Business Psychology, Bachelor of Science

Who is the Business Psychology degree at CBS suitable for?

The Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology (B.A.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences is aimed at those who want to analyse economic contexts and understand human behaviour in organisations, markets and companies. It is especially directed at school leavers with the general university entrance qualification (Abitur) as well as those with a (technical) university of applied sciences entrance qualification who have an interest in psychology, business, management topics and empirical research. The programme is also suitable for anyone who later wants to work in areas such as human resource management, market research, consulting, media or organisational development. If you enjoy working with people, are communicative and want to analyse social as well as economic trends, you will find a suitable course offering in this degree programme.

Admission: What requirements should you meet?

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or technical university entrance qualification (Fachabitur): You need a school leaving certificate that entitles you to study at a university. The exact recognition is decided by CBS on a case-by-case basis.
• No Numerus Clausus (NC): A specific grade average is not required. There is no NC restriction at CBS.
• Personal selection procedure: Instead of an NC, a personal selection procedure takes place. This typically includes a digital applicant interview or, depending on your qualification, a direct offer after submitting your documents.
• Proof of higher education entrance qualification: Even if your final certificate is not yet available, you can apply with your most recent certificate; the final certificate must be submitted later.
• Good command of German: The language of instruction is German, so you should have a secure knowledge of the language.

Personal requirements and expectations

• Interest in business and psychology topics: Enjoy understanding and analysing psychological connections in an economic context.
• Analytical skills: Enjoyment of evaluating data, studies and statistics.
• Social competence: Communication skills, ability to work in a team and willingness to work interdisciplinarily are helpful, for example in projects and group discussions.
• Self-motivation and self-organisation: The ability to learn independently and to familiarise yourself with new subject areas is an advantage in a degree programme that is both practice- and theory-oriented.
• Openness to practical phases: You should be willing to gain practical experience through internships, business projects or company cooperations.
• Intercultural interest: The university offers opportunities for stays abroad and international cooperation. Openness to other cultures is a plus.

Conclusion: The degree programme is suitable for you if you want to combine business and psychology, are willing to work analytically and communicatively, and aim to acquire practice-relevant skills for activities in human resources, marketing or consulting.

Business Psychology (B.A.) at CBS University of Applied Sciences – Content, Structure and Perspectives

What do you learn in the Business Psychology degree programme?

In the Bachelor's degree programme Business Psychology at CBS University of Applied Sciences, you combine economic fundamentals with in-depth psychological knowledge. You will explore questions such as: Why do consumers make certain purchasing decisions? How does human behaviour affect company success? The course imparts expertise enabling you to achieve economic goals through targeted analysis and management of human behaviour.

Typical content of the programme includes:

• Fundamentals of Business Administration: Introduction to economics, accounting, financial statements, cost and performance accounting, investment and financing, microeconomics, macroeconomics, commercial law, business informatics, strategic management, innovation and digitalisation.
• Psychological focal points: Introduction to general psychology, fundamentals of business psychology, social psychology, organisational psychology, differential and personality psychology, developmental and educational psychology, consumer psychology, media psychology, clinical psychology in the business context, applied business psychology.
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods: Statistics, empirical and scientific work, quantitative methodological skills, aptitude diagnostics.
• Practical and project-oriented modules: Business Simulation Game, Business Project, moderation and sales discussions, project management.
• Competencies and key qualifications: Communication and conversation techniques, teamwork and team development, self- and time management, training camp for young professionals.
• Linguistic skills: English plus a second foreign language with a focus on culture and management.
• Elective modules: Individual specialisation opportunities, e.g. through elective courses in the fourth and fifth semester.

How is the course structure organised?

The programme extends over six semesters (full-time) and comprises a total of 180 ECTS credits. Each semester is thematically structured, allowing you to progress systematically from the economic basics to psychological specialisations.

• Semesters 1–2: Basics in business administration, psychology, methodology and first skills in self-organisation and communication.
• Semesters 3–4: Expansion with specialisations in business psychology, social psychology, project management and practical simulations (Business Simulation Game).
• Semester 5: Practical orientation through the Business Project, specialisation in consumer psychology, media psychology, personnel psychological intervention and elective courses.
• Semester 6: Further specialisation (e.g. applied business psychology, psychology in digital business, health and occupational psychology), training camp for young professionals, completion through the bachelor's thesis.
• Internship: A compulsory internship (10 ECTS) is an integral part of the programme. It can be completed at home or abroad.

Classes take place in person at the Cologne campus. Additional practical elements (e.g. company projects) support application-oriented learning.

What career prospects does the Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology offer you?

Business psychologists are versatile in the job market. Companies utilise their expertise at the interface between business and psychology – especially in relation to personnel, organisation, marketing or market research.

Typical fields of employment after graduation:

• Personnel management and HR development
• Organisational psychology (e.g. change and process management, consulting)
• Market research, media research and advertising
• Recruiting, aptitude diagnostics and talent promotion
• Coaching and management consulting
• Project management, especially in the field of corporate development

Realistic career profiles include roles such as HR Business Partner, Recruiting Specialist, Talent Development Specialist or Consultant in People & Organization.

Where does the programme take place?

The Bachelor's degree programme Business Psychology is offered on campus at the Cologne location of CBS University of Applied Sciences in classroom format. The campus offers modern infrastructure, an active campus life and diverse networking opportunities. Additionally, students benefit from an extensive network of corporate partners.

What costs should you expect and how can you finance them?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor's degree programme Business Psychology at CBS University of Applied Sciences are as follows:

• Per semester: €5,730 (information according to portal; university’s current rate: €5,850)
• Total costs (6 semesters): approx. €34,380

Additional expenses may arise from learning materials, living costs and possibly a stay abroad.
There are various options for financing: BAföG, scholarships, educational loans or state funding programmes. The university provides individual advice on suitable financing options.