All about distance learning at FernUniversität in Hagen

The University of Hagen (in German: FernUniversität in Hagen) is the only public distance learning university in Germany with 50 years of experience in distance education. It has around 70,000 enrolled students - about 80% of whom are employed - making it one of the largest universities in Germany. The university offers a wide range of study programs and is characterized by flexible study models that allow for location-independent learning. Here are the key aspects of studying at FernUniversität in Hagen. Study and Course Offerings

FernUniversität in Hagen is divided into five faculties covering all major scientific disciplines:

• Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science - e.g., programs in mathematics, computer science, and data science
• Faculty of Law - a traditional law program leading to the state examination, as well as business law programs (LL.B., LL.M.)
• Faculty of Economics - business administration/economics programs such as business administration (B.Sc./M.Sc.) and business informatics
• Faculty of Cultural and Social Sciences - humanities and social science subjects, including educational science, history, political science, sociology, philosophy
• Faculty of Psychology - psychology programs (B.Sc. and M.Sc.), including the opportunity for psychotherapy training (with corresponding postgraduate studies)

In all these fields, you can earn bachelor's and master's degrees or, after a master's degree, pursue doctorates. As a public comprehensive university, FernUni Hagen awards degrees equivalent to those of other German universities.

In addition to bachelor's and master's programs, there is a law program leading to the First State Examination in Law upon completion.

Furthermore, continuing education and certificate programs as well as an academy study program (auditor program) are offered to enable lifelong learning. The range of subjects extends from cultural and social sciences, psychology, mathematics, and computer science to economics and law - reflecting the broad spectrum of study content.

How a study program at FernUni Hagen works

Enrollment at FernUni is done online. You can enroll twice a year - from June 1 to July 31 for the winter semester (starting October 1) and from December 1 to January 31 for the summer semester (starting April 1). The required documents are submitted digitally, and upon enrollment, you gain access to the online campus as well as your first study materials.

The entry requirement for a full-time study program is usually the university entrance qualification (Abitur) or an equivalent qualification recognized as such; professionally qualified individuals with, for example, a master's degree can also start a study program. An initial consultation for prospective students is offered by phone and is free of charge

A semester at FernUniversität in Hagen lasts six months. The standard period of study corresponds to that at traditional universities (usually 6 semesters for bachelor's, 4 semesters for master's), but the study program is very flexible. You decide how many modules (courses) you want to take per semester and can adjust the pace to your life rhythm accordingly.

Generally, the teaching period of each semester at FernUni starts in mid-October (winter semester) or mid-April (summer semester) and lasts for about 15 weeks. This is followed by the examination phase: exams, both written and oral, usually take place in the last two months of the semester, i.e., in February/March or August/September. The next semester starts after that. These fixed dates for performance records and the flexible allocation of learning time lead to a structured but adaptable study process. Forms of Examination

It is possible to study either full-time or as a part-time student, taking fewer modules per semester for part-time students - a choice you can make every semester. Working professionals often opt for part-time study; the university recommends an effort of about 20 hours a week for part-time students (correspondingly ~40 hours for full-time) for lectures and follow-up.

By leveraging leave semesters to interrupt your studies and a straightforward re-registration process every semester, you can further tailor the study program to your needs.

Learning Materials at FernUni

Study scripts from the Bachelor of Business Administration at FernUni Hagen
© fernstudi.net

The study content is primarily conveyed through written study guides (comprehensive notes or module units) and digital platforms. For each course, you receive study materials, which are now sent by post as printed copies and provided online as PDFs.

In addition, the faculties utilize multimedia content: Many courses offer online lectures, such as video recordings of lectures or specially produced instructional videos that you can access and work on flexibly. The main focus of teaching is on study guides and virtual support through the online learning platform (Moodle).

In a course's Moodle environment, you can find discussion forums, slideshows, exercise tasks, and if available, recorded lectures. You mainly learn through self-study: You work on the material independently but can seek online support in case of comprehension issues.

Are there on-site periods in distance learning at FernUni?

Although it is distance learning, there are occasional on-site phases. In some degree programs - especially in psychology - attending one or two on-site seminars during the course is mandatory. These short events (usually weekend seminars in Hagen or at the campus locations) are for deepening the subject matter and practicing academic methods. They are offered as supplementary activities: The actual exam preparation still happens through working on the study guides, literature, and online lectures; attending the on-site seminars alone would not be enough to pass a module exam.

