Brand Academy

Creating added value through brands – that is what the Brand Academy’s training courses are designed to achieve. And it is precisely that which makes the Brand Academy a university which enables its graduates to start successfully in their careers and go far in them.
At the Brand Academy you will learn from an international team of experienced professors, lecturers, experts and practitioners how to design, communicate, present and manage brands. You will learn in practical situations and in small seminar groups, guaranteeing intensive personal support.

Are you interested in a degree course which focuses on brands?
Then the Brand Academy is the right place for you.

Inspired by their fascination for big brands, a group of German and Chinese friends decided to found a university for branding in 2010.
It is the first university to focus on brands – the central strategic success-factor in national and international businesses.

A brand is like a human being with a deep passion: You can’t escape its charisma.”

Courses Offered

BACHELOR OF ARTS

• Brand Management: A Creative and Confident Approach to Making a Brand Successful.
• Brand Design — DIGITAL DESIGN Designing the Future of Digital Brands
• Brand Design — COMMUNICATION DESIGN Creating Brand Experiences For All Senses

Masters

• International Brand Management: Intercultural and Strategic Approach To Managing Brands
  International Brand Communication:
• Develop Globally Engaging Strategies And Campaigns
  Summer semesters start in April, the winter semesters in October. The application deadlines vary depending on whether the applicants requires an entry visa for Germany or not.

APPLICATION CHECK LIST FOR BACHELOR PROGRAM

• Completed application form including photo
• Portrait/passport photo according to specifications
• Certified copy of higher education entrance qualification including transcripts of records.
• Certified translations of entry qualification (if applicable)
• Certified proof of language proficiency (if applicable)
• Letter of motivation
• Current CV
• Certificate of ex-matriculation (if applicable)
• Clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Copy of valid national ID-Card or Passport (if applicable)
• Any additional documentation that may cast a positive light on your application, such as work experience, volunteer assignments, vocational/professional training etc.

Work samples and memory stick (only relevant to applications for Brand Design)

SELECTION PROCESS

We will determine your suitability as a candidate during a two-step selection process that will assess your subject-related and general aptitude.
Stage 1: Assessment of your application materials. If we consider them sufficient, we will contact you swiftly to arrange a time and date for Stage 2.

Stage 2: Entrance examination in the form of an interview, conducted by the Programme Director and a member of the faculty. If you successfully complete both stages, we will gladly offer you admission to your chosen B.A

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS PROGRAM

• Degree: Successful completion of Bachelor’s degree rated at 180 credits (ECTS)
• English Skills: Provide evidence of your English language proficiency at B2 level of the ‘Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment’ by submitting a certificate confirming that you have passed an internationally recognised English language test e.g. TOEFL or IELTS or an equivalent proof. Certificate of an internationally recognized language test on B2 level (e.g. TOEFL Internet-based minimum of 87 points, IELTS exam minimum of 5-6 points) or proof of equivalent knowledge of language acquired abroad.
• Submission of completed application materials in English: • Completed application form including photo • Letter of motivation (max. two A4 pages), • Current CV in English,
• Certified copy of your undergraduate degree (e.g. BA certificate accompanied by a transcript certificate).

SELECTION PROCESS

Please ensure that you have completed your application and included all the required documents and materials. A two-stage selection process will determine if you have reached our academic criteria for admission to our graduate course. During the process we will assess your subject-related and general aptitude.

The Selection Procedure:

Stage 1: Assessment of your application materials

Stage 2: Entrance examination in the form of an interview.Our oral entrance examination is conducted by the Programme Director and a member of the faculty.

THE ALL ROUND CONCEPT OF THE BRAND ACADEMY

Studying With a View: Our campus is located in the former seafaring school in Ottensen, one of the liveliest districts of Hamburg. In a Bauhaus-style building situated high above the river Elbe, you will work and learn in an inspiring atmosphere.

Equipment: Here you will find everything you need – computer rooms, photographic equipment, a library and various workshops. You will be able to borrow computers equipped with all the necessary software.

International Student Service: We provide support to our international student in visa matters and regarding their search for accommodation. Needless to say, we also offer language courses. In terms of intercultural exchange, the Brand Academy offers cultural education to students from all over the world.

Student Body: The selected student representatives cooperate on the improvement of the study programmes and contribute to the further development of the university. As part of Brand Academy’s Buddy Programme, students in higher semesters tutor the newcomers and help them with the initial orientation.

Networking – a Core Aspect of Brand Academy: Our students are in constant exchange with experts, both researchers and practicing professionals. They also take part in events, practical projects and internships. Through this process, our students start to build their own professional networks early on.

Financing: The tuition fees for studying at Brand Academy are a worthwhile investment into your future. Our main goal is employability – we will train you for success in your future job. Our students are eligible for financial support by BaFög or the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), formerly KfW Bankengruppe (banking group), is a German government-owned development bank, based in Frankfurt. We would be happy to personally advise you on all questions regarding financial issues.

Quality Management: Our main focus is always on the involvement of students. To ensure that research and teaching remain at the highest level, we constantly evaluate their quality through internally governed processes. The Ministry of Education carries out the external control for Science and Research of the City of Hamburg. Additionally, the Board of Trustee whose external members come from teaching, research and practice supports the development of the Brand Academy.