Introducing Hochschule Fresenius: Why Study Here? | Student Reviews & University Rankings EDUopinions

Introducing Hochschule Fresenius: Why Study Here?

20/04/2023

Ever heard of Hochschule Fresenius? This German university is making a name for itself thanks to its innovative curriculum, cutting-edge English-language courses, and close-knit community. But why should you study there?

There are over 15,000 students at Hochschule Fresenius, spread across eight different German cities including Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. This means that you’ll benefit from personal support during your studies, and will find it easy to make build relationships with your fellow students and faculty staff.

What do students think of Hochschule Fresenius

Hochschule Fresenius also puts a key focus on practical learning. Many of the Bachelor’s and Master’s courses at the university include a study abroad element, meaning you’ll get to discover a new culture during your programme.

And if you’re wondering how you’ll gain entrance to the German jobs market after your course – you needn’t worry. Every International Master’s programme at the university includes a compulsory German language study element, equipping you for a career in Germany.

Want to know more about studying at Hochschule Fresenius? In this blog, we look at student reviews on the EDUopinions site and speak to two faculty members at Hochschule Fresenius about what makes this university special.

What Do Students Think of Hochschule Fresenius?

 

Industrial Engineering ...
and International Management
avatar
Anonymous student
Well structured course

Basically, it’s a private university with a good reputation and also the lecturers are well educated and helpful. The course contains 60% of management-related modules and the remaining technical modules. For anyone who is searching for a techno-management course, I would suggest Hochschule Fresenius.

Programme: Industrial Engineering and International Management
Degree: Master's
Graduation: 2023
Campus: Cologne
Professors
Internationality
Career Prospects
Value
Location
Student Life
Facilities
Accommodation

Hochschule Fresenius: Hear From Faculty

To get a better look at why you should be studying at Hochschule Fresenius, EDUopinions interviewed two faculty members at the school.

Barbara Lier

Professor Dr Barbara Lier is the Associate Dean of International Affairs and the Head of the International Business School in Cologne.

Professor Dr Barbara Lier

Amit Ray

Amit Ray is head of Intercultural Academic Development at the school and the Program Director of the MSc Industrial Engineering and International Management and the MSc Sustainability and Transformation Management.

Amit Ray

Here, they explain why students are attracted to Hochschule Fresenius, and what international students need to know about studying at the university.

What is your favourite part about teaching at Hochschule Fresenius?

Barbara: I really enjoy the fact that our learning environment is in very small groups, and I know that our students value this as well. This way we really get to know them. They aren’t anonymous faces in large cohorts, but we know all their names, how they tick, what talents and interests they have and which problems they might be facing.

Knowing our students personally helps us to bond with them, and guide them both in their studies as well as their professional lives. This could well be the reason that we all stay in touch even after graduation.

Amit: I agree and personally also find it incredibly rewarding to accompany our international students as they start a new life in Germany, especially as it’s a journey that I’ve gone through myself. In the beginning, there’s excitement but also uncertainty because you need some time to take everything in and find your feet. This is where we support students in settling into a new environment. Later, it’s about taking advantage of all of the opportunities that are open to you.

I’ve recently been talking to some of our international students who are working in German companies completing internships and it was so warming to see how they have developed in such a relatively short time; there’s confidence and a deserved sense of achievement because they really feel like they’ve made it and that Germany is now their home.

In addition to the closeness between staff and students, why else would you recommend Hochschule Fresenius to students?

‌Barbara: Another important factor is that all our study programs are always up-to-date; we regularly re-accredit our courses in order to provide our students with the best possible preparation for an extremely dynamic job market.

In September 2023 a new set of international Master’s programs start in fields where there is a strong demand for qualified graduates. Given the technological changes in the workplace, we have postgraduate programs in Digital Business Management & Leadership (MSc) for those with a first degree in business and Data Science for International Business Management (MA) if you have studied another subject area previously and want to move into this field. Sustainability & Transformation Management (MSc) develops graduates who can help companies transition to a more sustainability-focused business environment. Our program Strategic Marketing & Brand Management (MSc) deals with stakeholder-oriented brand positioning, while Luxury Management (MSc) is designed for students who are interested in the management of luxury brands, in particular how to market and sell goods and services they offer.

In addition, recognising how much interest there is to study business after having completed a degree in another area, we’ve just started running a successful program in International Management (MA) for non-business graduates which is open to Bachelor’s graduates of all non-business faculties.

For international applicants who are examining the options, how does Hochschule Fresenius stand out?

Barbara: I’d say that there are a number of aspects which set us apart. In addition to the range of subject areas just mentioned, our international Master’s programs are unique in offering German language courses integrated into the curricula. Even in an open and international environment such as Germany, being able to communicate in German is extremely valuable for many graduate positions, even where the working language is English. Most other universities do not offer language courses within the curriculum and so students have to invest this time on top of all the other modules they have. Not at Fresenius.

Amit: And this is just one example of the holistic approach we take to preparing students for the job market. We’ve identified the range of factors that play a key role in the graduate success of international students and have developed targeted activities to promote the relevant competencies and talents.

Next to the language courses that have just been mentioned, and specific career development offers, international graduates, do well in Germany when they feel at home and have built up personal and professional networks here. This is why next to a broad range of extra-curricular courses and job application training we also organise student parties and networking events, excursions and practical projects. These all play a role in our concept of helping students to take advantage of the chances in Germany.

Barbara: In addition to that, many international students want to get to know their new home country better. We have campuses in central city locations all across Germany: Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Heidelberg, Munich, and Wiesbaden. This allows students who want to experience more of Germany to switch between campuses during their studies and experience another location without losing any time.

What international exposure do the students get during their studies at Hochschule Fresenius?

Amit: At Master’s level, students from many different countries, including Germany, come together to form very international student cohorts. You can see the benefits of this kind of environment in the group projects that they develop, which often include ideas and perspectives drawn from the background of the team members and which end up broadening the students’ horizons.

Barbara: In our Bachelor’s program International Business Management we even have two integrated semesters abroad. That way, our students study in three different countries (ideally on three different continents) within their six semesters of studies and therefore really stand out on the job market once they start their professional life. In our Master’s programs, we have an optional semester abroad which allows our students to study at one of our numerous partner universities without wasting any time.

How are students supported in developing their leadership skills during their time at Hochschule Fresenius?

Barbara: Hochschule Fresenius is a University of Applied Sciences which means that we don’t just teach theoretical knowledge, but also put a focus on applying the concepts in practice. In contrast to a traditional university, where a professor has done a lot of research on management ideas but might have never really worked in a business, our professors come from “the real world” and are able to convey how the various management disciplines and leadership concepts work in practice.

In addition, many of them bring international management experience with them. These cultural factors aren’t ones that can be learnt from books, and you need someone who’s been there and done it. That way, our graduates learn from skilled practitioners and find it easier to navigate the transition to professional life.

Amit: Leadership skills are also key in the way that we engage closely with industry partners in the form of projects and case studies. During their studies students work on live projects with companies – conducting research, developing ideas or providing insights. This not only gives them exposure to business practice but also helps them to practice their professional project management and group leadership skills.

We know that your faculty at Hochschule Fresenius values on-site classes, even in a digital age. Why is that?

FRESENIUS UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES - campus

Amit: Obviously, it’s about finding the right balance. In the foreground is our focus on supporting students in developing the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, and this isn’t just gaining knowledge but a broad range of skills that are developed best in a face-to-face context.

We also recognise the importance of developing a personal and professional network, particularly for international students who may not know that many people when they first arrive. Our experience during the pandemic has shown us that it’s much easier to build these critical relationships in a live context rather than online.

Barbara: I would like to add that from a learning perspective, our experience has shown that the interaction between students, as well as between students and lecturers, is much more engaging and productive in person than in online courses. Thus, the learning experience is much better. Nevertheless, we are aware that some students might prefer online teaching, which is why our faculty also offers distance learning programs.

Finally, what advice would you give applicants who are interested in studying in Germany?

Amit: First off, well done on making a good choice! Germany is an attractive country for international students: it has a solid economy that offers a range of career opportunities and an excellent quality of life. Where exactly you study is an important decision, so make sure you know what programs and universities are out there.

You can use the websites and brochures as a starting point but ultimately you will want to get a feel for the student experience. So, make sure you contact the admissions departments to get more information about the courses and learning environment and to see if there are any online sample sessions or open days you can join.

Barbara: Other important resources are currently enrolled students or alumni who you may be able to find via a networking site or social media. Hochschule Fresenius also uses the UniBuddy tool which allows you to connect with existing students of different programs and ask questions about what it’s like to study here and what you can expect. You can also access various groups on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t feel afraid to reach out and ask for information.

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Written by
Abigail
Abigail is a freelance writer specialising in higher education. She has lived in London and the Netherlands, and has a Masters degree in American Studies.

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