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
Location:
Potsdam, near Berlin
Duration:
6 months
Intakes:
Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct
Tuition Fee:
€ from 4,800 per year
€ 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, 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:
Should you wish to add the Foundation Programme to one of these bachelor’s, you can apply directly to one of the above bachelor programmes via the Gisma online application portal.
Alternatively, if you would like to find out more information and have one of our Programme Consultants guide you through the options, you can enquire below.
Our Potsdam Campus
An innovative campus, nestled amidst scenic beauty and iconic palaces
Fees & Admissions
Entry Requirements
- IELTS 5.0
- 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.
How To Apply
Learn about the application process at Gisma University of Applied Sciences! We’ve streamlined the application steps to ensure a smooth journey into our diverse academic community.
Visit our how to apply 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.
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
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