Dual study programme
A dual study programme is right for you if you want to combine practical training with an academic qualification. Through an excellent combination of theory and practice, managers are trained who have both the necessary technical/commercial skills and already have extensive practical experience when they start their careers.
Two study models are distinguished within the framework of the dual study programme:
- Composite study
- Study with in-depth practice
hochschule dual: Dual study in Bavaria
References
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General information
Composite study
You want to study and obtain a vocational qualification at the same time? Then you should opt for the combined degree programme.
How does the combined study programme work?
- At OTH Amberg-Weiden, you choose a subject that you can study in combination with an apprenticeship. You can find an overview of all combined study programmes in the database.
- Then you apply for an apprenticeship at a company of your choice that cooperates with the OTH Amberg-Weiden in the desired degree programme. You can find out which companies these are in the database. Or you can apply to a company of your choice that does not yet cooperate (simply ask them about a possible cooperation with OTH Amberg-Weiden).
- Now you sign a training contract with your company and then apply for a place at the OTH Amberg-Weiden.
- After up to 14 months in the company, you begin your studies at the OTH Amberg-Weiden. University and practical phases now alternate during your studies.
- You usually take your IHK/HWK examination or those of other competent chambers in the 3rd year of training.
- After passing the final vocational examination, you will complete further practical units in the company during the lecture-free periods and, if applicable, additional practical semesters during your studies.
- The dual study programme ends with a company-related Bachelor's thesis.
How are you contractually secured?
Before you start the joint degree programme, you conclude a contract with your company that regulates the type and scope of practical assignments, holiday entitlement, remuneration, etc. (e.g. vocational training contract + education contract).
![[Translate to Englisch:] Verbundsstudiumsgrafik für mit den 3 Säulen: Betriebliche Ausbildung (23,5 Monate), Betriebliche Praxis (4 Monate) und parallelem Hochschulstudium.](/files/_processed_/b/4/csm_modell_verbundstudium_01_5025497864.jpg "[Translate to Englisch:] Verbundstudium Bachelor Übersichtsgrafik")
Studies with in-depth practice
Do you want to start directly on two tracks, study and practice should complement each other from the beginning? Are you not aiming for integrated vocational training, but rather the collection of practical work experience?
In this case, the degree programme with in-depth practical experience is the right choice. Your studies and practical work in the company are coordinated, with university periods alternating with work experience right from the start. You go through intensive practical phases during which you get to know your company thoroughly. The strong plus: up to 100 percent more practical experience than in conventional studies.
And after only 3.5 years you have a recognised degree in your pocket.
How does the study programme with in-depth practice work?
- At the OTH Amberg-Weiden, you choose your desired subject as a degree programme with in-depth practical experience. You can find an overview of all degree programmes with in-depth practical training in the database.
- You apply to a company that cooperates with the OTH Amberg-Weiden in the desired field of study. You can find out which companies these are in the database. Or you can apply at a company of your choice that does not yet cooperate with OTH Amberg-Weiden (just ask them about a possible cooperation with OTH Amberg-Weiden).
- Once you have signed an employment contract with your company, you can apply for the desired study place. And off you go.
OR: You start your studies first and find a company for the practical phases from the 2nd/3rd/4th semester during your studies (1st-3rd semester) according to the same scheme as described above.
CONCLUSION: The entry into the degree programme with in-depth practice is flexible. Which modality is chosen also depends on the company.
- University and practical phases (practical phases during the practical semester and semester breaks) alternate regularly during the degree programme. You enter into professional practice intensively by doing project work as well as the "day-to-day business" in the contracting company. The transition to work is smooth due to the thorough practical experience.
