A cooperative university along the lines of the Baden-Württemberg model is an institution with a strong practical orientation. The bachelor courses on offer there are equivalent to those at a technical college or university.
In addition to the theoretical subjects, part of your training will take place directly at the company (cooperative system). Applicants conclude a three-year training agreement with a company, at which they will undertake practical training for half of their studies. The other half of their studies take place at the cooperative university. Theoretical and practical modules alternate around every three months.
Upon finishing their studies, CU graduates have earned their Bachelor’s degree. Upon completing your course, you may take up a position immediately, or continue your studies further with a Master’s programme.
KAESER KOMPRESSOREN collaborates with the cooperative university in Mosbach, Baden-Württemberg. We also offer a dual-studies course (with intensified practical training), in cooperation with Coburg University of Applied Sciences.
Cooperative university programme requirements
The minimum requirement for acceptance on the programme is entrance qualification to an advanced technical college. In most cases, a subject-related higher education entrance qualification will suffice, however some courses demand a general university entrance qualification. An apprenticeship or employment contract with a company participating in the cooperative university programme is also required. Please note that in some cases the cooperative university may have their own selection procedure as well, regardless of the company's process.
The cooperative university programme
From the outset, theoretical and practical modules are alternated approximately every three months. The theoretical modules teaching the necessary specialist knowledge are followed by corresponding practical modules, undertaken at the company. These are designed to apply and reinforce the knowledge that has been learned in the classroom.
In the course of their studies, students are required to complete homework (practical tasks, project work and study work) and sit examinations. The cooperative university assesses the examinations, which are structured differently from course to course.
Students receive a salary throughout the course of their studies. Courses may last 6 or 7 semesters, before ending with a Bachelor’s thesis.
All subjects require a minimum grade of "sufficient” in every year of study. If this result is not achieved, the relevant examinations may be re-taken once only. Should the required minimum grade still not be achieved, an oral examination may be taken instead in one subject only. In such cases, the maximum achievable grade is "sufficient". A further failure would mean the student cannot continue with their course. This would also result in the termination of the apprenticeship agreement with the company.
