Business Psychology (B.Sc.)
Understand people and inspire businesses with your Business Psychology degree.

Study Business Psychology: An International Career at the Intersection of People and Business
How do people make decisions? What drives team motivation? Our English-taught Bachelor's programme in Business Psychology immerses you in the fascinating world of economic psychology. You'll learn to apply psychological insights to business challenges, analyse work environments, and optimize organizational processes.
This degree equips you with expertise in both psychology and business while enhancing your intercultural skills through its international focus and integrated semester abroad. It’s the perfect foundation for careers in consulting, human resources, or marketing. At CBS, we combine academic excellence with hands-on projects—shaping a future you can influence!

Learning content
Business Models
6
ECTS
You learn to understand the different types of business models for production, servicing, software development on concrete example. You also learn to analyze the strength and weaknesses of business models.
NXT GEN Insight: Everybody talks about Business Models. CBS not only teaches it in a separate class, but also built a whole study program on it.
Data Analysis & Statistics
6
ECTS
Hands-on practice to understand, summarize, and decode data; learn how to frame business questions to enable data analysis, how to use statistical methods and tools to read the story behind the data, and how to visualize your findings and proposed answers to real world problems.
NXT GEN Insight: At CBS we will not just show you statistical theory, but enable you to use your analytical competency to support your company in making and communicating good business decisions.
Marketing & Branding
6
ECTS
Marketing is essential in identifying the customer requirements, needs and wants. Branding plays an important role in today´s attention economy. In this course you learn the most modern marketing concepts as well as how to build strong brands, especially in a digital world, and how to measure its success.
Foundation of General & Business Psychology
6
ECTS
Rhetoric & Presentation Skills, CV & Letter of Motivation
3
ECTS
Spreadsheets (& Financial Maths)
3
ECTS
Guest Lectures
1
ECTS
Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.
Financial Analysis
6
ECTS
Whether you want to take an investment decision as an investor, a credit decision as a bank or help to improve a company as a consultant, you need to be able to analyze the financials of a company. We teach you the language, ratios and all the tricks.
Global Management & Strategy
6
ECTS
Managers and consultants need a strong analytical mind as well as the ability to use tools and frameworks. In this class we teach you a range of tools & frameworks for analyzing companies and recommending solutions!
Personality Psychology & Neuropsychology
6
ECTS
Product Management, Competition Analysis & Pricing
6
ECTS
The success of every great company starts with one more product, that generate so much customer benefit, that customers want to buy it. But one needs to find the right pricing for the product in the context of competition. We teach you all about it.
NXT GEN Insight: Product development cycles are fast. Designing, updating, improving or renovating a product needs competences. We wonder, why do you seldomly get this at other business school or universities?
Digital Literacy
3
ECTS
Profiles
3
ECTS
- Applied Mathematics
- Digital Marketing Tools
- Econometrics
- Innovation
- Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
- Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Website Development
- Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
- Language
Guest Lectures
1
ECTS
Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.
Accounting, Managerial Account & Taxation
6
ECTS
Accounting is important because it measures the success of a company. You will learn to make the according entries into the Balance Sheet and Income Statement. You’ll also discover what is important to be reported internally to a CEO/CFO and of course will understand taxes that drive decisions on locations.
NXT GEN Insight: Almost all business programs start with Accounting in the 1st semester. We don’t we first ask you to analyze companies’ annual reports before you put them together in parts yourself.
Digital Technology & AI
6
ECTS
The future is based on digital technologies. Databases, web services, apps, networks, cloud services, encryption, APIs, and so on. Learn and apply those technologies and become proficient in the use of modern AI tools.
NXT GEN Insight: This course will be your stepping stone to practical AI, machine learning, big data and more advanced studies of digital technology.
Sustainability, CSR & ESG
6
ECTS
Every company exists in a context of an environment, a society, a governing authority or an economy. Learn what decisions managers have to take and why it is actually more than sensible to run a sustainable company.
Organisation & Social Psychology
6
ECTS
(Academic) Writing
3
ECTS
Students will be equipped with versatile writing skills applicable in academic and professional settings. It emphasizes audience analysis, research proficiency, and effective communication, while learning how to utilize AI tools for writing. Enhance your writing skills from essays, academic and professional reports, to social media and blog writing to prepare you for your multilingual profession.
Profiles
3
ECTS
- Negotiation Skills
- Project & Change Management
- Language
Guest Lectures
1
ECTS
Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.
HR & Organisation
6
ECTS
People are the most valuable resource to companies. Managers firstly must be up to date on the tools used, when it comes to recruitment, onboarding etc. Secondly, we will take a closer look at the place where HRM happens – the organisation.
NXT GEN Insight: The innovative approach of this module is to think and design HR Management and the organisation of a company, its structure, processes and incentive systems, together from the very beginning.
Sales & CRM
6
ECTS
Nowadays, in many cases more than 70% of the value of companies is generated from a company’s ability to sell. You learn a comprehensive approach to sales and the most effective sales methods and about customer relationship management tools.
NXT GEN Insight: Even though Sales & CRM are key to the success and value of any company a lot of other study programmes have not even put a lecture on it in the core — we did.
Applied Psychology, Media & Consumer Psychology
6
ECTS
Profiles
3
ECTS
- Applied Mathematics
- Digital Marketing Tools
- Econometrics
- Innovation
- Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
- Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Website Development
- Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
- Language
Business Projects
6
ECTS
You will learn how to define project objectives, develop project plan/concept, formulate evidence-based recommendations, structure complex presentations, work under the set timeframe and collaborate in a project team.
This course will enable you to apply your knowledge in a real business situation and excercise your analytical/ project management/ interpersonal skills.
Guest Lectures
1
ECTS
Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.
Semester Abroad
24
ECTS
You will spend the fifth semester at one of our numerous partner universities abroad. Our International Office supports you in the selection & application process and coordinates the courses to be taken abroad with you in advance.
Experimental Psychology & Psychological Assessment
6
ECTS
Profiles
3
ECTS
- Applied Mathematics
- Digital Marketing Tools
- Econometrics
- Innovation
- Intercultural Competence & (European) Business Culture
- Leader, Teams & Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
- Website Development
- Self Mgt, Problem Solving Techniques & Resilience
- Language
Guest Lectures
1
ECTS
Throughout the semester, we invite at least 12 different company speakers to help you get a good understanding of the different industries and work requirements.
Thesis Tutorial & Empirical Work
3
ECTS
During the last semester of your studies, you will have to opportunity to study a question of particular interest to you in depth over a three month period. As part of the Thesis Tutorial you will learn how to link a question of practical business relevance to concepts learned during your studies, building an hypothesis, gathering data, and contributing new understanding to a topic of interest.
Thesis
12
ECTS
During your 6th semester you are working on your Bachelor thesis. You have 12 weeks to complete your thesis and the subject is freely selectible. A supervisor from CBS will support you and you can write the thesis in collaboration with a company as well.
Part of the degree programme is an internship (10 ECTS) in Germany or abroad. Our Career Service will support you in finding a suitable company.
Why CBS UNIVERSITY
Your path to CBS
Starting your studies at CBS University of Applied Sciences is as unique as you are – and at the same time, completely hassle-free. With our user-friendly online application process, you can apply from anywhere, with no numerus clausus restrictions.
Instead of rigid admission requirements, we focus on a personal selection process that highlights your strengths and potential. Whether you choose a dual, part-time, or full-time programme, CBS University offers the perfect combination of theory and practice.

