FHM University of Applied Sciences: Bachelor & Master — On Campus

What distinguishes Fachhochschule des Mittelstands?

Fachhochschule des Mittelstands, or FHM, is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences headquartered in Bielefeld. It was founded in 2000 and places a strong emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses, professional practice and the academic development of specialists and managers.

The academic portfolio is now considerably broader than the university's name may initially suggest. Alongside business and management, FHM offers programmes in psychology, education and social sciences, media and communication, health, sport, technology, real estate and cyber security.

One of its distinctive features is the range of study formats available. FHM provides conventional full-time degrees as well as part-time, dual and trial programmes. Digital options include distance learning and a separate Virtual Live Study format through FHM Online University.

Many programmes connect academic study with professional practice. Full-time degrees frequently include practical phases, while other programmes require previous vocational education and recognise competencies already acquired through professional training.

FHM therefore addresses two particularly important groups: school leavers looking for a practice-oriented university degree and working professionals who want to build academically on existing vocational qualifications or professional experience.

How does FHM differ from other private universities?

FHM combines a nationwide campus network with several part-time and digital study formats. At the same time, the recognition of vocational learning plays a larger role than at many conventional universities.

The range of study models also requires careful comparison. Terms such as distance learning, Virtual Live Study, Combination Study, part-time study, dual and trial describe different organisational formats and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Applicants should therefore examine not only the degree itself but also the study format offered at the intended location. The same academic subject can be organised differently depending on the campus and programme.

Which study formats does FHM offer?

Full-time study

Full-time programmes are aimed primarily at students who can organise their daily routine around their degree. Many bachelor's programmes take three years and begin in October.

At FHM, the term “full-time study” does not necessarily mean that every class takes place exclusively on campus. Numerous programmes use what the university calls Combination Study.

This combines three elements:

• face-to-face teaching at the relevant FHM campus,
• virtual live classes,
• digital independent study through Online University.

The proportion of each component depends on the programme. Degrees such as Fashion Management, Business Administration, Psychology or Media Communication may therefore be formally classified as full-time while using a blended teaching structure.

Practical study phases

Many full-time degrees include a practical phase as part of the curriculum. FHM refers to this as “Studium in der Praxis”, or SiP.

Depending on the degree, this phase typically lasts between three and six months. Students work in a company or institution and connect their professional experience with an academic assessment.

Applicants should clarify:

• how long the practical phase lasts,
• whether they have to find the placement themselves,
• whether the placement is paid,
• whether an existing job can be recognised,
• which assessment is connected with the practical phase.

Part-time study

Part-time programmes are designed for students who want to remain employed. Teaching therefore generally takes place outside conventional working hours and combines campus sessions, live online teaching and independent study.

Some programmes also use the Combination Study approach. Part-time study should therefore not automatically be equated with distance learning. Regular attendance at a campus may still be required.

The model is particularly relevant for professionals whose previous vocational education can already be recognised towards the degree. Programmes such as Social Pedagogy & Management or Special Needs Education & Inclusive Education are examples of degrees designed around previous professional qualifications.

Dual study

Dual programmes closely integrate university study with professional practice. Depending on the degree, this may involve an employer, vocational school, hospital or other cooperation partner.

The format is particularly common in health-related programmes. Examples include Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing & Management and Midwifery Science. Applicants may need a vocational training or practical cooperation agreement before enrolling.

A partner organisation may cover some or all of the tuition fees. This is not a university-wide rule; the individual agreement is decisive.

Trial study

FHM's trial degree in Skilled Crafts Management is aimed specifically at future managers in skilled trades. The model combines three qualifications:

• vocational training in a skilled trade,
• a German master craft qualification,
• a Bachelor of Arts in Skilled Crafts Management.

The three stages are coordinated rather than completed consecutively. This creates a more intensive pathway than completing vocational training, master craft education and a university degree separately.

The programme is organised in cooperation with skilled-craft institutions. Applicants need a suitable vocational training arrangement.

Distance learning

Distance learning is part of FHM Online University and is primarily self-directed. Students work with digital study materials and can organise much of their learning time independently.

