Practical Experience Meets Future Prospects: Successful Events Focusing on Dual Degree Programs at TH Wildau

Practice meets perspective: At the 4th Network Meeting and Regional Forum on dual degree programmes on 11 March at TH Wildau, it became clear just how strong the link between universities and industry is today – and how much potential it still holds. Numerous guests in attendance, in-depth specialist forums, exclusive laboratory tours and plenty of opportunity for discussion made the event a genuine platform for innovation and cooperation. A particular focus: new dual degree programmes, which met with great interest and are actively shaping the future of practice-oriented training in Brandenburg.

A total of 73 guests attended the network meeting in person, whilst the regional forum, held in parallel in cooperation with the Duales Studium Brandenburg agency, attracted between 15 and 20 participants. The event was complemented by online participants from public administration degree programmes as well as various multipliers.

Focus on application-oriented teaching and professional exchange

A central component of the event was the in-depth insight into application-oriented teaching. Following the welcome and an update on dual degree programmes, specific discussion sessions began. For instance, the biannual trainers’ meeting for public administration (ÖVBB) and general administration (VIBB) was integrated directly into the event. There were also dedicated discussion forums for the field of Business Computing – including a practical report from Würth IT on student support – as well as for the degree programmes in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

The laboratory tours after the lunch break were very well received. Participants could choose from five different tours (including in the fields of Automation Technology, Logistics and Business) and thus experience the modern research infrastructure of TH Wildau at first hand.

The laboratory tours after the lunch break were very well received. Participants were able to choose from various tours, including in the fields of Automation Technology, Industrial Engineering, Logistics and Telematics, and thus experience the modern research infrastructure of TH Wildau at first hand.

Birgit Sellmer from the Centre for Studies and Teaching (ZSL) draws a positive conclusion about the format: “The feedback clearly shows us that our industry partners greatly value this personal exchange. The networking event has proven its worth and will therefore continue to be offered annually.”

New degree programmes receive positive response

A particular highlight was the presentation of future degree programmes. Prof. Alexander Köthe, Dean of the INW Faculty, presented ideas for a planned dual engineering degree programme, whilst details of the Mobility, Environment, Logistics (MUL) degree programme were unveiled.

Birgit Sellmer adds: “It is very encouraging that the concepts for the new dual engineering degree programme and the MUL degree programme have received such positive feedback overall. This confirms that we are on the right track in continuously developing our dual study programmes.”

She also emphasises the importance of cooperation: “Integration is the be-all and end-all of dual degree programmes. That is why the exchange with our industry partners is so important to us.”

Outlook: New partners sought for the 2026/27 winter semester

The event also provided a platform for the further development of the range of courses on offer.

The plans for the Mobility, Environment, Logistics (MUL) degree programme received a particularly positive response.

For the upcoming 2026/27 winter semester, TH Wildau is actively seeking further industry partners – particularly for the two dual practice-integrated degree programmes in Aviation Engineering/Aviation Management and Telematics – applied information technology, as well as for the MUL field.

Another new engineering degree programme with a high practical component is currently being designed and is expected to be added to the portfolio for the 2027/28 academic year.

Birgit Sellmer summarises the momentum of the development: “Our dual degree programmes are constantly being refined. For the coming winter semester, two interesting dual degree programmes in the field of mobility are set to launch. And in the field of engineering, too, a new dual degree programme with a high practical component and many specialisation options is being developed.”

The participants’ conclusion was clear: personal interaction is highly valued, which is why the networking event will remain a fixed annual fixture in the university’s calendar.