Answers to frequently asked questions
What is a “consecutive” Master’s degree programme? And where can I find out whether my prior studies will be recognised as fulfilling the admission requirements for a certain degree programme?
In the following, you will find answers to frequently asked questions concerning Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes at the Graduate School of University of Liechtenstein.
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The Master’s Degree Programme
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The Doctoral Degree Programme
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The Master’s Degree Programme – General Information
What is a “consecutive” Master’s degree programme?
Consecutive Master’s degree programmes are those that have a content-related connection to a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree programme (such as the “Diplom”), meaning that it continues and explores the subject matter in greater depth or expands upon it in an interdisciplinary manner.
How long does a Master’s degree programme last and how much of a workload should I anticipate per week?
The standard duration of study for Master’s degree programmes is 4 semesters for full-time students (120 ECTS credits corresponding to a total workload of 3,600 hours).
During the semester an average of 20-25 lectures takes place per week, from Thursday through Saturday. The degree programme requires attendance as well as self-study averaging 20 hours per week during the semester.
Is it possible to combine studying with work?
Work and studies can be combined. The duration of studies is prolonged according to how much you work. It is recommended that your workload be limited to a maximum of 40% of full-time employment so that the work required by the degree programme can be reasonably fulfilled.
How do the consecutive Master’s degree programmes differ from Master’s degree programmes in the area of continuing education?
In addition to an academic first degree (Bachelor’s degree, “Diplom”), Master’s degree programmes in the area of continuing education also require job experience and are completely geared towards practical application and working individuals in terms of their content and didactic approach. The first degree must not necessary correspond to the Master’s degree programme in terms of its content. It is not possible to begin a Doctoral degree programme with this degree.
Are the Master’s degree programmes accredited?
All master’s degree programmes at the Graduate School are internationally accredited. The degree programmes in the area of business economics were accredited in 2008 by the FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation). The Master’s degree programme in architecture was also accredited with a certificate from the AQAS (Agency for Quality Assurance through the Accreditation of Study Programmes) in 2008. Auditors have certified that all degree programmes fulfil very high quality standards.
How much are the tuition fees for the Master’s degree programmes?
As a fundamental degree programme, the Master’s degree at the Graduate School costs CHF 750.00 per semester. The tuition fees for Bachelor’s, consecutive Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes at the Graduate School are the same.
What is a diploma supplement? Will I receive one?
The diploma supplement is a document that students receive together with their diploma. It describes the objectives, structure and content of the degree programme as well as the level of qualification attained. As supplemental information, it is intended to facilitate and improve the assessment and classification of academic degrees for both study-related and professional purposes – both nationally and internationally.
Graduates of the Graduate School’s Master’s degree programmes will receive a diploma supplement.
The Master’s Degree Programme – Prerequisites
Who is granted admission for a consecutive Master’s degree programme?
The Master’s degree programme is geared towards very qualified and ambitious graduates of relevant Bachelor’s or comparable degree programmes, who are striving towards an advanced academic qualification that will qualify them for doctoral studies as well as employment. A good final grade in the first degree as well as a content-related connection to the desired Master’s degree programme are important; all prospective students must also demonstrate good knowledge of English. Detailed information on the admission requirements can be found on the page “The application”.
The respective degree programme coordinators are your initial contact partners for support concerning making a decision about studying and will also answer any initial content questions that you may have.
Can I apply if I have not yet completed my first degree by the time I submit my application?
Yes, that is possible. Students who are about to complete their degree can apply by submitting a confirmation from their current university regarding their estimated date of graduation and their transcripts. The specifications in the “Guidelines for Admission into a Master’s Degree Programme” apply. Acceptance is only provisional until the graduation certification and the final grade from the first degree programme have been submitted. No examinations can be taken.
Is it also possible to apply with a Bachelor’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences (FH)?
Yes, a relevant Bachelor’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences (FH) formally qualifies you to apply. In any case, the quality and quantity of the qualifications that you have attained will be verified and a decision will be made regarding the possible necessity to complete additional qualifications. Based on our experience, students with Bachelor’s degrees from a University of Applied Science (FH) must complete more additional qualifications on average than graduates from traditional university Bachelor’s degree programmes.
Can graduates with Bachelor’s degrees from a University of Cooperative Education (Duale Hochschule, Berufsakademie) apply?
