12
July
2021
|
13:02
Europe/Amsterdam

SURVEY: DUAL STUDENTS BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE AN ADVANTAGE ON THE LABOUR MARKET

ACCORDING TO A SURVEY, INDUSTRY PREFERS THE COMBINATION OF THEORY AND PRACTICE

  • Most dual students have chosen this model because of the combination of theory and practice.
  • Half of them find the double burden exhausting, but it is also worth it: two-thirds are convinced that a dual study programme is seen by companies as being of higher value than a traditional study programme.
  • Every second person supports the idea of a completely digital degree programme. The respondents are most concerned about a possible lack of contact, motivation and exchange.

Erfurt, 12 July 2021 - With a new trend survey, IU International University of Applied Sciences has published the largest survey to date on the subject of dual studies in Germany. According to the study, two out of three people who study or have studied dual studies are able to apply their knowledge in a practical company. This means that the study model fulfils the hopes that the majority associate with it: 82 per cent name the linking of theory and practice as the most important reason for studying dual studies. Nearly 68 per cent are even convinced that a dual study programme is considered by companies to be of higher value than a classic classroom study programme.

Most people find time for theory in the evenings: 76 per cent of respondents study after work or at the end of lectures, according to the survey. 71 per cent invest their weekends, just under a quarter (24 per cent) their holidays. And 40 per cent prefer to study in the early hours of the morning. The double burden of training at the university and working in the partner company leads half of the dual students to feel stressed. But 92 per cent of those who struggle with this are convinced that the effort is worth it. Three out of four respondents who study or have studied in a dual system say that they have developed personally faster than students in traditional on-campus studies. 77 per cent of graduates say they have found a better job entry.

"It is no secret that a dual study programme is a great challenge for students due to the double obligation of theoretical teaching and practical work in the company. It is the task of the university and the practical companies to steer this double burden as far as possible in a positive direction. For example, by giving students time off before exams or controlling their working hours so that they have enough time to study," says Prof. Dr. Linda Wegener, Regional Academic Director at IU International University of Applied Sciences.

The workload has changed for many dual students due to the Corona crisis: Almost a third say that the amount of work in the practical part has decreased (30 per cent), for 23 per cent it has actually increased. Around a quarter have not experienced any effects. Most students are very satisfied with the university's response to the pandemic, even though many face-to-face events have been cancelled and studies have been digitalised. Around 54 per cent rate the idea of completely virtual studies as (rather) positive. The respondents were most concerned about the lack of contact, lack of motivation and lack of exchange.

"The whole world is becoming more and more digital. Even in face-to-face teaching, there is no getting around this development. Many dual students or interested individuals want events that take place partially or regularly online. The universities need to rethink this in order to meet the new demands", says Michael Kästner, COO Dual Studies at IU International University of Applied Sciences.

Currently, good accessibility is still the most important criterion for dual students when choosing a suitable university (68 per cent). Other criteria are support in finding a company (62 per cent), the desired field of study (61 per cent), personal support (57 per cent) and lecturers with a lot of practical experience (56 per cent). More than 40 per cent of the respondents would choose or have chosen a private institution. Almost half (48 per cent) use information portals to find a university that suits them.

"The survey results make it clear: Today, people who want to study primarily inform themselves online beforehand. The analysis of our portals shows that university websites enrich their own information with trustworthy content from external, independent study portals in order to convey a better overall impression of the university or the study programme. In particular, authentic testimonials are an important factor in the decision-making process when choosing a degree programme," says Thomas Tibroni, founder and managing director of StudyCheck.

The "Trend Survey on Dual Studies" was conducted by IU International University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the online platform StudyCheck. It explores motives and selection criteria for taking up dual studies as well as the experiences of students and graduates. A total of 6100 currently enrolled and former dual students and prospective students took part in the survey in March 2021.

Click here for the survey: Trend Survey on Dual Studies 2021

Graphics:

Better than classical studies

The best of both worlds

Stressed but happy

Dual to more job opportunities

Knowledge transfer into practice

And who pays?