The degree course with in-depth practical experience at Ulm University of Applied Sciences (THU) combines a regular Bachelor's degree course with approx. 70% additional practical experience in your company. During their studies, students acquire in-depth specialist knowledge at the THU and apply this directly in company practice. The practical phases take place during the lecture-free periods, in the practical semester and as part of the Bachelor's thesis. This creates a close link between theory and practice, which enables a continuous transfer of knowledge between the university and the company.
The long-term cooperation allows students to get to know your company, your processes and your corporate culture at an early stage. At the same time, you gain qualified junior staff who can apply their academic knowledge directly to your projects and prepare themselves specifically for future tasks in your company. In this way, you create the ideal conditions for successful recruitment and long-term employee retention.
This program, which emphasizes practical experience, offers companies numerous advantages. Compared to a traditional degree program, students spend about 70 percent more time at the company, thereby gaining valuable hands-on experience early on. The model is also ideal for developing the company’s own trainees and strengthens their long-term commitment to the company. It is also possible to join the program even after the academic year has begun. Through the close integration of theory and practice, students acquire the specific skills needed within the company. At the same time, companies benefit from a shorter onboarding period after graduation and from close networking among students across various departments.
This program, which emphasizes practical experience, is available in nearly all bachelor's degree programs and master’s programs at THU. Companies and students thus benefit from a wide range of opportunities to combine theory and practice. The only exceptions are the Bachelor’s programs in Computer Science International Program and Physical Therapy.
If you sign a contract with the students before they start their studies, they will first get to know your company during a two to four-week introductory phase. Students then start their Bachelor's degree at THU, where they acquire the technical and scientific foundations of their course.
In the degree course with in-depth practical experience, university studies and company practice alternate in a targeted manner. During the lecture and examination periods, the young professionals study at the THU and gain valuable practical experience in your company during the lecture-free periods. The practical semester and the Bachelor's thesis are also carried out directly at your company. This creates a long-term and close cooperation from which both sides benefit: The students gain an early insight into operational processes and corporate culture, while you can develop qualified junior staff in a targeted manner and retain them in your company.
The master’s program with an in-depth practical component can be started in either the winter or summer semester, depending on the program. If a contract with the student is already in place before the start of the program, the collaboration begins with a two- to four-week introductory phase at your company. The first semester of the master’s program then begins at the University of Ulm (THU).
During the three-semester master’s program, theoretical and practical phases alternate: Students spend lecture and exam periods at THU, while gaining practical experience at your company during breaks between semesters.
In the third semester, students write their master’s thesis at your company, thereby completing their master’s program with in-depth practical experience.
How to Become a Partner Company for a Dual Degree Program
The first step toward a dual degree program at the Technical University of Ulm (THU) begins with a non-binding information and consultation phase. Companies can learn about the various dual degree program models on the THU website and schedule individual consultations. Following this, a framework agreement is signed between THU and your company, which forms the basis for collaboration in the program with in-depth practical training.
Recruiting Phase
Once the framework agreement is finalized, the recruitment phase begins. You can present your study positions at career guidance, vocational training, and higher education fairs, for example, and specifically target potential young talent. Upon request, the THU will support your company in marketing the study program and in reaching out to suitable applicants.
Application Process and Start of Studies
The program with in-depth practical training can be started in either the summer or winter semester. Ideally, student applications and the signing of the contract with your company should take place before the start of the program. However, it is also possible to join the program with in-depth practical training after the program has begun.
A prerequisite for participation is the student’s successful application to the desired bachelor’s program via the THU application portal. Additionally, they must complete the university’s regular admission process. The program with an in-depth practical component can only be started once admission to the THU has been granted.
Important Dates
The start date at the company is usually March 1 for the summer semester or September 1 for the winter semester. Lectures at THU usually begin in mid-March (summer semester) or late September (winter semester). You can find the current semester dates and the exact start of lectures on the“Dates & Events”page of the THU website.
Below you will find the framework and individual agreements for the program with an emphasis on practical training:
