Guidelines for Practical Work

In the scope of their practical work, students should learn how to apply the basic knowledge of Computer Science they have acquired in their business practice. This can be done e.g. by the students working on the conception, realisation and maintenance of industrial software products, by independently creating smaller products, by taking over administrative tasks of data processing, by carrying out empirical studies on products used or to be used. In addition, students should gain insight into the organisation and working methods of an industrial company and learn about economic, social and legal problems of working life. It is not expected that an industrial company will provide students with external training.

Practical work experience is not a compulsory part of the Bachelor's programme, but is strongly recommended to every student. Any practical work experience recognised by the supervisor will be noted on the final certificate.

Between the 1st and 2nd study stages, a practical work experience phase of 8 weeks of full-time employment or 320 working hours will take place. The entire period of activity should consist of a maximum of two consecutive periods. Each section should be carried out in its entirety at an industrial placement company. No more than 18 months should be spent between the beginning of the first and the end of the second phase.

The practical work should generally be carried out in private companies or their departments dealing with IT-related problems. Students of the Bachelor's programme should spend a maximum of 50% of their time in institutions of higher education that deal with IT-related problems.

Industrial placement companies shall appoint a responsible, competent contact person for the student and for the Industrial placement officer of the institute.

As a rule, students enter into a normal (fixed-term) employment relationship with the Industrial placement company, which is remunerated at market rates.

The Institute provides an Industrial placement officer for Computer Science. On his / her website you can find more information about the industrial placement. The Industrial placement coordinator decides whether

  1. an institution is recognised as an Industrial placement company,
  2. the planned activity of students can be recognised as a practical professional activity and
  3. the activity carried out by a student is recognised as professional practice.

For the decision regarding a. and b., the student should submit a short description of the planned activity to the industrial placement coordinator before the start of the practical work experience This must be prepared and signed by the student and the contact person in the industrial placement company.

For the decision regarding c., the student shall submit a work certificate of employment from the industrial placement company.  This will document the duration and content of the activity plus the student's performance and it to be submitted to the industrial placement coordinator after completion of the practical work experience. In cases of doubt, the industrial placement coordinator may inspect further work documents and hold a conversation with the contact person of the industrial placement company, while observing company secrets.