FAQ

Part-time study and further education

Accreditation

Accreditation is a process by which educational institutions, such as colleges and universities, are evaluated by independent agencies or organizations. In most countries, educational institutions are subject to regular reviews and assessments to ensure that they meet accreditation standards. The purpose of accreditation is to ensure the quality of study programs. It thus serves as a signal of the high quality of a program (program accreditation) or of the higher education institution and its quality management as a whole (system accreditation).

Our programs are nationally accredited by the accreditation agency AQAS e.V. This is an agency for quality assurance in higher education, based in Cologne, Germany. It is a nonprofit association supported by universities and scientific societies. It carries out procedures for the accreditation of study programs in all disciplines (program accreditation) and for the accreditation of quality assurance systems (system accreditation).

AQAS e.V.

All Master’s programs of the Faculty of Business and Economics are additionally accredited by the renowned international agency AACSB.

To date, the Faculty of Business and Economics at the Münster University is one of only ten German business schools to have been awarded the accreditation of the same name by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is one of the most important seals of quality for business schools, which has so far been awarded to only about 5% of all business schools worldwide. AACSB re-accreditation process takes place every five years to ensure that AACSB-accredited business schools and programs continue to meet its rigorous standards. AACSB accreditation examines internationalization, student services, program structure and content, and faculty qualifications. For our students, re-accreditation means that they can continue to rely on the excellent quality of the courses on offer, the wide range of collaborations with partners in industry and the close links with renowned universities abroad.

AACSB

Access requirements

In general, you will be admitted to the program if you have a first degree in a scientific field (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diplom, Magister) that qualifies you for a profession. Some work experience is also required. The best is to check these requirements directly on the homepage of your chosen programm, as they can vary from course to course. For some courses, English language skills at B2 level are also expected.

All current dates and deadlines for each program are listed on the relevant homepage. You will also find all relevant information on application and registration deadlines, the next possible entry dates, and the dates of the individual (attendance) modules.

Upon successful completion of all examinations, the program ends with a state and internationally recognized master’s degree awarded by the University of Münster. Depending on the program chosen, students are awarded a Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Arts (M.A.) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. In the case of a certificate program, a university certificate is issued upon successful completion.

As a rule, our part-time master’s programs can be credited with between 60 and 120 ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). In a certificate program, between 16 and 38 ECTS credits can be acquired, depending on the program chosen.

German is the language of instruction in most degree programs. However, there are also programs that are taught in German and have English components. In this case, you should have at least a B2 level of English. The Data Science and Visual Anthropology programs are taught exclusively in English.

It is best to check the individual requirements for you directly on the homepage of the program of your choice.

Application

The required application documents can be found on the relevant program pages. These documents can then be sent by email or post to the relevant program coordinator.

Please refer to the individual program pages for the relevant entry dates and application deadlines, as the University of Münster Professional School is not bound to winter and summer semesters. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinators by phone or email.

This is not necessary for the first stage of your application. However, it is always possible that certified versions of relevant documents may be requested.

Enrollment / Entry

To apply for a course, you will need to complete and return the application form, a CV and evidence of your first degree(s). For English-taught programs, we also require proof of English language proficiency (level B2).

You can obtain the application form from the homepage of your chosen program.

Please send the documents to the relevant contact person for the course.

The entry options for the programs are quite different. Some programs allow students to join at any module, while others have fixed entry dates. Information on possible entry dates can be found on the start page of the course you are interested in.

The University of Münster allows continuing education students to enroll as regular students. If you wish to enroll as a regular student, you can do so by 15 May or 15 November of each semester.

Enrollment at the University of Münster

Duration / Workload /
Compatibility

The length of the programs varies depending on the course – from short seminars lasting a few days to full master’s programs lasting several semesters. You can find more information on the homepage of each program.

The program is specifically designed for working professionals. Most of our students work full time and also have family or personal commitments. That is why we place great emphasis on flexibility. Our programs are structured in such a way that you can easily fit them around a full-time job and personal life. Attendance is not compulsory. If it is not possible to attend a module, it can be done in the next session. In this way, the study program can be optimally adapted to the current life situation.

The amount of time you need to devote to your studies each week will depend on the program you choose and your personal study load. In general, however, you can expect to spend a few hours a week on self-study. In order to meet the study requirements, it is advisable to set aside regular and planned study time.

Studies

The programs are designed as part-time courses to allow students to combine their studies with work and family commitments. The combination of face-to-face teaching and self-study enables you to combine your studies with your working life.

