Foundation Programme

Program Overview

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Foundation Programme

From Foundation to Future: The Ultimate Preparation for Your Bachelor's Degree

Level Up Your Skills

Gain all the skills you need to successfully start your bachelor’s programme at Gisma.

The Gisma Foundation Programme is specifically designed for students who have the drive and ambition to undertake one of our bachelor’s degree programmes but may need additional support to meet the entry requirements here at Gisma. The goal of our foundation programme is to equip talented individuals like yourself with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience you need to successfully gain direct entry to one of our business or computer science bachelor’s programmes. Gisma offers two foundation degrees pathways, and these foundation courses will help you accelerate into a bachelor’s programme.

We understand that there are many students who have the potential to be successful at degree level and come from a diverse range of backgrounds and previous educational experiences. Therefore, in just one semester we provide you with English language support, subject-oriented, cognitive and methodological skills required to enter Gisma’s undergraduate degree programmes.

Successful completion of all the foundation modules as well as attaining the minimum level of B2 English language competency will allow you to directly progress onto your bachelor’s level modules.

Key Skills Developed

• English Communication Skills
• Business & IT Math
• Critical Thinking & Problem-solving
• Research & Information Literacy
• Effective Study Habits
• Business Fundamentals (Business Pathway)
• Computer Science Foundations (Computer Science Pathway)

Why Study a Foundation Programme?

• Optimal preparation for your bachelor studies
• Boost your linguistic competence (especially in English)
• Tailor your learning with the choice of two pathways: business or computer science, depending on your chosen bachelor’s degree
• Smooth and seamless transition onto the on-campus bachelor’s degree in Germany
• The tuition fee for the foundation programme will be awarded back to you as credit to pay for the final semester of your bachelor’s programme at Gisma

What Will You Learn?

• A solid foundation in English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, required for higher education studies and developing your confidence and ability to communicate effectively in English
• A range of mathematical and numerical skills relating to the disciplines of Business and IT
• Foundations of business management (Business pathway) to enable students to learn the key components of the business environment
• Foundations of Computer Science (Computer Science pathway) to establish a solid foundation for computer science students with the main features of computer systems and algorithms
• Academic and professional development which will develop study and professional skills via a range of workshops, classes, activities and tutorials

Programme Details

• Location: Berlin
• Duration: 6 months
• Intakes: Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
• Tuition Fee: € from 4,800 per year (EU/Germany), € 6,563 (International students)

From Foundations to Future

The Foundation Programme will be taught over six months which includes an intensive English module taught over this period.

The structure and content of the programme and its individual modules have been carefully designed to allow students to develop the skills and acquire the knowledge necessary to make a successful transition to their chosen Business or Computer Science related degree pathway.

On average, the learning time will be around 125 hours per module in the Foundation Programme representing the time you will need to spend on average on the whole range of learning activities. This includes lectures, tutorials, group work, independent study, preparing coursework and sitting for examinations. The language module comprises 550 hours and is taught over two quarters.

You will choose either the “Business Pathway” or the “Computer Science Pathway” depending on which bachelor programme you wish to enter after successfully completing the Foundation Programme.

Modules

Business Pathway Modules

• English for Foundation Programme
• Mathematical Foundations
• Foundations of Business Management
• Academic and Professional Development

Computer Science Pathway Modules

• English for Foundation Programme
• Mathematical Foundations
• Foundations of Computer Science
• Academic and Professional Development

Understanding Your Foundation with Undergraduate Degree Programme offer

The Foundation Semester at Gisma is designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for a successful transition to your chosen bachelor’s programme. The following information is important for you to understand before making the decision to start the Foundation Semester.

Exempted Semester

While the Foundation Semester is an integral part of your academic journey, it’s important to note that it is not offered for free. Instead, we offer a unique benefit tied to this semester.

Tuition Fee Credit

Upon successful completion of your Foundation Semester, 50% of the tuition fee for this semester will be credited back to you. This credit is applied to the tuition fees of your final semester in the bachelor’s programme at Gisma.

Fee Structure

The total fee for the 3-year bachelor’s degree programme remains consistent, with the added advantage of the Foundation Semester tuition fee credit. Please refer to the fees and funding page for more details.

Eligibility

The fee exemption and credit are only applicable upon completion of the programme. Should you choose to withdraw or terminate your contract with Gisma before completing your studies, this offer becomes void.

Your Future Career

The successful completion of the Foundation Programme Business Pathway allows entry into the following programmes:

• BSc Business Management
• BSc International Business Management
• BSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business

The successful completion of the Foundation Programme Computer Science Pathway allows entry into the following programmes:

• BSc Computer Science
• BEng Software Engineering
• BSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business

Fees & Admissions

Entry Requirements

• IELTS 5.5
• Highschool Certificate
• General University Entrance Qualification

Tuition Fees

• EU / Germany: €4,800
• International: €6,563

You will be rewarded the tuition fee back as credit to be used in the final semester for your chosen bachelor’s programme at Gisma. For a full breakdown of all our fees, visit our fees and funding page below.