- You finish the dual study programme with a practice-oriented Bachelor's thesis in the company.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Studium mit vertiefter Praxis Bachelor auf 3,5 Jahre praxisintegrierend. 16 Monate Bachelorstudium und paralleles Hochschulstudium.](/files/_processed_/8/9/csm_modell_studium_vertiefte_praxis_01_82baa43be3.jpg "[Translate to Englisch:] Modelldarstellung Studium mit vertiefter Praxis")
Quality
All dual study programmes that receive the "hochschule dual" seal of quality and are marketed under the umbrella brand hochschule dual (e.g. through inclusion in the study guide, presentation on the website hochschule-dual.de, etc.) meet very specific quality standards.
In this way, the "hochschule dual" brand guarantees the high quality and attractiveness of all dual study programmes offered by Bavarian universities of applied sciences.
Advantages
The dual study programme opens up optimal career opportunities for you.
Through the interlocking of theory and practice, you will acquire a highly qualified and comprehensive academic education in the shortest possible time, which fully meets the requirements profile of today's companies.
This speaks for the dual study programme:
- You acquire extensive practical and professional knowledge in the company of your choice.
- You benefit from optimal integration into company structures, working methods and project processes.
- You train important key qualifications in practice.
- You are financially secure due to the continuous remuneration of your performance.
- Your job and career opportunities are excellent - the takeover rate is almost 100%.
- Particularly in the combined study programme, your total training time is shortened by several years in some cases (compared to the conventional path: first apprenticeship, then study).
- You enter your desired profession earlier and experience a smooth transition from study to work.
Database
You can find an overview of all dual study opportunities in our database.
OTH Professional is also a member of "hochschule dual". You can search for all dual study programmes at Bavarian universities of applied sciences in the hochschule dual portal.
How to apply?
How do I apply?
- With an Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, master craftsman's examination (or equivalent advanced training examination), you fulfil the admission requirements for the university. For particularly qualified professionals, subject-specific admission is also possible.
- You should find out about suitable dual courses of study at least 18 months before you graduate from school or complete your vocational training. It's especially important to get in early if you're interested in a combined degree programme.
- Approximately 12 to 14 months before the start of the dual study programme, you should apply for a training place at the company of your choice. It is also possible to apply to companies that do not yet work with us (just ask them about a possible cooperation with OTH Amberg-Weiden).
- Once you have successfully completed the training or internship contract at the company, you apply to the university for your place. Please note the application deadlines at the universities. You can find separate information about applying to the OTH Amberg-Weiden here.
Application deadlines for university studies:
Winter semester: 02 May - 15 July
Summer semester: 01 December - 15 January
Application deadlines for an apprenticeship in a company:
Some companies hire as early as one year before the start of the apprenticeship. Please enquire early with the companies that are of interest to you. Apply in good time!
As a rule of thumb, the sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting a training place in a company for dual studies!
Cooperating companies
In our database you will find the addresses of the cooperating companies.
If your company of choice is not yet a partner of our university, you can become active yourself! Take the initiative and point out the possibility of a dual study programme to companies.
If you have any organisational questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
For companies
Dual to highly qualified personnel
As a successful company, you know your most valuable resource: optimally qualified employees. With a dual study programme, you have the lever to highly qualified personnel in your own hands.
Fit in theory and practice!
The best qualification is one who is just as familiar with theory as with practice - ideally in your company. You can achieve this by working together with OTH Amberg-Weiden as a cooperation partner to train the staff of tomorrow:
Dual students complete regular vocational training (e.g. IHK, HWK) in your company parallel to their studies (during the practical semester and the lecture-free period), or they gain intensive experience in your company during the lecture-free periods and the practical semester (= studies with in-depth practice).
The result: after 3.5 to 4.5 years of compact university-company training, graduates of a dual study programme have a high-quality academic degree and a tailor-made practical plus. This means they are 100% theoretically and practically fit to join your company - without any further training period. And you know exactly the professional and personal suitability of the graduates for your company.
Composite study
The hallmark of the joint degree programme is the interlocking of Bachelor's studies at a university and in-company apprenticeship. The students complete a regular and fully recognised vocational training programme (e.g. with a Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Trade qualification) in your company parallel to their university studies.
