Dual and Work-Integrated Degree Programs

At the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, we offer various study models: combined study programs (academic study + vocational training) and degree programs with an in-depth practical component (academic study + intensive practical phases).

The Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg’s practice-integrated degree programs are dual-accredited and can be pursued as dual programs. These programs offer a more intensive integration of academic content for dual students.

Programs with integrated practical training can be pursued as programs with in-depth practical training or as combined study programs; however, they are not recognized as dual programs by the Accreditation Council Foundation.

Combined Study Program (also available as a dual program)
In a combined study program, you study concurrently with vocational training (leading to an IHK/HWK certificate) at a partner organization of your choice. Theory and practice couldn’t go hand in hand any better. You begin with 3 or 3.5 years of vocational training at the partner organization, and after approximately 14 months, you start your first semester of study at the same time.

Degree Program with In-Depth Practical Experience (also available as a dual program)
The degree program with in-depth practical experience means that, during your academic studies, you complete intensive practical phases with a partner organization of your choice that go beyond the required internships—without, however, pursuing vocational training. You can start your degree program first and then decide to pursue a subject-specific intensive practical phase in a later semester.

Cooperative Study Model in Systems Engineering (in a consortium or with in-depth practical experience
) You can find more information about this program on the corresponding website.

Program with In-Depth Practical Experience Based on the ICS Funding Model
Further information on the program with in-depth practical experience under the ICS model can be found on the ICS (International Co-operative Studies) website and at the Faculty of Computer Science at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg

Detailed information can be found on thewebsite of hochschule dual—an initiative of Hochschule Bayern e.V. that coordinates the activities of all Bavarian universities in dual study programs.

The following 3-minute video from “hochschule dual” provides a summary of the combined degree program and the program with in-depth practical training.

In both the combined study program and the program with in-depth practical training, periods of study at the university alternate with periods at the partner organization. Because of the integrated vocational training in the combined study program, this option takes 4.5 years to complete, while the program with in-depth practical training can be completed in 3.5 years. 

Combined Study Program

In the combined study program, you begin with your first year of training at your partner organization before starting your university studies; you then complete the remaining coursework during breaks from classes.

To enroll in the combined study program, follow these steps:

• You choose one of our majors that can be studied through the combined study program.
• Next, you apply for a training position with a practice partner that already cooperates with us in your desired degree program. Alternatively, you can apply to a practice partner of your choice that is interested in collaborating with the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg.
• You then sign a training contract with your industry partner and, at the same time, apply for a spot in the program at THA.
• After up to 14 months with your industry partner, your studies at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg begin; the university and practical phases now alternate. As part of the practical phases, you will also complete the basic internship required for some degree programs at your industry partner. 
• You will generally take the final exam for your vocational training (e.g., IHK/HWK exam) in your fourth year.
• After passing the final vocational examination, you will complete additional practical training units with your partner company during breaks between semesters and, if applicable, during additional practical semesters.
• You will complete the dual study program with a bachelor’s thesis focused on practical applications.

You can find more information on the Hochschule Dual website about the dual study program. Our contact persons are also happy to answer your questions.

Bachelor’s Program with In-Depth Practical Training

In the program with in-depth practical training, university and practical phases (practical phases during internship semesters and breaks between semesters) alternate regularly. This allows you to immerse yourself intensively in professional practice by learning about the “day-to-day business” at your partner company in addition to working on project-based assignments. The transition into your career is seamless thanks to this intensive practical experience.

You can begin the program with in-depth practical experience shortly before the start of the program or up to the 3rd semester. 

To pursue your degree program with in-depth practical experience, you’ll follow these steps:

• You choose one of our majors that can be studied in the program with in-depth practical experience and apply for a spot at the university.
• At the same time, or by the third semester, you apply to a practice partner that already cooperates with us in your desired degree program. Alternatively, you can also apply to a practice partner of your choice that is interested in collaborating with the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg.
• You will then sign a training agreement with your industry partner—templates for this are available from the faculty’s contact persons.
• During breaks between semesters, the internship semester, and the introductory internship required in some degree programs, you will complete practical training sessions with your internship partner.
• You will complete your degree with a bachelor’s thesis focused on industry practice.
• After successfully completing your degree, you can have the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences certify that you studied with an in-depth practical component—you’ll find the corresponding form under Downloads.

