THWS

With more than 9,300 students and about 240 professors, the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, or THWS, is one of the biggest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria. THWS was founded in 1971 with two locations which are successfull to this day - in the the cities of Würzburg and Schweinfurt.

Degree Programmes

THWS's ten faculties offer more than 50 bachelor's and master's degree programmes. The broad and forward-looking programmes cover technology, economics, social sciences, computer sciences, visual design and language. Studying at THWS is characterised by a particular orientation towards application. A practical semester, project work and a high share of practical work in laboratories and seminars underline the importance of a practice-oriented approach at THWS. Students are being perfectly prepared for their future working life and the demands of the labour market.

The teaching standard is monitored by the Committee on Teaching Quality at THWS where the deans of studies of all faculties and the head of the Campus for Professional Development work together chaired by one of our vice presidents.
Moreover, THWS participates in the programme "Quality Pact for Teaching" by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project BEST-FIT is implementing measures aiming at increasing the rate of passed exams and thus reducing the rates of dropouts.

THWS is also a part of "hochschule dual", an initiative by Bavarian universities of applied sciences which offers a dual study programme, either as a combined studies programme (training + studies) or as studies with intensified practice (studies + integrated practical/internship phases).

Research

At universities of applied sciences research is crucial to be able to teach the state of the art in technology and science and new technologies and scientific developments following the research activities of our professors are implemented into teaching. Research activities are undertaken not only in cooperation close to practice with regional companies and institutes, but also in national and international research projects.

In many THWS laboratories students have the opportunity to apply to practice and intensify skills and knowledge previously acquired theoretically. Moreover, in six instituties of THWS research is additionally fuelled. As part of the research map of the German Rectors' Confernece (HRK), THWS defines two main research areas: Energy technology and efficiency, and mobility and people.

Internationalisation

THWS focuses on internationalisation as its differentiation strategy and has set itself the objective of being an international university where students from many different nations learn and study together. To accomplish this, THWS has introduced an award-winning model of degree programmes unique in Germany. There, bachelor's programmes taught in English are offered as Twin-Programmes that are basically identical to their German equivalent. Thus students have the opportunity to switch between the degree programme taught in English and the one taught in German during their course of studies.

In addition, THWS is part of a worldwide network of about 200 international partner institutions where THWS-students can do a semester abroad.

Digitalisation

Digitalisation is changing the world of work and will gain further importance in future. THWS is embracing this development by its digitalisation strategy. It includes a view outside, that is towards its studets and imparting the related competence, but also a view inside, that is promoting digitalisation within the organisational structure of THWS.
Additionally, THWS is a member of the Centre for Digital Innovations Mainfranken (ZDI) which supports and encourages digital business start-ups.

Continuing education

The THWS Campus for Professional Development and Language Proficiency is cooperating with companies and international higher education institutions to offern an innovative and practice-oriented programme in different disciplines geared toward individuals, companies and members of staff at THWS interested in continuing education.