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Social sciences at private universities in Germany span 8 disciplines – from psychology and social work to pedagogy and political science. All programmes are NC-free (no grade requirements), with tuition starting at €165/month. Whether you prefer distance learning, on-campus study, dual programmes or part-time formats: this page helps you find the right field and programme.
- Overview of all Courses
- Which subject is right for you? Comparing 8 disciplines
- How much do social science degrees cost at private universities?
- What study formats are available?
- Which universities offer social science programmes?
- Frequently asked questions about social sciences at private universities
- Related fields of study at private universities
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 220 courses in the field of Social Sciences. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Frankfurt/Main, Wiesbaden, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Cologne or Munich
- from 695 € monthly
- German
Applied Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Social Pedagogy & Management
- FHM University of Applied Sciences
- 24 Months
- Bamberg, Bielefeld, Hannover, Cologne, Rostock, Berlin
- German
Social Work
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Virtual Campus
- German
Psychology
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Göttingen
- from 700 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Charlotte Fresenius University
- 6 Semester
- Wiesbaden, Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf or Munich
- from 975 € monthly
- German
Applied Psychology
- APOLLON University of Health Care Management
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 268 € monthly
- German
Master of Public Policy
- Hertie School
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- from 1438 € monthly
- English
Social Work
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Applied Psychology
- German University of Health and Sports
- 7 Semester
- Berlin, Ismaning or Unna
- from 540 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German
Psychology
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 8 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 199 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German
Social Work
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 299 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Witten/Herdecke University
- 6 Semester
- Witten
- German
Psychology
- Medical School Berlin
- 6 Semester
- Berlin
- from 695 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Dusseldorf, Cologne, Munich, Heidelberg or Frankfurt am Main
- from 695 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 332 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Medical School Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 695 € monthly
- German
Health Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Psychology with an emphasis in clinical psychology and psychotherapy
- Medical School Berlin
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- from 650 € monthly
- German
Which subject is right for you? Comparing 8 disciplines
Social sciences is not a single degree but an umbrella term for disciplines that study human behaviour, social systems and societal structures. At private universities in Germany, programmes are spread across 8 fields – each with distinct career paths, costs, duration and salary prospects:
| Discipline | Focus | Duration | Salary¹ | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | Human behaviour and mental processes | 6 sem. (B.Sc.) | €38,000–55,000 | €199/m. |
| Social Work² | Support in difficult life situations | 6 sem. (B.A.) | €37,000–45,000 | €199/m. |
| Pedagogy | Education and training | 6 sem. (B.A.) | €35,000–44,000 | €165/m. |
| Childhood Education² | Early childhood (ages 0–6) | 6 sem. (B.A.) | €34,000–42,000 | €207/m. |
| Political Science | Politics, governance, public policy | 6–8 sem. (B.A.) | €36,000–46,000 | €259/m. |
| Psychotherapy | Clinical treatment | 5+ years* | €50,000–62,000 | €530/m. |
| Social Management | Business administration for social services | 6 sem. (B.A.) | €36,000–46,000 | €259/m. |
| Special Education² | Support for people with disabilities | 6 sem. (B.A.) | €34,000–42,000 | €214/m. |
¹ Entry-level gross salary per year (full-time) in Germany, varies by employer, collective agreement and region. Sources: TVöD 2025, Stepstone, gehalt.de.
² Leads to state professional recognition (staatliche Anerkennung) – required for many roles in the German social sector.
* Psychotherapy: polyvalent B.Sc. (6 sem.) + M.Sc. Psychotherapy (4 sem.) + state examination. Duration for all other fields: standard full-time Bachelor. Part-time/distance learning programmes are often extended to 7–12 semesters.
Which field suits you?
- Psychology: Best for you if you want to scientifically research human behaviour. Largest field with over 60 programmes – NC-free at private universities (public universities require a GPA of 1.0–1.5). Careers in clinical work, business, research or HR. Degrees: B.Sc., M.Sc.
- Social Work: Best for you if you want to professionally support people in crisis situations. The B.A. leads to state professional recognition (staatliche Anerkennung) – required for many roles in youth welfare, counselling and social services. Available in all formats.
- Pedagogy: Best for you if you want to shape educational processes – from school pedagogy to adult education and media education. Also opens doors to HR development and educational management. Degrees: B.A., M.A.
- Childhood Education: Best for you if you want to specialise in early childhood education (ages 0–6). Leads to state professional recognition. Particularly popular with nursery teachers seeking to advance into day-care leadership or specialist consulting roles.
- Political Science: Best for you if you want to analyse political systems and governance. Available at the Zeppelin University and the Hertie School, among others. A Master’s degree is virtually essential for most career paths.
- Psychotherapy: Best for you if you want to independently treat patients therapeutically. The only path to licensure (Approbation) in Germany. Longest programme (5+ years) and highest cost – but also the highest entry-level salary.
- Social Management: Best for you if you want to take on leadership roles at social service providers, associations or public institutions. Combines business administration with social work – the qualification for management positions.
- Special Education: Best for you if you want to support people with disabilities. Leads to state professional recognition. Growing demand due to Germany’s Federal Participation Act (BTHG). Key areas: early intervention, integration assistance, inclusion.
Language of instruction: The large majority of social science programmes at private universities in Germany are taught in German (B2–C1 level required). Some psychology and political science programmes are available in English – check the individual programme pages for details.
