Applied Science University or University?

A degree course at the University of Applied Science…
…is very practice and application-relevant, in many FH degree courses projects are undertaken by students with real companies so that the knowledge gained can be used straight away. 

FH-degree courses are fixed length. (Bachelor-degree 6 semesters, Master's degree three or four semesters). In order to gain a degree in this time studying at a

University of Applied Science means a tighter structure and students have a fixed timetable. At an FH not only the course length but also the number of places available is fixed. This means that there are no overcrowded lecture theatres at Applied Science Universities.
 

"Typical FH" - is:

• working in small groups on practice relevant topics,

• clear timeframe, clear structure,

• a high percentage of lecturers straight from the private sector,

• innovative didactics and intensive student support,

• fixed internship and semester abroad,

• teaching of specialist knowledge AND sound social and methodological competence,

• good environment to study in - equipment and infrastructure at New Applied Science Universities are very good,

• more but shorter examinations. 

A degree course at a University …
…is much heavier on theory and for those seeking to pursue a scientific career a good choice.

University degree courses are not fixed length - this means you can set your study speed yourself, which means that it normally also takes longer to graduate.

As University degree courses not normally limited in the number of places available it is possible that lecture theatres are overcrowded and there are not enough places in teaching modules which slows down the course of study. 

"Typical University" - is:

• students have to organise themselves to large extent

• wide range of teaching courses in which students have to compile a timetable for themselves

• teaching takes place in the form of large scale lectures and in-depth work comes in the form of seminars/exercises in smaller groups

• sound theoretical training, less application-oriented knowledge

• less exams but longer exams

FH Vorarlberg is often described as the University of Vorarlberg
And indeed it does combine the advantages of an Applied Science University with some of the advantages of a University: 

• in this way FHV students can extend their horizons through 'transdisciplinary teaching'  by casting a glance at other specialist areas,

• A modular library offered on all FHV Master's degrees provides a wide range of teaching from which students - based on their personal preferences - can choose and shape their own individual profiles.

• The FHV has a high percentage of Professor-level teaching staff and paves the way, through international University cooperation agreements, to a PhD, an academic title following a Master's degree which, in Austria, is otherwise only on offer at Universities.

• A well-developed research and development portfolio - way above the FH average -ensures continuous new material and innovative topics in degree courses.

The FH Vorarlberg is a good choice - especially for people with ideas, curiosity and engagement. The University in Dornbirn is an ideal environment for promising personal development.