Quality, Environment, Safety and Hygiene*

Interdisciplinary Expertise for Sustainable and Socially-Responsible Enterprises

The dynamics of the global market, competition and high expectations of customers translate to strict demands for companies, which are expected to not only deliver quality products, but do so while treating employees fairly and reducing the environmental impact of operations as much as possible. This multidimensional challenge requires trained specialists who know their way around the basic tenets, statutory regulations and norms of these areas. These specialists can, for example, actively ensure that companies remain compliant with regulations and quality standards, generate valuable environmental indicators, conduct internal and external inspections and audits, and act as in-house quality improvement advisors.

Quality, Environment, Safety and Hygiene, B.Sc. combines a solid foundation in the natural sciences with in-depth specialization in both applied topics and legal standards in quality management, environmental protection, work safety and public hygiene. Beyond that, students acquire additional skills and training in leadership and effective communication. The interdisciplinary curriculum was conceived to produce graduates who can quickly and effectively acclimate to the regulations and challenges inherent to specific industries. Flexible modes of study and a wide range of electives and additional qualification opportunities allow students to specialize in specific areas and expand their growing array of qualifications. The degree can be studied on a full-time basis, or a part-time basis with a valid vocational work contract through a German company.

Career Paths

Graduates are highly qualified for a number of different industries and, depending on their specialties and interests, will embark on a wide range of career paths. Common careers after graduation include hygiene officer in health and food services, or quality manager or environmental officer in commercial businesses, public authorities or research institutions.

Admission requirements

• Secondary school qualifications sufficient for admission to a German institute of higher education (university entrance qualification)
• German level B2 (with internationally recognised certificate)
• Completion of an 8-week internship. Note: this is not required for initial admission, but must be completed by the 4th semester in order to continue the second half of your studies.

Detailed study information can be found in this degree programme’s examination regulations and under Admission Requirements.

Application process and deadlines

Please visit Application and Admission for information about the application process. Applications are only accepted online. The annual application deadline for the winter semester is usually 15 July.

* The degree programmes offered are suitable for part-time study in accordance with Section 62a (2) HG NRW.

Testimonials from graduates

Isabella Lafferty, B.Sc.

Why did you choose the QUSH degree programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?

I did my vocational baccalaureate at Kleve Vocational College and we had a careers information day. There we received a flyer from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and I discovered the QUSH degree programme. As I did my vocational baccalaureate in health and social work, it was a very good fit for me. I was particularly attracted by the environmental field and then I decided on the programme quite quickly. I had previously taken a test at the Federal Employment Agency to see which degree programme would suit me, and in the end it turned out that I am an all-rounder and have many interests. As QUSH is so broadly diversified, it was a perfect fit.

What did you do professionally after graduating in 2021?

While I was writing my Bachelor's thesis, Professor Schumachers sent an email to QUSH students saying that the Planwerkstatt was looking for someone. The job advert sounded interesting because it was about a new area of work in the company. It appealed to me directly because I thought that I was new to the job and that I would be able to start and grow in a new area. I then wrote my application and it worked out. I have now been working at Planwerkstatt for three years and just one application was enough for me to start my career. 

Simon Schott, B.Sc.

What should prospective students know when deciding on this Bachelor's degree programme?

The programme is very, very broadly based, i.e. the subjects cover pretty much everything you can imagine. From fire protection and technical water protection to personnel management, but also classic subjects such as chemistry and business administration. It is important to know beforehand that you will most likely reach your limits at some point. By this I mean the following: if, for example, you really liked chemistry at school and were successful in it, then you will stick with this subject and hardly deviate from it. But when you study QUSH, you study in many different directions and at some point you always reach your limits because one specialism might not suit you. Of course, you can manage it all, but it's important to realise that you can't just study straight through. I would also recommend everyone to do a Master's degree in order to specialise in one area. My conclusion of QUSH is: QUSH is better suited as a postgraduate programme than many other degree programmes and I have never regretted choosing this degree programme. On the one hand, an incredible advantage of QUSH is that the breadth of topics helps if you are in a company where you can develop beyond the individual areas. On the other hand, you also have to be aware that companies sometimes don't yet know what this degree programme is all about, as there isn't always a clear job description. After all, you are neither a chemical technician, biologist nor a classic business student.

