Tailor-made degree
A degree programme opens up new paths and offers a wide range of opportunities for starting a career. For many, the bachelor's degree is the first choice after gaining the Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. However, the university also offers flexible models, such as the Study Plus degree, which allows students to combine their studies with vocational training, practical experience or even a teaching career.
At HFU, we make the entire academic path possible, from first enrolment on a bachelor's degree course to gaining a doctorate.
Study conditions
As a university of applied sciences, we specialise in innovative and practical academic fields that prepare our graduates for the working world with extensive practical knowledge.
The academic year is divided into two semesters, the winter and summer semesters. Most programmes start in the winter semester (October), many also in the summer semester (March). For first-year students, we sometimes offer bridging courses in the week before lectures begin, for example in mathematics, and German courses for international students.
Teaching
Each degree programme is made up of so-called modules, which must be completed over a specified number of semesters. The usual form of teaching is the lecture. In addition, there are practical exercises, for example in the laboratory, project work and presentations, which are often structured as group work. Bachelor's degree programmes include an internship semester, which is spent in a company. You are free to choose the location, and it is also possible to spend time abroad.
Grading
We use the standardised credit point system, which is common in most European universities. ECTS credits are awarded for successfully completed modules. The workload for a full-time student is 30 ECTS credits per semester, which equates to around 900 working hours. This is made up of around 20 hours of lessons per week and the remaining time is for homework, exercises, projects and studying. ECTS points are also awarded for the practical semester and the completion of the final thesis, the bachelor's or master's thesis. This system simplifies the transfer of credits earned at other universities − including those from a semester abroad.
Support
Planning the start of your studies
Every degree programme has advisors who can help with the first steps. Exchange students will find a lot of support at the International Center. For international students, there are German Buddies, students from higher semesters who are on hand to help by email with all aspects of everyday life and studying − even before you arrive in Germany.
Support during your studies
If personal or academic problems arise, there is a wide range of support available. The programme assistants and the so-called Dean of Studies, i.e. the professor in charge of the programme, are available as the first point of contact. The university has a network of support services, including for financial or psychological issues.
Bridging courses
Some faculties offer bridging courses to compensate for any weaknesses in certain subjects before you start studying. In these voluntary and free courses, school content, such as mathematics or chemistry, is specifically repeated in order to close existing gaps in knowledge. You will receive information about the bridging courses together with your letter of admission or shortly afterwards.
Language courses
The Internal link opens in the same window:School of Languages and Cultures at Furtwangen University offers free English courses for students. German courses are organised for international students.
Bachelor's degrees
A bachelor's degree is the first academic degree that students can obtain. It usually lasts six to eight semesters and teaches basic subjectl knowledge. The study programme consists of lectures, seminars, exercises and practical phases, often accompanied by project work. It ends with a bachelor's thesis, which deals with an independent research topic. In addition to subject-specific content, HFU students also acquire interdisciplinary skills, such as communication and problem-solving skills. The bachelor's degree qualifies students for entry into professional life or for a further master's degree.
HFU offers many exciting bachelor's degree programmes, you are sure to find the right one here: External link opens in a new window:Overview of bachelor's degree programmes
Master's degrees
In our master's degree programmes, we distinguish between consecutive courses, i.e. those that can be started directly after a bachelor's degree, and those that are only open after a certain period of professional experience. Our master's degree programmes extend over three semesters. Teaching takes place in the first two and the master's thesis is written in the third semester.
In the master's, students deepen the knowledge acquired in the bachelor's through specialist seminars, lectures and research projects. A central component is the master's thesis, in which students work intensively on an academic topic. The master's degree qualifies students for higher positions and enables them to specialise more in a subject area. It also opens up the possibility of a doctorate and improves career opportunities in many professional fields.
HFU offers a range of master's degrees, so you are sure to find the right one for you: External link opens in a new window:Overview of master's programmes
Doctoral degrees
Furtwangen University offers its students a continuous education up to a doctorate, the highest academic degree. A doctorate usually takes three to five years, during which students work on an independent research project and write a dissertation. In addition to research, many take part in seminars and conferences. A doctorate requires candidates to work closely with supervisors and opens up career opportunities in research, academia and leading positions in business.
Internal link opens in the same window:More information on doctorates at HFU
Trainee degree
HFU students have the opportunity to start a trainee programme with our partner companies while they are studying and from the first semester onwards. They gain valuable professional experience through practical phases in the lecture-free periods as well as during the internship and thesis semester in the company. Throughout the programme, students receive a salary, which not only supports their financial independence, but also enables them to embark directly on a promising career. This enables them to build a professional network at an early stage and significantly increase their chances of a successful career start.
Internal link opens in the same window:More information about the Trainee degree programme at HFU
Industry degree
The cooperative industry study programme is a special degree offered to students on our Tuttlingen campus. It combines in-depth practical experience with full-time study, financially independent under the umbrella of a company. The industry degree lasts 9 semesters and is offered for the following degree programmes:
Internal link opens in the same window:Mechatronics and Digital Production (MDP) and Internal link opens in the same window:Applied Materials Sciences (AMB)
Part-time degree
Study Plus
Study Plus is a cooperative degree programme that integrates vocational training, in which two qualifications are obtained in parallel − the bachelor's degree and the Chamber of Commerce (IHK) qualification. We offer this model in various degree programmes at HFU. You earn money while you are studying and after 4.5 years you have two qualifications in your pocket!
More information about Study Plus at HFUInternal link opens in the same window:t3://page?uid=160
Continuing education
In a world of work which is constantly changing, continuing education is the key to success. Our HFU Academy offers a wide range of part-time degree programmes, seminars and online courses that are individually tailored to graduates, people returning to work and companies.
Lifelong learning means being prepared for change. The academy supports you with innovative, flexible offers and personal advice to help you find the right course.
Internal link opens in the same window:More information about continuing education at HFU