Studies

The study programme in Business Education consists of two consecutive study programmes:

1. the Bachelor’s programme: degree „Bachelor of Arts“ (B.A.),
2. the Master’s programme: degree „Master of Education“ (M.A.).

Furthermore we offer:

3. the Master' programme „Business Education and Human Resource Development“ with graduation as „Master of Science“ based on the Bachelor's degrees in Business or Business Education.


Bachelor’s programme in Business Education

This interdisciplinary Programme in Business and Human Resource Education links economic and business education modules with electives from a second teaching subject. Normally, six semesters of regular studies or 180 credit points, respectively, are required to successfully complete the programme. The programme includes studies in Economics (96 credit points), in a second teaching subject (36 credit points) as well as in Business Education (36 credit points). Studies are completed with a Bachelor’s thesis (12 credit points). One of the following additional teaching subjects may be selected: German, English, Protestant Religion, French, Computer Science, Mathematics, Spanish or Sports. Graduates will have different options for subsequent professional careers, e.g.



  • personnel management,
  • initial and further education and training in private enterprises,
  • educational administration,
  • Chambers of Commerce and Trade and other associations.

  • In principle, the degree „Bachelor of Arts” (B.A.) qualifies for participation in the corresponding Master’s programme in Business Education.


    Master’s programme in Business Education

    The Master's programme in Business Education includes studies of Economics and a second teaching subject, as well as general education and methods of teaching. The programme comprises 4 semesters and is completed on the basis of a Master's thesis and an oral examination. It requires 120 credit points.
    The Master’s programme prepares primarily for teaching at vocational schools, but will allow other careers as well. The alternatives include, among others:



    • teaching “Business and Administration“ or ”Economics” in vocational and certain academic secondary schools,
    • in-firm vocational training and company-based further education,
    • activities in educational administration and educational policy (e. g., Chambers of Commerce, associations, ministries),
    • personnel management,
    • continuing and adult education in public and private agencies.



    Those graduates, who want to become a teacher at a vocational school, have to complete a practical 18 month teacher training programme (“Referendariat”), consecutive to their university studies and organised by the respective ministry of education. It consists of practical teaching and additional educational studies. In addition to their Master’s degree, applicants for the Referendariat have to present a certificate of 12 months’ practical experience in business and administration or of a successfully completed apprenticeship in economics and administration.

    Graduates who finished their Master’s degree with not less than a good average are welcome to apply for doctoral studies.


    Master's programme in Business Education and Personnel Development

    The Master's programme "Business Education and Personnel Development" with a degree as "Master of Science" qualifies students for a wide range of professional activities in the field of extra-curricular and in-company vocational education and training . The curricular foci lie in the professional layout of individual development processes, in personnel diagnostics and the fostering of talent, as well as in the evidence-based management of educational processes including the evaluation of educational opportunities and their outcomes.
    After successful completion of the Master's programme, graduates are able to plan and monitor personnel development processes in organisations as well as critically asses and (futher) develop diagnostic instruments (within the framework of selection procedures and aptitude tests as well as learning requirements and results). At the end of their studies, students will be able to interpret scientific studies on vocational and workplace learning, on formal and informal learning and to weigh their potential implications for the practice of initial and continuing vocational training. Furthermore, competencies in the theory-based reflection of practice will be developed in order to optimize personnel development and learning processes in the context of vocational and further education as well as to initiate new innovations in this field.
    The Master's programme "Business Education and Personnel Development" requires a Bachelor's degree in business administration or business education. In addition to the business education and human resources topics, the programme also provides in-depth knowledge in business and economics. Students will further specialize in one of the following areas of business economics: "Finance, Accounting, Taxes", "Corporate Management" or "Marketing and Distribution Management".