Study with a plan
Choosing courses, taking exams, learning languages: there are many aspects to consider when planning your studies.
Each Bachelor's and Master's programme follows its own curriculum, which consists of core and contextual studies. The core studies are divided into compulsory subjects, core electives and electives. In the contextual studies, you have to take courses in skills, languages (Bachelor only) and focus areas. You can find a graphic representation of the curriculum of your study programme as well as further recommendations for study planning on the page of your study programme in the StudentWeb.
Each course offered at the HSG has a course fact sheet. Course Fact Sheets provide information about course credits, course admission requirements, the subject matter taught, course structure, and examination types (written, oral, group presentation, etc.). To view this information, check the University’s course directory.
HSG course numbers denote the course level and semester. Assessment courses begin with 1 and 2, Bachelor’s courses with 3 to 6 and Master’s courses with 7 to 9. PhD courses are numbered 10 and upwards. Odd numbers indicate courses in the autumn semester (AS), even numbers those in the spring semester (SpS).
HSG courses and examinations at all levels are allocated through the Bidding system in Compass. The Bidding system ensures that course places are allocated to those students bidding the highest value for attending a particular course. Course attendance, examination admissions, and the awarding of credits are based on the allocation of a course place through the Bidding process.
Since the Bidding process is a core component of HSG degree course organisation, detailed information including an explainer video is provided on StudentWeb.
We use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to weight and rate student performances. Students are awarded a certain number of credits for every degree course result. Credits also serve as a basis for estimating course workloads. On average, approximately 30 working hours are required per credit to achieve a satisfactory grade. A course or any other degree coursework amounting to four credits will therefore require 120 hours (i.e. two to three working weeks).
You can find out more about the passing requirements at the HSG on StudentWeb.
You may only take examinations in those courses which were assigned to you in the Bidding system. At the HSG, a distinction is also made between centrally and decentrally organised examinations. Centrally organised examinations take place in the examination block after the lecture period (Jan./Feb. or June/July). Decentrally organised examinations, on the other hand, take place during the semester.
A particular feature of the HSG examination system is that examinations may not be retaken in the same study attempt. If you are unable to take an exam, you must cancel your registration up to the start of the exam. Examinations can then be made up on an alternative exam date.
You will find all important information about examinations on the StudentWeb.
The University of St.Gallen places consistent emphasis on students attaining proficiency in several languages (multilingualism). The language concept of the University of St.Gallen rests on two principles. First, the University has two languages of instruction (German and English). Second, all students enrolled at the University take courses in at least two different foreign languages as part of their Contextual Studies.
Any language that students do not identify as their language of instruction when immatriculating at the University is considered a foreign language. Students may not earn any foreign-language credits in their language of instruction. They may only indicate one language of instruction. Bilingual students may earn foreign-language credits in their second language of instruction.
At the University of St.Gallen, level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is regarded as the minimum level of language proficiency required to study at the Bachelor’s level — for both German and English. At the Master’s level, students are expected to have attained level C1 (CEFR). These levels of language proficiency are intended as recommendations.
If you would like to refresh or extend your language skills, there are various offers (including conversation courses) available at our language centre.
For many of our graduates, an exchange semester at another university is one of the most formative experiences of their university years. We strive to enable as many students as possible to benefit from an exchange. Take a look at the wide range of opportunities: Our exchange programmes
Coursework completed abroad is credited to HSG degree studies wherever possible. Information is provided on StudentWeb on previous exchange credit transfers so that students can inform themselves when planning their courses.
In order to support parents in reconciling their studies with family life, you will find six breastfeeding rooms at various locations on campus. These rooms are each equipped with a nursing chair and breastfeeding cushion, a water connection and kettle, cups and nursing tea, and a fridge, as well as nappy changing mats. The ‘Löwenzahn’ and ‘Triangel’ day-care centres are tailored to the needs of students’ and University members’ children. Both facilities are within walking distance of the University.
Combining top-level sport with university studies is a great challenge for many students. We would like to make it possible to combine both. The University of St.Gallen is concerned that studies and top-level sport are compatible. For this reason, top athletes have access to flexible options.
