Economics & Philosophy

We teach you knowledge of business administration in all areas of sustainable business management (management, marketing, organisation, etc.). At the same time, you attend seminars in which you learn the fundamentals of philosophical thinking, reflect on influential and alternative concepts of humankind and the world, and work on current (business-) ethical issues. In this way, you learn to discuss economic challenges using a completely different perspective and logic.

Deliberately, our students also deal with artistic processes time and again. After all, economy and society are facing a variety of challenges. Therefore, new methods and creative solutions are in demand. But don't worry, you don't have to be artistically talented. But you should be willing to try out new things.

An essential component of all degree programmes at Alanus University is the interdisciplinary and cross-programme Studium Generale. Cultural and philosophical content encourages students to engage with social issues and forms the basis for their own positioning in social discourse.

At Alanus University, the topic of sustainability receives special attention. Many of our students and staff are involved in the Fridays for Future movement and are committed to climate protection and fair trade. Alanus University has been certified as a Fairtrade University since 2018.

The Bachelor's program in Economics & Philosophy combines academic excellence with a strong focus on practical application. In our seminars, we work on projects in collaboration with companies and engage in discussions with industry leaders who offer insights into sustainable business practices. We also encourage you to consider internships, and we are happy to assist you in finding suitable placements through our extensive network of sustainable companies and NGOs.

During your studies, you can choose from a variety of elective subjects, including:

• Social Innovation
• Interactive Value Creation & Innovation
• Sustainable Entrepreneurship
• Alternative Approaches in Business Research
• Artistic Action in Organisations
• Social Banking
• Social Finance
• Sustainable supply chain management
• Controlling
• Work in commerce and trade management

Within the philosophy modules, you also have a high degree of freedom to choose which courses and topics you take.

We do not have a numerus clausus, because grades alone can only provide limited information about a student's suitability for a degree programme.
The prerequisite for admission is a general or subject-linked higher education entrance qualification. It is also possible to study with us in conjunction with an admission test if you have the entrance qualification for a university of applied sciences (or an equivalent qualification) or have completed vocational training and have subsequent practical experience.

At Alanus University you will study in a family-like environment. If you would like to study with us, you can apply at any time. However, we can only accept a limited number of applicants per year, so it is worth applying early. If you have not yet received your degree certificate, you can apply with your most recent certificate.

International degree-seeking students are asked to contact the General Student Advisory Service for the admission procedure. Please contact the person at this office who is responsible for the degree programme you are interested in.
Do you have any questions about the application or the application process? We are always happy to help! Please do not hesitate to contact us. 

We require the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation: In your letter of motivation, please tell us why you are particularly interested in the Business Administration & Philosophy programme.
• Current certificate
• Certified copy of your general university entrance qualification, subject-related university entrance qualification or technical college entrance qualification (before leaving school, simple copies of the last two certificates are initially sufficient for admission to the application procedure). Transcripts from abroad are required in officially certified German translations.
• Application photo for the student ID card (format: square)
• Electronic registration for student health insurance through your own statutory health insurance (can be submitted later during the application procedure).
• If you have private health insurance or health insurance abroad, you will need an exemption from compulsory insurance. This will also be notified digitally by any German statutory health insurance company of your choice.
• Proof of German language skills (TestDaF level 4 or equivalent), if applicable.

If your application convinces us, we will invite you to a personal interview. We look forward to getting to know you better!

The Bachelor's programme Economics & Philosophy is a practice-oriented programme. In the seminars, projects are offered in cooperation with companies, which offer you first insights into practice.

You can also spend the lecture-free period with a partner company and thus gain valuable professional experience during your studies. You actively work with your practice partner and spend a total of 60 weeks with your partner company during your studies. Your partner company sponsors your degree programme so that you are exempt from tuition fees when studying with a practice partner.
Check out our partner companies and how many placements they offer.

We will support you in your search for a partner company and help you to approach companies that are not currently cooperating with Alanus University. Please contact us for advice on which companies might be a good fit for you, how and when to apply to partner companies.

If you are interested in becoming a partner company, please get in touch for more information.

Contact:
Anna Rühmann (Strategic Partnerships Contact).
+49 2222 9321-1627 (Monday and Wednesday)
anna.ruehmann@alanus.edu

Tuition fees and other fees

• 626,- € per month
• 3.696,- € for payment by semester

There are costs per semester for the North Rhine-Westphalia transportation ticket, as well as a one-time enrolment fee of 300 euros and an examination fee of 300 euros when registering for the Bachelor's thesis.
Here you can find more information on tuition fees and other fees.
 

Study with a practice partner
Tuition fees for studies with a practice partner are free of charge. The prerequisite for this is that you complete practical phases with a partner company that pays the sponsorship fees.
 

Further financing options

The financial aid service will be happy to inform you about further funding options.
Here is an example of how you can finance your studies with us:

• BAföG: BAföG is available to support your studies.
• Deutschlandstipendium (German public-private scholarship): Alanus University also awards the Deutschlandstipendium.

After completing your degree successfully, you can go straight into professional life or opt for a master's degree - in business administration, sustainability management or even philosophy. You will qualify for tasks in CSR and sustainability management, cultural and organizational development of companies, or you can start a social enterprise yourself. You can also work as a project manager in NGOs, as a consultant in foundations, or in ethically oriented marketing agencies or management consultancies.

Alternatively, you can follow up with a master's degree at Alanus University or another university in Germany or abroad. You are excellently qualified for in-depth interdisciplinary and business master's programs as well as for degree programs with a focus on philosophy.

The programme is structured in such a way that you can spend the third semester at a university abroad. Alanus University cooperates with numerous universities, including in Norway, Latvia and Egypt. No additional tuition fees will be charged to you thanks to these cooperations.

Further information on a possible stay abroad can be obtained from the International Office.

Are you curious and would like to know more? Feel free to fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

You are also welcome to visit us! The Department of Business Management offers you the opportunity to attend all-day seminars and gain first impressions of the lecturers, students and staff. You can also get to know the campus and ask questions about your studies. Learn more about the dates for sitting in on classes.