How much do social science degrees cost at private universities?
Monthly tuition for social science programmes at private universities ranges from €165 to over €2,600. The wide range reflects differences in discipline and format: distance learning programmes in pedagogy or social work are significantly cheaper than full-time psychotherapy programmes on campus.
| Discipline | From (per month) | Most affordable format |
|---|---|---|
| Pedagogy | €165 | Distance learning |
| Psychology | €199 | Distance learning |
| Social Work | €199 | Distance learning |
| Childhood Education | €207 | Distance learning |
| Special Education | €214 | Distance learning |
| Political Science | €259 | Distance learning |
| Social Management | €259 | Distance learning |
| Psychotherapy | €530 | Full-time (campus only) |
How do costs compare internationally?
Social science tuition at German private universities (€165–€2,600/month) covers a wide range, but even the most expensive programmes are competitive compared to the UK (£9,250/year for domestic, £15,000–£25,000 for international students) or the US ($20,000–$50,000/year). The most affordable distance learning programmes (€165–€259/month) are significantly cheaper than comparable options in most other countries. All programmes are state-accredited and lead to internationally recognised degrees.
Measured against the entry-level salaries shown in the comparison table above, tuition fees pay for themselves within a few years in most fields. Even in psychotherapy – the most expensive discipline – the entry-level salary of €50,000–62,000/year significantly exceeds the total cost of the programme.
Financing your studies
- BAföG: All listed universities are BAföG-eligible. Maximum grant: €992/month (as of 2025). International students may qualify under certain conditions.
- Dual programmes: In social work, childhood education and social management, dual programmes are available where the practice partner often covers tuition.
- Scholarships: Deutschlandstipendium (€300/month), university-specific programmes and foundations.
What study formats are available?
Social science programmes at private universities are available in four formats – with an almost equal split between campus and distance learning options:
- Full-time (campus): Over 90 programmes at locations including Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt. Small class sizes and personal supervision – a typical advantage of private universities.
- Distance learning: Over 85 programmes, primarily at IU International University, Euro-FH, DIPLOMA University and AKAD. Maximum flexibility with online exams.
- Part-time/blended: Around 30 programmes with block seminars or evening/weekend modules.
- Dual: 13 programmes, mainly in social work, childhood education and social management. Theory and practice alternate – often tuition-free as the practice partner pays.
Which universities offer social science programmes?
Over 25 private universities in Germany offer programmes in the social sciences. Key providers:
- IU International University: Largest selection with over 30 programmes across psychology, social work, pedagogy, childhood education and special education. Distance learning, campus and dual formats. Campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich and more.
- Euro-FH: Around 20 distance learning programmes in psychology, pedagogy and social work. Based in Hamburg, all exams available online.
- Fresenius University: 15 programmes, strong in psychology and social work. Campuses in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt.
- DIPLOMA University: 12 programmes, primarily distance learning with optional attendance at over 20 locations across Germany.
- MSH and MSB: 7 programmes each, specialising in psychology and psychotherapy. Campus programmes in Hamburg and Berlin.
For international students
Most social science programmes are taught in German, requiring B2–C1 proficiency. Some psychology and political science programmes at the Hertie School (public policy, taught in English) and selected IU programmes are available in English. Check the anabin database for recognition of your school-leaving certificate. All degrees from accredited German private universities are internationally recognised.
Frequently asked questions about social sciences at private universities
At private universities in Germany, social sciences include psychology, social work, pedagogy, childhood education, political science, psychotherapy, social management and special education (Heilpädagogik). Sociology as a standalone degree is rare at private universities – Zeppelin University offers an interdisciplinary B.A. in “Sociology, Politics & Economics” as an exception.
Psychology is the broad scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes – with diverse career paths including organisational psychology, diagnostics, research and HR. Psychotherapy, by contrast, is the clinical path to licensure (Approbation): only with Approbation may you independently treat patients therapeutically in Germany. Since the 2020 reform, psychotherapy is a standalone programme (polyvalent B.Sc. + M.Sc. + state examination, approximately 5 years). A psychology degree alone does not qualify you to practise psychotherapy.
Yes. All social science programmes at private universities in Germany are NC-free. Admission is based on each university’s own selection process. At public universities, psychology often requires a GPA of 1.0–1.5 (on the German scale), and social work 1.8–2.5.
The most affordable programmes start in pedagogy (from €165/month) and psychology (from €199/month) via distance learning. Childhood education starts from €207/month. Psychotherapy is the most expensive at €530/month, as it requires full-time campus attendance.
Most social science programmes are taught in German (B2–C1 required). English-taught options exist primarily in political science and public policy (e.g. at the Hertie School in Berlin) and in selected psychology programmes. The field is closely tied to German social legislation, so German proficiency is essential for most career paths.
Yes. All programmes listed here are accredited by recognised agencies and lead to state-recognised degrees (B.A., B.Sc., M.A., M.Sc.). Programmes in social work, childhood education and special education additionally lead to state professional recognition. Private universities in Germany are subject to the same quality standards as public universities.
Related fields of study at private universities
Social sciences overlap with several other academic fields. Depending on your interests, these may also be relevant:
- Health Sciences – physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, health management
- Economics & Business – business administration, marketing, HR management
- Legal Sciences – law and business law, relevant for political science and social management
- Humanities – philosophy, history, cultural studies
About the Author Christian Wolf
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