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At a glance
Distance learning at PFH Private Hochschule Göttingen combines independent study with digital classes, recordings and personal academic support. Many written examinations can be taken online or at a distance-learning examination centre. The programme still follows a structured curriculum with module schedules, submission deadlines and examination dates.
- Start dates: generally 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October
- Study models: bachelor’s programmes are often available over 6, 8 or 10 semesters; master’s programmes usually take between 3 and 6 semesters
- Learning: digital and, in some cases, printed study guides, videos, online classes, assignments and examination preparation sessions
- Examinations: many written examinations can be taken online or at a PFH examination centre
- Support: Study Coaches, lecturers, student advisory services and the examinations office
- Trial access: free and non-binding access to first-semester content for four weeks
- Subject areas: business, management, law, psychology, education, social sciences, technology and design
Who is PFH suitable for?
PFH is aimed primarily at working professionals and students with family or other regular commitments. The distance-learning model is more flexible than campus-based study but provides more structure than a completely self-directed on-demand degree.
PFH may be a good choice if you …
- want to combine your degree with work or family commitments,
- want to choose between different study durations,
- prefer structured written study materials,
- want to use online classes and recordings alongside independent study,
- want to take written examinations online where possible,
- value personal contacts for study planning and administration,
- want previous academic or professional learning to be assessed for recognition.
The university may be less suitable if you …
- want to complete modules and examinations entirely independently of a study plan,
- prefer to learn mainly through short videos and interactive microlearning,
- are looking for a daily campus experience with regular face-to-face contact,
- cannot accommodate fixed submission or examination dates,
- want a psychology degree that leads to professional psychotherapist licensure in Germany.
The actual level of flexibility depends on the programme. Business and psychology degrees can generally be completed largely online. Programmes in social work, education or technology may include placements, projects or other practice-oriented components.
Most of the distance-learning portfolio is aimed at German-speaking students. International applicants should check the teaching and examination language of their chosen programme before applying.
How does distance learning at PFH work?
The study model combines structured study guides with digital teaching formats. Students work through a large proportion of the material independently and can supplement their learning with online classes, examination preparation sessions and other academic formats.
Study guides and digital materials
At the beginning of each semester, PFH provides the relevant study guides through the myPFH online campus. Depending on the programme and selected study format, printed materials may also be available.
The study guides introduce the content of each module step by step. Typical elements include:
- academic foundations and definitions,
- practical examples and case studies,
- exercises and reflection questions,
- assignments for monitoring learning progress,
- references for further reading,
- supporting videos and audio content.
Assignments may be voluntary exercises or graded assessments. The module and examination plan specifies which tasks are compulsory.
Online classes and recordings
Online classes allow lecturers to explain important concepts and discuss exercises or practical cases. Sessions are frequently scheduled on weekday evenings or during the day at weekends to accommodate working students.
Many sessions are recorded, allowing students to review the material later. However, applicants should not assume that every class will always be available as a complete recording.
PFH also offers revision sessions before examinations. These allow students to clarify open questions and review central topics. Regular online classes and revision sessions are generally optional. Different requirements may apply to practical modules or specific assessments.
myPFH and study administration
myPFH is the central platform for academic and administrative matters. It provides access to:
- study guides, videos and other learning materials,
- a personal calendar with examinations and submission deadlines,
- registration for classes and examinations,
- results and academic documents,
- university announcements,
- communication with lecturers and fellow students.
PFH also uses platforms such as Blackboard and Microsoft Teams for digital teaching and communication. Technical support is available through the university’s IT services.
Academic support
Study Coaches assist with the start of the programme, semester planning and organisational questions. Subject-related questions are handled by the relevant lecturers. The examinations office is responsible for examination registration, recognition of prior learning and formal assessment matters.
Students remain responsible for registering for examinations, monitoring deadlines and organising their learning. The personal calendar in myPFH helps them keep track of the relevant dates.
How do examinations work?
The assessment format depends on the module. In addition to written examinations, PFH uses written assignments, oral assessments and project-based formats.
| Assessment format | Typical procedure |
|---|---|
| Written examination | Time-limited assessment, often available online or at a distance-learning examination centre |
| Written assignment | Completion of academic or applied questions within a specified framework |
| Term or seminar paper | Independent academic paper completed within a set submission period |
| Project | Application of academic content to a practical problem or case |
| Presentation or oral examination | Presentation and discussion of a subject, sometimes conducted online |
| Final thesis | Independent academic investigation completed at the end of the degree |
Online and on-site examinations
Many written examinations can be taken either online or at a PFH examination centre. Online examinations require a suitable workspace, a stable internet connection and the specified technical equipment.
