Duale Hochschule: Lifelong Learning

Background

In the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, students are employees of participating/partner enterprises. The conversion to dual university status means the new institution can grant academic degrees. One of the main innovations is the undertaking of cooperative research projects as part of the degree. That means that collaboration with partner enterprises and institutions can be intensified, and steps can be taken to make academic studies more up-to-date. The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University offers a broad spectrum of bachelor degree programs in the fields of business, engineering, and social work. All the degree programs are worth 210 ECTS credits and count as intensive programs.

Taking the 30-year success story of the University of Cooperative Education into account, the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg changed its university’s legal status on March 1st, 2009. The institution now is called Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University. Raising the institution’s status is intended to ensure its national and international recognition.

Aims and targets

Throughout its various locations, the Cooperative State University Baden- Wuerttemberg offers a broad spectrum of nationally and internationally accredited bachelor degree programmes in the fields of business, engineering and social work. The programmes are intensive and vocationally oriented, and are continuously improved through close collaboration between employers and academics.

Strategy and actions

The students have an employment contract, and throughout the entire period of study, they receive a monthly salary and have the insurance status of employees. Applications are submitted to the dual partners in the various locations. Enrolment at the university is only possible after an employment contract has been signed. Small classes of at most 30 students guarantee close supervision. In addition to the professors of the Cooperative State University, lecturers from other universities and technical colleges, as well as experts with specialized knowledge from various fields, all contribute to teaching at the university. This ensures a high level of academic studies as well as practice-oriented teaching.

With around 23,500 undergraduates, more than 8,000 partner firms and institutions and more than 90,000 former students, the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University counts as one of the largest universities in the state.

Monitoring and evaluation

Funding/Cost effectiveness

Students at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University are financially independent from day one: As employees of the firm or institution that provides their workplace training, they receive a monthly remuneration for the duration of their studies.

Sustainability/Transferability

Outcomes/impacts

Achievements

The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University now awards academic degrees that are internationally recognised. Further major development include the inclusion of collaborative research projects, the accordance of membership status to the university’s partner firms and institutions, and the involvement of these enterprises in the university’s governing bodies and committees. The Cooperative State University has also extended its range of courses to include executive Master degree programmes. At the same time, the main structural characteristics of the dual learning concept of studies as developed by the original Berufsakademie continue to be the university’s trademark.

Success factors

In addition to the financial independence of students, success factors are:

VARIED AND INTENSIVE STUDIES

All degree programmes at the Cooperative State University take three years.
The phases of academic study and workplace training alternate in regular three-monthly intervals, ensuring both pace and variety throughout the programme.

LECTURERS WITH UP-TO-DATE KNOWLEDGE

Courses are taught by professors at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University, visiting lecturers from other universities and colleges, and freelance trainers, consultants and executives who contribute cutting-edge knowledge and expertise from their professional fields.

SMALL CLASSES

Small classes of no more than 30 students ensure close supervision by professors and lecturers, creating conditions that encourage motivation and play an essential part in contributing to successful outcomes.

Unintended impacts

Strengths and weaknesses

With around 23,500 undergraduates, more than 8,000 partner firms and institutions and more than 90,000 former students, the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University counts as one of the largest universities in the state.