Downloads and FAQs around cooperative studies

FAQs on cooperative studies

Here, you can find the most frequently asked questions on cooperative studies at THWS. The collection is being complemented.

Are cooperative programmes "individual" degree programmes?

No, in the General Examination Regulations (APO), they are called "cooperative programme variants" of regular degree programmes. Cooperative students mostly take the same courses as "regular" students.

The contents of some modules, however, are built upon the learning places THWS and the company, e.g. by practice partners suggesting tasks for practical assignments or projects at THWS or to be completed at the company. Additionally, cooperative students attend some exclusive courses like the transfer colloquium and choose their specialisation modules in consultation with the practice partner. Cooperative students must also complete the internship semester and their final thesis with the practice partner.

How can I become a cooperative student?

Look at the Studienplatzportal (only available in German) for a suitable offer and apply "twice", i.e. with the practice partner for a trainee position and with THWS as a student. Please note: You must apply considerably earlier with the practice partner - especially for academic study combined with vocational training! - as compared to the application with THWS!

Students completing academic study combined with vocational training already start their vocational training one year prior to studies at THWS. Please allow additional time in advance for the application process with the practice partner. For academic study with intensive in-company training, your time with the practice partner already starts in August or September prior to your start of studies (1 October). For this variant as well you require additional time in advance for the application process - you should start looking for and applying to a practice partner about one year prior to the start of your studies.

You enter into a practice partner agreement. Upon enrolment, you submit this agreement to THWS. You are thus enrolled in the cooperative variant of the degree programme. A sample practice partner agreement can be found in the downloads section of this page.

If shortly before or after your start of studies, practice partners still have vacant positions and you manage to find a position, you may retrospectively enrol in the cooperative programme variant in consultation with the programme director, the cooperative study coordinator, and the Department of Student Affairs.

Can I take a semester abroad as a cooperative student?

That is generally possible, however, it must be agreed upon by the practice partner. The internship semester is a particularly suitable period for mobility, during which students could be sent to a company branch abroad.

What salary will I receive as a cooperative student?

This is generally specified by the practice partner in the practice partner agreement. Cooperative students usually get a monthly salary that approximates the gross salary of a trainee in their second year of training.

What is my annual holiday entitlement as a cooperative student?

Usually, holidays are granted in proportion to the overall practice period of the calendar year. Example: If the company grants 30 holidays per year, the annual holiday entitlement of cooperative students with a practice period of 12 weeks is 12/52*30 = 7 days.

What happens if the practice partner agreement is terminated?

Generally, the agreement can be terminated by both contracting parties; the individual requirements are laid down in the contract. Studies at THWS can be continued as transitioning from the cooperative to the regular variant is possible at any time.

Can internationals study cooperative degree programmes?

If you are an international and are enrolled (or are planning to enrol) in a German-taught degree programme with a cooperative variant, you can additionally apply for a position as a cooperative student with a practice partner. For this, you require good German language skills and a valid working permit.

Downloads

Here you can find information material and sample contracts for cooperative studies.

For additional information and downloads, please see the website of hochschule dual. More detailed information on individual degree programmes is available on the website of the individual degree programme. Click here for an overview of all degree programmes offered at THWS.