On-site examinations are offered at the available distance-learning centres. The locations available for a particular assessment are displayed during examination registration in myPFH.
Examination dates are offered several times per year. However, written examinations cannot normally be started on any day. Students must register for one of the scheduled dates within the relevant registration period.
International students should check whether all assessments in their chosen programme can be completed online. Depending on the module, travel to Germany or another available examination location may be required.
Placements and practical requirements
Some programmes include compulsory practical components. The Social Work degree, for example, contains a practical phase that is relevant to obtaining professional state recognition in Germany. Technology and design programmes may involve projects, practical assignments or specialist software.
Applicants should therefore examine the entire programme curriculum rather than focusing only on the availability of online examinations.
Start dates, study models and extensions
Most distance-learning programmes begin four times per year: on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. Applicants should submit their documents early enough for admission and any recognition of prior learning to be assessed.
Many bachelor’s programmes offer three study models:
| Study model | Standard duration | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive | 6 semesters or 36 months | Highest monthly workload and generally the highest monthly tuition fee |
| Standard | 8 semesters or 48 months | Moderate workload designed for part-time study alongside employment |
| Extended | 10 semesters or 60 months | Lower monthly workload but often higher total tuition costs |
Names and durations may vary by programme. Master’s degrees may, for example, be offered over 18, 24 or 36 months.
Changing the study model may be possible after consultation with PFH. The university may also offer contract suspension or individual arrangements in cases such as illness, unemployment or exceptional personal circumstances.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees depend on the programme and selected duration. For many bachelor’s degrees comprising 180 ECTS credits, regular monthly tuition fees are €260 over 60 months, €310 over 48 months or €390 over 36 months.
| Example bachelor’s model | Monthly tuition fee | Payment period | Calculated tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 semesters | €260 | 60 months | €15,600 |
| 8 semesters | €310 | 48 months | €14,880 |
| 6 semesters | €390 | 36 months | €14,040 |
Many programmes also charge a one-off examination fee of €650 when students register for their final thesis. Individual programmes may have different tuition fees, durations or examination charges.
The comparison also shows that the lowest monthly instalment does not necessarily produce the lowest total cost. A longer payment period may make the extended model more expensive overall.
Master’s programmes
Tuition fees for master’s degrees vary more widely depending on the number of ECTS credits and the selected duration. A 90-ECTS degree completed over 18 months may have a higher monthly fee than a 120-ECTS programme spread across 36 months.
Depending on the programme, regular monthly fees are generally between approximately €390 and €575. A separate examination fee may also apply. The programme-specific fee schedule is binding.
Discounts and promotional fees
PFH regularly advertises time-limited discounts. These may reduce the monthly payment or total tuition cost. Before enrolling, check:
- how long the promotional offer is valid,
- whether the discount applies throughout the entire payment period,
- which examination fees are charged separately,
- whether a tablet or another benefit is subject to additional conditions,
- which fees apply if the study period is extended.
What is included?
Depending on the programme, regular tuition fees generally include:
- access to myPFH and digital learning materials,
- online classes and examination preparation sessions,
- recordings and supporting media where available,
- academic and organisational support,
- Microsoft Office 365 during the study period,
- participation in regular examinations.
Possible additional costs
- the one-off examination fee connected with the final thesis,
- additional academic literature and study materials,
- travel and accommodation for on-site examinations or classes,
- technical equipment and internet access,
- software or materials for technology and design programmes,
- reduced income during compulsory placements.
Possible financing options include employer contributions, scholarships, student loans and tax relief for education expenses. German BAföG funding may be available in eligible full-time study models. International students are not automatically entitled to BAföG.
Four-week trial access
Prospective students can test the online campus for four weeks free of charge and without obligation. The trial typically provides access to first-semester materials, classes and information about study organisation.
The access expires automatically and does not need to be cancelled. It can be used to assess:
- whether the structure and language of the study guides are suitable,
- how easy myPFH is to navigate,
- whether the online sessions fit the student’s schedule and time zone,
- whether the expected workload appears realistic.
The trial does not replace a formal admission, recognition or financing assessment. These matters should be clarified separately before signing the study contract.
Which subjects does PFH offer?
