Dual study program, full-time or part-time – which type of study program is right for you?

Work-study programme vs. full-time vs. part-time

Criteria	Dual study programme (theoretical)	Full-time study	Part-time study
Practical relevance	Very high – practical placements within the company	High – practical projects within the university, work placements	Very high – concurrent work experience, direct application of theory
Focus on theory	Medium – Theory alternating with practice	Very high – emphasis on academic training	High – Theory is taught flexibly alongside work
Organisation of studies	Rigid structure, fixed practical and theoretical phases	Regular semester schedule, lectures, seminars	Flexible timetable, modules often in the afternoon or at weekends
Work experience	Gained early on through practical phases	Several work placements included in the course	An integral part of the curriculum throughout the course
Networking	Companies + University	University, fellow students, lecturers	Simultaneous contacts within the company and at the university
Financial situation	Income from the company possible	Financial support possible through BAföG/scholarships, part-time or student jobs	Income from employment during studies
Target group	Young professionals straight from school	Students who wish to focus fully on their studies	Working professionals who wish to further their education and combine study with work

 

What are the advantages, disadvantages and target groups of the various types of degree programmes?

Dual study programmes 

The traditional dual study programme combines vocational training with academic study and is characterised by its practical focus. Students gain valuable work experience directly within a company and alternate regularly between theoretical phases at university and practical placements in the workplace. The advantages include the practical relevance and early career guidance. On the other hand, the high time and workload demands, as well as the limited flexibility, are considered challenging. 

Advantages of a dual study programme: 

• Very high practical relevance through work within the company 
• Early entry into the workforce and career guidance 
• Building a professional network whilst still studying 

Disadvantages of a dual study programme: 

• Limited flexibility in organising your studies 
• High time commitment due to constant switching between theory and practice 
• Currently not available at Dresden University of Applied Sciences 
• Less scope for semesters abroad or work placements outside the partner company  
• Limited scope for setting individual study priorities  
• A fixed link to a specific company can be a hindrance if you change careers later  
• Increased pressure to perform due to parallel demands from the university and the company  
• Limited free time and periods of rest, which can lead to stress or burnout 

Target group:

• School leavers who wish to gain practical experience early on 
• People who wish to combine vocational training with a degree course 

Full-time study 

The full-time programme focuses on theoretical content, scientific methodology and academic and practical projects. Practical projects are carried out within the university of applied sciences; supplementary work placements are possible. This mode of study is particularly suitable for students who wish to focus fully on their studies in order to obtain a Bachelor’s degree or other qualification. Particularly immediately after leaving school, full-time study offers a clear structure and good study conditions for the path to a successful university degree. 

At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, we offer a wide range of our Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, both on a full-time and part-time basis.

Advantages of full-time study: 

• Focus on theory, scientific methods and academic projects 
• Intensive study without external employment 
• Targeted work placements and project work within the university 
• Greater freedom in tailoring your studies and choosing your specialisation  
• Good opportunities for semesters abroad and international experience  
• More time for student engagement, e.g. in university groups or initiatives  
• More flexible time management for self-study and personal development  
• Better preparation for further academic careers (e.g. Master’s, PhD)  
• Access to extensive university resources such as libraries, laboratories and research projects

Disadvantages of full-time study: 

• Less direct work experience during your studies 
• Financial burden possible without an income of one’s own 

Target group: 

• Students who wish to focus fully on their studies 
• People who prefer the traditional form of study 

 

Bachelor’s degree programmes

Part-time study 

Part-time study combines study and work. Students can apply their practical knowledge directly to their everyday working lives whilst expanding their theoretical knowledge. This not only enables the continuous application of course content but also offers financial independence through their own income. Particularly for working professionals who wish to advance their careers in a targeted manner, this form of study represents an ideal combination of theory, practice and professional development. 

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Vocational Education for Nursing and Healthcare Professions, as well as the Master’s degree programme of the same name at Dresden University of Applied Sciences, are available exclusively as part-time programmes. In addition, many other degree programmes are offered both as part-time and full-time options, allowing prospective students to choose the path that best suits them to complete their degree.

Advantages of part-time study: 

• Practical relevance through concurrent employment 
• Flexible integration of study, work and, where applicable, family life 
• Financial security through your own income 
• Building professional networks alongside academic further education 
• Direct application of what you have learnt in your day-to-day work  
• Personal development and qualification without interrupting your career  
• Greater employer acceptance through continuous professional experience  
• Opportunity for targeted career development within your current company  
• Often smaller study groups and more intensive support 

Disadvantages of part-time study: 

• Greater demands on time management and self-organisation 
• Less intensive participation in face-to-face sessions may be possible 

Target group: 

• Working professionals who wish to pursue further academic study 
• People who wish to combine practice and theory in a targeted manner 
• Students who need to remain flexible

Other topics of interest for prospective students include a comparison of part-time versus work-integrated study, and ways to study without a sixth-form qualification. 

What are the practical options for studying full-time or part-time in Dresden?

In Dresden, Dresden University of Applied Sciences offers flexible study options tailored to different life situations. Whether full-time or part-time study – both options provide sound business knowledge and prepare students specifically for the job market.

Full-time study in Dresden – focused and intensive

Students who opt for full-time study can concentrate fully on their academic education. Dresden University of Applied Sciences places great emphasis on practical projects, interactive seminars and the use of real-life case studies, which are specifically tailored to the real challenges of the business world. 

• Practical relevance: projects in cooperation with regional companies 
• Academic depth: teaching sound management and business skills 
• Networking: interaction with fellow students, lecturers and local businesses 

Part-time study in Dresden – combining theory and practice

The part-time degree programme is aimed in particular at working professionals who wish to further their careers alongside their studies. In Dresden, students can directly link their professional experience to course content, develop soft skills and secure financial independence at the same time. 