Applicants who apply with an accredited Bachelor’s degree from a University of Cooperative Education (see Resolution by the Conference of Education Ministers (KMK) dated 15 October 2004 regarding the Classification of Bachelor Degree Programmes at Universities of Cooperative Education into the Structure for Consecutive Studies) fulfil the formal requirements for admission with regard to their degree. Proof of an accredited Bachelor’s degree (confirmation from the University of Cooperative Education) is to be provided by the applicant. In any case, the quality and quantity of the qualifications that you have attained will be verified and a decision will be made regarding the possible necessity to complete additional qualifications by the respective degree programme coordinators.
Which foreign language skills must I have?
For admission, English language proficiency of at least level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages as published by the Council of Europe is required (BEC2 Vantage, etc.).Applicants for Master’s degree programmes in Banking and Financial Management or Business Process Management must have language proficiency beyond level B2. In addition to presenting the required language certificate, sufficient knowledge of English will be verified in a setting conducted in English.
Applicants for the Master’s degree programmes in Entrepreneurship or Entrepreneurship – Major Finance must have sufficient knowledge of German. If candidates whose native language is not German are found to have insufficient knowledge of German during the interviewing process, the applicants must complete a relevant German language certificate prior to being admitted.
Details can be found in the “Guidelines for Admission into a Master’s Degree Programme”.
The Master’s Degree Programme – Applying
Where can I find the application form?
The form as well as information on admission requirements can be found at “Application” (> Procedure/ Forms).
I did not study at an officially recognised university located in an EU/EEA member country or in Switzerland. Which documents must I submit with my application?
For verification purposes, please submit your diploma document to:
National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC Liechtenstein)
Schulamt (Education Authority)
Europark
Austrasse 79
FL-9490 Vaduz
Liechtenstein
Only degrees verified by the NARIC Liechtenstein can be accepted by us for the further processing and evaluation of your application.
Can I list qualifications that are not mentioned on the application?
If you consider any other qualifications relevant, send your résumé and mark relevant passages. Also be sure to make a note of this on a supplementary sheet to be submitted with your application.
When are the application deadlines and when can I anticipate receiving an acceptance / rejection letter?
The application deadline for all Master's degree programmes is 30 June for students which do not require a visa and for students which need a visa is 31 May to begin your programme in September. The Master’s degree programmes in Architecture and Business Process Management starts also in February. The Application deadline is 30 November for students wich do not require a visa and for students which need a visa is 31 October.
The academic directors can make an acceptance decision immediately after they have finished evaluating your application (selection interviews). If there is a postponement, you should be notified of a decision by mid-July at the latest.
What are my chances of being admitted?
As you might imagine, this question is difficult, if not impossible, to answer. You’ll generally have the best chances if you had a very good final grade in your first degree, have submitted a complete application, if there is a sufficient connection between your first degree and your desired degree programme, if you have relevant initial job experience and you have sufficiently communicated your motivation. Please understand that estimations about individual chances cannot be made by any member of staff. Only the degree programme coordinators evaluate your qualifications and make a decision.
The Master’s Degree Programme – Studying
Are study abroad opportunities or study trips envisioned within the scope of the Master’s degree programmes?
University of Liechtenstein maintains partnerships with numerous universities abroad. The International Office can provide you with extensive information on the opportunities available and on resources for financing study abroad programmes. The recognition of course credits acquired abroad is generally possible and desired. Since studying abroad is not an obligatory part of our degree programmes, students are responsible for organising such opportunities themselves. Details can be discussed with the degree programme coordinators of the respective degree programmes.
Study trips lasting anywhere from several days to several weeks are envisioned in the degree programmes and you should find an opportunity to take part in them over the course of your studies.
How large can I expect groups to be?
The Graduate School places great emphasis on a good student/instructor ratio. On average, no more than 30 people will be in the large courses, while the groups tend to be even smaller in many courses.
Which type of degree will I actually be acquiring with a Master’s?
All Master’s degree programmes lead to a “Master of Science” (MSc).
In what language are courses taught?
The Master’s degree programmes in Architecture, Banking and Financial Management and Business Process Management are conducted exclusively in English. The Master’s degree programmes in Entrepreneurship as well as Entrepreneurship and Finance are conducted in German, however some courses are taught in English.
The Master’s Degree Programme – Financing
Does the Graduate School award scholarships?
Unfortunately no scholarships are awarded by the Graduate School. However, you can receive support if you participate in a semester abroad through the EU’s ERASMUS programme. Please contact the International Office to find out more about the exact requirements.
The Doctoral Degree Programme – General Information
Why does the Graduate School offer Master’s and Doctoral degree programmes all under one roof? What is the benefit of this?
By interconnecting the second and third levels of higher education (according to the Bologna Process), we at the Graduate School are putting together what belongs together. During their Master’s studies, Master’s degree students who are striving towards a doctoral degree at University of Liechtenstein either for academic or other career-related reasons, can already begin working on their research, targeting the content of their Master’s thesis and making contacts to professors who could serve as potential dissertation advisors.
