Germany - first cycle programmes

FACHHOCHSCHULEN (Universities of applied sciences): offer application-oriented study courses mainly in Engineering, Economics, Social Work, Public and Legal Administration and Health and Therapy.

A Diplomgrad (Diplom degree) is awarded after the Diplomprüfung (Diploma examination), e.g. Diplom-Ingenieur (FH). The initials "FH" are added to the Diplom degrees of the Fachhochschulen.

According to the Regelstudienzeit (standard period defined for each period of study), a degree programme at Fachhochschulen should be completed in 8 semesters (2 semesters = 1 academic year), including one or two practical semesters. Success in the final academic examination usually qualifies the candidate for a particular profession.

Some Fachhochschulen have adopted a similar approach to the Berufsakademien, particularly in Engineering and Business Management and have introduced courses that combine academic studies with on-the-job training, along the lines of a dual system. These courses are called dual courses of study (duale Studiengänge). The students have training or employment contracts. Fachhochschulen also confer Bachelor's and Master's degrees.

The new graduation system introduced in 1998 supplements the traditional Diplomgrad conferred by the Fachhochschulen. For courses with a more theoretical orientation the Bachelor/Master of Arts or Bachelor/Master of Science is awarded. In the case of study courses that are more application oriented the actual degree has a subject-related supplement (e.g. Bachelor/Master of Engineering).

UNIVERSITIES: Stage I, or basic studies (Grundstudium), usually lasting four semesters (2 academic years) at universities culminate in an intermediate examination (Diplom-Vorprüfung, Zwischenprüfung). This examination gives the right to continue in Stage II (Hauptstudium).

A degree is not awarded. Since 1998, a basic higher education degree within the new graduation system of consecutive study courses, the Bachelor (or Baccalaureus) has also been introduced in universities requiring a minimum of three years' study (maximum four years). It normally leads to a career.