About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS)
With more than 9,300 students and about 200 professors, the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt, or THWS, is one of the biggest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria. THWS was founded in 1971 with two locations which are successful to this day - in the cities of Würzburg and Schweinfurt.
Degree Programmes:
THWS's ten faculties offer more than 40 bachelor's and master's degree programmes. The broad and forward-looking programmes cover technology, economics and business, social sciences, computer sciences, visual design and language. Studying at THWS is characterised by a particular orientation towards application. A practical semester, project work and a high share of practical work in laboratories and seminars underline the importance of a practice-oriented approach at THWS. Students are being perfectly prepared for their future working life and the demands of the labour market.
The teaching standard is monitored by the Committee on Teaching Quality at THWS where the deans of studies of all faculties and the head of the Campus for Professional Development work together chaired by one of our vice presidents.
Moreover, THWS participates in the programme "Quality Pact for Teaching" by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The project BEST-FIT is implementing measures aiming at increasing the rate of passed exams and thus reducing the rates of dropouts.
THWS is also a part of "hochschule dual", an initiative by Bavarian universities of applied sciences which offers a dual study programme, either as a combined studies programme (training + studies) or as studies with intensified practice (studies + integrated practical/internship phases).
Research:
At universities of applied sciences research is crucial to be able to teach the state of the art in technology and science and new technologies and scientific developments following the research activities of our professors are implemented into teaching. Research activities are undertaken not only in cooperation close to practice with regional companies and institutes, but also in national and international research projects.
In many THWS laboratories students have the opportunity to apply to practice and intensify skills and knowledge previously acquired theoretically. Moreover, in six institutes of THWS research is additionally fueled. As part of the research map of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), THWS defines two main research areas: Energy technology and efficiency, and mobility and people.
Internationalisation:
THWS focuses on internationalisation as its differentiation strategy and has set itself the objective of being an international university where students from many different nations learn and study together. To accomplish this, THWS has introduced an award-winning model of degree programmes unique in Germany. There, bachelor's programmes taught in English are offered as Twin-Programmes that are basically identical to their German equivalent. Thus students have the opportunity to switch between the degree programme taught in English and the one taught in German during their course of studies.
In addition, THWS is part of a worldwide network of about 140 international partner institutions where THWS-students can do a semester abroad.
Digitalisation:
Digitalisation is changing the world of work and will gain further importance in future. THWS is embracing this development by its digitalisation strategy. It includes a view outside, that is towards its students and imparting the related competence, but also a view inside, that is promoting digitalisation within the organisational structure of THWS. Additionally, THWS is a member of the Centre for Digital Innovations Mainfranken (ZDI) which supports and encourages digital business start-ups
Continuing education:
The THWS Campus for Professional Development and Language Proficiency is cooperating with companies and international higher education institutions to offern an innovative and practice-oriented programme in different disciplines geared toward individuals, companies and members of staff at THWS interested in continuing education.
Locations of THWS: Würzburg and Schweinfurt
Since 1971 THWS is located in Würzburg and Schweinfurt, two cities in the administrative district of Lower Franconia, a district in the northern part of the Free State of Bavaria. From here, it is not far to major German cities such as Munich and Frankfurt am Main, all of which have an international airport. European neighbours such as Austria, Czech Republic, France, Poland, and Switzerland are all just a short distance away.
The city of Würzburg has a population of about 133,000 citizens of which 30,000 are students. Apart from THWS, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg and the University of Music Würzburg shape the city's educational infrastructure. Würzburg is ideal for students - with easy access to travel connections (fast inter-city trains and motorways A3 and A7), a well-developed public transport system (trams and busses), affordable rents and living expenses, various cultural offers (theatres, museums and festivals), and last but not least a vivid choice of clubs and bars.
The cityscape is shaped by countless landmarks. High above, Marienberg Fortress is presiding over the city and bears testament to Würzburg's more than 1000-year history. Würzburg Residence is one of the most important European palaces and is a UNESCO's World Heritage site.
Schweinfurt with its 55,000 residents is one of the fastest-growing German cities and an important business hub with a long-standing tradition.
Many regional and international companies are located in Schweinfurt, such as Schaeffler Technologies, Bosch Rexroth, SKF, and ZF. Thanks to their proximity as well as to co-operations between THWS and the local industry, students have plenty of possibilities for doing internships, projects, bachelor's and master's theses, and start their professional careers there.
For students, the conditions in Schweinfurt with low rents and living expenses are good. There is a train station and the motorways A70 and A71 as well as a well-developed public transport (busses). Additionally, Schweinfurt has a lot to offer in terms of leisure activities and cultural events. It has a well-established bar scene and significant museums.