About DHBW Heilbronn

The Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) is the first cooperative state university in Germany that integrates work placements into studies. With more than 33,000 students, the DHBW is the largest university in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. What makes DHBW so special is its career-integrated study programme, with alternating practical and theoretical phases, plus the close working relationships the university has with its corporate partners (companies and social entities training the next generation of experts and leaders in partnership with the university). Students select their own partners, signing a three-year contract with them and receiving continuous monthly pay for the full duration of their studies. By alternating between practice and theory every three months, students gain practical, real-world knowledge to complement their theoretical and methodological knowledge, while also developing the professional and social skills needed to join the workforce. The content of these practical and theoretical phases is finely tuned so that one complements the other and integrates the latest developments in economics, technology and society into teaching plans. The work students do during the practical phases is an integral component of their degree, which is why all study programmes at the DHBW are recognised as intensive study programmes and are worth 210 ECTS points.

The DHBW Heilbronn is the newest member of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University family. Founded in 2010, it has grown to become the first port of call for the foodstuffs industry with its unique study programmes. Some 1,500 students are currently enrolled in the following programmes:

• Business Administration - Commerce (B.A.):The DHBW Heilbronn has established itself as one of the largest business universities. Virtually every foodstuffs retailer in Germany provides training as part of our Business Administration: Management in Commerce programme. Our students come from all four corners of Germany, plus Finland, Latvia and Greece. They also give our study programme top marks: 93% of our graduates would choose the Business Administration: Management in Commerce course if they had to choose again.
• Business Administration - Service Management (B.A.): The service sector is the most important sector in the Germany economy, generating around two thirds of gross domestic product and accounting for 75% of workers. A whopping 80% of all Germany companies are service companies. The variety of study programmes we offer reflects the diversity of the sector: from finance and consulting, to human resources, communications and sports management.
• Business Administration - Food Management (B.A.): “We Think Food” – that’s the motto of the Business Administration - Food Management program which combines economics with modules on nutrition, natural and social sciences. In addition to classic business administration subjects, lectures are also given with a focus on the food industry. A particular highlight is the “DHBW Sensoricum” state laboratory where hands-on experiments with sensors, product development and market research truly bring the study programme to life, giving students the tools that will make them valuable assets to food sector companies.
• Wine – Technology – Management (B.Sc.): In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, the wine industry is no different to any other when it comes to the need for new qualifications. Which is why this study programme combines teaching in the natural sciences with technology skills and economic know-how. After three years, graduates are qualified for every conceivable career in wine cultivation, wine-making and wine marketing. The degree awarded is a Bachelor of Science. The programme is taught in partnership with the State Education and Research Institute for Viticulture and Pomology (LVWO) in Weinsberg which has been training experts and leaders in the cultivation of wine and fruits for over 150 years and boasts outstanding technical facilities.
• Business Information Systems (B.Sc.): BIS students focus primarily on the application of computer-assisted business information and communications systems. They learn how to tackle the requirements arising from the extensive changes in society and the economy brought about by digitisation and globalisation. They also shape the world of work of the future by designing digital business processes. Budding BIS’ers enjoy thinking logically, tackling complex questions and working on projects.
• Digital Commerce Management (B.A.): Digitalisation is impacting how we do business, as supply and demand changes and new business models and logistics processes emerge. By obtaining digital skills that are in urgent demand, our graduates are able to analyse, understand and employ new technologies for businesses. Their comprehensive understanding of complex economic processes helps them to make decisions on which technologies and digital solutions are the most suitable for customers, companies and suppliers.
• Business Administration - Technical Management: Recyclables Management and Recycling (B.A.): This study programme brings together skills from classic business administration and technical fundamentals. The Recyclables Management and Recycling degree looks at the economic, environmental and social aspects of how we handle waste, recyclables and recycling. Know-how and innovative technology play a vital role in protecting resources and minimising substances that harm the environment.

As one of the actors playing an active part in shaping the university town of Heilbronn, the DHBW Heilbronn is located on the modern campus of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory centre in the DHBW Sensoricum. Together with its 750 corporate partners, the DHBW Heilbronn is training the next generation of experts who alternate between theory and practice every three months. The DHBW Heilbronn has an extensive network of more than 200 international partner universities. Students embark on an exchange semester to acquire important skills in business and the world of work internationally. Credits are awarded for all coursework.

Are you interested in an exchange semester at DHBW Heilbronn? Please apply to Heilbronn International Program (HIP), a comprehensive one-semester experience, combining a challenging academic schedule taught in English with German language courses and cultural management training. Study trips will enhance your comprehension of the course content and familiarize you with the German culture. More information