Distance learning is an alternative if you are unable to move to your place of study due to family commitments, involvement in important voluntary work or other personal circumstances. However, only a limited range of subjects is offered.
The university degree obtained in a regular distance learning programme is equivalent to that obtained at a face-to-face university. In addition, there are also professional development programmes and the option of guest lectureships.
How to learn via distance learning
[Translate to English:] Foto: Bundesagentur für Arbeit / Vanessa Mund
Distance learning programmes usually combine traditional classroom-based courses with modern forms of virtual teaching and learning via online platforms (e-learning). This is referred to as ‘blended learning’. Teaching takes place via internet live stream or in the form of online modules.
Learning success is usually determined during the semester by means of online tests, self-monitoring and submission tasks and checked at the end of the semester with a written examination. The learning material can be deepened in supplementary face-to-face events at the universities or at regional learning and study centres. In these learning centres, specially trained subject mentors provide information and advice to support students in their academic studies.
Realistically assess the time required
If you would like to complete a distance learning programme, you should definitely realise before you start that only a very high degree of discipline and a realistic assessment of your own resources will lead to success. The time required for a full-time distance learning programme must be calculated at a minimum of 40 hours per week. For working people, distance learning is therefore often only an option as a part-time programme, which has to be completed alongside the job with a workload of around 20 hours per week. In this case, the total study time is extended accordingly.
Costs and fees, funding
The costs for a distance learning programme vary and depend on various factors, including the amount of work materials offered. In addition to the study costs, there are usually also travel and accommodation costs for the attendance phases. At private universities and academies, distance learning can cost up to several hundred euros per month. However, there are also possibilities for financial relief: the costs of a distance learning programme can be claimed as income-related expenses or special expenses for tax purposes. In addition, distance learning programmes (with the exception of continuing education programmes) are generally eligible for funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG). The condition is that
they are studied full-time,
the university at which the distance learning programme is completed is state-recognised or has equivalent recognition
the students are properly enrolled.
A basic distinction can be made between three types of distance learning programme providers:
Universities that only offer distance learning programmes (distance learning universities)
Universities that offer distance learning programmes in parallel to face-to-face study
Distance learning alliances
Distance learning universities
FernUniversität
The FernUniversität in Hagen (www.fernuni-hagen.de) is the only state-run distance learning university in Germany. It offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in the faculties of Cultural and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Economics, Psychology and Law.
The teaching and study system follows the concept of blended learning (see above) and thus enables flexible and individualised learning in terms of time and space.
The best way to find out about the admission requirements for the various degree programmes is to contact the FernUniversität in Hagen directly. Tuition fees are charged for the degree programme, although it is a state distance learning university. The costs per semester depend on the number of courses taken.
Distance-learning universities of applied sciences
Distance-learning universities of applied sciences are usually privately run. They offer application-oriented distance learning programmes, particularly in the fields of business administration, mechanical engineering, health and social services, business informatics or industrial engineering.
Distance learning at face-to-face universities
However, some universities and a number of universities of applied sciences also offer distance learning programmes. If these are designed as a parallel programme to a similar face-to-face course, it may also be possible to switch from distance learning to face-to-face study and vice versa.
Some of the distance learning programmes are aimed at specific target groups: for example, there are distance learning programmes such as early education for nursery school teachers, social work for professionals in the social sector or business administration programmes for top athletes. It is not uncommon for students to be required to work part-time while studying.
Distance learning students are enrolled at the university in question and must pay enrolment and re-registration fees, the social contribution and any tuition fees in addition to the costs for teaching materials etc. The accompanying face-to-face courses usually take place at weekends or in block form at the university.
info
You can obtain detailed information on all distance learning and online study programmes, such as content, scope, admission requirements, costs, funding opportunities, etc., from the respective providers, the universities' student advisory services or the regional study centres.