The dual students are trainees in your company from the beginning - until the announcement of the successful passing of the final vocational examination or until the end of the vocational training contract. Afterwards, the dual students continue to be in the company for paid practical assignments.
How does the dual study programme work?
- In the first step, prospective students decide on a field of study that can be combined with vocational training.
- Then they apply for a place on the dual study programme with a company that cooperates with the chosen university in the desired field of study.
- If the prospective students are successful in securing a place at their company, they apply for a place at the university within the regular deadlines.
- After an introductory stage of up to 14 months of vocational training in the company, they begin their studies at a Bavarian university. University and practical phases (especially in practical semesters and lecture-free periods) alternate from this point on.
- Your dual students usually take the IHK / HWK examination (or those of other competent chambers) during the practical semester, in the 3rd year of training.
- After passing the exam, you arrange further cooperation with them individually; the transition to employment is smooth.
- The dual study programme ends with a company-related Bachelor's thesis in your company.
And the contractual side?
Before the start of the programme, you conclude a contract with your selected candidates in which the type and scope of the practical assignments, remuneration, holiday entitlement, etc. are precisely regulated. You can obtain contract templates from hochschule dual. In addition, you clarify the most important cornerstones of the dual study programme with your university (e.g. level of practical training, entry and admission requirements for the programme) and conclude a written cooperation agreement.
What are the regulations on compulsory social insurance?
With the entry into force of the Fourth Act amending the Fourth Book of the Social Code and other laws of 22.12.2011 (published in the Federal Law Gazette No. 71 of 29.12.2011, page 3057 ff), the following applies: participants in dual study programmes are treated in the same way as those employed for vocational training and as such are uniformly subject to compulsory health, long-term care, pension and unemployment insurance for the entire duration of the corresponding study programme. The statutory regulations came into force on 1 January 2012 and apply nationwide. Cf. 4th Act amending SGB IV (compulsory social insurance for students), p. 3058f.
What does the remuneration look like?
The amount of remuneration is based on the regular training salary in your company. Remuneration is obligatory for all company phases; remuneration is highly recommended for the theory phases at the university.
Once you have completed your vocational training, you agree the remuneration with the dual students individually.
Studies with in-depth practice
Students who opt for the study programme with in-depth practice acquire up to 100% more practice than in conventional studies. Their demanding practical assignments are oriented towards the study content and the individual qualification for a task. Vocational training is not integrated.
How does the study programme with in-depth practice work?
- First, school-leavers decide on a subject that can be studied with in-depth practice.
- Then the prospective students apply for a dual study place in a company.
- Once the employment contract has been signed, the prospective students apply for a place at their chosen university. Now the studies can begin. OR: The young people first start their studies and during their studies (1st-3rd semester) find a company for the practical phases from the 2nd/3rd/4th semester according to the same scheme as described above. CONCLUSION: The entry into the degree programme with in-depth practice is flexible. Which modality is chosen also depends on the company.
- University and practice phases alternate systematically in the study programme with in-depth practice. During the lecture-free period and the practical semester, the dual students go through intensive practical phases in your company. They will be involved in projects at your company, ideally pass through various departments and may also be able to take on their own small projects later on. For you, this means an optimal opportunity to introduce the young people to their future area of responsibility in your company in a very targeted and specific way while they are still studying.
- The degree programme with in-depth practical experience ends with a company-related Bachelor's thesis in your company.
And the contractual side?
Beforethe start of the study programme, you conclude a contract with your selected candidates in which the type and scope of the practical assignments, remuneration, holiday entitlement, etc. are precisely regulated. You can obtain contract templates from hochschule dual. In addition, you clarify the most important cornerstones of the dual study programme with your university (e.g. level of practical training, entry and admission requirements for the programme) and conclude a written cooperation agreement.
What are the regulations on compulsory social insurance?
