Study models: frequently asked questions

At HSD Hochschule Döpfer, there are different modes of study depending on the degree programme. These generally include traditional full-time degree programmes, part-time programmes, part-time degree programmes alongside work, dual study programmes and degree programmes that can be undertaken alongside vocational training. Which mode of study is right for you depends primarily on whether you wish to study straight after leaving school, are already in employment, or want to combine an education with a degree.

A traditional full-time degree programme is generally more focused on studying as your main activity. A part-time degree programme can offer greater flexibility in terms of time. Part-time degree programmes are often aimed at people who are already in employment and wish to enhance their academic qualifications whilst working. Dual and education-integrated models combine study and practical experience particularly closely, but differ in terms of their specific organisation and the involvement of the education provider or employer.

As not every type of study programme is offered on every course, your choice should always be in line with your personal educational path, your professional situation and the qualification you wish to obtain. If you have any specific questions, the HSD Study Advisory Service will help you identify the most suitable study model.

Yes, in principle you can work whilst studying. However, whether and to what extent you can work depends on your specific study programme, the workload involved and your personal capacity to cope. Depending on your degree programme and mode of study, it is possible to undertake a significant amount of work alongside your studies, up to and including full-time employment.

Part-time degree programmes, in particular, are designed to allow you to combine your studies with work. Part-time study options or certain programmes that run alongside vocational training can also offer greater flexibility than a traditional full-time degree programme. It is important that you realistically assess how much time you will need for lectures, self-study, exams, practical placements and personal commitments.

HSD Hochschule Döpfer recommends planning how to balance your studies and work at an early stage. This also involves liaising with your employer if working hours, duty rosters or attendance requirements need to be taken into account. If you have any questions about the right type of programme or how to balance your studies with your personal circumstances, the HSD Study Advisory Service is here to help.

The difference between a dual degree programme and a study programme undertaken alongside education lies primarily in the organisational integration of academic study, practical work and education. A dual degree programme generally combines a university course systematically with practical placements in a company, an institution or with a partner organisation. Theory and practice are usually closely interlinked.

A study programme undertaken alongside vocational education, on the other hand, is aimed at people who are studying whilst undergoing vocational education. The degree programme complements the education and expands upon it with academic, methodological and specialist content. The education remains an independent component of the educational pathway. Depending on the degree programme, elements of the education or skills already acquired may be relevant to the degree programme.

In a dual study programme, it is particularly important that academic study and practical work are well coordinated. Students should check what time commitments the programme entails, what tasks are expected of them at the partner organisation, and how theoretical phases, practical phases, examinations and working hours can be reconciled. A dual study programme therefore requires good organisation and reliable communication with all those involved.

Different entry requirements may apply depending on the degree programme. These may include school-leaving qualifications, a suitable work placement, contractual arrangements with the work placement partner or specific supporting documents. As dual study programmes can vary depending on the subject area and the courses on offer, applicants should clarify at an early stage which conditions must be met in their specific case.

Credit Points (CP) are the credits you accumulate as a student during your degree programme.

You earn these credits through your successful completion of the modules you undertake during your studies. In total, you will accumulate between 180 (and, depending on your degree programme, up to 210) CPs for your Bachelor’s degree.

Each CP represents a workload of approximately 30 hours. A 5-CP module, for example, therefore involves a workload of 150 hours (partly classroom-based study, partly self-study).

The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is designed to ensure that students’ academic achievements at Universities of Applied Sciences within the European Higher Education Area are comparable and can be recognised when students transfer from one University of Applied Sciences to another, including across borders.

The ECTS stipulates that a specific number of credit points must be awarded for each module. Credit points (CP) are earned by attending modules and passing examinations.

Study alongside vocational training

In a work-based degree programme, you undertake vocational training and your degree studies at the same time. Your vocational training is your main focus. You decide for yourself at which stage of your vocational training you wish to commence the work-based degree programme. This could be, for example, at the start of your vocational training or later on in your apprenticeship. If you do not yet have an apprenticeship place, you will need to find one yourself. However, please feel free to contact our colleagues at Döpfer Schulen for assistance.

Dual study programme

In a dual study programme, you complete practical placements in a company whilst studying. The lecture periods at the University of Applied Sciences and the practical placements in the company are coordinated with one another. The company where you undertake the practical phases should be chosen so that you can work there for approximately 15 to 20 hours per week in a supervised role, subject to social security contributions, throughout your entire course. It is important to note that you must find the work placement yourself. We are happy to provide you with advisory services on this.

Part-time study

In a part-time degree programme, you undertake your studies alongside your employment with your employer. Typically, part-time students have already completed vocational training before commencing their studies and continue to practise the profession they have learnt whilst studying. You may need to reduce your weekly working hours to between 70 and 50 per cent of a full-time role; however, our part-time degree programmes are designed in such a way that it is generally perfectly possible to study successfully even whilst working full-time. 

A semester lasts six months, i.e. half a year. A bachelor’s degree programme lasting six semesters therefore takes three years, and a master’s degree programme lasting four semesters takes two years.

At the HSD, the spring semester begins on 1 March and the winter term on 1 September each year.