FAQ
MBA Business Administration & Honorable Leadership
1. What is the difference between an MBA and a consecutive M.A?
The course contents of a consecutive M.A. are based on the specialist and methodological knowledge acquired in the first degree course in Business Administration or Economics, which is then developed in more detail. An MBA is aimed at university graduates from other disciplines (engineers, lawyers, doctors, etc.) who have assumed managerial tasks in the course of their careers or plan to do so, for which they require the necessary business know-how. An MBA can also be interesting for professionals with a bsuiness background who would like practically oriented training after working for many years.
2. What degree can I acquire?
The study programme ends with the international Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
3. Is the degree internationally recognised?
Yes. The HSBA awards the internationally recognised Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The degree entitles the graduate to start studying for a doctorate, provided that she or he has acquired 300 credit points, including the Bachelor degree. 90 credits are given for the MBA course in Business Administration & Honourable Leadership.
4. What are the advantages ofstudying for a Master degree at the HSBA while working full-time?
This way of studying offers the unique opportunity of increasing one’s professional and academic qualifications while continuing to develop one's career and to receive a salary.
5. How long is the duration of the study programme?
The MBA programme lasts 24 months. The Master thesis is prepared in the last four months.
6. What is the language of tuition?
Tuition - and all examinations – are in English. The applicant must therefore prove her or his ability to follow a study programme in English (90 points on the standard TOEFL test).
7. What is the learning environment like at the HSBA?
Each year's student intake is allocated a study group of 24 participants at most. This means that tuition is on a seminar basis and ensures that learning and working are intensive. The bright and modern surroundings are on the Handelskammer City Campus, right in the centre of Hamburg.
8. Is the quality of the study programmes at the HSBA equivalent with courses at a state university?
Yes. As an officially recognised university, the HSBA offers an academically oriented and internationally focused study programme with great practical relevance.
9. When does the study programme start?
The course begins on October 1st every year.
10. When do I have to apply?
The deadline for applications is May 31st for beginning in October of the same year. However, applications for the following year are accepted after May 31st. Since the number of places is limited, it is advisable to apply early.
11. How do I apply?
By submitting to the HSBA a written application, certificates, letter of recommendation, GMAT certificate, TOEFL certificate and, if relevant, proof of work experience. If the necessary formal admission requirements are fulfilled, the applicant is invited to an interview.
Information admission process
12. What exactly is a letter of recommendation?
Together with the other application documents, the applicant must submit a letter of recommendation in which a suitable third party recommends the applicant for the course of study, with reference to personal and/or professional aptitude. Suitable referees are all persons who can assess the applicant personally or professionally (e.g. current or previous employer, a lecturer or professor from the first degree course, superior at an honorary activity, etc.).
13. What are the tuition fees for the study programme?
The tuition fee is € 30,000. In addition, there is a registration fee of € 1,500, which, however, is then deducted from the fee paid for the first semester.
14. How can the study programme be financed?
The applicant can arrange with her or his employer to assume part of the fees. Banks cooperating with the HSBA also offer student loans on special terms. Furthermore, scholarships are available. Scholarhip program
15. How can I find a suitable employer?
First, you should talk to your employer about the possibility to pursue the part-time study programme with their support. We are happy to provide you with information material for this respective talk.
16. What are the admission requirements?
- First university degree with the grade ‘good’ of German higher education institutions, or equivalent
- Professional experience of at least 2 years (holders of 180 ECTS Bachelor, at least 3 years)
- Letter of recommendation for the program (academic and/or professional)
- Successful completion of the HSBA selection procedure
- For non-economists: Successful participation at HSBA Preparatory Course
(alternatively: a GMAT with at least 530 points)
17. Can I apply if the grade of my first university degree is worse than 2.5?
Yes, if the applicant has sufficient qualified professional experience. Each year of proven qualified professional experience can raise the existing grade by 0.2.
18. When does tuition take place at the HSBA?
Tuition (comprising 620 contact hours) takes place at extended weekends and during regular working weeks.
19. How much work is expected of students before and after the actual tuition?
Approximately one third of the students’ workload consists of contact teaching hours and about two thirds of preparatory and follow-up work and studying on one’s own. The course is scheduled in such a way that students can complete it by using part of their annual holiday. However, studying while working full-time places great demands on students with regard to motivation and organising themselves.
20. What examinations are there during the study programme?
For each module there is a module examination, which is held during the studies. The types of examination are laid down in the examination regulations in the curriculum and are explained in more detail in the module descriptions. Sub-examinations are usually held in the modules.
21. When must I attend the preparatory course?
Every applicant whose first degree is not in an economics subject must acquire basic knowledge of business administration in this preparatory course
For more detailed information, see here: Preparatory Course for Non-Economists
22. What are fees for the preparatory course?
The preparatory courses comprises an obligatory and an optional part. The obligatory part (including the admission test) costs EUR 250,--.
23. Whom should I ask if have further questions?
If you have further questions about the course of study, please ask any member of the HSBA staff.
For general questions about the course of study, please contact our office on +49 (0)40 36138-711 or -712.
For personal advice, please contact Mr Alexander Freier on +49 (0)40 36138-743 or alexander.freier@hsba.de.
