Organisation & Procedure: Frequently Asked Questions

The module handbook contains key information on the structure, content and learning objectives of a degree programme. It usually describes which modules you will complete during your studies, which skills are taught, what types of assessment are involved, and how many ECTS credits are allocated to each module.

Students can access the module handbook via the e-learning system. Prospective students are advised to order information packs. These contain valuable information about their chosen degree programme, its structure and content.

The standard duration of a degree programme at HSD Hochschule Döpfer varies depending on the type of qualification. A Bachelor’s degree programme is generally designed to last around three years, whilst a Master’s degree programme usually takes around two years. The exact standard duration may vary depending on the degree programme, the study model and the individual study plan.

The standard duration of study describes the period within which a degree programme can be completed if progress is made at a normal pace. It encompasses lectures, self-study, examinations, practical components and, where applicable, final dissertations. For programmes undertaken alongside work, alongside vocational training or on a part-time basis, the actual duration of study may be organised differently from that of a traditional full-time programme.

At HSD Hochschule Döpfer, there is generally no compulsory attendance requirement for any courses. However, attendance at courses is recommended, as it supports academic success and facilitates academic discussion with lecturers and fellow students.

At HSD Hochschule Döpfer, the amount of practical experience included in a degree programme depends on the specific course and study model. Generally speaking, many degree programmes combine academic foundations with practice-oriented content, so that students not only acquire specialist skills in theory but can also apply them to real-world professional situations.

The aim of HSD is to provide students with a sound professional foundation to meet the demands of the health, social care, therapy, nursing, education and psychology sectors. If you would like to know how practical a particular degree programme is structured and what practical components are included, the HSD’s Study Advisory Service will help you assess this on an individual basis.

At HSD Hochschule Döpfer, when and how often face-to-face teaching takes place depends on the specific degree programme, study model and semester. Depending on the programme, face-to-face sessions may take place regularly, in blocks or only on specific dates. Hybrid or digital teaching formats may also form part of the study programme.

Face-to-face teaching is generally intended to enable students to explore key content in depth together, practise practical skills, clarify questions and foster academic discussion. Depending on the degree programme, face-to-face sessions may be scheduled specifically for seminars, practical exercises, examinations, induction days or special courses.

The main difference between ‘online’ and ‘live online’ lies in the way the course is organised in terms of time. ‘Online’ can mean that course content is made available digitally and students can work through it at their own pace. ‘Live online’, on the other hand, means that a course takes place digitally but at a fixed time with lecturers and fellow students.

Online learning formats are particularly well suited to independent study, revision and individual time management. Online live sessions, on the other hand, enable direct exchange, questions, discussions and collaborative work in real time. Both formats can complement each other effectively, as they combine flexibility with face-to-face interaction.

Which digital teaching formats are used in a degree programme depends on the specific programme structure and the subject-specific requirements. If you have any questions about which parts of the programme take place online, as live online sessions or in person, the HSD Study Advisory Service will be happy to help you find your way around.

Studying at HSD Hochschule Döpfer is generally demanding, but can be managed effectively with good planning, motivation and continuous learning. Students engage with academic fundamentals, subject-specific content, practical issues and examination requirements. Depending on the degree programme, these may be supplemented by practical components, project work or professional relevance.

The challenge of a degree programme lies not only in the content but also in the level of personal responsibility required. Students must organise their study time, meet deadlines, prepare for examinations and deepen their understanding of the material independently. Good time management is particularly important in part-time, dual or education-integrated study programmes, as studies, work, education and personal commitments must all be balanced.

The HSD supports students through courses, guidance and organisational information. If you are unsure whether a particular study model suits your personal situation, the HSD’s Study Advisory Service will help you make a realistic assessment.

The amount of time required each week for your studies at HSD Hochschule Döpfer depends on your degree programme, study model, semester and individual study habits. In addition to lectures and seminars, students should set aside time for preparation and follow-up work, literature reviews, group work, practical assignments, exam preparation and organisational matters. Estimates often range between 15 and 20 hours per week.

The actual time commitment may vary over the course of the semester. During exam periods, when working on assignments, practical projects or final theses, more time is often required than during quieter periods of study. Your prior knowledge, professional experience and the chosen mode of study also influence how much time you realistically need to invest each week.

Whether you need to work alongside your studies depends on the specific programme and your personal circumstances. In traditional full-time or part-time degree programmes, working is not generally compulsory. However, in part-time, dual or work-integrated study programmes, employment, education or practical work experience may form an important part of the programme structure.

The extent of any possible or required work varies depending on the degree programme. In some programmes, it is possible to work full-time alongside your studies; in others, your working hours should be planned in such a way that there is sufficient time for lectures, self-study, exams and rest. The key factor is that your studies and work are realistically compatible.

If you are unsure whether employment is required or recommended for your chosen degree programme, the HSD Study Advisory Service will assist you with a personalised assessment.

Whether you are required to work in a field relevant to your degree programme whilst studying depends on the specific degree programme and study model. For some degree programmes, relevant professional experience, education or practical work is either academically appropriate or an organisational requirement. In other degree programmes, it is not strictly necessary.

A field relevant to your studies means that the content of your work aligns with your subject area and relates to your future professional responsibilities. This may be the case, for example, in healthcare, nursing, therapy, education, psychology, social work or other relevant practical fields. Such work can help you to better link the course content with your professional experience.

As requirements may vary depending on the degree programme, you should check on a case-by-case basis whether, and to what extent, work relevant to your studies is required. If you have any personal queries, the HSD Study Advisory Service will be happy to assist you.

If you are studying on a work-based learning programme, you will need to find a training placement yourself.

The spring semester begins on 1 March and the winter term on 1 September. Some of our degree programmes start only in the winter term, whilst others start in both the spring and winter terms. You can find further information on the relevant degree programme pages.

You will normally receive your certificate of enrolment at the start of your studies, once all the relevant documents have been submitted. Of course, we can issue you with a provisional certificate of enrolment in advance if you require one.

You will normally be given access to the learning materials at the start of your course, once we have received all the relevant documents from you.

At HSD Hochschule Döpfer, you have the opportunity to transfer your examination results from other universities and/or from vocational training as credits. For the assessment, we require a transcript of your results and the module handbook for your prior learning. 

HSD Hochschule Döpfer currently has campuses in Cologne, Regensburg, Potsdam and Hamburg.

Yes, you’ll need to find an internship yourself. HSD will support you in your search and give you helpful tips on applying.

If you fail an examination, you may retake it on the specified resit dates. You may retake an examination up to two times. If you fail a third time, you will be struck off the register. The final dissertation (Bachelor’s thesis, Master’s thesis), however, may only be resat once.

When you start your degree at HSD, you will be given your login details for our e-learning platform, TRAINEX. There you will find all the lecture notes and materials for our modules, and you can view your timetable and marks.

There will be no lectures on public holidays or from 23 December to 6 January. Following consultation with students, block courses may also take place during the lecture-free period if necessary.

Subject to change

No, we draw up your timetable for you. One advantage over a university, for example, is that you have certainty about your schedule as early as possible. This is particularly important for our part-time students, as it allows them to balance their studies with their work commitments as effectively as possible.