork, scientific presentation, independent working

How is the distance learning Computer Science programme at FernUni Hagen structured?

The distance learning Computer Science programme is fully organised online and can be individually adapted to your life situation. The standard period of study is six semesters for full-time study; in part-time, it can be extended flexibly. You may start your studies in either the summer semester or winter semester. At the beginning of your studies, you will receive extensive, digital and printed study materials as well as access to the online campus and the Moodle learning platform. There, you will find virtual course rooms with forums, learning materials, exercises and accompanying online lectures. Each semester’s learning phases last about 15 weeks, followed by examination phases consisting of written exams, term papers or online examination formats.

You determine yourself how many modules you take each semester and can switch between full-time and part-time study. Most modules offer online exercises or assignments that are sometimes prerequisites for exam admittance. Attendance phases are rare and only mandatory for individual courses; exams are taken at examination centres in Germany or, if you live abroad, at suitable international locations. In addition to digital formats, optional mentorships are available, providing live support (online or on site) and promoting exchange with other students.

• Start of studies: Semester start on 1 April (summer semester) or 1 October (winter semester)
• Learning formats: Digital study materials, online courses, instructional videos, Moodle platform, occasional in-person offerings
• Support: Mentorships, tutorials, online consultation hours, personal module supervision
• Examinations: Written exams (on site or online), term papers, open-book formats, internships, seminar papers, Bachelor's thesis
• Individual study planning: Switching between full-time and part-time possible, flexible module registration

What career prospects can you expect after the Computer Science Bachelor's degree?

With a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from FernUniversität Hagen, you will be prepared for a broad range of IT professions. Your deep, university-level knowledge in computer science enables you to take on both classic specialist roles and specialised tasks. Employment fields include, among others, software and hardware development, operation and management of IT systems, IT security, project management, as well as consulting. Since you also learn legal and business fundamentals, additional options arise in interdisciplinary teams or leadership roles.

• Software developers (programming, application systems)
• IT developers for hardware or software solutions
• IT security specialists
• IT administrators for networks and systems
• IT consultants, consultants and project managers
• System analysis and algorithm design

Typical sectors range from IT service providers through industry, trade, healthcare and public administration to research institutions. The Bachelor's programme also qualifies you to pursue a subsequent Master's degree in computer science or related disciplines.

How are the costs of the Computer Science distance learning structured and what financing options are available?

The costs for the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at FernUniversität Hagen amount to approximately €2,000 for the standard period of study. The fees are paid per semester and consist of a basic fee of €60 plus a registration fee of €11 per ECTS credit point. In full-time study, this results in costs of around €390 per semester. If you study longer or part-time, additional semester fees apply; accordingly, the total sum increases with the length of study.

• Total costs (standard period of study, full-time): approx. €2,000
• Fee per semester: €60 basic fee + €11 per ECTS, with 30 ECTS = €390
• Additional costs: Possibly for travel to (few) in-person exams, optional specialised literature and technical equipment (computer, internet)

To finance your studies, you can use common funding options such as BAföG, education loans or tax deductibility of study costs as income-related expenses or special expenses. Employer contributions or scholarships are possible, especially if your studies take place in a professional context. Discounts are sometimes available for specific social or financial circumstances.