04 - Germany - General objectives

General objectives – universities

The purpose of study at institutions of higher education is described in the Framework Act for Higher Education (Hochschulrahmengesetz) as follows:

Teaching and study are to prepare students for a profession in a certain sphere of activity, imparting to them the particular knowledge, skills and methods required in a way appropriate to each course so as to enable them to perform scientific or artistic work and to act responsibly in a free, democratic and social state governed by the rule of law.

Thus, the mandate bestowed by the legislator, in line with the traditional principle of the unity of teaching and research, is to provide professional training to students in a way that directly involves scientific and academic research and artistic development. Whilst the unity of teaching and research applies to all institutions of higher education, a distinction may be drawn between the functions of universities and other types of institutions of higher education in that university education is traditionally closely linked to basic and theoretical research.

General objectives – colleges of art and music

The purposes of study common to all types of higher education institution are listed in the Framework Act for Higher Education (Hochschulrahmengesetz).

Colleges of art and music prepare students for artistic professions and teaching of music and art. Teaching and studying are closely related to the other functions of the colleges, i.e. to promote art through the development of artistic forms and means of expression and through the free pursuit of art.

General objectives – Fachhochschulen

The purposes of study common to all types of higher education institution are listed in the Framework Act for Higher Education (Hochschulrahmengesetz).

The characteristic features of the design of the courses of study and the organisation of teaching and studying at Fachhochschulen are the particular emphasis on practical application and the closer links with the requirements of the professional world. The semesters spent outside the institutions to gain practical experience, known as Praxissemester, are a vital feature. The teaching staff and course contents at Fachhochschulenare linked with applied research and development projects, which are characteristic of this type of institution.

General objectives – establishments outside the higher education system – Berufsakademien, Fachschulen

As part of training at state or state-recognised Berufsakademien (professional academies) students receive academic training at Studienakademien(study institutions) and, at the same time, practical career training in a training establishment.

The aim of the continuing vocational training provided at Fachschulen is to enable skilled workers usually with job experience to take on management functions in firms, enterprises, administrations and institutions, or to independently perform responsible tasks.

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