Since Autumn Semester 2013, the Assessment Year introduced two separate language tracks (German/English) in order to improve teacher/student ratio. There is an option between studying in German (German track) or in English (English track). In the German-language track of the Assessment Year you can pursue your studies in an economic or a legal area of specialisation. In the English-language track, only the economic area of specialisation is offered.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your command of the language of instruction is sufficient to allow you to complete your studies successfully. Recommended level at the start of the study is at least C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The HSG Language Center offers a free English test for this purpose. Please send an email to sprachenzentrum@unisg.ch.
During your first two semesters at the HSG, you will develop your study skills and work strategies, as well as the basic academic skills required for you to succeed in your studies. At the same time, the first year of studies helps to reconcile the requirements of the university with the expectations of the students.
Course curriculum
The studies during the Assessment Year consist of core studies and contextual studies. Core studies are divided up into contact studies and independent studies. They include the compulsory courses Business Administration, Economics and Law as well as the corresponding subject of the chosen specialization (Mathematics or Law II).
The contextual studies consist of the following parts: Skills, Cultural and Social Sciences, Foreign Language.
Examinations
You will be required to complete different types of exams over the course of the academic year. Besides traditional comprehensive written examinations, there are also seminar papers, group works, oral examinations and presentations to be completed.
Admission to the individual majors
In principle, your decision regarding the track language in the Assessment Year has no effect on your subsequent Bachelor’s studies. Irrespective of whether you have completed the German or English track, all majors are open to you at the Bachelor’s level once you have successfully passed the Assessment Year. However, the respective admission requirements of the individual majors must be observed.
If you have completed the Assessment Year with specialisation in Economics, you can begin with the majors in Business Administration, Economics, International Affairs or Law and Economics. If you have chosen the Assessment Year with specialisation in Law you can begin with the major in Law. However, you may also change the specialisation during the further course of your Bachelor's studies: In this case you have to complete either Mathematics or Law II of the Assessment Year as supplementary work.
Students who do not pass the Assessment Year may only repeat it once, in its entirety. All examination parts need to be taken again. Crediting is not possible, with the exception of the Accountancy examination.