When you think back to your time at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, what experiences from your time as a student were the most formative for you?

I had a few thoughts on this beforehand... I have to separate the two: One is student life and the other is the actual coursework. With the coursework, it was really these exciting lectures and I realise that the subjects that I found the hardest automatically meant that I had to prepare very intensively for them and a lot of it stuck with me, for example physics and chemistry. The other thing, which is half student life and half subject content, is the excursions. We went on an incredible number of excursions, probably between 20 and 30. For example, we climbed up a wind turbine or looked at a water treatment plant. That was not only very varied, but also made a huge impression. Finally, student life: We started with a very small university, so everything was very informal and I basically knew everyone, lecturers and students alike. One thing I remember very fondly is working in the student council (FSR). Back then, we had the challenge of founding the FSR and I think it developed well, as I can still see. That's a point I'd like to pass on to everyone, namely that it's extremely beneficial to get involved in these things in some way.

Alina Richter, B.Sc.

What skills did you acquire during your studies that you can use well in your job today?

During my studies, I quickly realised that many challenges or problems can only be solved if you think in an interdisciplinary way and work as a team. Not everyone can know everything and it doesn't hurt to ask others for their opinions - you often get to know many other points of view and can make good use of them for yourself.

The basics of the various subject areas that you learn during your studies help you to understand many interrelationships. For example, knowledge of microbiology is very helpful when explaining the laboratory's test reports to customers. On the other hand, you have learnt to acquire knowledge in a short space of time during your studies. In some professional situations, it therefore helps if you can quickly gain an overview of various documents and requirements. In conclusion, I can say that I can often fall back on my studies in many professional situations.

What advice would you give to current or future students?

Grit your teeth and persevere when things aren't fun.

Due to the wide-ranging nature of the degree programme, you're bound to come across subjects that you don't enjoy, where you reach your limits, that make you despair - but in the end it's worth it and you can be proud!

Why did you choose the QUSH degree programme at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences?

I had wanted to study for many years after completing my master's qualification in hairdressing. However, this was not possible without a high school diploma. A lot had to change in the education system in order to be admitted to university without a high school diploma. My master craftsman's certificate became a ‘licence’ to enrol at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.

I had already completed a distance learning programme at the Kolping Academy to become a business administrator in the skilled trades. Business administration is not my hobbyhorse in terms of content, but I really liked the self-organisation of the distance learning course.

I'm from Kleve, so it was clear to me that if we now have a university in Kleve, then I would study there. I chose QUSH because I had an interest in natural sciences, but it was also the classic process of elimination. At the time, I didn't trust myself to study in English, so most of the degree programmes were ruled out. Childhood Education or Tourism were out of the question for me in terms of content and then there was Bio Science and Health and QUSH. I liked Quality Management the best.

What would you like to pass on to our students and prospective students?

Make merciless use of all the opportunities that the university offers in terms of practical experience and the application of acquired knowledge!

From my current perspective (and my retrospective experience as a student), this includes internships and jobs as well as the key skills courses. It is important to recognise your personal weaknesses and strengthen your potential.

A CV with practical experience in the area of your future career ‘dream job’ reads very well in job applications, and it is also helpful for choosing your own path to know more than just the theory of one or other professional area.

Ilham Romdhani, B.Sc.

What was the topic of your bachelor's thesis?

I wrote my bachelor's thesis in collaboration with a clinic in Düsseldorf, where I worked during my studies. The clinic was not ISO 9001 certified, so I carried out audits and drew up a catalogue of measures to achieve certification.

What skills did you acquire during your studies that you can put to good use in your job today?

Analytical thinking and conflict management are essential in our areas of work, as we are regularly confronted with conflict situations, be it accidents at work or breaches of environmental regulations. In such situations, it is extremely helpful that we have been taught basic conflict management skills during our studies. How do I deal with my colleagues? How can I assert myself as a staff unit? And above all: how do I communicate in a solution-orientated way? I am very grateful that these topics were not neglected during my studies.

What advice would you give to current or future students?

Don't be afraid to tackle the natural sciences! Don't be intimidated if you sit in a physics or chemistry lecture or fail an exam. There are tutorials and the professors will be happy to answer your questions. Don't forget that studying isn't everything. Enjoy your student life and take advantage of the opportunities offered by campus life.