A typical module includes three accompanying online sessions: an introduction, a feedback session and a revision session before the assessment. Regular teaching sessions are generally optional.

Assessments are completed digitally. Written online examinations are not available at any arbitrary time but are organised during fixed examination periods.

The format is therefore particularly suitable for students who need substantial scheduling flexibility but are comfortable following a prescribed study plan.

Virtual Live Study

Virtual Live Study is a separate study format alongside distance learning. Classes take place entirely online but follow a fixed schedule.

Students can therefore study independently of location but have less freedom over class times than in conventional distance learning.

The format may suit you if you:

• want to study online,
• prefer regular live teaching,
• learn better with scheduled classes,
• do not live near an FHM campus.

Virtual Live Study should not be confused with FHM Online University itself. Online University is the university's digital campus through which several digital study formats are delivered.

What is Combination Study?

Combination Study is best understood as a teaching and organisational model rather than a separate academic qualification or admission category. It combines campus-based classes, virtual live teaching and digital independent study.

A degree may therefore formally be classified as full-time or part-time while simultaneously being organised as Combination Study.

Applicants should distinguish between:

• study format: for example full-time, part-time or trial,
• teaching organisation: for example campus-based or Combination Study.

The actual amount of campus attendance cannot therefore be determined reliably from the labels “full-time” or “part-time” alone. The individual programme and location page is decisive.

Where can students study at FHM?

FHM currently operates nine physical university locations in Germany. FHM Online University serves as its digital campus.

These location profiles provide general orientation. FHM's portfolio changes over time, and individual degrees may be offered in different formats at different locations.

Applicants should therefore check the current programme page to determine where and in which format the degree is offered for the intended intake.

Which academic fields does FHM offer?

FHM has expanded its academic portfolio considerably. Its original focus on management and SMEs remains visible but is now supplemented by numerous applied disciplines.

How much does studying at FHM cost?

FHM charges tuition fees. The amount depends on the programme, location and study format.

The university currently lists the following general starting prices:

The starting prices do not apply uniformly to all FHM degrees. Specialised programmes can be considerably more expensive.

Example: conventional full-time bachelor's degree

Several three-year full-time bachelor's programmes, including Business Administration, Fashion Management, Media Communication and the regular Psychology degree, are currently offered at €545 per month.

• 36 × €545 = €19,620 in tuition fees,
• plus a €500 final examination fee,
• total cost: €20,120.

Individual locations or specialised programmes may charge higher fees.

Example: part-time Top-Up degree

Social Pedagogy & Management currently costs €505 per month in the part-time format and takes 24 months because relevant vocational education is recognised.

• 24 × €505 = €12,120,
• plus a €500 final examination fee,
• total cost: €12,620.

The lower overall cost results from recognised prior learning and the shorter remaining study duration, not from a lower academic degree level.

Example: distance learning

Many three-year distance-learning programmes cost €405 per month. Over 36 months, the total including the final examination fee is €15,080.

Top-Up programmes may be substantially less expensive because fewer study months remain after recognition of vocational learning. The decisive factor is therefore not only the monthly fee but the individual remaining study duration after recognition.

Specialised and international programmes

Some programmes use substantially different fee structures, particularly international cooperation degrees.

The Psychology programme focusing on Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, for example, is offered as a Dual Degree in cooperation with the University of Gloucestershire and uses a separate fee structure.

English-taught Cyber Security programmes connected with the University of Gloucestershire also use programme-specific arrangements.

Applicants should therefore compare:

• monthly or semester tuition fees,
• regular programme duration,
• final examination fee,
• possible enrolment charges,
• partner-university fees,
• costs of additional ECTS or bridging modules,
• travel and accommodation for campus phases,
• the individual total cost after recognition of prior learning.

What is a Top-Up degree at FHM?

Top-Up study is one of FHM's most distinctive features. Previous vocational education or advanced professional training is recognised towards a bachelor's degree, allowing students to skip modules whose learning outcomes have already been covered.

For selected professional qualifications, FHM has developed standardised recognition arrangements. Applicants with the relevant qualification therefore do not need to complete the corresponding university modules again.

