A characteristic feature of dual study programmes is the content-related combination of theory and practice. School-leavers with the necessary university entrance qualification apply for an apprenticeship in a company and, simultaneously, complete a course of study at FH Aachen. For the most part, the apprenticeship ends after two and a half, or three, years with an examination at the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce), the course of study is completed with the Bachelor's degree after eight semesters in all. This means that, typically, graduates will acquire a double qualification (a professional qualification and a university degree) in just four years! The "Applied Mathematics and Informatics (Scientific Programming)" degree programme can even be completed after three years of study.

Currently, the FH Aachen offers 14 dual study programmes at seven faculties. As to content, the focus is on the commercial field as well as engineering and informatics. Some degree programmes (see above) are offered with integrated training (ausbildungsintegrierend), others as extra-occupational (berufsbegleitend) degree programmes as well. The latter enables qualified professionals to pursue a course of study at a university, parallel to their occupation. A completed vocational training is required for this. 

Advantages of a Dual Study Programme: 

• Due to the close connection with the company, the proportion of practical training is very high and geared to the needs of trade and industry.
  
  
• The dropout rate in dual study programmes is significantly lower than in conventional degree programmes!
  
  
• With help of a dual study programme, a double qualification can be acquired in just four years: a Bachelor's course of study plus a recognised vocational training leaving-certificate.
 
• While a traditional university education has to be self-financed, there will, typically, be renumeration for dual study programmes. 
 

• In some degree programmes, classes at vocational school + practical trainings are dropped and replaced with the course of study.
 
• Students will learn about the work flow, structures and procedures of their training company from scratch and they can therefore work actively and productively in this company. After university graduation, this will also open up the best perspectives for a secure workplace.
 
• Despite a high workload and a predetermined holiday period of 30 days, student motivation is typically higher than average.
 
• Seminar papers as well as the Bachelor's thesis can be put into practice at the company.
 
• Usually, the chances to be hired after a successful dual study programme are very good, since the companies run these programmes in order to recruit junior staff. Graduates will often be directly deployed in the company's management.
 
• For businesses: Acquisition of new university graduates with high practical experience, without costly and time-consuming job advertisments.
 
• Expert knowledge from the university will be passed to the companies involved through semainar papers and bachelor's theses.
 
• With very few exceptions, a course of study at the FH Aachen does not entail further costs.  Only the usual Social Contribution and Student Activity Fee has to be paid.

In almost all cases, the application for a dual study programme will take place via the cooperating companies. Wherever possible, the FH Aachen offers all applicants support in finding a suitable company. Please give us a call, if you have any questions (see Consultation)!

Up-to-date information on the dual study programmes at the FH Aachen can also be found on our Facebook page.