At the heart of professorships at a UAS is the transfer of experience and knowledge to students. UAS professors support young people in their academic and personal development and make an important contribution to fostering professionalism and the personal development of the next generation of academics.
High Degree of Creative Freedom and Autonomy
The role of a UAS professor is characterized by a high degree of creative freedom and autonomy: Professors at universities of applied sciences have the opportunity to set their own academic focus areas and implement innovative ideas in teaching and research. This takes place in an intellectually stimulating working environment that offers space for in-depth engagement with scientific topics and encourages exchange with colleagues — also at an international level.
Close Connection between Research and Practice
In contrast to university professorships, the close connection between research and practice is characteristic of HAW professorships. Teaching and research topics have an applied orientation, which connects theory with practical relevance. This requires and enables interdisciplinary collaboration, in which solutions to complex challenges are developed across academic disciplines.
Work-Life Balance
In addition, flexible working time models support a good work-life balance. Employment as a professor at a university of applied sciences is also a secure position; becoming a civil servant is possible.
Responsibilities of a professorship at a university of applied sciences
As a UAS professor, you give lectures and seminars, and conduct oral and written exams. Particular emphasis is placed on offering students personal support. You will often teach in small groups. The teaching focuses on practical application and is seminar-based. This allows you to cater to the individual strengths and weaknesses of your students.
Teaching is given special emphasis at universities of applied sciences. As a rule, it comprises 18 semester hours per week for a full-time professorship. There is the possibility of a limited reduction in teaching duties through committee work, research activities, or other forms of engagement at the university.
Your own research is also important as a UAS professor. You will pursue your own research questions, publish research findings and present them at congresses or conferences. Attracting third-party funding is an important source of financing.
At universities of applied sciences, the focus is on the applicability of research. Questions are addressed on a practical level and usually in close cooperation with (regional) companies, associations or institutions. Maintaining contacts with companies and institutions is therefore an important part of successful research at a UAS. If you wish to pursue your research in greater depth, you have the option of taking a sabbatical semester.
In addition to teaching and research, participation in committees is also part of your day-to-day work. For example, you can get involved in the Study Commission, the Faculty Council or the Senate. This allows you to actively influence the further development and organization of your university.
Professors at universities of applied sciences are also responsible for providing continuing academic education for professionals as well as (regional) companies and institutions. This means that scientific findings are directly transferred into professional practice.
Universities of applied sciences offer flexible, tailor-made study options, such as seminars, modules or work-based study programmes.
How much will you earn?
The salary for professorships at universities of applied sciences is usually equivalent to W2. You can find a current table of W salaries for all federal states on the homepage of the association of professors at universities of applied sciences in Germany (Hochschullehrerbund).
Additional payments may also be made, for example to cover expenses for appointment proceedings, for special achievements, or for holding an official role.
