Dual studies Public Relations & Communication (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Public Relations & Communication at IU International University is aimed at high school graduates, technical college graduates, as well as professionally qualified individuals who are interested in media, communication, and public relations. Course contents include media and communication sciences, PR practice, marketing, social media, intercultural competences, and media law. The programme combines theoretical learning with 20 hours of practical experience in the company and can be completed flexibly online. There is no numerus clausus and the tuition fees are covered by the practical partner. Graduates qualify for positions in PR, social media, media, and corporate communication.

Public Relations & Communication (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Dual studies
🎓 Field of Study Communication Sciences
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Communication and Public Relations, Introduction to Media and Communication Studies, Practical Reflection 1: Marketing & Communication, Media Effects Research, Introduction to Academic Work for Business, Management and Communication, Practical Project: Writing Workshop, Corporate Publishing, Marketing, Practical Reflection 2: Marketing and Communication, Media Law, Intercultural and Ethical Skills, Practical Project: Corporate Social Responsibility, Press Strategy and PR Controlling, Seminar: Communication and PR, Practical Reflection 3: Marketing and Communication, Corporate Design, Storytelling, Practical Project: Public Speaking, Digital Skills, Digital and Mobile Campaigns, Practical Reflection 4: Marketing and Communication, Social Media Marketing, Media Psychology, Practical Project: Press Strategy, Elective Area A, Practical Reflection 5: Marketing and Communication, Elective Area B, Practical Project: Professional Writing, Elective Area C, Practical Reflection 6: Marketing and Communication, Practical Project: Digital Media Portfolio, Practical Reflection 7: Marketing & Communication, Practical Project: Voice and Speech Training, Bachelor's Thesis
📚 Electives Corporate Communication, Media Management, Public Affairs, AI in Public Relations and Communication
📍 Location Virtual Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who is the Dual Bachelor's Programme in Public Relations & Communication suitable for?

The Dual myStudy Programme in Public Relations & Communication at IU International University is aimed at individuals with an interest in media, communication, public relations, and marketing. You are part of the target group if you are communicative, creative, and organized, and if you want to develop new communication strategies and enjoy working with texts, social media, and media. This course is particularly suitable if you want to gain practical experience alongside your studies and qualify for a career in PR, corporate communications, media, or marketing. It is aimed at high school graduates, technical college graduates, as well as professionally qualified individuals who want to expand their skills in the field of communication and study while working.

Admission Requirements Overview

  • General higher education entrance qualification (A-levels) or subject-related higher education entrance qualification (vocational baccalaureate) or restricted university entrance qualification are the classic requirements for admission to the programme.
  • Admission is also possible without A-levels if you can provide proof of a completed professional development qualification (such as a state-certified business economist, a master craftsman's certificate, etc.).
  • Similarly, a completed vocational training and at least three years of full-time work experience are sufficient for admission to the Dual myStudy programme.
  • There is no NC (Numerus Clausus) and no further admission restrictions.
  • A study start is possible twice a year (April, October). Applications should be submitted up to one month before the start of studies.
  • An important part of admission is finding a suitable practical partner; IU supports you in this with a large network.

Personal Requirements:

  • Interest in media and modern communication, especially in digital and social media.
  • Creativity, openness to new things, and enjoyment of playing with language and storytelling.
  • Self-motivation, structured work, and willingness to work in a team.
  • Communication skills, personal sociability, and an understanding of social and economic developments.
  • Desire to combine theory and practice - ideal if you enjoy working independently and applying your learning directly.

The programme is ideal if you are interested in both the strategic and operational sides of communication and public relations and are willing to gain 20 hours of practical experience per week in a company of your choice.

Public Relations & Communication (B.A.) in the Dual myStudies program at IU - Content and Skills

The Dual Bachelor's program "Public Relations & Communication" at IU International University qualifies you comprehensively for communication and PR positions in companies, agencies, and institutions. During the course of your studies, you systematically acquire knowledge and practical skills in the central fields:

  • Media and Communication Sciences: Introduction to theories, models, and research approaches in the media landscape, media psychology, and media effects research.
  • PR Practice and Communication Management: Conception and implementation of campaigns, creation of press releases, editorial management, storytelling, corporate publishing, corporate social responsibility.
  • Marketing and Digital Communication: Basics of marketing, social media marketing, online and mobile campaigns, professional writing - supported by software tools and AI learning.
  • Intercultural Competences and Ethics: Development of skills for international, diverse, and ethically challenging communication tasks.
  • Legal Foundations: Practical teaching of media law and copyright law.
  • Academic Work: Introduction and practice of academic work specifically for economic and communication-related tasks.

A special element is the choice of several specializations starting from the fifth semester. The elective focus areas include:

  • Corporate Communication
  • Media Management
  • Public Affairs
  • Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations and Communication

The training promotes both your methodical thinking and practical creativity. Within practice-oriented modules, you work on real projects such as media strategy, corporate publishing, professional text production, press strategies, and digital editorial management.

Structure and Organization of the Dual myStudies Program

You will study in the Dual myStudies model and independently acquire the theory through digital learning formats - for example, with the AI learning assistant Syntea. Optionally, you can participate in weekly virtual accompanying events and use additional interactive live formats for deepening knowledge.

Your studies last 7 semesters (210 ECTS). You combine theoretical learning units with practical experience directly in the company. Typical structure:

  • Dual myStudies: Self-study is done flexibly with digital learning materials and an AI tutor, complemented by regular virtual accompanying events
  • Practical Phase: You work 20 hours a week with a practice partner of your choice and apply your know-how in everyday work life.
  • Start Dates: Two possible entry dates per year (April, October) offer flexibility.
  • Virtual: You study completely independent of location via myCampus.

The exams consist of term papers, exams, practical projects, and the bachelor's thesis. During seven practical reflections, you regularly reflect on your practical learning progress in the field of marketing and communication.

Career Perspectives - What can you achieve with a Bachelor's degree?

The need for qualified communication professionals is steadily increasing due to digitalization and the changes in the media sector. As a graduate, you have access to positions such as:

  • PR Officer or PR Manager: Leading and implementing communication, press, and image campaigns.
  • Social Media Manager: Strategy development, editorial planning, content creation, and analysis of online communication.
  • Editor: Planning, realization, and revision of contributions for print, online, radio, or TV editorial offices as well as corporate publishing.

In addition, entry positions in areas such as media management, corporate communication, press work for authorities, associations, or organizations, as well as specialized PR agencies are also possible.

Studying at the Virtual Campus

In Dual myStudies, you learn the theory online at the Virtual Campus:

  • Optional accompanying events for deepening knowledge - weekly via live video conference
  • All study programs at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning courses
  • Your theory takes place 100% virtually - flexible, independent of location, at your own pace
  • You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
  • Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students

Costs and Financing - What do you need to plan for?

The Dual myStudies program at IU is free for you: The tuition fees are fully covered by your practice partner. You do not incur monthly or semesterly costs. The financial burden remains low, but you still benefit from all advantages of a private university education such as small groups, modern learning infrastructure, and close practical connections.

In addition, as a dual student, you often earn a monthly salary from your practice partner - the specific amount varies depending on the partner company and agreement.

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