• Flexibility: Evening and weekend modules allow you to study alongside your job 
• Practical relevance: Theory is applied directly within the workplace 
• Career development: Building professional networks and taking on early responsibility in the workplace

Practical experience, soft skills and international perspectives

Both study formats impart not only specialist knowledge but also leadership, teamwork and project management skills. Those who study in a practice-oriented manner can benefit directly at Dresden University of Applied Sciences from the professional networks of our lecturers in the region. Furthermore, Dresden University of Applied Sciences offers opportunities for semesters abroad or international collaborations, which open up intercultural experiences and global perspectives.

 

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How important are time management and self-organisation for full-time and part-time study? 

A (part-time) degree course requires not only the desire to learn new things but, above all, efficient time management and self-organisation. Whilst full-time students can focus entirely on lectures, seminars and projects, part-time students must coordinate their studies, work and, possibly, family life all at the same time. 

Time management for full-time study

• A structured daily routine: Fixed lecture times and project phases make planning easier. 
• Prioritising tasks: Intensive work on projects and exam preparation requires clear time slots. 
• Integration of work placements: Even in full-time study, strategically incorporating work placements is advisable to expand practical knowledge. 

Self-organisation in part-time study 

• Flexible learning: Evening and weekend modules must be efficiently integrated into your working day. 
• Using planning tools: Calendars, to-do lists or digital learning platforms help to coordinate theory, practice and work. 
• Balancing work and study: Breaks and targeted rest periods are crucial. 
• Maximising practical relevance: Professional experience can be directly linked to course content, enabling learning material to be absorbed more quickly. 

Recognition of prior learning at the FHD

Another advantage for students at Dresden University of Applied Sciences is the opportunity to have previously acquired knowledge and skills recognised. This can shorten the duration of your studies and make it easier to integrate into the programme. Further information and the application form can be found here: Studying after vocational training: Recognition, tips and funding options 

Good time management and a high degree of self-organisation are crucial for successfully completing your degree whilst pursuing career goals. You can find more information on the study options in Dresden on the Dresden University of Applied Sciences’ study guidance page. 

What role do practical projects and industry partnerships play in the degree programme?

Practical projects and industry partnerships are central elements of a successful degree programme in Dresden, whether you are studying full-time or part-time. They enable students to apply theoretical knowledge directly in real-world business contexts and to develop valuable practical and leadership skills.

Practical projects in full-time study 

• Students work in groups on real-world case studies or projects from the business world. 
• The university cooperates with regional companies, ensuring that students are directly prepared for the needs of the labour market. 
• Practical projects promote teamwork, project management and problem-solving skills – essential skills for future management roles. 

Practical projects in part-time study 

• Part-time students can directly link the skills they have learnt on the job with the course content. 
• Projects are often carried out in close consultation with the employer, which optimises practical implementation and the transfer of theory into practice. 
• This integration not only supports professional development but also strengthens professional networks and opens up career opportunities. 

Corporate partnerships 

• Dresden University of Applied Sciences maintains close partnerships with companies in Dresden and Saxony, which facilitate practical projects, workshops and guest lectures. 
• Students benefit from up-to-date insights into corporate strategies, market mechanisms and management processes. 
• Partnerships also facilitate access to internships or subsequent permanent employment in the region. 

Practical projects and corporate partnerships are therefore key to academic success and career guidance. Those who gain practical experience whilst still studying have a clear advantage in the competition for management positions. You can find an overview of some of the FHD’s industry partners here:

 

Industry partners

How can you plan for the costs and tuition fees associated with full-time and part-time study?

The question of costs and funding is a key consideration for many prospective students. At Dresden University of Applied Sciences, tuition fees vary depending on the type of programme, whilst funding opportunities, scholarships and BAföG provide additional support.

Cost overview for full-time study 

• Students pay tuition fees for the duration of their studies 
• In addition, costs for materials, the term ticket and examination fees may apply. 
• Financial support through: BAföG (state funding for students), scholarships (e.g. from foundations, universities or companies), education funds (repayable student finance), student loans (e.g. KfW student loan), part-time jobs (e.g. working as a student trainee, mini-jobs, student assistant roles), family support (e.g. child benefit, maintenance), housing benefit or other social security benefits for those on low incomes, discounts available to students (e.g. on insurance, transport, cultural activities), free or discounted learning materials via libraries and university platforms

Cost overview for part-time study 

• The advantage: students earn an income from their job at the same time, thereby increasing their financial freedom. 
• Employer support is often available, particularly if the course is relevant to the student’s professional activities. 

Cost-benefit analysis 

In many cases, a full-time or part-time degree programme offers a balanced and more sustainable foundation for academic and professional development. Whilst the dual model scores highly due to its strong practical focus and financial security, it also entails significant limitations, such as limited flexibility in organising one’s studies, a heavy time commitment, and restricted opportunities for individual specialisation or international experience. 

In contrast, full-time study allows for an intensive engagement with theoretical content, scientific methods and academic projects. Students have greater freedom to structure their studies according to their own interests, to get involved in student initiatives or to spend a semester abroad. Although the financial burden is higher without an income of one’s own, numerous funding options such as BAföG, scholarships or student loans are available. 

Part-time study, on the other hand, combines the advantages of practical relevance with financial independence. It enables students to continue working and thus directly apply what they learn to their daily working lives. At the same time, academic development is maintained. 

Both forms of study – full-time and part-time – offer attractive long-term career opportunities and can be better adapted to individual life situations and professional goals. They provide a sound education with greater flexibility and opportunities for personal development. 

 

Funding options