Moreover, most modules also include fixed dates for online exercises or tests during the semester which must be completed to qualify for the exam. These so-called submission or exercise tasks are submitted via the learning platform and evaluated by mentors or teaching staff.

Exam Formats Used at FernUni

FernUniversität uses similar exam formats as traditional universities. As a student, you participate in various types of exams depending on the module to demonstrate your study achievements. The major exam formats include:

• Exams: Traditional written exams under supervision, which can be taken either on paper at an exam center or nowadays also as online exams on your PC. Exams are usually conducted at the end of the semester and last - depending on the module - typically 60 to 240 minutes. They often include knowledge questions, comprehension tasks, or case studies from the course material. FernUni organizes in-person exams decentrally: you can take exams at numerous test centers throughout Germany, often in cooperation with local universities or at the campus locations. For students abroad, there is the option to take exams at institutions like Goethe-Instituts or consular offices under supervision. Apart from the usual closed-book exams, especially the Faculty of Law increasingly offers open-book exams, where aids like legal texts or scripts are permitted. This format aims to lower the supervision effort in an online setting and assesses the application and transfer of knowledge more rigorously. Open-book formats are gaining importance in other subjects as well, especially since the digital examination phases from 2020 onwards.
• Term Papers: These are written works (homework, essays) that you independently write on a given topic. Term papers are meant to delve into a topic in-depth and present it in writing. They typically span several weeks of work. At FernUni, term papers are individually crafted and submitted on time – often via the online platform as a PDF upload. The evaluation criteria correspond to those at traditional universities (content, argumentation, formalities, etc.). Term papers are particularly common in the cultural and social sciences and in law and economics, sometimes instead of exams.
• Open-Book Exams: As mentioned, there are modules with open-book exams. In an open-book exam, materials and aids are allowed, such as scripts, books, or digital notes. These exams are often conducted as online exams. Although aids are permitted, open-book exams are by no means easier – the tasks are usually more complex, focusing on applying knowledge and problem-solving skills. FernUni has increasingly employed open-book formats, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, the Faculty of Law introduced open-book exams in the summer semester of 2020 to ensure fair exams without on-site supervision. For students, this means more freedom to research during exams but also the requirement to use sources sensibly and justify independently.
• Oral Exams: Many modules - especially for graduation - include oral exams like colloquiums or defenses. Oral exams mostly take place on-site in Hagen (on campus) or alternatively via video conference. For example, the oral master's exam can be done in an online meeting with the examiners.

In addition, bachelor's and master's programs culminate in a thesis (bachelor's or master's thesis), which is a more extensive research work.

Overall, examination performance at FernUni is comparable in scope and rigor to that of other universities but is organized in a more flexible manner to suit the conditions of distance learning.

Faculty, Mentors & Staff at FernUni

At FernUniversität in Hagen, numerous highly qualified instructors are employed. About 100 professors teach and conduct research at FernUni (as of 2024) - supported by around 1,900 academic and administrative staff. Many instructors are renowned experts in their fields, allowing students to benefit from their expertise. For example, historian Prof. Dr. Peter Brandt, a son of former Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt, teaches at the Faculty of Cultural and Social Sciences in Hagen.

The university is led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Stürmer, who has been the Rector of FernUniversität since 2025.

A prominent figure in legal studies was Prof. Dr. Ulrich Battis, a respected constitutional law expert who also taught at FernUni Hagen. The founding rector, Prof. Dr. Otto Peters, was also an outstanding figure: he is considered a pioneer in distance education research and significantly shaped the didactic concept of FernUni. These examples show that FernUniversität has dedicated and knowledgeable teaching staff who are often active in research alongside teaching.

Despite the distance learning concept, students at FernUni are extensively supported. Each faculty and module offer contact persons for content-related and organizational questions. A key element of support is the mentorships: these are accompanying tutorials in which mentors (experienced instructors or advanced students) support you with course-related questions. Mentorships often take place as group work at local campus locations or as webinars - often in the evenings or on weekends to allow working professionals to participate. In these optional additional events, exercises are discussed, learning techniques are taught, or questions about the subject material are clarified. Many students appreciate this opportunity for direct interaction with teaching staff.