With the entry into force of the Fourth Act amending the Fourth Book of the Social Code and other laws of 22.12.2011 (published in the Federal Law Gazette No. 71 of 29.12.2011, page 3057 ff), the following applies: participants in dual study programmes are treated in the same way as those employed for vocational training and as such are uniformly subject to compulsory health, long-term care, pension and unemployment insurance for the entire duration of the corresponding study programme. The statutory regulations came into force on 1 January 2012 and apply nationwide. Cf. 4th Act amending SGB IV (compulsory social insurance for students), p. 3058f.
What does the remuneration look like?
Student remuneration is compulsory at least for the operational phases. It should initially be at least 80%, and from the 3rd semester onwards 100%, of the remuneration of corresponding training occupations in the second year of training.
Quality
All dual study programmes that receive the "hochschule dual" seal of quality and are marketed under the umbrella brand hochschule dual (e.g. through inclusion in the study guide, presentation on the website hochschule-dual.de, etc.) meet very specific quality standards.
In this way, the "hochschule dual" brand guarantees the high quality and attractiveness of all dual study programmes offered by Bavarian universities of applied sciences.
What are the rules on compulsory social security?
With the entry into force of the Fourth Act amending the Fourth Book of the Social Code and other laws of 22 December 2011 (published in the Federal Law Gazette No. 71 of 29 December 2011, page 3057 ff), the following applies: Participants in dual courses of study are treated in the same way as those employed for vocational training and as such are uniformly subject to compulsory health, long-term care, pension and unemployment insurance for the entire duration of the corresponding course of study. The statutory regulations came into force on 1 January 2012 and apply nationwide. Cf. 4th Act amending SGB IV (compulsory social insurance for students), p. 3058f.
Advantages
Ten advantages for your company:
- Those who complete a time-intensive dual study programme are performance-oriented, disciplined and determined - qualities that also benefit your company.
- Parallel to their studies, dual students use their academic knowledge effectively for your company.
- You receive highly qualified, academically trained employees whose practical know-how is tailored to your company.
- You have the opportunity to experience and accompany the students' professional and personal skills.
- The students build a strong bond with your company right from the start.
- Graduates of a dual study programme already have a wealth of practical experience by the regular duration of their studies.
- Your future demand for successful specialists and managers is well covered.
- Time-consuming and costly induction periods or trainee programmes are no longer necessary.
- You develop close contacts with the university and thus motivate technology and knowledge transfer.
- Your company becomes more and more attractive to the best, your corporate image better and better.
How does my company become a training partner?
The entry requirements for training together with the university are easy to fulfil for companies of any size:
They provide a training/internship place where the cooperation between the trainee or student and the company is contractually regulated.
They guarantee the comprehensive quality of the practical training, which is professionally oriented towards the later occupation. In the case of a joint study programme, it must be ensured that the practical training after completion of the in-company training clearly exceeds the level of an apprenticeship.
You provide a contact person/mentor in your company who accompanies or supervises the student during the practical phases, maintains contact with the university and is well informed about the study and examination schedule.
You regulate the cooperation with the OTH Amberg-Weiden. The agreement is made in writing (cooperation agreement).
You conclude a contract with the student. Sample training contracts for both forms of dual study can be found at hochschule dual: Sample training contracts for dual study and for study with in-depth practice (please scroll all the way down on the hochschule dual page).
Who is my contact person at OTH Amberg-Weiden? Simply contact them directly:
Dipl.-Volksw. (Univ.) Sabine Märtin
@Database
An overview of all dual study opportunities at OTH Amberg-Weiden is available in our database.
Our university is also a member of hochschule dual.hochschule dual is the umbrella brand for dual studies at Bavarian universities of applied sciences. With its own framework, hochschule dual networks and supports the entire dual study offer of all partners. hochschule dual not only bundles the entire dual study offer through a central information platform, but also acts as a service point for the network partners from universities, vocational schools and companies as well as prospective students and educational advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
hochschule dual, together with bayme, vbm and vbw, has collected the most frequently asked questions from companies about dual studies. You can find the answers here.
