Bochum University of Applied Sciences (German: Hochschule Bochum) is a public university of applied sciences located in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
It was established in 1972 following the reorganization of engineering and technical schools in the region. The institution offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in fields such as engineering, business, computer science, and architecture.
It operates two campuses: the main campus in Bochum and a second campus in Velbert/Heiligenhaus. [1] The university is subject to the regulations of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia and is a member of the German Rectors’ Conference. [2]
Bochum University of Applied Sciences was established in 1971 as part of the state-wide reorganization of technical and vocational education in North Rhine-Westphalia. [3] The institution emerged from the consolidation of several pre-existing educational establishments, including engineering and business schools. Following its foundation, the university began offering programs in technical and economic disciplines under the framework of a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), with a focus on practical and application-oriented education. [4]
In 2009, the university opened a second campus in Velbert/Heiligenhaus to expand its offerings in engineering and to support regional industry cooperation. As of 2024, the university continues to operate across both campuses and remains subject to the legal framework of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. [5]
Bochum University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Bochum) offers accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in applied sciences. The university is organized into several faculties, including those for Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Geodesy, Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering, Business, and Health. [6]
The university offers bachelor's degree programs in the following subject areas: [7]
Bachelor's programs typically lead to the degrees Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), depending on the field. Most programs are taught in German. Some are available in a dual study format, combining academic study with practical training in cooperation with external institutions.
At the master's level, Bochum University of Applied Sciences offers programs in disciplines such as: [1]
These programs typically confer the degrees Master of Science (M.Sc.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Arts (M.A.), or Master of Laws (LL.M.). A limited number of postgraduate programs are available in English.
Bochum University of Applied Sciences operates two campuses in North Rhine-Westphalia:
The university's campus infrastructure includes teaching facilities, laboratories, and administrative buildings distributed across both sites.
Key research areas include: [10]
Research is supported through external funding, including public research grants and collaborative projects with institutions and companies. The university also participates in coordinated initiatives such as the THALESruhr project, which involves several higher education institutions in the Ruhr area. [12]