In addition, FernUniversität maintains a network of campus locations in Germany and abroad. Currently, there are 13 major campus locations nationwide, distributed across all federal states, as well as several smaller study and information centers. Additionally, the university cooperates with institutions in Austria, Switzerland, and Hungary to provide support for students there. In total, there are over 50 study centers, which are an important part of the support concept. At these centers, you can access on-site mentoring, counseling sessions, library services, and occasional on-site events. The regional centers organize events like orientation meetings for first-year students, exam preparation courses (tutorials), or study group meetings. A significant advantage of these offerings is the opportunity to meet other distance learners in person and build connections. This way, FernUni Hagen creates a conducive learning community despite spatial distance and stands by its students with advice and support.

Digital Learning at FernUni Hagen

As a modern distance university, Hagen places a strong emphasis on digital learning. The entire study program is designed for online accessibility. The centerpiece is the online campus in the form of the Moodle learning platform, often referred to as the Virtual Study Place. There, you can find a digital course room for each course with forums, exercises, and all essential information. You can access your study materials via the internet, upload submissions, and communicate with peers and teachers.

Many lectures and seminars are now offered as online events - either as live webinars or recorded videos for self-study. For example, FernUni provides recordings of introductory events, lectures, exam reviews, and entire online lectures from various departments on its video streaming website. This allows you to conveniently watch lectures from home (even on a time-delayed basis), making learning very flexible. Even interactive formats like workshops or group discussions are increasingly taking place virtually via video conference, reducing the need to travel to the campus.

Virtual interaction is an integral part of the study program. In the course forums on Moodle, you can ask questions answered by mentors or lecturers and interact with fellow students. Additionally, there are cross-platforms and social media (e.g., course-specific Facebook groups, Discord servers by students) that encourage informal exchanges. Official online office hours via chat or video are offered by many departments, allowing you to speak directly with professors or staff. Overall, FernUni integrates all common e-learning methods to create a blended learning experience: a mix of written self-study and interactive online teaching.

A forward-thinking aspect is the conscious use of AI technologies in teaching. FernUniversität in Hagen explicitly advocates for a productive and reflective use of AI-enabled tools in education. Guidelines have been developed to enable a legally and ethically sound use of AI (such as chatbots or text generators) in courses. The decision to incorporate AI into a course lies with the individual instructors - the university emphasizes data protection and trains all involved parties in the critical use of such tools. For students, AI can be a useful aid, for example, to generate practice quiz questions, set up a personal learning chatbot as a virtual tutor, or automatically prepare additional learning materials. These scenarios are presented and tested as part of workshops (e.g., in the studyFIT program at FernUni).

There is also a dedicated research center called CATALPA (Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics) exploring new AI technologies for higher education. In short, digital learning at FernUni encompasses not only Moodle and video streaming but also innovative approaches like learning analytics and the thoughtful use of AI to make distance learning even more effective.

The Cost of Studying at FernUni

Studying at FernUniversität in Hagen is subject to fees, albeit significantly cheaper than at private distance learning universities. As a public institution, FernUni charges fees per semester to finance the provision of materials and infrastructure - where a semester corresponds to six months. Currently, the semester fee is structured as follows: it includes a basic fee of €60 per semester and a fee of €11 per ECTS credit (credit point) taken.

There is no fixed standard study fee as in traditional universities (for administration or semester tickets), only a small student body fee may apply (at times suspended, e.g., in the summer semester of 2025).

Most students enroll in courses ranging from 15-30 ECTS per semester; this translates to semester costs mostly between approximately €225 (for 15 ECTS) and €390 (for 30 ECTS). Therefore, a full-time study with 30 ECTS per semester costs around €390 per half-year.

Over the entire duration of study leading to a bachelor's degree (including all semesters), total costs range from about €2,000 to €2,700 depending on the field of study and individual planning. A complete master's program is often even cheaper (usually under €1,800) as fewer credits are required. Due to the longer standard study period, a law program with state examination is somewhat more expensive (around €3,600-€3,900 total).

These figures are based on the standard study period; if you study at a slower pace, you pay the basic fee over more semesters, while the ECTS fees are proportionally distributed.

In addition to direct study fees, you should also consider potential additional costs. Particularly for the occasional on-site periods and exams, travel and accommodation costs may arise since exams or seminars take place in specific locations (e.g., in Hagen or on campus locations). These expenses (travel costs, possibly lodging) need to be covered by students themselves. However, FernUni offers various exam locations to avoid long journeys as much as possible