FHD - University of Applied Sciences makes an important contribution through its educational programs to managing ongoing changes and thus to the development of the regional environment, Saxony, and beyond. Based on scientific principles, it educates qualified, practice-oriented, and responsible graduates who are able to independently develop and advocate solutions to problems across all areas of society.
We are committed to practice-oriented education and to opening up professional opportunities. We support the increasing diversity in demand for educational programs through flexible study formats. For this purpose, FHD offers full-time, part-time, and dual-study programs, as well as continuing education opportunities. In addition, we develop approaches that improve permeability between vocational and academic education. In teaching and studies, we consistently align ourselves with current teaching and learning methods and the requirements of professional practice, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. International economic and societal trends and perspectives are systematically integrated and addressed. This international orientation in teaching and studies is also reflected in our application-oriented research.
At regional, national, and international levels, we cooperate with other universities, research institutions, companies, and public-sector partners to develop practical scientific solutions for regional challenges. Interdisciplinary, cross-departmental learning, teaching, and research as well as practice-oriented projects are an integral part of our study programs. We systematically foster cooperative, interdisciplinary thinking and action among our students as a key success factor.
Our academic culture is open-minded and welcoming. We cooperate with international universities and companies in teaching and research and promote the international exchange of students and academic staff. This is reflected in study abroad semesters, internships in foreign companies, and international workshops.
FHD guarantees the principle of freedom in teaching and research. We work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises in the region and align our teaching and research with their needs. Our application-oriented research profile is guided by the content of study programs and the requirements of partner companies and institutions; this includes the application of scientific theories to economic and societal issues. Our research aims to ensure that results contribute both to the development of practical, innovative approaches in the respective fields and to the design and further development of teaching content.
The continuous development of educational programs and the use of modern methodological and didactic concepts are central tasks for us. As FHD, we aim to adapt education to the needs and current developments in the economy and society, while also fostering personal and social competencies alongside academic skills. In our research priorities, we focus on equal opportunities, internationalization in education pathways, and the digitalization of value creation and knowledge transfer.
Students are at the center of our university’s activities. We see ourselves as a service-oriented and cooperative partner. Small study groups and individual support help ensure timely study progress as well as the acquisition of essential subject-specific and methodological skills. FHD is committed to creating conditions that promote the compatibility of study, family, and work for all students, members, and staff. In our decisions and actions, we are guided by the current and future interests and needs of our partners, students, lecturers, and employees.
FHD’s responsibility towards students, partner companies, the private sponsoring body, and society requires transparency in decisions and measures as well as clear organizational and decision-making structures. Our leadership style is cooperative and characterized by respect, acceptance, and tolerance. We communicate openly and in dialogue both internally and externally.
The university sets high standards for ensuring and improving the quality of teaching, studies, and research. By establishing a quality management system as an integral part of strategic university governance, the conditions are created for quality-driven profiling and the development of strategically focused organizational structures, improving performance, planning, and controllability.
The goal is to ensure an efficient and future-oriented fulfillment of the educational mandate in the competitive landscape of higher education institutions. Continuous professional development of teaching staff, internal and external evaluations, and certifications are intended to guarantee a high educational standard.