Depending on the programme, the remaining study duration can be reduced substantially.

Typical Top-Up applicants

• qualified educators,
• special needs care professionals,
• commercial and administrative professionals,
• holders of German Fachwirt qualifications,
• master craft professionals,
• state-certified technicians,
• professionals from healthcare and therapy occupations.

Examples of Top-Up programmes

Social Pedagogy & Management: The degree is aimed particularly at applicants with recognised German qualifications in early childhood education or special needs care. Recognition of previous education can reduce the remaining bachelor's programme to 24 months.

Industrial Engineering: Selected master craft, technician and advanced professional qualifications can be recognised.

Physician Assistance: The programme requires appropriate prior medical vocational education and builds academically on that qualification.

Business Administration: Recognition arrangements exist for various commercial vocational and advanced professional qualifications.

Can students apply without the German Abitur?

Yes. In addition to the German Abitur and Fachhochschulreife, FHM offers several admission routes for professionally qualified applicants.

Admission through advanced professional qualifications

Direct access may be available through recognised qualifications at German DQR level 6, including:

• master craft qualifications,
• state-certified technician qualifications,
• Fachwirt qualifications,
• state-certified business administrator qualifications,
• comparable advanced professional qualifications.

Admission through vocational education and professional experience

Admission may also be possible after at least two years of completed vocational education and at least three years of professional experience.

If the vocational background is related to the intended degree, direct university access may be possible. Applicants changing to an unrelated academic field may need to pass an additional entrance examination.

According to FHM, this assessment consists of a written and an oral component.

Programme-specific requirements

General university entrance eligibility does not mean that every degree is open to every applicant. Top-Up programmes and regulated professional fields in particular may impose additional requirements.

Examples include:

• Physician Assistance requires an appropriate medical vocational qualification.
• Dual Physiotherapy requires an agreement with an appropriate vocational school or training partner.
• Midwifery Science requires a suitable practical or training agreement.
• Selected international programmes impose additional school-grade and English-language requirements.
• Master's degrees may require a defined number of ECTS credits or professional experience.

“Admission without Abitur” should therefore be understood as a general higher-education access route rather than automatic admission to every FHM degree.

How does the application process work?

Applications are submitted online. Applicants first provide their personal information and the required supporting documents. FHM then checks whether the formal requirements for the chosen programme are met.

Typical documents include:

• evidence of the relevant university entrance qualification,
• curriculum vitae,
• vocational and advanced professional certificates where relevant,
• evidence of professional experience if required for admission or recognition,
• the previous university degree for master's programmes,
• a vocational training or practical cooperation agreement for dual degrees,
• language certificates for selected international programmes.

Many programmes are advertised without a conventional numerus clausus. This means that there is no standard grade cut-off comparable to some German public university programmes. Specific degrees may nevertheless require vocational qualifications, professional experience, language skills, practical agreements or minimum grades.

How is prior learning recognised?

FHM essentially distinguishes between standardised and individual recognition.

Standardised recognition

In Top-Up programmes, the university has already assessed selected vocational or advanced professional qualifications. Applicants holding the corresponding certificate can receive recognition for predefined university modules.

This makes the process comparatively transparent because the recognised part of the curriculum can often be established before the programme begins.

Individual recognition

Previous university study or qualifications that are not covered by a standard recognition arrangement can be assessed individually. FHM typically requires:

• certificates and transcripts,
• module descriptions,
• information on ECTS credits and workload,
• vocational curricula,
• where relevant, evidence of professional activity.

Recognition can reduce the number of assessments and, depending on the study model, may also change the remaining programme duration and total tuition fees.

Psychology at FHM: which programmes should applicants distinguish?

FHM offers several psychology-related degrees. Students intending to become psychotherapists in Germany need to distinguish clearly between them.

Regular bachelor's degree in Psychology

The regular Psychology (B.Sc.) degree is available in several study formats. It provides academic foundations in psychology and prepares graduates for fields such as counselling, business, human resources and other applied psychological settings.

This regular programme does not constitute the psychotherapeutic training pathway leading to German licensure.

