FAQ

General Questions about the MSc in Business Consulting

Who should apply for the Business Consulting Master's programme (BCM)?

Our International Master's in Business Consulting addresses students and professionals who are interested in gaining comprehensive know-how on how to bridge the gaps between business and IT.

The programme teaches cutting edge management and consulting skills enabling graduates to explore a career in global companies. It is ideally suited for applicants who are looking for a career in SAP Consulting, Business Process Consulting, Strategic Consulting or other similar fields.

We provide a world class learning environment through interactive teaching methods including lectures, case studies and project work.

What kind of jobs/careers does the BCM programme prepare you for?

The BCM Programme prepares graduates to follow diverse career paths ranging from management to information technologies, depending on academic background and previous experience.  Here are just a few of the jobs open to you as a future BCM graduate:

  • SAP Consultant
  • Business Process Consultant
  • Supply Chain Management Consultant
  • Business Intelligence Consultant
  • Business Analyst
  • Software Engineer
  • Financial Advisor
What is the reputation of Furtwangen University and the BCM programme?

Furtwangen University is a rapidly expanding university with more than 150 years of teaching and innovation tradition. It is situated in one of Germany’s most prosperous and efficiently run states, Baden-Württemberg. Over the last few years, Furtwangen University has regularly gained top places in the national university rankings conducted by CHE, Computerwoche and Focus.

In the recent CHE Rankings of universities and colleges in Germany, the Faculty of Business Information was ranked 2nd for the quality of studying and teaching and 3rd overall among all German universities.

Can I get in touch with BCM Alumni?

Yes. We have a group on Xing called BCM-HFU. You can visit this group and thus contact former BCM students who are now working in numerous prestigious companies around the world. You can also find more information on our Facebook page.

Are there scholarships available?

Due to its excellent reputation throughout Germany, the BCM programme attracts a number of company sponsorships & scholarships e.g. from IDS Scheer AG. Obviously such spaces are strictly limited and available only for students with outstanding academic and extracurricular standing.

The university also offers a number part-time work opportunities on projects, again these spaces are limited. Other funding options for prospective students include DAAD scholarships for Germany.

Please check external scholarship opportunities here

Does the university arrange internships for the students?

There are no internships arranged as it is not required by the programme. However, the BCM department does encourage students to carry out internships in companies and often shares some vacancies. Those who are interested must check the requirements and apply themselves. Please note: the University cannot influence the employer in this matter in any way.

Are there application fees?

No, only the shipping fees for the courier company.

How much is the tuition fees?

Tuition fees are € 4,500 for the 3 semesters plus enrolment fees of € 130 per semester. The tuition fees need to be paid in one sum (no payment in instalments are possible) directly after being admitted and before the start of the programme.
Please note that the tuition fees payment can be seen by the BCM department only after two weeks after your payment!
The confirmation of the receipt of the tuition fees will be done automatically at the end of February.
For your visa processes please make use of your swift copy as a proof of payment!

BCM Programme

What are the special features of the programme?

The BCM Programme at Furtwangen University is accredited through the University's system accreditation. It is one of the most specialized programmes in Germany, focusing on developing business and IT competencies.

The programme prepares students for diverse career paths in software, consulting, manufacturing and retail industry.

What language is the programme taught in?

All the lectures are conducted in English. Students can also take part in free German language courses as electives counting towards their degree.

Additional language course are available from private suppliers (prices start from around €150 depending on type of course).

How are the subject modules assessed?

The modules assess the technical, intellectual, managerial and consulting competencies of the students. Our assessment system is composed of the following elements:

  • Individual and group assignments
  • Presentations and project work
  • Written and oral exams
What is the duration of the BCM programme?

BCM is 3 semesters, with 2 semesters in one calendar year making a total of 18 months.

I have little or no German language knowledge. Is this a problem?

Proof of German language proficiency is not mandatory for the application process. However, we always recommend that our students have some knowledge of the German language to manage their daily lives here, experience the culture and to enhance their opportunities on the job market.