For more information, visit the Hochschule Dual websites on the program with in-depth practical training. Our contact persons are also happy to answer your questions.

Master’s Program with In-Depth Practical Experience

A master’s program with in-depth practical experience is a consecutive program and is aimed at both bachelor’s graduates who have completed a combined degree program or a program with in-depth practical experience, as well as those who did not pursue a dual bachelor’s degree.

A master’s program with in-depth practical training typically lasts 1.5 years (3 semesters) on a full-time basis and is organized as a program with in-depth practical training.

Students spend at least 34 weeks (or at least half of the standard period of study) with a practice partner. This time consists of on-site work during the lecture-free periods (approx. 4 months or 16 weeks) and the master’s thesis (at least 4.5 months or 18 weeks). The following diagram shows the structure of a typical Master’s program with in-depth practical training lasting 1.5 years (full-time).

On your path to the Master’s program with in-depth practical training, you will go through the following steps: 

• You select one of our disciplines that can be studied as part of the program with in-depth practical training and apply for admission to the university.
• At the same time, you apply to a practice partner that already cooperates with us in your desired program. Alternatively, you can also apply to a practice partner of your choice that is interested in collaborating with the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg.
• You will then sign a training agreement with your industry partner. During breaks from classes, you will complete practical training sessions at the company. 
• You will complete your degree with a master’s thesis focused on industry practice.

After successfully completing your degree, you can have the university certify that you studied with an in-depth practical component—you’ll find the corresponding form under Downloads.

Further information is available on the dual university’s websites regarding the master’s program with in-depth practical experience. Our contact persons are also happy to answer your questions.

At the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, you can pursue many degree programs through dual or work-integrated study (as a combined degree program or a program with in-depth practical training).

The specific models offered by our degree programs are listed on the individual program pages. 

The Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg collaborates with long-standing partner companies, municipalities, and public institutions in both its joint degree programs and its programs with an in-depth practical component. Here you will find a list of our industry partners by faculty (in alphabetical order):

• Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Data Science program)
• Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Architecture, Civil Engineering, E2D, and Digital.Design and Production programs) 
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering (Degree Programs in Electrical and Information Engineering, International Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Medical Technology)
• Faculty of Computer Science (Degree Programs: Computer Science, Technical Computer Science, Business Informatics) 
• Faculty of Mechanical and Process Engineering (Programs in Mechanical Engineering, Emergency Engineering, Environmental and Process Engineering, Production)
• School of Business (Business Administration program)

In addition, the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Schwaben) offers the “Apprenticeship Atlas,” a resource that can help students find a suitable company for an apprenticeship.

Similarly, the HWK Schwaben offers an apprenticeship exchange.

Job postings from companies for students can also be found on the university job board.

Why?

The idea behind dual-track programs and programs with in-depth practical training is to combine theory and practice in a way that benefits both students and industry partners equally. From the industry partners’ perspective, this results in the following advantages of these academic programs:

• Students effectively apply their academic knowledge to benefit their industry partner even while they are still in school.
• You gain highly qualified, academically trained employees whose practical expertise is tailored to your company or institution.
• Graduates build a strong connection with you right from the start.
• Your future need for successful specialists and managers is optimally met.
• You develop close ties with universities, thereby supporting technology and knowledge transfer.
• Your company becomes more attractive to top talent, and your corporate image improves.

How?

Are you interested in becoming a industry partner for the dual-track degree program and/or the degree program with an in-depth practical component?