Psychology focusing on Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy

FHM also offers a separate Psychology bachelor's programme focusing on Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy as a Dual Degree in cooperation with the University of Gloucestershire.

Students obtain two bachelor's degrees. According to FHM, the programme is designed to cover the academic content required for graduates holding the University of Gloucestershire degree to apply for an appropriate university master's programme in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.

The bachelor's degree alone does not result in psychotherapist licensure. The regulated pathway subsequently requires an appropriate university master's degree and the relevant state examination. Admission to the master's programme is a separate step.

Applicants pursuing psychotherapy as a professional goal should therefore examine the specifically designed programme rather than selecting a general FHM Psychology degree.

Social programmes and German professional state recognition

In programmes such as Social Work & Management or Social Pedagogy & Management, German professional state recognition may be relevant in addition to the academic bachelor's degree.

The practical requirements depend on the programme and previous qualifications. Existing professional experience may affect the amount of additional supervised practice required, particularly in Top-Up programmes.

Applicants intending to work in a regulated German professional role should clarify:

• whether professional state recognition is integrated into the programme,
• which practical phase is required,
• whether an existing workplace can be recognised,
• which professional supervision is required at the placement,
• whether additional fees or assessments apply.

International students should also check whether German professional state recognition has any legal relevance in the country where they intend to work.

How international is FHM?

FHM maintains international university partnerships and supports study-abroad opportunities through its International Office and programmes such as Erasmus+.

International cooperation also forms a direct part of selected degrees. At the Düren location, for example, FHM works with the University of Gloucestershire in the field of cyber security.

The bachelor's programme in Psychology focusing on Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy is also organised as an international Dual Degree with the University of Gloucestershire.

For international cooperation programmes, applicants should check which institution awards each qualification. This can affect admission requirements, tuition fees, the formal degree title and subsequent recognition.

Does FHM offer doctoral study?

FHM offers a part-time Doctor of Business Administration programme in cooperation with the University of Worcester.

The DBA is taught in English and is aimed at working professionals and managers who already hold a master's or comparable university qualification.

The doctoral degree is awarded by the University of Worcester. The programme therefore does not represent independent doctoral degree-awarding powers held by FHM.

The standard programme duration is four years, although an earlier thesis submission may be possible under the programme rules. Tuition fees are charged according to the cooperation programme's own fee structure.

The precise rules governing the use or presentation of a foreign doctoral title in Germany or another country depend on the applicable national or regional regulations and should be checked separately where relevant.

How are state recognition and accreditation regulated?

FHM is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences. The university also refers to its institutional accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities and its system accreditation.

Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole, including academic performance, teaching, staffing and institutional structures.

FHM has held system accreditation since 2019. This assesses whether the university's internal quality-assurance processes are suitable for maintaining the academic quality of its bachelor's and master's programmes.

This does not mean that every degree automatically meets the requirements for every regulated profession or international purpose. Applicants interested in psychotherapy, teaching, regulated social professions or recognition abroad should check the specific professional and academic requirements separately.

Who is FHM suitable for?

FHM may be particularly suitable for students who want to combine practice-oriented education, several study formats and recognition of previous vocational learning.

FHM may be a good choice if you …

• want a practice-oriented degree with close links to professional work and employers,
• want to choose between campus-based, part-time and digital study formats,
• already hold a vocational or advanced professional qualification that may be recognised towards a degree,
• want to enter higher education through a professional route rather than the traditional German Abitur,
• are looking for a dual or trial programme closely connected with professional training,
• want a degree in business, psychology, social sciences, education, media, health, sport or selected technology fields.

The university may be less suitable if you …

• prioritise the lowest possible tuition fees above other criteria,
• want a traditional university with a very broad humanities, natural-science or fundamental research portfolio,
• prefer a strongly theoretical and research-focused degree rather than applied professional education,
• cannot accommodate any scheduled campus or live-online sessions in a part-time programme.

At FHM, comparison at programme level is particularly important. The university brings together very different models – from conventional campus study and trial Skilled Crafts Management to largely self-directed distance learning.

Frequently asked questions about FHM