FAQ
1. General Structure of Studies
In cooperation with the ZVA-Bildungszentrum e.V., FH Aachen offers the extra occupational Bachelor's degree programme "Ophthalmic Optics and Optometry". Core studies (study section 1) are carried out by the ZVA Bildungszentrum, while specialisation studies (study section 2) are carried out by FH Aachen with the support of the ZVA Bildungszentrum.
For journeymen and journeywomen, study sections 1 and 2 are compulsory, for master craftspersons only study section 2 (please note question 3 for master craftspersons!).
The course of study is held in block form; an overview of the contents can be found under "Study Contents".
2. Where do studies take place?
- Semester 1 - 4 ( Core Studies): All courses with compulsory attendance take place in Dormagen at the ZVA-Bildungszentrum.
- Semester 5 - 7 (Specialisation): The majority of courses with compulsory attendance take place in Dormagen at the ZVA Bildungszentrum. Only some specific practical trainings as well as selected lectures are held at Campus Jülich of FH Aachen.
3. I didn't do my master craftsperson training at the ZVA Bildungszentrum. Is there anything special to be considered here?
As a general rule, the prerequisite for admission for master craftspersons in the optician trade is proof of creditable achievements acquired in the course of vocational training to the extent of 105 credit points (ECTS).
As a transitional arrangement, master craftspersons who were still trained according to curricula that do not correspond to the unifying curriculum for master craftsperson training in the optician trade (which was adopted in March 2015 at the members' meeting of the Central Association of Opticians) can be instructed with follow-up training to acquire the missing competences. This is subject to the decision of the examination board for each individual case. The same applies to training successfully completed abroad.
4. What are the costs of the course of study and how can they be financed?
Due to the cooperation with the ZVA Bildungszentrum, the study programme at FH Aachen is partly a private course of study. The "private" costs for study sections 1 (semesters 1 - 4) and 2 (semesters 5 - 8) amount to 12,495 € each.
In addition, there are costs for the master craftsperson examination before the Chamber of Crafts after study section 1 amounting to approx. 1,300 € as well as the semester fee after registration at FH Aachen in study section 2 amounting to approx. 320 € per semester, i.e. a total of approx. 1,280 €. The total study costs therefore amount to approx. 27,570 €.
Students can finance their studies through the parental-independent so-called Aufstiegs-BAföG (in study stage 1, approx. two thirds of the course costs are donated, approx. one third is borrowed) or the KfW student loan (in study stage 2). The study costs can also be claimed against tax. You can find more details in this brochure starting on page 17.
5. What are my future prospects?
For more information, please see the remarks under Occupational Fields.
Tbc…
These FAQs have been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, only the Framework Examination Regulations of FH Aachen and the Examination Regulations for the Bachelor's degree programme "Ophthalmic Optics and Optometry" at Faculty 9, Medical Engineering and Technomathematics of FH Aachen, remain legally binding.