How is the Doctoral degree programme structured and how long does it last?
The Doctoral degree programme is semi-structured and is divided into a preparation and a dissertation phase. Obligatory modules must be taken in both of these phases. The work done in these modules is accounted for with ECTS credits. The entire course of study lasts at least three years and no more than five years.
Can I apply for the Doctoral degree programme as a graduate of another university?
Yes, of course, as long as you have a relevant consecutive Master’s or comparable degree from a university that qualifies you to enrol in the Doctoral degree programme at this university.
Can the course of study also be carried out while employed or on a part-time basis?
In certain cases it is possible to write an “external dissertation” away from University of Liechtenstein. Doctoral students are, on the one hand, students and, on the other, are also active professionally as qualified junior academics. They are to be actively included in the teaching activity of the Graduate School and in the research activities of an institute. These activities serve to prepare them for a possible academic career later on. If professional work is undertaken outside of the university, it must be possible to conduct the course of study and research work within the timeframe provided. This requires that the workload at your job be greatly reduced. The research content and professional work should preferably be in the same subject area.
How much should I anticipate the programme to cost?
The tuition fees are CHF 750.00 per semester. You must also anticipate expenses for specialist literature and for participating in conferences (out-of-pocket expenses) etc., provided that you are not financially supported by funding from your advising professor. These issues must be clarified prior to applying.
Which status do doctoral students have?
As a doctoral student, you are a student of the University of Liechtenstein with all rights and obligations. In the event that you are also employed by University of Liechtenstein, you will have also the status of a Research Assistant.
The Doctoral Degree Programme – Prerequisites
Which qualifications are required for admission?
If you have a relevant consecutive Master’s degree from a university, can demonstrate at least good achievements in your studies, have preferably already gained initial research experience, or have even been published in academic publications, then you have the required and/or desired qualifications.
Can I be accepted with a Master’s degree from a University of Applied Sciences (FH)?
The Doctoral degree programme requires an educational background with close ties to research. The regulations governing the conferring of doctorates thus require a consecutive Master’s degree or a comparable degree from a university with the right to confer doctoral degrees. Graduates from Universities of Applied Sciences thus cannot be admitted directly into the Doctoral degree programme. However, by possibly taking qualifications already attained into consideration, such students can become eligible for admission via the Master’s degree programme at Hochschule Liechtenstein.
Do I fulfil the admission requirements with an Executive Master’s degree?
An Executive Master’s degree is earned as part of postgraduate professional education. Its content and format are not geared towards research activities. Such degrees thus do not serve as a qualification for admission into the Doctoral degree programme at Hochschule Liechtenstein. A possible alternative, for example, is the DBA degree programme (Doctorate in Business Administration), however, it is not offered at Hochschule Liechtenstein.
How are doctoral students selected?
Professors select their doctoral students based on their studies and research accomplishments, their research project, the availability of funding and the number of places available at the university. The number of places at the university is limited and it is recommended that you contact your potential advisor one year before the start of your desired course of study to discuss your chances of being accepted into the programme. The application is evaluated by the doctoral committee and admission is either approved or rejected.
The Doctoral Degree Programme - Applying
Are there guidelines for doctoral candidates to ideally prepare them for the application process?
You will find guidelines with important information at “Application”.
Where can I find the application form?
The form as well as information on admission requirements can be found at “Application” (> Procedure / Forms).
I did not study at an officially recognised university located in an EU/EEA member country or in Switzerland. Which documents must I submit with my application?
Your degree certificates and transcripts must be verified by the education authority. Please submit your documents for verification to:
National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC Liechtenstein)
Schulamt (Education Authority)
Europark
Austrasse 79
FL-9490 Vaduz
Liechtenstein
Only degrees verified by the NARIC Liechtenstein can be accepted by us for the further processing and evaluation of your application. In cases of doubt, we reserve the right to request this verification process.
What is an exposé?
As part of your application, you must present your research project and justify why the proposed topic is new and which unanswered questions will be addressed in the selected research focal point. The objective is to show that the project will support the research of the chair.
What are my chances of being admitted?
This question can only be answered by your potential advisor, for in addition to your proven qualifications you must be ensured an advisor and a place at the university must be available. Only then do you have security that your application will be accepted.
The Doctoral Degree Programme – Financing
Does the Graduate School award scholarships?
Unfortunately no scholarships are awarded by the Graduate School. However, you can receive support if you participate in a semester abroad through the EU’s ERASMUS programme. Please contact the International Office to find out about the options available.