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Questions and answers about the Bachelor's programme

FAQ

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Bachelor's programme

Is the academic quality of studying at HSBA on the same level as at state universities? How do I apply for a course of study? Find answers to your questions here.

What is a dual study programme?

A dual study programme combines the theory of a university degree with everyday working life. In the dual study programme at HSBA, theoretical phases (on average 20 weeks per year) alternate with practical phases in the company (on average 32 weeks per year). During the practical phases, you will work in various departments and familiarise yourself with the most important areas of business administration. In some companies, you can also complete a commercial apprenticeship alongside the dual study programme. With or without training: The standard duration of the degree programme is three years in total.

What is the difference between a dual (co-operative) and a part-time degree programme?

A dual study programme allows you to combine an academic degree (Bachelor of Science at HSBA) with practical work experience. Theoretical phases (at the university) and practical phases (at the company) alternate approximately every three months. By familiarising yourself with the different areas in theory and practice, you can build up a very special knowledge base.

The part-time programme allows you to gain an academic qualification alongside your job - at HSBA, the Master of Science (MSc) in Innovation Management or Digital Transformation & Sustainability. Attendance times at the university take place mainly on extended weekends and in some full-time weeks.

What study programmes are offered by HSBA?

On the Bachelor's level HSBA offers the dual programmes Business Administration (BSc), Business Informatics (BSc), International Management (BSc) and Logistics Management (BSc).

On the Master's level the programmes Innovation Management (MSc) and Digital Transformation & Sustainability (MSc) are available.

Which degree is awarded to graduates of HSBA's Bachelor programmes?

Successful students of HSBA's Bachelor programmes graduate with the title Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). This first degree ensures excellent employability and also gives students access to Master programmes.

What is the duration of the Bachelor programmes at HSBA?

Duration of studies in the dual Bachelor programmes is three years.

When do the Bachelor programmes start?

The dual Bachelor's degree programme always starts on 1 October of each year, whereby it is possible to start with a theoretical phase (Track A) or a practical phase (Track B). However, some partner companies start in August or September with a preceding internship.

What are the conditions for learning like at HSBA?

HSBA favours small study groups, usually no more than 30 participants. This allows for productive discussion and work in a personal atmosphere in the seminars. HSBA is located in the immediate vicinity of Rödingsmarkt and the Michel. The bright and friendly atmosphere of our campus in Willy-Brandt-Straße creates optimal learning conditions. The HSBA library contains all compulsory literature relevant to your studies as well as databases, journals and in-depth literature.

Is the academic quality of studying at HSBA on the same level as at state universities?

Yes, as a state-recognised university, HSBA offers a challenging course of study with a high degree of practical relevance and above-average career opportunities. HSBA's degrees are internationally recognised and qualify students for further Master's programmes. Very good ranking results, programme accreditation by the FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) and institutional accreditation by the German Council of Science and Humanities are proof of the high quality of the courses on offer.

What are the options of studying abroad?

Yes. Most HSBA Bachelor students spend time abroad during their studies, sometimes several times. For example, in one-semester exchange programmes at our partner universities, in the one-week study excursions in the third year of study, or by participating in a summer school. Some partner companies also enable students to spend time abroad during the practical phase. Internationality also plays a major role in everyday study life in Hamburg, as HSBA attaches great importance to the internationality of the course content and offers a wide range of English-language seminars.

You can find more information here

What are the admission requirements for the Bachelor programmes?

The admission requirements for a Bachelor's degree programme are

  • Proof of higher education entrance qualification (usually Abitur or Fachhochschulreife);
  • Study contract with a company where the in-company part of the degree programme is completed.
  • Good knowledge of maths, German and English, i.e. an average of 10.0 points in two certificates from the last two years of study. It does not matter which certificates you use. And if you have taken an Abitur examination in one of the three subjects, you can also use this grade to calculate the average. If the subject is an advanced course or a course with an increased level of requirements (e. A.), only an average of 9.0 points is required. Please note: We do not round up!
  • In the English-language degree programmes International Management and Logistics Management, the German admission requirement does not apply.

