University
Two campuses, three degree courses, endless opportunities
Integrated Degree Programme - Because Practical Experience Is a Must
The University of Applied Labour Studies (HdBA) is a state recognised university of applied sciences, founded in 2006 and accredited by theGerman Council of Science and Humanities. At both campuses, both Mannheim and Schwerin around 500 students in undergraduate integrated Bachelor-degree programmes train to become experts in the fields of Education, Career and Employment Counselling as well as Labour Market Management every year.
The degree course takes a total of three years, divided into nine terms each of four months as opposed to regular semesters. What makes the HdBA so special is that this is an integrated degree programme where the theoretical part and practical phases alternate with one another. Five terms are spent at the unversity in Mannheim or Schwerin. Between these terms, the students complete four practical stages at an employment agency or in a job centre, in a company, at a professional association or abroad. This concept makes the practical part a much larger share than at many other universities, and enables the students to have a taste of professional life at an early stage in their programme.
Counselling and labour market experts, trained at the HdBA, must have strong technical, methodological, social and personal skills. For this reason, the degree programme has become a well-balanced combination of economic, social and educational sciences as well as law, rounded off with the acquisition of specialist knowledge in the fields of labour market politics, services related to the labour market and counselling - so exactly what professionals at the National Employment Agency need.
In Mannheim and Schwerin students can choose from both Bachelorcourses, 'Labour MarketManagement' and 'Counselling for Education, Career and Employment' as well as aMaster programmeespecially for Labour Market Counselling. These courses have their own focus and a variety of different options.
Independent in Research and Teaching, but with a Strong Partner at your Side
Alongside the teaching part of the degree programmes, professors dedicate themselves to applied research and development in the fields of counselling, placement as well as integration and organisation so further academic training for the staff at the BA. Although the HdBA is run and financed solely by the National Employment Agency it is an independent body in all other academic matters. This is especially evident in the fact that skills gained at our institution can also be applied outside of the BA, for example in the fields of public management public administration or personnel service providers.
The HdBA boasts an excellent teacher-student ratio. After all, students in theBachelorprogrammes are at an advantage, also financially, over fellow students at other universities: They receive an attractive package during their studies, enabling them to concentrate fully on their degree programme - an important aspect at the beginning of a young person's professional life. At the end of their degree, they are ready to embark on their career. The Master programme is provided for employees of the National Employment Agency who wish to further their education at the same time as working.