Applied therapy science: occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, Bachelor of Science

Who is the Applied Therapy Sciences Degree Suitable For?

This bachelor's degree appeals to you if you are an occupational therapist, speech therapist, physiotherapist, or are currently undergoing corresponding training. The programme is aimed both at trainees in these therapeutic professions and at already professionally experienced specialists who want to work on a scientific basis, academically expand their skills, and open up new fields of activity in research, teaching or management. The programme is particularly suitable for all those who wish to further develop interdisciplinary collaboration, patient-centred practice, and reflective, evidence-based work in everyday therapy.

What Do You Need for Admission?

The formal admission requirements depend on the chosen mode of study:

• Part-time Studies during Training:
  • General or subject-specific university entrance qualification according to the Berlin Higher Education Act (e.g. Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or a thematically relevant completed vocational training)
  • Ongoing training in occupational therapy, speech therapy or physiotherapy starting with the degree programme
• Part-time Studies alongside Employment:
  • General or subject-specific university entrance qualification according to the Berlin Higher Education Act (e.g. Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or a thematically relevant completed vocational training)
  • And/or a completed vocational school qualification as a state-certified and approved occupational therapist, speech therapist or physiotherapist with relevant professional experience
• For both pathways, a successful admission interview with the university is additionally required.
• In all cases, good German language skills (language of instruction at least level C1) are necessary.

Personally, you should bring the following:

• A keen interest in scientific reflection as well as methodology and evidence-based work in the therapeutic professions
• Willingness to link your own professional experience with new scientific findings
• Openness to interdisciplinary and interprofessional cooperation as well as teamwork
• Self-organisation and discipline to integrate attendance phases, online modules and study achievements into your professional or training routine
• Communication skills and the desire to develop both personally and professionally
• Basic digital competencies for online learning components and asynchronous modules

What knowledge does the Applied Therapy Science degree programme convey?

In the Applied Therapy Science programme: Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy (B.Sc.) you acquire scientifically based competencies for therapeutic practice and beyond. The content is designed to link theory and practice interdisciplinarily and to analyse and shape therapeutic processes based on scientific evidence. You specialise in one of the three areas: Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, or Physiotherapy. Key learning modules:

• Scientific Work and Therapy Science: Fundamentals of scientific methodology, scientific work in the therapy context, job-related database research
• Interdisciplinary Project Work in Prevention and Rehabilitation: Planning and implementation of projects in teams, conceptual and reflection skills, patient and client satisfaction
• Health Psychology, Health Sociology: Analysis of psychological and sociological factors of health, personality, motivation, and societal influences
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods: Statistical analysis, qualitative data collection and interpretation, theory-practice transfer to therapeutic questions
• Clinical/Professional Reasoning: Meta-cognition, reflection on therapeutic decision-making processes, development of professional action competence
• Client-Centred Action: Individual case work, Occupational Science, patient-centred therapy planning
• Epidemiology as well as legal and economic health management: Analysis of health trends, legal basics, quality management
• Neurosciences, current developments and research colloquium: Neurophysiology, modern therapy concepts, independent research projects as the basis of the bachelor thesis
• Pedagogy and Quality Assurance: Basics of didactics in therapy professions, preparation for possible further qualification in health pedagogy

You develop the ability to plan, implement, and critically evaluate therapeutic measures based on current scientific findings. At the same time, you prepare for scientific, pedagogical, and management tasks within your professional field.

How is the degree structured and organised?

The bachelor's degree is offered both alongside training and part-time alongside employment. The study structure is practice-oriented and enables the combination of work, training, and study:

• Training-accompanying study (8 semesters):
  • Duration: 8 semesters (4 years)
  • Location: Berlin, Stuttgart, Munich
  • Format: Presence phases (two study weekends per semester, partially with approx. 50% online components), supplemented by self-study and practical components
  • Study phases: The first 6 semesters run parallel to the training, from the 7th semester intensive study phase as a qualified therapist
• Part-time study (5 semesters):
  • Duration: 5 semesters (2.5 years)
  • Location: Berlin, Stuttgart
  • Format: Attendance at a maximum of 2 weekends per semester as well as online presence and asynchronous modules; integrable into professional activity
• Study organisation:
  • Modules with weekly sessions each semester and designated examination requirements
  • Accompanying portfolio work and project documentation
  • Completion with bachelor thesis (research project, oral defence)

The teaching offer is complemented by small study groups, intensive supervision by experienced lecturers, and a strong practical reference. The programme starts in the winter semester (alongside training) or in the summer semester (part-time).

What career prospects open up after graduation?

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Therapy Science qualifies you for demanding positions in healthcare, both in direct therapy and in adjacent areas:

• Profession-specific practice: As an occupational therapist, speech therapist, or physiotherapist with an academic additional qualification
• Science and Research: Participation in studies, development of therapy concepts, quality management in the health sector
• Teaching and Training: Teaching in health and therapy schools, pedagogical activities (e.g. after continuing with a master’s in health pedagogy)
• Management and Leadership: Leadership roles in health and social sectors, practice management, development of quality standards
• Perspectives in the international therapy context: Due to the knowledge-based and interdisciplinary orientation, activities in the international context are possible

The degree also opens pathways for further academic qualification, for example in the master’s programme in Health Pedagogy or other health-related master’s programmes.

What are the costs and what financing options are available?

The cost structure varies depending on the study format. All amounts are stated in euros and are subject to possible changes:

• Alongside training:
  • 36 instalments of €245 each (semesters 1–6 – during training)
  • 12 instalments of €395 each (semesters 7–8 – after the end of training)
  • Total costs: €13,560
  • Reduced conditions for IB Medical Academy: 36 instalments of €165 + 12 instalments of €345, total amount €10,080
  • Additional costs: one-off enrolment fee €330, examination fee €690
• Part-time:
  • 30 instalments of €360 each
  • Total costs: €10,800
  • Additional costs: one-off enrolment fee €330, examination fee €690
• Financing options:
  • Study loans from banks or funding agencies
  • Government education loan
  • Scholarship programmes for students in healthcare
  • Employer sponsorship or tax deductibility depending on individual circumstances

Individual advice on financing options is recommended to find the suitable solution for your life situation.