If you do not have the required grades, you can take admission tests in maths, German and English. Instead of the HSBA admission test in English, you can also prove your ability to study in English by taking comparable tests (TOEFL, IELTS or CPE, minimum level: B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The admission tests usually take place eight times a year in presence at HSBA. You have two attempts per academic year and subject, so you may fail once. We also offer a preparation course for the maths admission test three times a year. You can find lots of preparation material and all information on costs, dates and registration here.

Which companies offer dual Bachelor study places at HSBA?

HSBA cooperates with more than 300 partner companies. Current offers of study places are shown at our study place exchange. Companies can advertise vacant HSBA places there, and applicants can get information and contact data on the training companies.

Can I apply to a company that has not yet cooperated with HSBA?

Yes, and that happens several times every academic year! Perhaps there are entrepreneurs in your family? Or have you had an internship or a job in an interesting company? Asking there can have many advantages, because you probably don't have any competitors for a dual study place. And the important motivation for the company is very clear. After all, YOU chose it! We are happy to support you by providing the company with all the necessary information. Just give us a call in this case too:

Klaus Waubke
Senior Manager Student Recruitment & Company Relations
+49 40 822160 933
klaus.waubke(at)hsba.de

Can I apply for a study place directly with HSBA?

No, you apply directly to the company. If you have successfully completed a selection procedure and are offered a place, the partner company will contact HSBA and register you. You can find all current study place offers from our partner companies on our Study Place Exchange.

Our Hamburg Business Speed Dating offers an additional opportunity. It takes place twice a year.

If you have any questions about an admission test, you are welcome to contact us.

Can I apply to a company even if I do not yet fulfil the admission requirements?

It is best if you fulfil the admission requirements for our Bachelor's degree programmes beforehand. Or if your previous grades at degree level are in the right direction. Otherwise your application will not usually be successful. IF you have to take an admission test and would still like to apply beforehand, be sure to mention this in your letter of application. Then it will be clear to the company representatives that you know what you are doing!

When is the right time to apply?

That varies greatly. Some companies decide to advertise a place shortly before the start of the programme. Others accept applications a year and a half in advance. If you are registered and logged in to the Study Place Exchange, you can see which companies are already full and which are looking forward to receiving your application. Please note: Sometimes there is a time period in the text!

Which partner companies are right for me?

As you can guess, this is an important and unfortunately difficult question. Don't just look at all the degree programmes, but also at as many companies as possible on the study place exchange, even if the names don't mean anything to you. These are successful companies that are prepared to invest a lot of money in your training! More important than a well-known name is that you would like to work and study there. And the key to a successful application is motivation for the company!

What is an applicant certificate?

If you do not have a German Abitur or have had to take admission tests, we recommend our applicant certificate. You can obtain it from our Service Office (info(at)hsba.de or 040 822160-900) on presentation of all the necessary documents and attach it to your company application. Company representatives will then immediately see that you are authorised to study at HSBA. If you fulfil our admission requirements simply through your grades, you do not need the certificate.

How much does the training company pay per month?

Students receive a training allowance, the amount of which depends on the industry and company. In addition, the companies usually pay at least the majority of the tuition fees. Students can also apply for student loans or BAFöG funding.

How high are the tuition fees at HSBA?

The tuition fees for the dual Bachelor's degree programmes are 790 euros per month.

Am I obliged to stay with the training company after my studies?

Companies invest a lot of time and money in your training during your studies, giving you a great start to your career. They therefore generally expect you to stay for a further two years after your studies. However, the structure of study contracts varies from company to company, but it is not uncommon to have a commitment clause. However, loyalty after the dual study programme looks good on your CV later on. The most important thing is that most HSBA graduates are happy to receive a job offer and are very happy to stay with their employer. After all, they have chosen their partner company!

Who can I contact if I have any further questions?

Here you will find all important contacts: