Information on the application for career-integrated degree studies

A personal statement is often required as part of the application documents, particularly for career-integrated studies. This – along with a subsequent interview – allows both sides to assess whether the studies are the right fit for the applicant alongside their job. This is precisely why the personal statement is so important. After all, it provides insight not only to the university, but to the applicants as well. After all, you will be reflecting on your own motivation (at the very latest) whilst writing the letter itself.

Contents of the personal statement

First things first – because we cannot stress this enough: the personal statement for career-integrated studies is not a repetition of your CV and does not replace it. Rather, it is an opportunity for you, as an applicant, to showcase your individual skills and personality profile. Try to explain exactly why you are particularly well-suited to completing your chosen degree programme alongside your job. Why are you making an application for this particular programme? What skills do you possess that will ensure your studies are a success?

Are there any details in your CV that require further explanation? If so, your personal statement provides the space to elaborate on them. It is particularly important to convey, in your own words, why you wish to study career-integrated. Make it personal.

Job interview. Just hearing the word is enough to make some people’s knees go weak – some more than others. A little nervousness can actually be an advantage, helping you to stay focused and highlighting your professionalism. Nevertheless, don’t let the upcoming interview put you under pressure. First and foremost, it’s about getting to know each other and finding out about your motivation.

Opportunity to get to know each other

We don’t want to downplay it, but put quite simply, selection interviews are an opportunity for Professors and applicants to get to know one another. Such an interview gives both sides the chance to discuss expectations and to see who they will be working alongside on a part-time basis during their studies. From the university’s perspective, selection interviews are intended to keep the subsequent drop-out rate as low as possible – which is also in the applicants’ best interests. This part of the application process therefore offers, above all, the opportunity to ask questions and to clarify for oneself exactly what it will mean to study whilst working.

A boost to motivation

Another important aspect of the selection interview is your motivation. During the interview, professors and university staff will want to find out what drives you and how thoroughly you have already familiarised yourself with the studies. It is therefore highly recommended – and not just for the sake of the selection interview, incidentally – that you find out as much as possible about the studies. The website of the Centre for Continuing Education at Hochschule München contains a wealth of information and details about the career-integrated degree programmes on offer. The team at the Centre for Continuing Education will be happy to answer any further questions by email or by telephone (+49 89 1265-4395).

The formal aspects of the selection interview

Formally speaking, admissions interviews for university places vary from degree programme to degree programme. These may take the form of one-to-one or group interviews with several applicants. During these interviews, you will meet at least the programme director and, in most cases, other Professors and staff members from the programme administration team. Ideally, this will give you a feel for the atmosphere at the university and within the degree programme.

When attending an interview for an career-integrated degree programme, treat it as you would a conversation with colleagues or acquaintances: be yourself, remain professional and be honest. Clarify expectations and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

As well as a personalised letter of motivation, you will normally need to make a number of submissions when applying for studies whilst working. It is therefore worth having these to hand before registering on the application system. These include, in particular:

• higher education entrance qualification
• Curriculum Vitae
• current certificate of insurance from the health insurance fund
• Identity card or passport (copy)
• Photograph

For advanced professional development programmes, the following also applies:

• Evidence of employment following the first set of studies leading to professional qualification, e.g. a copy of employment contracts or a confirmation from the employer

When making an application for a place on a Master’s programme, the following also applies:

• Certificate of completion of first studies leading to professional qualification (copy)

Please also check the details of the relevant degree programme to find out what other documents you need to submit.

General information on the application process is available in the Student Advice Centre’s FAQs and on this HM website.

Career-integrated studies at Hochschule München can lead to a bachelor's degree , a master's degree or a certificate . In addition, seminars are offered at regular intervals, for which participants receive a certificate of attendance. As career-integrated programmes are structured to allow students to study alongside full-time employment, the standard period of study is longer than for a full-time programme.

In addition to the duration of career-integrated study, the admission requirements also play an important role in relation to the degree to be obtained. For example, to commence a Master’s degree programme, students are generally required to have successfully completed at least a Bachelor’s degree.