FAQ - Häufig gestellte Fragen

Zulassungsvoraussetzungen


Which requirements do I have to meet to join the MBA Service Management Programme?

You need a professional degree of a public or publicly recognised university (Diplom, Bachelor, Master, Magister). In addition, you must have 3 years relevant professional experience. You have to demonstrate your proficiency in English – either through a TOEFL-Test (550 points) or by supplying equivalent proof. The final decision will be taken by the Admissions Committee. After you have sent the required documents to the ISS together with your application, the Admissions Committee will decide whether you will be invited to the ISS entry test. You will only be admitted after you have successfully passed the entry test.

Are there any application deadlines?

You can apply for a place at the ISS at any time. If you meet the admission requirements, you will be invited to the entry test.

Is the number of places limited?

There is a maximum of 30 places for each cohort. If the number of eligible candidates is higher, the Admissions Committee will establish a ranking order of suitable candidates.

Which documents have to be enclosed with the application?

The documents required are listed in the application form.

I have a degree, but I am not sure whether it is appropriate for studying at the ISS. What shall I do?

Please contact us. We will jointly find out whether you meet the entry requirements.

Language Proficiency


I have worked in English-speaking countries several years. Do I still have to take the TOEFL Test?

Please contact us. We will check if your language proficiency is equivalent.

Where can I register for the TOEFL Test?

Here you will find the required informations:
www.toefl.org (general Informations)
www.gre.org/textonly/papergen.html (paper-based)
www.gre.org/textonly/cbttest.html (computer-based)
www.ets.org/toefl/nextgen/ (next generation).

How high is the percentage of English–speaking courses?

The percentage is about 50 percent. From 2008 – at the latest from the 3rd intake – the total Programme will be offered in English. Therefore, knowledge of the German language is required for the first intake. If you want to take German lessons in addition to the MBA Programme, the ISS will support you with the organisation.

Programme Schedule, Locations, Examinations, Investment in Time


How long does the Programme take?

The regular duration of the MBA Service Management is 2 years. This presupposes that all exams and assignments are accomplished within the planned timeframe and that the Master Thesis is completed within the regular deadline. This requires stamina and unrelenting commitment during the Programme.

Where do the lectures take place and how are the on-campus modules organised?

The lectures take place at Helmut Schmidt Universität (HSU), Hochschule der Bundeswehr, Hamburg. The on-campus modules last between 7–10 days. Lecture hours are normally from 9.00–10.30, 11.00–12.30, 14.00–15.30, 16.00–17.30. Guest presentations by industry experts may start at 18.30. Students can use the canteen, library, computer centre and HSU´s other facilities.
There will be three to four on-campus study modules per semester, each lasting 7 to 10 days. In the 2nd und 3rd semester, there will be a total of three on-campus study modules at Dublin Business School.

How is accommodation during the on-campus modules organised?

Each student is responsible for his/her accommodation. The ISS Administration will help you to find suitable hotels.

Which courses do I have to attend and which exams have to be taken?

The lectures, seminars and case studies/exercises in each semester as well as the exams are specified in the study plan of the MBA Service Management.

Exams last between 90 and 150 minutes and are taken during the on-campus modules. The assignments you have to accomplish are specified by the course leaders. Assignments may include term papers, case studies, project work or presentations.

Can achievements from other universities be credited?

The Board of Examiners will take a decision based on your formal application. In accordance with § 17 of the Examination and Study Regulations, this is only possible if equivalence can be proved.

What is the expected time investment for an ISS student?

The total workload of the MBA Service Management Programme is about 2.000 45-minute study hours, that is 1.500 60-minute hours. On average, this means about 375 60-minute hours half a year. The average monthly investment is about 65 60-minute hours. As the MBA Service Management has been conceived as a part-time Programme, students may have to invest part of their leisure and vacation time during the two-year study period.

The real time investment will vary individually as students´ personal backgrounds, experience and learning behaviour will influence their progress.

To ensure orderly study progress, lecture attendance is strongly recommended, but not obligatory.

Is it possible to take a leave?

Leaves can be granted by the students´ office and the study counsellor. A fee of € 200,-  is due for each semester of absence.

What will happen if I exceed the regular duration of the Programme?

The regular study time can be exceeded by up to 6 months without additional fees. During this period, students can attend the regular lectures, take exams, and obtain credits. After the 6-month period, the regular fee is due for each semester.

Degree


What does the degree look like?

After successfully completing the Programme, you will be awarded the title “Master of Business Administration in Service Management”. In addition, you will get a certificate which specifies the results of your exams and assignments, the overall score and the title of the Master Thesis including its score.
In order to facilitate the international evaluation and comparability of the ISS´s academic degree, a Diploma Supplement in English will be provided based on the guidelines of the European Commission and the German Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (Conference of German University Directors).
The documents will be issued both in German and in English.

Is the degree internationally recognised?

The MBA Service Management Programme has been accredited by FIBAA – Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation. Therefore, it meets the highest standards concerning its curriculum, practical relevance and academic level.

Which professional perspectives does the MBA Service Management offer?

The ISS Programme qualifies you both from a practical and academic/methodological point of view for leadership positions in service up to the function of CSO (Chief Service Officer). In addition, the Master Degree is the basis for pursuing doctoral studies.
Tuition Fees, Accommodation, Alumni Network.

Costs, Accomodation, Alumni network


How high is the financial investment?

As a private institution, the ISS does not receive public funds. Its costs must be covered by the tuition fees. The current tuition fee is € 5.000,- per semester; it has to be paid prior to the start of each semester. The admission fee is € 280,-.
In addition there will be costs for accommodation during the on-campus modules in Hamburg and Dublin as well as for catering and general expenses.

In many cases, participants´ companies will take over the investment as part of their HR qualification programmes.

What will I get from the ISS?

Distinctive features of the ISS´s MBA Programme are state-of-the-art service know-how and precision in scientific methodology. The acquired knowledge can be directly applied to management practice.

In addition, the ISS provides the following:
  • Teaching and study materials for the lectures
  • Exams and assignments
  • Guidance and support of case studies and project work
  • Organisation of the studies in Dublin
  • Individual counselling and support
  • Use of the library facilities provided by the ISS
  • Guidance, support and expert evaluation of the Master Thesis
  • Use of e-Learning Platform and  WebCampus
  • Organisation of the Alumni Network

Who helps me with accommodation in Hamburg and Dublin?

The ISS supports you in finding suitable rooms in Hamburg. Accommodation in Dublin is organised by the ISS. The costs have to be borne by the participants.

Which contacts do I have with the ISS after finishing the Programme?

The ISS will establish an Alumni Network which links all graduates via mail or e-Mail, enabling them to maintain the contacts established during the Programme. Once a year, there is a central alumni event during the Trend Workshop Service in Hamburg. This is a forum where ISS graduates and service experts from leading companies meet for an exchange of ideas, followed by an informal get-together.
In the ISM service research institute of the ISS, company-specific issues are researched both from an academic and practical point of view in close cooperation with the organisations.