One Degree Course, two Training Places
New structures within its courses enable Buxtehude´s University 21 to offer its students direct access to professional practice.
´Dual´ education is so successful because it broadens the training spectrum from theory components in the lecture hall to practical components in a company which have been designed together as an integrated whole. The ´dual´ education at University 21 even offers the possibility to gain an additional Certificate of Proficiency or a Master Craftsman’s Diploma and the physiotherapy undergraduate programme awards a Bachelor of Science (BSc) as well as a professional licence.
It’s all in the mix
While classical academic education only passes on professional experience with internships or occasional practice semesters, ´dual´education at University 21 in Buxtehude provides necessary professional expertise almost equally in theory and in operational practice. For example, the degree courses related to construction allow students to swap their training places from university to company on a quarterly basis. This "study half + work half" approach is an important opportunity to put newly acquired skills into practice.
Practice-intensive Undergraduate programmes
At present University 21 offers five degree courses with a ´dual´ structure:
- Civil Engineering (since winter term 2010/2011: 7 terms, degree: B. Eng.)
- Construction and Real Estate Management (since winter term 2010/2011: 7 terms, degree: B. Eng.)
- Structural Alteration Studies (a future-proof successor of the former degree course Architecture, since winter term 2010/2011: 7 terms, B. Eng.)
- Physiotherapy (8 terms, B. Sc.)
- Mechatronics (7 terms, B. Eng.)
Centre of Attention: The Students
In comparison to other universities small learning groups are integral to University 21 (regular number: 30 students), creating an environment conductive to effective study. Standard tuition takes place in seminars, lectures and tutorials. Laboratory practicals are also carried out in some modules.
In many modules of the degree courses related to construction discussions about the presented designs are held in very small groups (1 - 2 students).
