Dual studies Business Administration - Social Management (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 The dual bachelor's programme in Business Administration - Specialisation in Social Management at IU International University is aimed at individuals who wish to take on leadership roles in social institutions and charitable organizations. They acquire business management skills combined with knowledge of social management, social law, and psychology. The programme links practice and theory through regular work with a practical partner (20 hours per week), supported by seven practice reflections and projects. Prerequisites include a university entrance qualification or a vocational qualification with practical experience. The duration of the programme is seven semesters, starting twice a year, and the tuition fees are covered by the practical partner. The programme is offered in many cities as well as online.

Business Administration - Social Management (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Dual studies
🎓 Field of Study Social SciencesSocial Management
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to scientific work for business, management, and communication, business administration, accounting and financial accounting, basics of management, investment and financing, cost and performance accounting, Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Marketing, personnel and corporate management, law, statistics, tax law, corporate planning and control, business mathematics, seminar: Current topics in business administration, practical project: Agile project management, practical project: Corporate Social Responsibility, practical project: Digital business models, practical project: Megatrends in the corporate context, practical project: Business start-up, practical project: Economic policy, practical project: Generative AI in the corporate context, practical reflection 1: Business, practical reflection 2: Business, practical reflection 3: Business, practical reflection 4: Business, practical reflection 5: Business, practical reflection 6: Business, practical reflection 7: Business, Bachelor's thesis, Colloquium.
📚 Electives Introduction to social work, psychology, social law, social history, philosophy, and ethics, Special legal references in social work, Management of social organizations, Medicine for non-medical professionals I, Special issues in social management
📍 Location 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
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Requirements and Target Audience for the Bachelor's in Business Administration - Specialization in Social Management

The Dual Studies in Business Administration - Specialization in Social Management at IU International University is designed for organizational talents with an interest in economic processes in the social sector. The target audience includes individuals who aim for leadership positions, management of social institutions, or involvement in nonprofit organizations professionally. Those looking to take on responsibilities in quality management, social marketing, or in public or non-profit organizations in the future will find a suitable study programme here. This programme is especially appealing to individuals seeking to balance social responsibility, business management, and practical work - recognizing their vocation in shaping and optimizing work processes in the social sector.

Admission Requirements

The following formal access routes apply for admission to the Dual Bachelor's programme in Business Administration - Specialization in Social Management at IU:

  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), University of Applied Sciences entrance qualification (Fachabitur), or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.
  • Studying without Abitur: Possible with a completed advanced training course (e.g., State-certified business economist or master craftsman's certificate) or with a completed vocational training and at least three years of full-time work experience.
  • No admission restrictions through Numerus Clausus (NC).
  • A practical partner is a requirement: During the study, you will work 20 hours a week in a company or a social organization - IU actively supports in finding a suitable practical company.
  • Applications are possible for the summer or winter semester, with the study start in April or October.

Personal requirements that will facilitate a successful study and later entry into the profession:

  • A pronounced interest in social issues and economic connections.
  • Communication and teamwork skills, as daily life in social management is strongly influenced by collaboration.
  • Initiative, organizational skills, and the willingness to take responsibility.
  • Analytical thinking to assess business challenges in a social context.
  • Empathy and sensitivity to the needs of people in social institutions.

What do you learn in the Bachelor of Business Administration - Social Management?

In the Bachelor's programme "Business Administration - Specialisation in Social Management" at IU, you will acquire solid business administration skills, complemented by specific know-how for the social sector. The content combines classic business administration subjects with modules related to social management.

  • Business Administration Basics: Business Administration, Accounting and Balance Sheets, Cost and Performance Accounting, Investment and Financing, Enterprise Planning and Control, Taxation, Business Mathematics, Statistics, Marketing.
  • Management and Leadership: Personnel and Corporate Management, Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Practical Projects on topics such as Agile Project Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Economic Policy, Megatrends and Business Start-ups.
  • Social Management Specialization: Introduction to Social Work, Social Law, Psychology, Social History, Special Legal References in Social Work, Management of Social Organizations, Philosophy and Ethics, Special Issues in Social Management, Medicine for Non-Medical Professionals.
  • Applied Practice: In a total of seven practical reflections and several practical projects, you combine theory with professional experience in the social sector.
  • Digital and Future Skills: Practical projects on generative AI in a corporate context and digital business models.

With this combination, you will be specifically prepared for management tasks in social institutions: You will learn how to plan projects, lead teams, control resources, ensure quality, and think economically - always taking into account social and legal particularities.

What is the study process in the Dual Study Programme like?

At IU, in the dual study programme, you can choose one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study Programme, classes take place two days a week on campus - occasionally also online via live video conference. Subsequently, the material learned is deepened using the study materials. The Dual myStudy combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. Through myCampus, you independently acquire the theory - supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. You can optionally attend weekly virtual accompanying events and use other interactive live formats for deepening your knowledge.

  • Dual Study Programme: Two days a week, lectures and seminars take place either on campus or virtually. On the other three days, you work with your practical partner (20 hours per week). There, you gain relevant work experience, apply what you've learned directly and get to know the working reality in the social sector.
  • Dual myStudy: Self-study is flexible with digital learning materials and a learning AI, supplemented by regular virtual accompanying events. Here, too, you work 20 hours a week with your practical partner.

The study programme lasts 7 semesters in the Dual model, and 7 semesters in the Dual myStudy model, but with an extended ECTS volume. Examinations are designed both in writing and in the form of practical projects. You can start your studies at two dates each year: April 1st or October 1st.

What are your career prospects after graduation?

After successful completion, you have various career paths open to you in Social Management. You qualify for leadership and management positions in:

  • Non-profit organizations (e.g. welfare associations, NGOs)
  • Social services (e.g. care facilities, children's and youth welfare, disability assistance)
  • Associations and church institutions
  • Health sector and educational institutions

Concrete typical professional profiles include:

  • Social Manager: Organizing and optimizing processes, personnel management, developing strategies for social institutions.
  • Quality Manager in Social Organizations: Developing and implementing quality assurance measures, process optimization.
  • Social Marketing Manager: Developing and implementing marketing strategies for social agencies and institutions.

According to IU, two out of three graduates are directly hired by the practical partner.

Where can you complete the study programme?

IU offers the Dual Study Programme in Business Administration - Specialisation in Social Management at numerous locations nationwide as well as online.

On-site locations for the Dual Study Programme: Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Muenster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart

Dual myStudy: Online study via myCampus with accompanying virtual live events

  • Optional accompanying events for deepening knowledge - weekly via live video conference
  • All degree courses at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning courses
  • Your theory takes place 100% virtually - flexible, independent of location, at your own pace
  • You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
  • Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students

At the locations, you will find modern learning environments, small study groups, and personal support. In the Dual myStudy, you will experience the entire study digitally - with live lectures, online seminars, and a digital learning platform.

How much does the Dual Study Programme cost and how is it financed?

The special feature of the Dual Study Programme at IU International University: There are no tuition fees for you. Your practical partner covers the full costs of your studies. You study at a private university, benefit from personal support, small study groups, and pay nothing yourself.

  • Tuition fees: €0 for students
  • Financing: Your practical partner covers the fees
  • Additional advantages: You gain work experience and often receive compensation from the practical partner

Please note: You are responsible for living expenses and possibly additional expenses (e.g. for study materials or travel costs to the practical partner).

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