Teaching and learning

Who teaches the BCM programme?

The BCM programme is taught by professors of Furtwangen University as well as highly-skilled professionals from industry (including consultants, managers and visiting professors).

Does the teaching involve practical subjects and consulting projects?

The BCM programme includes courses on Standard Software including mySAP®, Business Intelligence/Data Warehouse, Customer Relationship Management, Supply Chain Management/Advanced Planner and Optimizer, Microsoft Dynamics, ARIS (for Business Process Management), etc. As part of the programme, students also have the opportunity to work on team projects in order to gain problem-solving, business analysis and implementation experience.

How many hours a week will I need to study?

You will usually have 22 - 25 hours of lectures per week. You can expect to spend at least the same amount of time again on group work and individual study.

Do I have access to SAP and other standard software on the University campus?

Yes. We have well-equipped computer labs with mySAP®, BI and APO installed on PCs. Our students have 24-hour access to lab facilities on the University campus.

Application and admission process

What are the admission requirements for the BCM programme?

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have:

  • Applicants with a first degree in one of the following areas are specifically encouraged to apply:
  • Business Economics
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering
  • Social Sciences
  • Bachelor’s Degree (>=70 %).
  • English Language Skills (TOEFL IBT >=76 [ETS Company code 7301] or IELTS Academic >= 6.0).
  • Minimum work experience of 1 year in a relevant field after completing the first degree (with less or before your bachelor degree your application will not be accepted)

Please do not send us attachments nor questions regarding your eligibility. We do not accept any document sent via email.

Do you require the GRE exam for admission?

The is recommended, but not mandatory.

What documents are required for admission to the BCM Programme?
  • Application form
  • A recent photo with your name/address on the back
  • Copy of passport
  • Your curriculum vitae / resume
  • Letter of motivation
  • Academic and professional qualification certificates (certified copies)
  • Academic transcripts (certified copies)
  • University-entrance qualification ‘the degree that entitles the recipient to study at a university (e.g. High School Certificate)’ (certified copies)
  • Job reference(s) for one or more years after 1st degree
  • Document stating English proficiency (certified copies)
  • Not compulsory, but if available: document(s) stating German proficiency

All educational certificates and transcripts should be certified by the German Embassy / Consulate.

What undergraduate degree subject should I have studied to apply for the BCM programme?

Applicants with a previous degree in the areas of Business Economics, Information Technology, Social Sciences and Engineering are encouraged to apply for the programme.

Do I need a GMAT score to apply for the programme?

The GMAT score is not a requirement of BCM programme. The admission is competitive and we carefully select students based on many criteria which are not only limited to educational background and experience, so a GMAT may be an advantage.

When is the application period to apply for BCM?

The application period is always from 15th May to 15th October. The course starts only once per year on 1st March.

Does the course start in the winter or the summer semester?

Our programme starts once a year in Summer Semester only (1st March).

When will I be notified about my admission (acceptance or rejection)?

Admission letters for the BCM programme are sent by regular post at the end of December. A scanned copy is also sent via email to speed up your visa process. You must therefore provide us with any changes in your postal or email addresses.
Please do not ask for your status as this will just make the process slower. Please wait for us to get back to you with relevant information.

To whom and to which postal address should I send my application?

Ms. Sabina Tomas - BCM
Furtwangen University
Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1 
78120 Furtwangen 
Germany

Do I receive a confirmation of the receipt of the application?

Yes, the confirmation will be done automatically and can take up to three weeks after its arrival at the university. Please do not send any shipping information/questions and just wait for the automatic confirmation to receive.

Do I need to take a TOEFL / IELTS test?

Yes, we require excellent English proficiency proved by TOEFL IBT of minimum 76 or IELTS Academic with minimum 6.0. The TOEFL ETS company code is 7301 for Furtwangen University.

