Dual cooperative degree options in Bavaria

Do you want to know how you can combine academic studies in a generous selection of degree programmes with practical work experience with more than 2,000 enterprises?

Study and Work –
The Best of Both Worlds

Dual cooperative study is geared towards highly motivated prospective students who are looking to combine intensive
practical experience with an academic degree. They bring outstanding students into contact with enterprises at an early
stage so that both sides can benefit from this valuable
combination of the best of both worlds.

You are welcome to apply for a dual or cooperative degree programme in Bavaria with a university entrance qualification
gained in Germany or abroad. In addition to the general conditions for admission, you should have a profound understanding of German, as it is the working language in most companies.

What is
hochschule dual?

hochschule dual is not a university of applied sciences, but the umbrella brand for cooperative study option in Bavaria. The initiative brings all the cooperative degree programmes together on one central information platform and also acts as a service point for prospective students, universities of applied sciences, and companies.

As an umbrella brand with uniform quality standards, hochschule dual oversees and provides information about all the cooperative study programmes offered by the universities of applied sciences in Bavaria.

What does "dual" mean?

“Dual” is a protected term in Germany, meaning it combines two learning locations: studying at a university of applied sciences (UAS) while gaining practical experience in an enterprise or institution.

There are three models:

• In an academic degree programme with intensive in-company training (Studium mit vertiefter Praxis), you can complete your studies after 3.5 years with a bachelor‘s degree and gain comprehensive practical work experience in a participating enterprise along the way. This means that you can demonstrate longer periods of practical work experience than graduates of standard degree programmes.
  You will be involved in enterprise projects, ideally in different departments, and with time, you may even be able to take on your own small projects. You also write your bachelor dissertation in the enterprise.

• A dual master’s programme combines advanced academic study with practical work experience in an enterprise. You study part-time at a university of applied sciences while also working in a relevant position and applying your knowledge directly in practice. The programme usually lasts for two years. Your master’s thesis is often written in cooperation with the company and with a focus on real-world projects or challenges.
   
• You can combine academic study leading to a bachelor’s degree with an advanced vocational training qualification in a cooperative degree programme (Verbundstudium) that lasts for 4.5 years.
  If you choose this model, you will attend vocational school and work in-company as a trainee in the first year of the programme and then then start your academic degree and divide your time between university studies and in-company training. You will take the examination for your vocational qualification during your practical semester.

Additional links
for more information

• General information about studying in Bavaria, and information concerning admissions and German language tests can be found at: Study in Bavaria