Learn From The Very Best in The Field

You can be confident that you will be learning from some of the most accomplished and industry-respected professionals. Our professors at Gisma University of Applied Sciences are experts in their respective fields, with a wealth of experience and knowledge. They have come from and worked with some of the world’s largest and most prestigious companies, including Amazon, United Nations, Harvard, 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, KPMG, Boston Consulting Group, IBM, and Allianz.

Our Faculty's Industry Experience

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Gisma Alumni Survey

At Gisma University of Applied Sciences, we empower our students to launch successful careers. We go beyond education, providing the skills and experience they need to thrive in the professional world. Our graduates are job-ready and make a lasting impact, with many landing positions at top companies.

Alumni Survey (2022)

93%

of our students found employment six months after graduation

88%

of our Gisma students secure a job before graduation

66%

of graduates hold managerial positions in leading organisations

77%

of our graduates enjoy a salary ranging from €55k to €60k

Berlin: Your Learning Playground

Whether it’s the world-class museums, art hubs, the infamous nightlife, or the bustling business sector, Berlin promises a holistic cultural immersion.

Discover our Berlin campus

Programme

• Select BSc Business Management Entrepreneurship
• BSc Business Management Finance
• BSc Business Management Human Resources
• BSc Business Management Logistics
• BSc Business Management Marketing
• BSc International Business Management
• BSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business
• BSc Computer Science
• BEng Software Engineering

Country of Residence

• Afghanistan
• Aland Islands
• Albania
• Algeria
• American Samoa
• Andorra
• Angola
• Anguilla
• Antarctica
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Australia
• Austria
• Azerbaijan
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• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Barbados
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• Belgium
• Belize
• Benin
• Bermuda
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Bouvet Island
• Brazil
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Brunei Darussalam
• Bulgaria
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cabo Verde
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Canada
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Chile
• China
• Christmas Island
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• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo
• Congo, Democratic Republic of the
• Cook Islands
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• Croatia
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Program Outline

It specifically focuses on business and computer science pathways.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to gain direct entry into Gisma's bachelor's programmes in business or computer science.
• Provide English language support to enhance students' communication skills.
• Develop subject-oriented, cognitive, and methodological skills for successful university studies.
• Allow for a smooth transition onto the on-campus bachelor's degree programme in Germany.

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Description:

The programme offers two pathways: Business and Computer Science. Both pathways provide a solid foundation in relevant subjects and prepare students for the demands of their chosen bachelor's programme. The programme focuses on providing students with the necessary English language skills, mathematical and numerical abilities, and subject-specific knowledge required for success at university level.

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Benefits:

• Successful completion allows direct entry into Gisma's bachelor's programmes.
• Tuition fee for the foundation programme is awarded back as credit for the final semester of the bachelor's programme.
• Provides a strong foundation for academic success and career development.

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Outline:

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Duration:

6 months

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Structure:

• Intensive English module
• Pathway-specific modules (Business or Computer Science)
• Total learning time of approximately 125 hours per module
• 550 hours dedicated to the English language module
• Mathematical Foundations
• Foundations of Business Management
• Mathematical Foundations
• Foundations of Computer Science
• Academic and Professional Development

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Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through assignments, projects, and exams
• Specific assessment methods and criteria will vary depending on the module

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Teaching:

• Experienced and qualified faculty
• Interactive and engaging teaching methods
• Focus on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills

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Careers:

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Business Pathway:

• Entry-level positions in various business sectors
• Opportunities for further career development in management, finance, marketing, and other areas

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Computer Science Pathway:

• Entry-level positions as software developers, data analysts, and other IT professionals

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Other:

• The tuition fee for the foundation programme is €4,800 per year for EU/Germany students and €6,563 for international students.
• Gisma offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options.
• The Gisma Foundation Programme is located in the historic and beautiful city of Potsdam, Germany.
• Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognized and AMBA-accredited institution.

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Summary:

The Gisma Foundation Programme provides a comprehensive and well-structured pathway for students who wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in business or computer science. The programme focuses on developing essential skills and knowledge, while also providing individual support and guidance. With its experienced faculty, interactive teaching methods, and career-oriented approach, the Gisma Foundation Programme can help students achieve their academic and professional goals.

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• EU / Germany – €4,800
• International – €6,563
• You will be rewarded the tuition fee back as credit to be used in the final semester for your chosen bachelor’s programme at Gisma.