This is borne out by the rising number of applications. Compared with last year, these have risen by 16 per cent, whilst the nationwide trend has been one of decline. The number of graduates has also been rising steadily for years.
The Faculty of Technology and Bionics at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences continues to be in high demand for its engineering degree programmes. This is evidenced by the rising number of applications. Compared with the previous year, these have risen by 16 per cent, whilst the nationwide trend has seen a decline. The number of graduates has also been rising steadily for years. All seven engineering degree programmes have recently been successfully re-accredited, most recently the two Master’s programmes in Mechanical Engineering and Bionics.
The success of the Bachelor’s degree programmes at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences was recently confirmed in a state-wide comparison of figures: on average across the state, one third of the examinations scheduled in the study plan are either not taken or failed; at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences, this figure stands at 29 per cent. In order to further improve the feasibility of the programmes and thus the graduation rates, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences revised its study plans in 2017 to take account of the specific composition of its student body, strengthened foundational subjects such as mathematics, and incorporated German language courses into the curriculum. The first signs of success from the measures introduced are already evident.
In doing so, the Faculty of Technology and Bionics is responding to its international and diverse student body. 87 per cent of international students come from a total of 95 countries. Of the German students in the faculty, almost 60 per cent come from the districts of Kleve and Wesel. In the Faculty of Technology and Bionics, they can enrol on bachelor’s degree programmes without any entry requirements (NC). This mix of students places significantly greater demands on teaching. For this reason, the student-to-staff ratio at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is above average in the engineering disciplines. With 38.4 students per professor, the university ranks first in the state for engineering. Although one in seven students changes degree programme during their studies, the majority of those who switch remain within the faculty. In the statistics, however, they are counted as having failed to complete their initial degree programme, even if they successfully complete their new one. This example illustrates that statistical data alone often does not allow for straightforward conclusions.
Graduates from the Faculty of Technology and Bionics are highly sought-after specialists both regionally and nationally. As a result, the network between the university and industry is constantly expanding. Students benefit from this in particular, as the range of opportunities for final-year projects and work placements increases.
“Since its foundation, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences has played a special role in the region, thanks to its international focus. This presents the university – as, incidentally, it does all universities that are international and strongly STEM-oriented – with exceptional challenges, particularly in the curriculum and especially in engineering and science-based degree programmes,” emphasises Dr Oliver Locker-Grütjen, President of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Against this backdrop, the university will therefore continue to expand its measures to support students during the induction phase and to recruit outstanding students in the coming years. “Furthermore, it will place greater emphasis on various career options whilst students are still studying. These include, amongst other things, dual study programmes, integration into the regional economy and business start-ups,” Locker-Grütjen continues.
