In July 1968, the minister presidents of the German federal states agreed to introduce a new type of university: the so-called universities of applied sciences. In June 1971, the "Law on the Establishment of Universities of Applied Sciences" (FHEG) came into force in North Rhine-Westphalia. On August 1, 15 Fachhochschulen were founded in North Rhine-Westphalia - including Fachhochschule Dortmund. The State School of Engineering, the Dortmund School of Arts and Crafts and the colleges for Social Work, Social Pedagogy and Business Studies were merged into it.
The focus was on short study periods combined with a high level of practical relevance. This successful formula was intended to train specialists, particularly in technical and business management study programs as well as in social work. Research was not initially planned.
Problem solvers and drivers of innovation
Since the founding years at the beginning of the 1970s, the UASs have developed decisively and very successfully, leading to the formation of a new type of university, the "University of Applied Sciences" (UAS).
What has remained is the strong and profile-defining practical and applied focus in both teaching and research, as well as the wide-ranging transfer of knowledge and technology into practice. Through their close cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as stakeholders from the social and health sectors, they are problem solvers and drivers of innovation at the cutting edge and at the same time form an important and formative location factor for the respective region.
"Incredibly important"
The "Incredibly important" campaign focuses on the significance of universities of applied sciences and universities of applied sciences, honors a successful idea and highlights the relevance of the work carried out at a wide variety of locations. As Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, we therefore invite you to discover the potential of HAWs and UASs and see for yourself that we are dealing with a type of university that is diverse, innovative and, above all, incredibly important.