The test is not required for:

  • Native English speakers from Great Britain, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand
  • If you have graduated from a higher education institution or worked in an English-speaking country (only excempted from Great Britain, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand)

All others need to proof their English skills via the above mentioned tests.

When should I apply for visa?

This varies from country to country, but as a rule of thumb, 3 months – at least - before the desired travel date.

I have conducted my entire studies / work experience in English, do I still have to present IELTS or TOEFL?

Yes, we require excellent English proficiency proved by TOEFL IBT of minimum 76 or IELTS Academic with minimum 6.0. The TOEFL ETS company code is 7301 for Furtwangen University.

The test is not required for:

  • Native English speakers from Great Britain, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand
  • If you have graduated from a higher education institution or worked in an English-speaking country (only excempted from Great Britain, Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand)

All others need to proof their English skills via the above mentioned tests.

 

 

Do I have to send my study certificates to Uni-assist?

No we do not require Uni-assist in our application process.

Can you check my CV to see whether I am eligible to apply?

Unfortunately we do not offer advice on eligibility. You will have to check that from the information we have provided on our website. Please refer to our requirements here.

Can you check my application by email before I send it by post?

No, you should send your application with the required documents to us directly by post to:

Ms. Sabina Tomas - BCM
Furtwangen University
Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1
78120 Furtwangen im Schwarzwald
Germany

Will you accept public/local notary certification by my country?

No, we accept only German Embassy/Consulate-certified documents.

What is a reference letter?

The reference letter should show where you worked, from when till when you worked at that company, what kind of work you did and how you did your work, i.e. your tasks and behavior.

Is there a special format for the reference letter?

No format is required other than the stamp and date and letterhead of the company.

I have all the requirements and a lot of experience and/or Masters, but my Bachelor’s is a bit less than 70%. Can I still apply?

It is possible to apply. Such applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please make sure to highlight your work experience and any other strengths that would make you a better candidate for BCM in your motivation letter.

How long should the letter of motivation be? Is there a word limit?

Ideally, one page is desirable for a motivation letter. There is no word-limit.

Do I have to translate the documents into German?

All the documents should either be in English or German. If translated, the translation should be certified by the German Embassy/Consulate.

Do I get my documents back if I get rejected?

We do not send any documents back. We ask for certified photocopies of important documents.

Further information

Where is Furtwangen?

Furtwangen is a small town in the Black Forest in the south-west of Germany. It is 50 km from Freiburg, 100 km from Stuttgart (the capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg), 80 km from the French border, 70 km from the Swiss border, and 80 km from lake Constance.

How do I get to Furtwangen? What accommodation is available in Furtwangen?

Nearly all students take private rooms eventually, but we strongly recommend taking a room in the student dormitory GHB (Großhausberg) or ASK for at least 1st semester (only 15 minutes walk to University). More information on accommodation in Furtwangen.

How much money do I need for daily life?

Living in Furtwangen is cheaper than in most of the larger German university towns. You have to calculate for about €670/month including accommodation, insurance, living expenses, literature, transportation costs, etc.

German authorities require a deposit of €670 /month * 12 months = €8040 in a blocked account prior to granting a visa. From this account you can transfer monthly €670 into your current account. For questions, please contact Deutsche Bank International Student Services: db.student@db.com.

We suggest you open a current account with the Sparkasse (free student banking service, cash machines in Furtwangen) once you arrive in Furtwangen. Both accounts must be confirmed after your arrival in Germany.

How do I get health insurance?

You could get German health insurance with AOK Furtwangen (located near the HFU main entrance) after you have arrived in Germany (this takes a day or two) – this is normally cheaper and will cover the complex legal requirements for health insurance better than most insurance you can obtain at home. However you will have to check with your German embassy if you will need travel insurance for your VISA.

Who can I contact for further information and study counselling?

If you have any further questions or specific queries regarding admission, please contact the BCM Programme Office by email: study-bcm(at)hs-furtwangen.de.