FAQ about the dual study programme
Yes. Both in the case of joint studies and in the case of studies with in-depth practice, the holiday entitlement is regulated in the education contract (contract on dual studies) with the practice partner and is based on this.
Dual students should have the same holiday entitlement as regular trainees in the respective training company. In principle, the holiday entitlement for students of full age is also based on the Federal Leave Act. This stipulates a statutory minimum holiday entitlement of 20 working days with a 5-day working week in 52 working weeks per calendar year. If the holiday entitlement is regulated by collective agreement and the collective agreement is applicable, this regulation also applies to composite students. After passing the final chamber examination, the contractual regulation for the period after the completed vocational training and the Federal Leave Act apply.
The leave is taken during the practice period in the lecture-free period. If more days of leave than prescribed by law are granted per year, lecture-free days during the semester can be counted towards the leave.
There are two variants of how dual students can participate in vocational school classes and prepare for the final vocational examination:
Variant 1: Participation in the regular vocational school class (frequent variant):
Dual students attend the regular training class in the 1st year of training. Under certain circumstances, they can attend the 2nd school year straight away. In the second and third apprenticeship year they study on their own. Old examination papers can be requested from various publishers for preparation. Information on this can be obtained from the competent chambers.
Variant 2: Participation in own vocational school classes or special courses (rare variant):
Dual students are taught in their own vocational school classes or in special courses during the lecture-free period. The vocational school classes and university schedule are coordinated in terms of content and time. Thus, dual students can attend vocational school classes in all 3 years of training.
The establishment of a separate specialised class is only possible with a minimum of 16 participants per study programme / training occupation in the academic year. In the start-up phase, the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art also approves a smaller number (approx. 12 participants).
Composite students do not necessarily have to attend vocational school. (Fach-) Abitur holders are entitled to attend vocational school, but are not required to attend vocational school.
The amount of remuneration is based on the regular training salary of the practice partner. Remuneration is obligatory for all company phases; remuneration is highly recommended for the theory phases at the university. In the joint study programme, the remuneration during the training corresponds to the remuneration of a traditional apprentice. For the periods of in-company practical and study phases that lie after the announcement of passing the final examination (AP Part 2), we also recommend observing any relevant collective agreement TV. Once you have completed your vocational training, the remuneration is usually agreed individually between you and the practice partner. The practice partner must also observe the applicable minimum wage regulation for the period after the vocational qualification until the end of the dual study programme (Bachelor's degree).
Before the start of the joint study programme, the future students conclude a contract on the dual study programme with the practice partner, in which the type and scope of the practical assignments, remuneration and holiday entitlement as well as all other general conditions are regulated.
In addition to the education contract, the future students conclude a vocational training contract:
You can download the IHK's vocational training contract directly here. It is entered in the register by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce.
Contracts for the skilled trades are available directly from the Chambers of Skilled Trades.
A sample training contract for the combined study programme in business administration and training as a tax assistant is available from the respective Chamber of Tax Advisors.
In addition, the practice partner clarifies the most important cornerstones of the dual study programme with the university (e.g. level of practical training, entry and admission requirements for the study programme). This agreement with the university should be made in writing.
The dual study programme is particularly suitable for highly motivated and goal-oriented prospective students.
The remuneration of students is obligatory at least for the operational phases. Their salary should initially be at least 80%, and from the 3rd semester onwards 100% of the remuneration of corresponding apprenticeship occupations in the second year of training. The practice partner must also observe the applicable minimum wage regulation for the additional practical phases in the degree programme with in-depth practice. The level of remuneration for Master's degree programmes should be appropriately higher than the remuneration in Bachelor's degree programmes.
There are no tuition fees. Only the student union fee of €72 is due per semester.
Dual stands for the combination of two places of learning: the university is responsible for the academic transfer of knowledge, the company, public authority or social institution for the practical side. In Bavaria there are two different study models:
- Composite study: in 4.5 years, one combines a Bachelor's degree and vocational training. At the end of the study programme, you have a Bachelor's degree and completed vocational training. This study programme is also known as a training-integrated study programme.
