Distance learning program Public Relations and Communication (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 You study media and communication sciences, PR strategy, storytelling and digital campaign management in this Public Relations and Communication B.A., delivered 100% online as a distance-learning programme with 180 ECTS and a standard duration of six semesters (flexible 36/48/72-month time models). Courses include practical projects, digital editorial management and an optional 30-ECTS internship. Teaching is in German and the degree is state-recognised and ZFU-approved (1103619). Monthly fees start at €259 depending on the chosen pace.

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

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters, Study effort 20 hours weekly
💶 Fees
from 259 € monthly
from 15063 € total
🏫 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 Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Communication Sciences
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to Media and Communication Sciences, Introduction to Scientific Work, Marketing, Digital Skills, Business Administration, Project: Writing Workshop, Communication and Public Relations, Seminar: Communication and PR, Market Research, Typography: Applying Fonts, Storytelling, Project: Press Kit, Media Law, Fundamentals of Audio-Visual Media, Collaborative Work, Corporate Publishing, Cost and Performance Accounting, Project: Public Speaking, Media Psychology, Intercultural and Ethical Action Competence, Content Management Systems, Press Strategy and PR Controlling, Digital and Mobile Campaigns, Seminar: Current Topics in PR, Publication Processes, Digital Editorial Management, Professional Writing, Project: Digital Media Portfolio, Bachelor's Thesis
📚 Electives Corporate Communication and PR, Public Affairs and PR, Public Diplomacy and PR
👥 In-person sessions Fakultative on-site seminars are offered.
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Public Relations and Communication under the number 1103619.
📅 Enrollment Anytime
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who this German-taught online PR degree fits – and what you need to get in

This programme suits you if you want to study 100% online in German and build a career in PR and corporate communication. Typical starting points include: you already create content or run social channels and now seek a recognised B.A. to move into PR strategy; you work in marketing, media or a communications assistant role and need a flexible degree beside your job; or you plan a career change from business administration into media and public relations with a structured curriculum and optional practice components.

Admission requirements

You can qualify through school credentials or a vocational route. The programme is delivered in German; a formal German certificate is required if you did not complete school in German.

  • University entrance qualification: Allgemeine Hochschulreife or fachgebundene Hochschulreife (Abitur) or Fachhochschulreife. International school-leaving certificates (e.g. IB Diploma, A-levels, high school diplomas) are accepted after an equivalency check (Anabin) confirming comparability.
  • Admission without Abitur: possible via one of the following:
    • Master craftsperson certificate (Meister) or a recognised “Aufstiegsfortbildung” (e.g. IHK Fachwirt), or
    • A completed, recognised vocational training of at least 2 years plus 3 years of full-time work experience. Depending on fit, you start directly or via a confirmed trial path. Vocational qualifications completed within the EU can be accepted after an equivalency check to DQR level 4.
  • Required German language certificates (for non-native speakers in the German track): TestDaF (TND3, minimum 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. The certificate must be presented before the start and is usually valid for up to five years. Teaching, assessments and materials are in German.
  • Recognition of prior learning (RPL): relevant vocational training can reduce time and cost. For example, completed training as Industriekaufmann/-frau or Kaufmann/-frau für Büromanagement typically yields 50–90 ECTS.

Personal requirements

Success in a distance-learning PR degree depends on consistent self-management. Plan with about 40 hours per week in the full-time track, 30 hours in part-time I, or 20 hours in part-time II. You should be comfortable with independent reading and academic writing in German, have a reliable internet connection, and be willing to practise press texts, storytelling, presentations and campaign planning repeatedly. Strong self-organisation, perseverance through longer projects, and realistic weekly scheduling are essential. Because many modules include projects and online exams, you need to manage deadlines and collaborate asynchronously. Curiosity for media, data-informed communication and legal/ethical questions will help you engage with topics like media law, PR controlling and digital editorial management.

What will you study in the Public Relations and Communication (B.A.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?

This programme is taught in German. You need proof of German at around B2 level before you start, typically via TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2 (as stated by IU). Across 180 ECTS, you combine PR strategy, content production and digital campaign skills in a fully online bachelor’s degree.

You build a solid foundation in communication and media studies and learn how audiences think and react. Typical modules include media psychology, media effects research and communication & PR. You also train core academic and professional skills early on – scientific working and a hands-on writing workshop set you up for evidence-based, convincing communication.

From there you progress to PR strategy and campaign management. You plan press work and measure impact (press strategy and PR controlling), develop narratives (storytelling), and work on corporate publishing and corporate design. You learn how to present with impact in project-based modules such as public speaking or media strategy.

Digital and editorial workflows are a key focus. You expand your toolset with digital skills, content management systems and digital editorial management. Social-media marketing and digital & mobile campaigns show you how to design, run and evaluate platform-specific communication. Publication processes and professional writing translate strategy into deliverables.

Law, ethics and business context complete the picture. Media law helps you navigate rights, risks and compliance; intercultural and ethical action competence prepares you for sensitive stakeholder situations; and business basics plus marketing give you the commercial grounding PR roles demand.

Electives and specialisation: You set your focus in three elective areas (A–C), for example in Corporate Communication & PR, Public Affairs & Lobbying or Public Diplomacy & Government Relations. A fourth track (D) lets you choose either an integrated 30 ECTS internship (with reflective report) or six applied skills modules (e.g. negotiation, agile project management, conflict management). You finish with an independent bachelor’s thesis.

Format and recognition: IU is a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised). The distance-learning programme is approved by the German regulator ZFU (No. 1103619). The degree awards 180 ECTS under the Bologna framework.

How does studying in the Public Relations and Communication (B.A.) work?

Teaching language and language certificates

The programme is delivered in German. IU requires a German B2 level certificate before enrolment for the German-taught track. Accepted proofs include TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Certificates usually must be recent (not older than five years).

Study model and where you study from

You study 100% online as distance learning – there is no campus attendance required. Start dates are flexible (you can begin at any time), and you choose one of three time models: 36, 48 or 72 months. Optional in-person elements such as seminars or exam-centre sittings are available but not mandatory.

Learning format, pacing and personal support

Learning takes place on IU’s digital campus with scripts, videos, exercises, and interactive formats. You study largely asynchronously at your own pace, supported by subject lecturers as well as study and career coaching. Typical weekly study time ranges from about 40 hours (36-month model) to 20 hours (72-month model). Facultative seminars can complement self-study.

How you are assessed

Many exams are offered as 24/7 online proctored assessments. In addition, you complete practice-oriented formats that match PR work: project modules (e.g., press kit, media strategy), presentations, case studies, written assignments and your bachelor’s thesis. If preferred, IU provides exam centres as an alternative to online exams.

What enrolment means if you live outside Germany

Because this is a fully online distance programme, you do not need to relocate to Germany to study, and a German student visa is generally not required for enrolment. If you plan optional in-person elements in Germany, factor in travel and potential entry requirements.

Regulatory note: The course is ZFU-approved for distance learning in Germany (No. 1103619), which ensures distance-study quality standards such as transparent materials, assessment formats and student support.

What does the Public Relations and Communication (B.A.) cost?

Tuition depends on your chosen pace. Over the standard durations, the regular undiscounted fees are: 36 months at €399 per month plus a €699 graduation fee (€15,063 in total), 48 months at €344 per month plus €699 (€17,211 in total), or 72 months at €259 per month plus €699 (€19,347 in total). You pay monthly, which keeps upfront costs manageable for students abroad.

There are no mandatory on-campus phases. If you choose optional in-person seminars or an exam-centre sitting, plan for travel and potential local fees. Recognition of prior learning and relevant vocational training can reduce your study time and lower the total tuition – in this degree, approved prior learning often ranges between 50 and 90 ECTS, which can mean a substantial reduction in cost.

Living expenses are highly individual in distance learning, as you can study from your current location. If you decide to spend time in Germany (for example for a self-arranged internship), plan separately for accommodation, insurance and daily costs in your chosen city.

What careers and recognition does the Public Relations and Communication (B.A.) offer?

Your degree is awarded by IU International University of Applied Sciences, a state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) Fachhochschule. The programme carries 180 ECTS credits and follows the Bologna framework used across Europe. For international employers and universities, this signals a standard European bachelor’s level that supports both employability and access to relevant master’s programmes.

The distance-learning format is approved by Germany’s ZFU authority (No. 1103619), an additional quality mark specific to distance programmes. Accreditation and ECTS alignment make the curriculum comparable in the EU and internationally, helping HR teams and admissions offices evaluate your qualification.

Typical roles after graduation include:

  • PR manager in companies or agencies – planning, executing and evaluating PR measures, issues and crisis communication
  • Press officer / spokesperson – media relations, statements, Q&As, speeches, press conferences and reputation management
  • Communications manager – internal and external communication, corporate publishing, change and leadership communication
  • Social media manager – platform strategy, community management, content creation and KPI-based campaign steering
  • Public affairs or government relations officer – stakeholder dialogue, policy communication, monitoring and events

Salary levels vary by country, sector and experience. In Germany, many graduates start in communication or social media roles and grow into specialist or management positions with experience, portfolio and language skills.

Who is the Public Relations and Communication (B.A.) right for – and who not?

This degree fits you if you want an industry-focused PR foundation, strong digital and editorial skills, and the flexibility to study fully online in German while you work or live outside Germany. It suits career starters and career changers who value applied projects and measurable communication.

  • You want to study in German and build a PR career in DACH or German-speaking organisations internationally.
  • You prefer a flexible, fully online format with 24/7 exam options and clear pacing choices (36/48/72 months).
  • You enjoy writing, storytelling and stakeholder communication and also want structure through metrics, law and ethics.
  • You plan to leverage prior learning or vocational training to shorten your degree and reduce overall cost.

There are also clear situations where this programme is not a good match. Read the points below carefully to avoid costly misfits, especially if you apply from abroad.

  • You do not have German at about B2 level and cannot provide an accepted certificate (TestDaF, DSH, telc, ÖSD). The teaching language is German.
  • You want a classic campus experience in Germany or an on-site dual study model. This degree runs as distance learning with optional seminars only.
  • You are seeking the lowest possible tuition. Private universities in Germany cost more than state universities, even in distance format.

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