What do dual studies mean?

• With integrated training, this means that vocational training as a mathematical-technical software developer is combined with the Bachelor's degree programme in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. You will sit the examination for the vocational training programme at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the examination for the Bachelor of Science degree programme at FH Aachen, giving you two degrees after three years.
• The content of the vocational training is fully integrated into the degree programme. They therefore do not attend a vocational school. The training takes place at two learning centres: The university on the one hand and the respective training company on the other. These have a cooperation agreement with the respective lecture centres in Cologne, Aachen or Jülich. Which of these locations you study at depends on the training location.
• During the semester break you will work at the training company, while during the semester you will be split between lectures and the company. You sign a training contract with a company that will support you throughout your studies. This has many advantages, for example
  • In the training company, you work on projects right from the start and can apply the knowledge you acquire during your studies in practice. This motivates you and supports your learning success.
  • As a trainee, you will receive a training allowance.
  • The training companies invest in their trainees in order to recruit suitable young skilled workers for the company later on. The prospects of successful graduates being taken on are therefore consistently good.

On the other hand, the training contract naturally also entails obligations, including the following:

• Apprentices do not have a semester break, but are entitled to holidays, usually regulated by a collective agreement.
• Attendance at lectures is compulsory.
• Studies and training at the company are well coordinated. Nevertheless, there are times when the demands on dual students are particularly high.

Damit sind viele Vorteile verbunden, beispielsweise:

• Im Ausbildungsbetrieb arbeiten Sie von Anfang an in Projekten mit und können die Kenntnisse, die Sie im Studium erwerben, in der Praxis anwenden. Das motiviert und unterstützt den Lernerfolg.
• Als Auszubildende:r erhälten Sie eine Ausbildungsvergütung.
• Die Ausbildungsbetriebe investieren in ihre Auszubildenden, um später geeigneten Fachkräftenachwuchs für das Unternehmen zu gewinnen. Die Übernahmeperspektiven für erfolgreiche Absolventinnen und Absolventen sind daher durchweg gut.

Auf der anderen Seite sind mit dem Ausbildungsvertrag natürlich auch Pflichten verbunden, unter anderem:

• Auszubildende haben keine Semesterferien, sondern einen im Arbeitsvertrag geregelten Urlaubsanspruch.
• Zu den Veranstaltungen (Vorlesungen, Übungen, Praktika) besteht Anwesenheitspflicht.
• Studium und Ausbildung im Unternehmen werden gut aufeinander abgestimmt. Trotzdem gibt es Zeiten, in denen die Anforderungen an die dual Studierenden besonders hoch sind.