Dual Studies at the Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

Dual study programmes combine academic studies with vocational training or practical experience at a company. They are very popular in Germany due to their practical orientation. A dual study programme allows you to gain valuable practical experience during your studies and significantly improves your chances on the labour market later on! All degree courses offered by the THI can be studied as a dual programme!

Requirements for dual studies at the THI

Bachelor's degrees
In order to be able to apply for a place on the dual bachelor's study programme, you must be in possession of one of the following qualifications: general higher education entrance qualification, subject-specific entrance qualification, advanced technical college certificate or master craftsman examination certificate (including vocational training certification equivalent to the master craftsman examination certificate).

Master's degrees
In order to be able to apply for a place on the dual master's study programme, you must be in possession of one of the following qualifications: successfully completed subject-specific diploma or bachelor's study programme, successfully completed aptitude testing for the desired master's programme, and, where appropriate, proof of required language knowledge.

Do your strengths include personal initiative, determination and good organisational ability? A dual course of study is particularly suitable for prospective students with great commitment and above average performance motivation, who wish to obtain their first experience of working in a company alongside their studies. You must have an aptitude for complex tasks and taking responsibility. Dual studies demand discipline and time management, due to the combination of an extensive practical component with university studies. Once you have obtained your qualification, however, companies generally offer excellent employment prospects.

International applicants are advised to contact the company in advance to find out what is required in terms of German language knowledge. The majority of companies require applicants to have a very good level of spoken and written German!

Compound studies (Bachelor)

= vocational training + studies, approximately 4.5 years

The degree programme is combined with training in a recognised occupation requiring formal training. Study phases and vocational training are linked in terms of time and content.

The programme begins with a practical phase of up to 13 months, in which candidates complete a large portion of their professional training. They are able to experience several departments within their partner company. They can also attend the vocational school together with the regular trainees.

After the first year in the company, the studies at the university begin. From then on, candidates will alternate between university and practical phases. Those in possession of a university entrance qualification (including subject-specific qualifications) are entitled but not obliged to attend the vocational school. After the first year, the majority of candidates complete the course content in self-study.

The chamber examination (e.g. IHK or HWK) is generally taken in the practical semester in the third year. The timing of the final vocational examination varies according to the profession in question. Further practical units in the company may be completed even after the final vocational examination. The dual studies end with the bachelor's thesis, written in the company.

In this diagram you can see the sequence of the phases:

[Translate to English:] Zeitlicher Ablauf des Verbundstudiums:

[Translate to English:]

Das Verbundstudium beginnt mit einer Praxisphase von bis zu 13 Monaten, in der Sie einen Großteil Ihrer Berufsausbildung absolvieren und verschiedene Abteilungen im Unternehmen durchlaufen. Sie können zusammen mit den regulären Auszubildenden die Berufsschule besuchen, müssen aber nicht. Mit (Fach-) Abitur sind Sie berufschulberechtigt, aber nicht verpflichtet. Sie können sich auch eigenständig auf Ihre Berufsabschlussprüfung vorbereiten – viele Unternehmen bieten eigene Vorbereitungskurse an oder stellen Lehrbücher zur Verfügung.

Nach dem ersten Jahr im Unternehmen startet das Studium an der THI. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt wechseln sich Hochschul- und Praxisphasen ab, wobei die Praxisphasen hauptsächlich in den Semesterferien absolviert werden. An der Hochschule erfolgt keine Trennung von den regulär Studierenden, es gibt keine extra „Klassen“ für dual Studierende, alle Teilnehmer eines Studiengangs besuchen die gleichen Vorlesungen.

Die Kammerprüfung / Abschlussprüfung (z. B. IHK oder HWK) schreiben Sie in der Regel nach dem Praxissemester, im dritten Jahr Ihres Verbundstudiums. Der Zeitpunkt der Berufsabschlussprüfung kann je nach Ausbildungsberuf variieren. Erkundigen Sie sich dazu im Unternehmen oder bei der zuständigen Ausbildungskammer.

Nach bestandener Berufsabschlussprüfung durchlaufen Sie in den vorlesungsfreien Zeiten weitere Praxiseinheiten im Unternehmen.

Das Verbundstudium endet nach etwa viereinhalb Jahren mit der Bachelorarbeit im Unternehmen.

Studies with an additional practical element (Bachelor/Master)

= practical experience + studies, approximately 3.5 / 1.5 years

In studies with an additional practical element, students do not take part in professional training but instead obtain significantly more practical experience in a company compared with those in regular studies. This is closely synchronised with the teaching at the THI. The length of the programme is 3.5 years for a Bachelor degree and 1,5 years for a Master degree.

University phases alternate with practical phases. Students complete their practical phases in the lecture-free periods, in the practical semester, and while writing their bachelor's thesis in the company. Students familiarise themselves extensively with the company and are involved in a number of different projects.

The dual studies end with the bachelor's/ master's thesis, written in the company.

In this diagram you can see the sequence of the phases:

Studies with an additional practical element (Bachelor)

Studies with an additional practical element (Master)

Applying for dual studies at THI

Applications should always be sent directly to the company. In addition to that you have to apply for a study place at the Technische Hochschule during the regular application period (2 May - 15 July). Here you will learn more about how the application process at the THI works.

hochschule dual

In order to combine theory and practice, we cooperate with hochschule dual, the umbrella brand of dual studies in Bavaria. The initiative bundles the dual study courses offered by all Bavarian universities of applied sciences under uniform quality standards and also acts as a service centre for universities, prospective students and companies.