Degrees

• German "Diplom (FH)"
• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws
• Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration

The specialisation of Bachelor's and Master's degrees depends on the focus of the study programme (e.g. design, business, technical, IT or engineering).

In conjunction with the internationalisation of study programmes in Germany, all German "Diplom" study courses at the HTW are to be adapted to the Bachelor's or Bachelor's/Master's degrees, respectively, by 2007. These degrees are common in English speaking countries like the United Kingdom, as well as in other European countries. The German "Diplom" study programmes currently still on offer at the HTW are therefore being phased out.
The new Bachelor's and Master's degree study programmes are the equivalent of the same degrees at universities.

You can find more detailed information on the various degrees below:

The German "Diplom" degree with the "(FH)" addendum is a traditional degree at universities of applied science in Business Administration and Engineering studies, as well in creative study programmes such as Communications Design, Fashion Design, Museums Studies or Conservation-Restoration. The standard duration of study runs for eight terms. One term of practical training is integrated in the main period of study. The eighth term is the so-called "Diplom-Semester" in which the German "Diplom" thesis is written and the oral "Diplom" examination is sat for.

The Bachelor's degree is a primary professional qualification. It is awarded after passing all exams and a Bachelor's thesis in a study programme. Most Bachelor's degree study courses have an integrated internship phase varying in duration. The standard duration of study lies between six and eight terms depending on the particular study programme.

The Master's degree is a further professional qualification. A Master's degree can be earned in a variety of ways:

• Through a consecutive Master's degree programme. Consecutive refers to the continuing or advanced nature of this Master's degree, which usually expands on a Bachelor's degree in the same or a comparable study programme. Not only can HTW graduates be admitted to a consecutive Master's degree study programme, but also graduates from other universities. The consecutive Master's degree programme usually serves the academic objective of deepening and specialising the fundamental knowledge attained in undergraduate studies. The standard duration of study can run between three and four terms.
• Through a postgraduate Master's degree programme. Pursuing a postgraduate Master's degree also requires an undergraduate degree. It can either serve the purpose of academic specialisation or, as a postgraduate, continuing education programme, the acquisition of new knowledge unrelated to the original undergraduate degree and, thus, additional professional qualification in a broad sense. The programme runs anywhere between 14 and 24 months.