The dual study program

A dual study program is a fully-fledged university degree plus practical professional qualification. In addition to in-depth academic studies, there is also training and practical experience in the company. This gives students the opportunity to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice immediately. At the end of a dual course of study, companies have motivated and highly qualified young specialists and managers at their disposal. This makes the dual study program a solid, successful and cost-effective instrument for promoting young talent.

What different types of dual study programs are there?

A. Training-integrated degree programs: study plus training

Training-integrated degree courses combine recognized vocational training with a degree course at a university of applied sciences. Students acquire both an academic Bachelor's degree and a recognized vocational qualification.

B. Practice-integrated degree programs: studies plus practical phases

Practical phases in the company deepen the content of the course. Students complete the practical part in cooperating companies.

Who is a dual study program suitable for?

A dual study program is suitable for anyone who wants to gain practical experience in a company during their studies. It particularly appeals to those who prefer a more practice- and company-oriented approach to learning or who are looking for a dual qualification of academic and company-based training. If you are prepared to complete your studies quickly and intensively and also work during lecture-free periods, this type of course is particularly suitable for you.

Getting to know company practice at an early stage, continuous familiarization with practical processes and taking on responsible tasks lead to excellent career prospects. Graduates of dual study programs usually have the best chances of being taken on directly by their training company.

How long does a dual study program last?

The duration depends on the field of study and the chosen form of study. The various dual Bachelor's study programs at Fachhochschule Dortmund last between seven and nine semesters.

How do you apply for a dual study program?

The first step in an integrated degree course is to apply for a training place at one of Fachhochschule Dortmund's partner companies. In addition to the partner companies, you can also look for a company of your choice and apply there if this company is willing to support a dual study program. The company then registers your training/practical placement with the university and concludes a cooperation agreement with it. In the case of a practice-integrated study program, you apply for an internship at a partner company or a social work provider in the case of the Social Work with a focus on Migration - Integration study program. The application deadline for an apprenticeship or internship is set by each company itself. An early application is advisable in any case.

The application for a place on the dual study program at Fachhochschule Dortmund is then made after successful application to a partner company for an internship or training place and proof of university entrance qualification. Detailed information on applying to Fachhochschule Dortmund can be found in the respective course profiles.

Advantages for students

Study or work experience? Why not both?

Better plus than or!

University studies plus entry into professional life
Academic training plus work experience
3.5 to 4.5 years of FH studies plus financial independence through remuneration
Quasi job guarantee: usually permanent employment plus good career opportunities with employers

Shorter training period: Compared to an apprenticeship and subsequent studies, the time required for a dual study program is significantly shorter overall.
Double degree: Study programs that integrate training lead to two qualifications, an internationally recognized bachelor's degree and a chamber degree.
Career prospects: Students gain practical experience in a company during their studies. This makes them much better qualified than competitors with a conventional degree and offers them considerable advantages when applying for a permanent job. Many companies give graduates a job guarantee upon successful completion of their studies due to their highly qualified training.
Remuneration: Students generally receive remuneration from the company for the entire duration of their studies. As a trainee on a training-integrated study program, they receive a training allowance until the final examination of a vocational training course, after which they receive a trainee allowance or a pro rata salary until the end of their studies. Students on a practice-integrated study program usually receive a scholarship or salary from the company for the entire duration of their studies.

Advantages for companies

The dual study program is a solid, successful and cost-effective instrument for promoting and securing young talent.
Companies can get to know their future employees during their training and provide them with practical and tailored qualifications right from the start.
At the end of the dual study program, companies have motivated and highly qualified specialists and managers at their disposal.
The companies receive "tailor-made" junior academic staff who have already been trained in the company during their studies and can be deployed immediately after graduation.
The high attractiveness of this university course, combined with the best career opportunities on site, means that the urgently needed specialists and managers of the future are tied to the companies and the business location.
The cooperation between the university and the company ensures up-to-date and practical study programs that give the companies additional impetus for development.