Classroom teaching usually takes place throughout the day in compact study groups. This allows for the direct involvement of each student and intensive communication. This way, teaching contents can be conveyed and absorbed in a short amount of time.

The modules usually take place at regular intervals as block seminars in Münster.

Missed classroom events can then be easily repeated in the next course cycle.

If you miss an exam date or are unable to attend, you have the option of cancelling your registration in advance with the relevant program coordinator. Depending on the type of examination, a retake date or a retake period will then be arranged.

The modules of each program are timed so that you can complete them in the standard period of study. You may be able to complete your studies more quickly if you have credit for certain modules from your previous academic career.

All part-time programs at the University of Münster Professional School are designed for part-time study in order to ensure a balance between work, family and studies.

Depending on the module, examinations may take the form of written tests, assignments, case studies or oral presentations.

The exam dates are arranged to fit in with your work schedule. For example, exams are always taken before the start of the next face-to-face module or online to save you extra travel.

In our part-time programs, we place particular emphasis on the successful integration of theory and practice. Our aim is to provide you with relevant and practical course content that is directly tailored to the needs of your profession. We employ experienced lecturers and practitioners who provide valuable insights into current developments and industry-specific challenges. By integrating case studies, real-world projects, and current issues in your industry, we create a learning environment that prepares you for the demands of the job market.

Documents

For most programs, in addition to the completed and signed application form, it is sufficient to submit your first degree certificate and a current curriculum vitae. These documents can be submitted digitally or by post. Some programs have additional requirements. You will find all the necessary information on the pages of the programs.

All content-related documents are made available in digital form centrally in the “Learnweb” of the University of Münster. The Learnweb is a website where not only materials are made available, but also assignments and submissions can be done – all in one place. In addition to the digital form, we will also be happy to send you important documents and certificates relating to your studies by post.

All lecture materials are made available digitally via Learnweb. As a participant of the University of Münster Professional School you also have access to the University and State Library (ULB) for further literature. You can access these resources digitally from the comfort of your own home. If you wish, you can also obtain a library card from the ULB and carry out your research there.

Participation fee

The amount of the participation fee depends on the chosen program. The tuition fee can be found on the information page for the master’s program, certificate program or seminar.

We offer payment by instalments for master’s and Certificate students, usually in three or two instalments. Individual payment plans are available.

The course fee does not include VAT. Our training courses are exempt from VAT according to § 4 Nr. 21a (bb) UStG.

An invoice with payment details will be sent by email after binding registration.

The registration fee includes the cost of the course, the examinations, and the course materials. These will be made available to participants in digital form.

The course is exempt from VAT according to § 4 Nr. 21a (bb) UStG.

The participation fee does not include travel, accommodation, and meals. These are the responsibility of the participants.

Payment dates will be indicated on the invoice sent after admission to the program or after sending the confirmation of enrolment. An instalment facility is available for master’s and certificate students. The first instalment is due before the start of the program and is paid by bank transfer.

Funding opportunities

You can finance your part-time studies with a low-interest student fund or loan. Repayment is usually not due until you have completed your studies and is made in monthly instalments.

Student loans from KfW Förderbank

Deutsche Bildung AG study fund

Irrespective of state requirements, you can apply for a loan to finance your education from many financial institutions. There are already many providers offering flexible solutions. Please contact the banks or savings banks you are interested in directly.

The Bundeswehr Career Promotion Service

There are special arrangements for members of the Bundeswehr to help them make the transition to civilian life. Depending on the requirements, the costs of further training can be covered in full or in part.

NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia)

Universities and colleges are not recognized educational institutions under the North Rhine-Westphalian Continuing Education Act, so there is no entitlement to educational leave when attending our master’s and certificate courses or seminars. However, many employers allow 5-10 days of educational leave as a gesture of goodwill.

Other federal states

Many federal states have introduced laws that allow employees to take educational leave during further education at colleges and universities. It is necessary to apply early (at least 10 weeks before the start of the course).

Our student advisors will be happy to give you more information!

NRW Education Cheque (Bildungsscheck NRW)

Applicants whose place of work is in North Rhine-Westphalia can apply for the NRW Education Cheque: www.mags.nrw/bildungsscheck.

Funding is available for seminars and part-time studies, provided certain conditions are met. Up to €500 per calendar year is available for continuing education.

All expenses incurred as a result of attending our training programs are generally fully deductible as ‘income-related expenses’ or ‘special expenses’. This includes costs such as travel to and from work, hotel accommodation, incidental meals, and any work materials.

Please note: Tax issues are a very dynamic area, and the tax courts are constantly involved. In any case, the individual situation should be considered and a tax advisor, or the relevant tax office should be consulted.

Employer

Yes, in principle this is possible. There are different kinds of support. Some employers give their employees (partial) time off to attend events and/or (partially) finance the studies.

Ask your human resources department or your supervisor for more information.

If necessary, we can provide you with a template for the employer’s contribution. The program coordinators will also be happy to help.

Yes, this is possible. Individual agreements can be made on the exact distribution of the tuition fees.

If necessary, we can provide you with a template for your employer’s contribution. The program coordinators will also be happy to help.

Yes, in principle this is possible. Some employers give their employees partial or full time off for the time of the event that falls within regular working hours.

In some countries it is also possible to take educational leave to attend the events. You can find out more about this from your course coordinator or your human resources department.

Yes, we have a form for the declaration of cost absorption by the employer. The respective program coordinators will be happy to provide this.

Münster

Münster has a reputation as a cycling and administrative city, and in 2004 was voted the most liveable city in the world. As a university city, Münster has a dynamic young population.

The ‘most liveable city’ award is probably due to Münster’s diverse mix of historic architecture and modern elements. A stroll through the city center takes in Prinzipalmarkt with its characteristic gabled houses, the town hall with its famous Peace Hall, numerous shops and Michaelisplatz, which leads to Domplatz with St Paul’s Cathedral. Just outside the city center is the Aasee lake, perfect for jogging, cycling or just relaxing. Culture lovers will find Germany’s only Picasso Museum in the heart of the city.

Evening entertainment in Münster is extremely varied. The “Kreativkai” is particularly popular with people of all ages and was created from the city’s redeveloped harbour area. There are numerous bars, clubs, and discos. The Kuhviertel, a pub district on the edge of the historic old town, also attracts many people in the evenings.

As Münster is a relatively compact city, people like to use bicycles as a means of transport. One of the most popular routes is the Promenade, a car-free avenue that runs like a ring around the city center.

Münster also has a lot to offer in winter. Several Christmas markets spread across the city, offering mulled wine and other delicacies for a welcome change in the cold season.

During the attendance events in Münster, participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation and travel to and from the event. There are a number of hotels within walking distance of the University of Münster Professional School. An up-to-date list of available hotels and their prices can be obtained from the respective program coordinators.

Münster has a variety of places that make the city worth living in and are always worth a visit. These recommendations come from our employees who share their personal favorites. They include the City Harbor with its creative atmosphere, the weekly market on Domplatz, the botanical garden at the Münster University, the lively Kreuzstraße with its variety of pubs, the relaxed Hafenkiosk on Hansaring, the impressive Prinzipalmarkt, the Rieselfelder in Münster’s surrounding countryside for cycling tours, Café 1648 with its unique view of the city, Wienburgpark as a retreat and leisure area, and the cozy cafés along Wolbecker Straße. These varied places reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Münster, appreciated by students and locals alike.

Career prospects

Studying part-time can be an excellent way to improve your career prospects and increase your salary in the long term. You invest time and energy in studying alongside your job and show your employer that you are willing to develop yourself. And that can often be rewarded with a salary increase.

You can also take a look at the graduates’ and students’ testimonials for the individual study programs, which will give you a good insight into how things can continue after graduation.

After completing a part-time degree program, the qualifications and skills you gain can open up exciting career opportunities. Such a program not only demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning, but also strengthens your professional skills and opens doors to new career challenges. For example, you may want to strengthen your current position or apply for a higher position in your current company.

As well as improving your skills, the program also allows you to expand your professional network. You will have the opportunity to make contact with fellow students and graduates from different industries and backgrounds, and to exchange information on industry-specific trends.

The student and alumni testimonials on the program pages give you a good idea of what (former) participants associate with the program.

Consultation

You can contact our Head Office at any time by telephone on 0251/83-21707 or by email at info@professional-school.uni-muenster.de.

You will find the contact details on the home pages of our degree programs. In general, however, any member of staff can be contacted. We will be happy to forward your enquiry to the relevant coordinator.

Yes, there are. You can find the right contact person on the homepage of each course.

You can also visit our team page to see all our contacts at a glance.

All offers at a glance

Which further education is right for you and your life?

Discover our extra-occupational further education courses in the study finder or contact us for a personal consultation.

Consultation