• Contact the central coordination office at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg
• —we’ll advise you on the various models and options
• The respective degree programs will assess your suitability as a practice partner
• Once the cooperation has been approved, the Central Coordination Office will draft the cooperation agreement
• Once the cooperation agreement is signed, you will be listed as a practice partner on the THA website and will have additional opportunities to promote your study programs

For more information on the two study options from the perspective of industry partners, visit the hochschule dual website.

Take advantage of our university job board!

If, as a practice partner collaborating with us on the combined degree program or the degree program with in-depth practical training, you have job openings and are looking for prospective students, you can post them for free on the Bavarian university job board.

Our central coordination office is happy to provide information on general questions regarding dual study programs—for prospective students as well as for companies.

Contacts in the Faculties

The contact persons in the faculties are happy to assist you if you have questions about a specific degree program or, as a company, already know which faculty you’d like to partner with.

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Bischof
Humanities and Natural Sciences

Phone: +49 821 5586-3309
wolfgang.bischof(at)tha.de

Katrin Freitag, M.Eng.
in Electrical Engineering

Phone: +49 821 5586-1051
katrin.freitag(at)tha.de

Sabine Walke
Architecture and Civil Engineering

Phone: +49 821 5586-3107
fakultaet.ab(at)tha.de

Prof. Dr. Peter Rösch
Computer Science

Phone: +49 821 5586-3327
peter.roesch(at)tha.de

Birgit Lottes, M.A. in Geography (Univ.)
Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering

Phone: +49 821 5586-3630
birgit.lottes(at)tha.de

Part-time Systems Engineering Program (B.Eng.)
Faculty of Computer Science

Katharina Bucher
Donau-Ries University Center

Phone: +49 821 5586-4064
katharina.bucher(at)tha.de 

Central Student Advising Office

If you’re unsure whether to pursue a program under the joint model or as a program with in-depth practical training, or if you’re undecided about which program to choose, the Central Student Advising Office will be happy to assist you.

Dr. Ulrike Fink-Heuberger – Central Student Advising Office

Phone: +49 821 5586-3273
ulrike.fink-heuberger(at)tha.de

External guidance on apprenticeship opportunities and dual-track programs is available online or in person from various sources.

Information on apprenticeship programs is available on the Federal Employment Agency’s web portal, BERUFNET.

Locally at our chambers, such as the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Schwaben) here and the Swabian Chamber of Crafts (HWK) here.

Our umbrella organization, hochschule dual e.V., offers comprehensive information, FAQs, and counseling.

Vocational Schools in Augsburg and the Surrounding Area

There are several vocational schools in Augsburg and the surrounding area; here you’ll find an overview of the available schools, including links to their individual websites:

Vocational School I Bebo-Wager Vocational School for Industrial Mechanics/Mechanical Engineers/Mechatronics/Aircraft Mechanics/Technical Product Designers

Commercial Vocational School IV: Welser School for Business and Commercial Professions

Vocational School VI Balthasar Neumann for careers in the woodworking and construction sectors

Vocational School VII: Bebo-Wager Vocational School for Electronics Technicians, Computer Scientists, Mechatronics Engineers, and Information Technology Technicians   

Günzburg Vocational School for Careers in the Woodworking and Construction Sectors

Here you will find a brochure containing all the important information about our joint programs or degree programs with an in-depth practical component.

Students at Augsburg University of Applied Sciences who have successfully completed a degree program with an in-depth practical component can obtain certification for this special type of program.

This requires that a cooperation agreement regarding the program with in-depth practical training has been signed by both the company and Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.

The following steps are then required:

• The graduate must have their practical training periods confirmed by their company—which cooperates with Augsburg University of Applied Sciences in the program with in-depth practical training—either informally or using the following form.
  
  It is important to note that, in accordance with the quality criteria of “hochschule dual” for a bachelor’s degree program, at least 50 percent more practical training time must have been spent at the company than in a regular university program.

• The graduate should go to his or her faculty and submit the following documents:
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate from Augsburg University of Applied Sciences
  • Form signed by the company

  • Training agreement

     

• The graduate will then receive an official certificate signed by the faculty.