Students of computer science or business informatics at Hof University of Applied Sciences will find it even easier to gain international experience in the future. The university has concluded so-called double degree agreements with the University of Perm in Russia and the KAZGUU University of Applied Sciences in Kazakhstan. The agreements allow students a fixed number of semesters abroad and mutual recognition of additional degrees earned there. The domestic economy is also expected to benefit from this.
In double degree agreements, the curricula of the respective degree programs are coordinated with those of the partner university. “This means that nothing stands in the way of mutual recognition of achievements – right up to the degree,” explains Prof. Dr. Andrej Bachmann, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science at Hof University of Applied Sciences. However, the agreements also already define the semesters in which students will complete a stay abroad and the course content that will be offered. “These completed modules are then automatically mutually recognized,” says Prof. Dr. Bachmann.
Renowned partner university
Specifically, two agreements were concluded: Students in the master’s program in computer science can earn a second master’s degree in “Software Engineering,” “Intelligent Systems,” “Computer-Based Systems for Data Processing and Management” or “Automation of Social and Economic Systems” after spending one semester abroad at the University of Perm in Russia. For students in the Bachelor’s program in Business Information Systems, the cooperation with the KAZGUU University of Applied Sciences in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan takes place. Business Administration in Information Technology” is offered here as a second degree
KAZGUU is our long-standing partner in the field of business. This successful cooperation is now extended to Business Information Technology. The University of Perm is a new partner with a strong computer science program in the master’s area, so we can offer our students an excellent qualification here.”
Prof. Dr. Andrej Bachmann, Dean
Image: Hof University of Applied Sciences;
Greater opportunities for advancement thanks to double degree
For professional practice, this has nothing but advantages: “Agile, international teams are the core of modern software development. This is true not only for large international corporations, but now also for medium-sized companies. The probability that our computer science graduates will work with development teams from Eastern Europe or Asia is very high. By earning a second degree, students are not only prepared professionally for this collaboration, but also acquire important intercultural skills,” explains the dean. A double degree also increases the chances on the job market and enables greater opportunities for advancement.
Strengthening the regional economy
Both agreements are effective immediately. The first exchange semesters for students at Hof University of Applied Sciences will accordingly take place as early as next year. Conversely, Russian and Kazakh students will then also come to Hof
In this way, we are also strengthening the region’s economy, because computer scientists are in high demand.”
Prof. Dr. Sebastian Leuoth, Director of the Business Informatics program
And he continues: “As part of the double degree agreement with our university, talented young people get to know the Hof region and its companies and deepen their language skills. The degree they earn locally will then also make them interesting as employees for our companies,” adds Prof. Dr. Sebastian Leuoth, head of the Business Information Systems program.