- Studies with in-depth practice: Here you combine a regular Bachelor's or Master's degree with intensive practice. The Bachelor's programme lasts 3.5 years. The Master's programme lasts 1.5 - 2 years full-time and 2.5 - 3 years part-time.
During the semester, students attend the regular lectures at the university. During the semester break, the practical semester and while writing the Bachelor's or Master's thesis, you work for a partner in the practice. At the end of the dual study programme, you earn a full academic degree and have already gained a lot of professional experience.
This is understood as the combination of intensive practical experience in the company and studies at a university. The students gain extensive practical experience parallel to the regular Bachelor's or Master's programme at the university. Vocational training, as in the case of combined studies, is not a component. The following formulas apply to studies with in-depth practice:
Bachelor's degree: Regular Bachelor's degree at the university + intensive practical experience in the company with own projects + preparation for the later area of responsibility in the company + Bachelor's thesis (usually partly in the company). Duration of the Bachelor's programme: 3.5 years.
Master's programme: Regular Master's programme at the university + intensive practical work in the company with own projects + preparation for the later area of responsibility in the company + Master's thesis (in the company). Duration of the Master's programme: 1.5 to 2 years full-time and 2.5 to 3 years part-time.
The company assignments are divided into practical phases that precede the study programme, the lecture-free period, the practical semester and the time of the final thesis. In most cases, the timetable corresponds to that of regular non-dual studies, so that dual students attend the same lectures and seminars together with non-dual students. In this way, dual students receive a broad, high-quality, application-oriented theoretical education and acquire a large portfolio of professional skills through the additional extensive practical units in the company.
Dual study programmes are geared towards "initial vocational training". For example, the combined study programme combines academic studies with in-company training in a recognised training occupation, whereby the places of learning involved are contractually interlinked. Dual students are subject to compulsory insurance in all areas of social security. Therefore, dual students also benefit from the resulting entitlements to benefits, such as the crediting of the dual study period towards pension insurance entitlements.
Working students usually pursue paid employment parallel to their studies; the embedding of this practice in the initial vocational training is irrelevant. Likewise, the interlocking of learning locations is not an essential component of this model. Provided that the weekly working time does not exceed 20 hours, working students are generally exempt from labour, health and long-term care insurance.
At the state universities of applied sciences in Bavaria, two main models of dual study are currently offered:
Model 1 Composite studies: combination of academic Bachelor's studies at a Bavarian university with vocational training in a company.
Model 2 Study with in-depth practice: combination of academic Bachelor's studies at a Bavarian university with intensive practical work in a company.
Both models are offered in the dual Bachelor's programme. The dual Master's programme is organised exclusively as a programme with in-depth practice.
Which of the Bachelor's study models is chosen most often?
Currently, two-thirds of the students are enrolled in the combined study model and one-third of the students are enrolled in the study with in-depth practice model.
As a rule, any company / authority / institution can offer the dual study programme. Nevertheless, there are some requirements that must be met:
Ensure a high level of practical training that is professionally oriented towards later professional activity
Ensuring a qualified mentor who accompanies the dual students and is in contact with the university. Furthermore, it is recommended that the mentor has an academic background in order to ensure the best possible supervision during the practical semester and during the Bachelor's or Master's thesis.
In the case of a combined study programme: fulfilment of the suitability criteria for the combined training occupation in accordance with the BBiG (training authorisation).
You can study all degree programmes at OTH Amberg-Weiden on a dual basis (except for part-time study programs). To do so, you need a company that supports your plan and a degree programme that matches your field of study. You can find existing cooperation and study combinations in our database.
The following degrees are possible:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
- Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
- Master of Science (M. Sc.)
Contact persons
Advice to companies
Dipl.-Volksw. (Univ.) Sabine Märtin
Counselling for prospective students
Manuela Schneider