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Deutsch Who is the Applied Business Studies degree programme at the University of Labour suitable for?
The part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Applied Business Studies is aimed at individuals who want to acquire business administration expertise alongside their job and apply it specifically to social, societal and legal issues within companies. It is particularly targeted at professionals in human resources management, works councils, trade unions, and NGOs who want to take responsibility for labour relations and sustainable corporate development. The programme is ideal for employees who wish to combine their practical work experience with academic study and management knowledge – regardless of whether they already hold a university entrance qualification or are seeking to enter studies through a professional qualification.
What formal entry requirements apply for the part-time business studies programme?
To be admitted to the programme, you need one of the following certificates:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification
- Professional advancement certificate such as master craftsman, technician or certified business administrator
- At least three years of vocational training with a final grade of at least 2.5 and secondary school leaving certificate (mittlere Reife)
- Two-year vocational training plus at least two years of professional experience, in which case an external university entrance examination is required
In addition, you must submit a current employer’s certificate and participate in an entrance exam as well as an introductory interview. The degree is consistently designed to be integrated with your profession, so you should be employed during your studies.
You should be willing to critically reflect on business-related issues and to combine economic and social aspects. A sense of responsibility, strong communication skills and an interest in developing fair working conditions are helpful. Initiative, analytical thinking, openness to scientific methods and commitment in practical modules will support your success in the course. Prior knowledge in human resources, works councils or socially engaged organisations is advantageous but not mandatory.
What content is taught in the Bachelor's degree in Applied Business Administration?
In the degree programme Applied Business Administration at the University of Labour, you acquire business management expertise with a special focus on people- and work-oriented corporate management. The study content is designed to be practice-oriented and is aligned with current challenges in the world of work. The curriculum covers, among other topics, the following areas:
- Fundamentals of Business Administration: You learn to understand, interpret, and use economic key figures for decision-making.
- Economics: You engage with national and international economic contexts and their influence on business decisions. Particular attention is given to collective bargaining policy issues.
- Labour and Commercial Law: You gain an overview of the most important legal frameworks for companies and employment relationships. This also includes basics of labour law and knowledge of social law.
- Human Resources and Organisation: In the personnel-related focus, you can choose between personnel development and organisational design. You learn to efficiently develop and support team and organisational structures.
- Leadership and Law: You can further specialise in modern leadership methods or focus on legal aspects in corporate, labour, and social law.
- Scientific Methods: At the beginning of your studies, you acquire skills in academic work and project management, which you further develop and apply practically throughout the course.
- Studium Generale: You can freely choose additional modules from the university-wide offerings to individually expand your skills.
- Academic Work: During your studies, you produce interim papers and complete your studies with a bachelor’s thesis.
You acquire the ability to analytically view business systems and labour relations, to independently manage organisation-related projects, and to develop solutions that consider both entrepreneurial goals and social sustainability.
How is the course structure and organisation designed?
The degree is part-time and modular. You can remain employed while studying and immediately apply your knowledge in your work environment. Every student completes a total of 23 modules consecutively over 7 semesters (3.5 years).
- At the start of each module, there is a three-day on-site phase (Thursday to Saturday) every six weeks on the campus in Frankfurt am Main.
- Following the on-site block, there is an approximately six-week digital self-study phase with online sessions and tasks.
- The next module start again begins with an on-site event.
- Three of the 23 modules consist of academic papers or projects for which attendance is not compulsory.
- Studying and working are closely intertwined: Practical questions from your professional life are brought into the courses and discussed academically.
The studies conclude with the preparation and defence of the bachelor’s thesis. The degree you obtain is the Bachelor of Arts with 180 ECTS credits.
What career opportunities and professional fields open up after graduation?
With a bachelor's degree in Applied Business Administration, you open up diverse opportunities in management, especially where sustainable, employee-oriented corporate management and business expertise are required. Typical fields of work include:
- Management and leadership roles in medium-sized and large companies
- Personnel development, human resources, and organisational management
- Positions in the works council or in the area of co-determination
- Activities in trade unions or NGOs
- Project management and specialist functions in corporate or process organisation
- Independent consulting on labour and social law issues as well as organisational matters
The focus on socially sustainable business and the linking of business administration with labour and social law qualify you for roles in which you combine economic and social interests and develop innovative approaches for good work.
Where does the course take place and how is the campus organised?
The course is offered by the University of Labour at the location Frankfurt am Main (Eschersheimer Landstraße 155-157, 60323 Frankfurt a.M.).
- On-site events: Participation in three-day on-site seminars at the campus in Frankfurt am Main approximately every six weeks.
- Digital learning phases: Between on-site phases, you study flexibly online and take part in virtual events.
- Physical infrastructure: The campus is modernly equipped and easily accessible, so commuters also benefit from the concept.
What costs should you expect and what financing options are available?
The total costs for the degree amount to a maximum of €18,900 (€450 per month over 42 months). In addition, there is a one-time enrolment fee of €540, which is waived if you apply by 30/06/2026.
- Reduced costs possible: Monthly fees can be lowered to up to €0 through employer subsidies, study funding, or other support.
- Mixed financing: Full or partial financing by the employer is possible and explicitly recommended.
- Public funding and special programmes for works council members can be applied for additionally.
- Tax advantages: Personally borne fees are generally tax-deductible.
- For parts of the studies, leave according to § 37 Abs. 6 BetrVG is possible, especially for works council members.
This results in very different financial burdens for committed students depending on their personal situation – the maximum amount, however, is €450 per month plus a one-time enrolment fee, which can be waived.
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