Admission requirements
The für dein Bachelor-Studium an der CBS University of Applied Sciences variieren je nach Studiengang . into your studies at CBSSciences is so Like yourself — and at the same time designed. With our easy to use Can you yourself apply, completely without . Instead of staring Waiting for you with us is a that is your strengthsand focuses on potential. Regardless of whether you opt for dual, part-time or full-time study, the CBSUniversity offers you the of
Deadlines
The application deadline is year round open, even before you graduate from high school. For dual study programs, you should sufficient lead time Plan so that we can find your suitable practice partner. The start of studies is flexible: in the winter semester or, for selected programs, also in the summer semester. One early candidature is particularly important for limited study places secure and apply for any necessary visas in good time.
funding
A dual or part-time study Is often used by the Practice partner financed, which is also a valuable occupational provides accompaniment. A full-time study On the other hand, can be achieved by numerous Funding opportunities like BAföG or stipends Personalize to give you an optimal connection of personal Development and academic To make the future possible.
WIE FINDE ICH MEINEN PERFEKTEN KARRIEREWEG?
Der Career Service und das Talent Development der CBS unterstützen dich dabei, dein ideales Partnerunternehmen zu finden. Mit 1:1-Coachings, Workshops und einem breiten Netzwerk an Unternehmenspartnern begleiten wir dich über deine gesamte Studienzeit hinweg. Gemeinsam entwickeln wir eine Strategie, die zu deinen Stärken und Karrierezielen passt.

