English 
Deutsch Who is the Bachelor's degree programme in Business Psychology at ISM suitable for?
The Bachelor's degree programme in Business Psychology at the International School of Management is aimed at school leavers with university entrance qualifications as well as technical college graduates who are interested in human behaviour in an economic context. It is particularly designed for individuals who want to combine basic business administration knowledge with psychological methods to work later in the fields of human resource management, management consulting, marketing, market research, or change management. The programme is suitable for prospective students who value practical experience, an international focus, and interdisciplinary work.
What are the admission requirements?
To be admitted to the Bachelor's degree programme in Business Psychology, you need:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or an equivalent recognised higher education entrance qualification
- Complete application documents (including school certificates and, if applicable, language certificates)
- Successful participation in the ISM admissions process (digital selection procedure including a personal interview, in which motivation, personality and skills are assessed)
A numerus clausus (NC) does not apply – your individual suitability is paramount. International applicants must prove the equivalence of their school leaving certificate as well as, if applicable, German or English language skills.
You should have a strong interest in economic and psychological topics and enjoy analytical work. Communication skills and empathy are central qualities, as you will regularly work in project teams and give presentations during your studies. Openness to international and intercultural experiences is advantageous, as semesters abroad and English-language modules are an integral part of the curriculum. Self-organisation and good time management will help you to successfully complete the degree with mandatory internships, practical projects, and stays abroad.
Which course contents are included in the Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology at ISM?
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Business Psychology at the International School of Management (ISM), you combine psychological expertise with solid business management knowledge. The core course contents include:
- General Business Administration (BWL) and Economics (VWL): You gain a broad foundation of economic interrelationships, corporate management, and market mechanisms.
- General Psychology and Social & Personality Psychology: Here you analyse individual and group behaviour and learn how personality and social processes influence economic actions.
- Psychological Research Methods: You acquire scientific methods for data collection, market research, and evaluation.
- Market and Media Psychology: You examine how advertising measures, media, and consumer behaviour can be psychologically influenced.
- Personnel & Organisational Psychology: The focus is on personnel selection, employee development, and leadership behaviour.
- Work and Health Psychology: You learn the fundamentals of optimising working conditions and promoting employee health.
- Psychological Intervention: Development and application of intervention strategies to deliberately control or change behaviour.
- Basic Competences: Teaching key qualifications for professional life and science, such as presentation techniques, academic work, and communication.
- Intensive language training in English and optionally French or Spanish, through which you enhance your international capability.
- Electives and specialisations offer you the opportunity to set individual priorities depending on your personal interests.
The course is highly practice-oriented and includes 20 weeks of mandatory internships, practical projects, as well as active work on real consulting and research projects. In addition, you complete a compulsory semester abroad (optional: an additional semester, Global Track). This way, you develop a broad range of competences for demanding tasks at the interface between business and psychology.
How is the study schedule structured in the Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology at ISM?
The Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology is a six-semester full-time course with a standard period of study of three years (180 ECTS credits). If you choose the Global Track, a second optional semester abroad is included and the duration of study is extended to seven semesters.
- Start dates are in March (summer semester) and September (winter semester).
- Language arrangement: The language of instruction is predominantly German, complemented by English-language modules.
- Mode of delivery: On-campus study at one of the seven locations, with interactive lectures, group work, seminars and workshops.
- Practical relevance: Two compulsory internships (a total of 20 weeks) as well as excursions and practical projects with companies are integral components.
- Internationality: A compulsory semester abroad at one of the 190 partner universities worldwide is a fixed part of the curriculum.
- Double degree is possible at a partner university in Australia.
The study programme is based on a continuous theory-practice integration. Through workshops and consulting projects, you develop methodological competence and acquire the ability to solve psychological issues in real economic contexts. Elective modules enable you to set individual priorities depending on your career goals. The degree awarded is the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).
What career opportunities and professional prospects do you have after studying Business Psychology?
As a graduate of the Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology at ISM, you have a sought-after skill set combining psychology, management and analytical ability. This opens up diverse career opportunities:
- Human Resources (HR) Management: Personnel development, recruiting, talent management and employee leadership.
- Management consulting with a focus on change management, organisational development or process optimisation.
- Marketing, market and opinion research: Analysis of consumer behaviour, design of advertising and communication strategies as well as market research projects.
- Coaching, training and further education: Support for employees and management in companies.
- Media psychology in advertising, media or communications agencies.
The programme also provides a springboard to subsequently pursue a specialised Master's degree, for example in Psychology & Management, Work and Organisational Psychology or International Management. Your career prospects are cross-industry: companies of all sizes and sectors increasingly seek specialists who combine psychological expertise with business know-how.
At which locations is the Business Psychology programme offered?
You can study the Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology at seven ISM locations throughout Germany:
- Dortmund
- Frankfurt am Main
- Munich
- Hamburg
- Cologne
- Stuttgart
- Berlin
Each campus features a central location, modern facilities and a personal learning atmosphere. The face-to-face study promotes exchange in small study groups and contact with the regional economy. Additionally, a compulsory semester abroad is integrated into the Bachelor’s programme, which you can complete at one of around 190 ISM partner universities worldwide. An optional second semester abroad is possible in the Global Track.
What costs should you expect for the Bachelor's degree in Business Psychology at ISM?
For the six-semester full-time Business Psychology programme, tuition fees of €5,970 per semester apply. The total cost for the Bachelor's degree is therefore €35,820.
- No monthly fees; payment is made per semester
- Possible additional costs for semesters abroad (e.g. travel expenses or partner university fees)
- Financing options: ISM offers various financing and support opportunities, such as scholarships, instalment payments, education loans or benefits in the “Bring a Friend” programme.
For outstanding achievements and commitment, you can specifically apply for a scholarship from the university or external scholarship providers. Besides the option of self-financing, discounts and programmes for siblings, early birds or friends ease access to studies at ISM.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Business Psychology? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution International School of Management or the editorial team will answer you.