The distance-learning portfolio covers several subject areas. Alongside established business and psychology degrees, PFH offers programmes in social sciences, education, law, technology and design.
| Subject area | Examples | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Business and management | Business Administration, Management, Advanced Management and MBA programmes | Programme scope and admission requirements differ between consecutive master’s degrees and MBA programmes. |
| Psychology | Psychology, Business Psychology, Human Resource Psychology and Sales Psychology | The programmes do not follow the reformed German route to professional psychotherapist licensure. |
| Social sciences and education | Social Work, Social Pedagogy, Childhood Education and Special Needs Education | Placements and German professional state recognition may be important for the intended occupation. |
| Law | Corporate Law, Employment Law and Human Resource Management, Business Law | Master’s programmes may require a specific number of previous law credits or relevant professional experience. |
| Technology and IT | Industrial Engineering, Business Information Systems and Digital Business | Preparatory placements, mathematical knowledge or technical projects may be required. |
| Design and UX | User Experience Management & Design | Individual programmes may be taught in English and have specific academic admission requirements. |
Psychology and psychotherapist licensure
The bachelor’s degree in Psychology covers core psychological subjects and may provide access to selected psychology master’s programmes. It does not, however, follow the legally regulated German route leading to professional psychotherapist licensure.
Students who want to become licensed psychotherapists in Germany need an approved polyvalent bachelor’s degree followed by a qualifying master’s degree in psychotherapy.
Social Work and professional state recognition
PFH offers different arrangements for the practical phase of its Social Work degree. In the one-phase model, the placement is integrated into the degree. In the two-phase model, the professional practical period may follow the academic bachelor’s qualification.
The bachelor’s degree alone is not sufficient for German professional state recognition as a social worker. The required placement and other recognition-related components must also be completed.
International students should check whether the German professional recognition has relevance in the country where they intend to work.
Admission requirements
Applicants to a bachelor’s degree can qualify through the German Abitur, a subject-specific university entrance qualification or the Fachhochschulreife. These are German school-leaving qualifications that provide access to higher education. Many distance-learning programmes do not have a numerus clausus, or fixed grade threshold.
Admission without the traditional German Abitur is also possible under the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act. Depending on the programme, possible routes include:
- a master craftsperson qualification or comparable advanced professional qualification,
- a relevant vocational qualification lasting at least three years,
- vocational training combined with several years of professional experience,
- a university entrance examination where required.
International school-leaving certificates must be assessed for equivalence. Applicants may need to submit certified copies, official translations or further documentation.
Master’s programmes generally require a first university degree. Depending on the programme, applicants may also need a specific number of ECTS credits, relevant academic modules or professional experience. Missing credits may sometimes be completed through bridging courses or recognised professional learning.
Recognition of prior learning
Previous university modules, vocational qualifications, advanced professional training and relevant work experience may be recognised if their content, academic level and scope correspond to modules in the selected programme.
Recognition may:
- allow entry into a later semester,
- reduce the number of required modules,
- shorten the study period,
- reduce tuition fees.
PFH may request certificates, module descriptions, training curricula and employment records. International documents may need to be translated or certified.
Applicants should request written confirmation of the recognised credits, revised study duration and resulting tuition fees before signing the contract.
Frequently asked questions about PFH
Most programmes begin on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. Individual degrees may have different start dates.
Many classes and written examinations can be completed online. Depending on the programme, placements, projects or individual on-site components may still be required.
Regular online classes and examination preparation sessions are generally optional. Different attendance requirements may apply to practical modules or specific assessments.
Recordings are available for many sessions. However, not every class is necessarily recorded or available permanently.
Many examinations can be taken online. Alternatively, students can select an available date at a distance-learning examination centre. The available options are displayed during registration.
Many parts of the distance-learning programme can be accessed from abroad. Applicants should check the teaching language, examination arrangements, time zones and any compulsory placements or on-site sessions.
A change may be possible after consultation with PFH. The consequences for tuition fees, payment duration and study planning should be confirmed before switching.
For many bachelor’s programmes, regular monthly tuition fees are €260, €310 or €390 depending on the selected duration. A one-off examination fee of €650 frequently applies. Individual programmes may have different fees.
Yes. PFH offers free and non-binding trial access to myPFH and selected first-semester content for four weeks. The access ends automatically.
Yes. Depending on previous education, admission may be possible through a master craftsperson qualification, advanced professional training or relevant vocational education and work experience. International qualifications are assessed individually.
Academic and professional learning may be recognised if it corresponds to the modules of the selected programme. Recognition may reduce both the study period and tuition fees.
No. The programme does not follow the reformed German academic route leading to professional psychotherapist licensure.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree, students must complete the required practical phase and other recognition-related components. Depending on the study model, the placement is completed during or after the academic degree.
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