HANDS-ON LEARNING AT ITS BEST
At CBS, we are committed to seamlessly integrating theory and practice, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly and gain valuable insights into the real working world.
Business Projects
Im Rahmen der Business Projects an der CBS International Business School haben Studierende die Möglichkeit, gemeinsam mit renommierten Unternehmen an realitätsnahen Projekten zu arbeiten. Diese praxisorientierte Lehrform verbindet theoretisches Wissen mit konkreten wirtschaftlichen Fragestellungen und gewährt tiefe Einblicke in berufliche Abläufe.
Unternehmenskooperation
Dank eines Netzwerks von über 1.300 etablierten Unternehmen aus diversen Branchen profitieren Studierende von exklusiven Einblicken in die Arbeitswelt. Diese Kooperationen eröffnen nicht nur spannende Perspektiven, sondern fördern auch die Entwicklung wichtiger Kontakte und bieten nachhaltige Karrieremöglichkeiten.
Praktikum/Berufserfahrung
Ob in Form von Pflichtpraktika, die fester Bestandteil vieler Studiengänge sind, oder durch die Integration von Berufserfahrung in duale und berufsbegleitende Programme: Du kannst dein Fachwissen direkt in der realen Arbeitswelt anwenden.
Course schedule and attendance times


Inspiration and Impact – What Our Alumni Say
Let yourself be inspired by the experiences of our alumni and discover how the Bachelor’s degree at CBS has shaped their professional and personal development.
FAQ: The most important questions about studying Business Psychology
Here you can find answers to all important questions all around your Business Psychology degree. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us at any time.
What is Business Psychology?
Business Psychology is the intersection of psychology and business administration. This degree programme focuses on human behaviour within companies to optimize processes in areas such as human resource management, marketing, and organizational development.
Why should you study Business Psychology?
A degree in Business Psychology allows you to develop a deep understanding of human behavior and decision-making in a business context. You will acquire both psychological and business competencies that are highly valued across various industries.
How long does the Business Psychology degree programme take?
The programme typically lasts 6 semesters (3 years) and concludes with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.
Is there an admission restriction (NC) for the Business Psychology degree programme?
At CBS, there is generally no Numerus Clausus (NC). Instead, your personal skills, motivation, and practical experience are considered in the admission process.
What are the admission requirements for the Business Psychology degree programme?
You need a recognized university entrance qualification (e.g., Abitur, Fachabitur) and proof of sufficient English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS.
What does the Business Psychology study programme look like?
The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications through case studies, real-world projects, and international experiences. Courses are taught in English, preparing you for a global career.
Where can I study Business Psychology?
You can study Business Psychology at our campus in Cologne.
What are the study contents of the Business Psychology degree programme?
The Business Psychology curriculum includes topics such as work and organizational psychology, consumer behaviour, human resource management, leadership, coaching, and research methods.
What is the average salary after graduating from Business Psychology degree programme?
The starting salary for Business Psychology graduates typically ranges between €40,000 and €50,000 per year, depending on the industry and position. With experience, significantly higher salaries are possible.
Can I study without a high school diploma (Abitur) or university entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)?
Yes, under certain conditions, such as a completed vocational training programme and relevant work experience, studying without a traditional university entrance qualification is possible.
Any questions? We're here to help
Do you have any questions about our bachelor's or master's degree programs? Our Student Advisory team is here to support you! Schedule your personal consultation—online or in person—for tailored, non-binding guidance on finding the right study program for you.
