INTRODUCTION
The Cologne University of Applied Sciences also known as TH Köln, is located in the city of Cologne.
The university stands out not just for its academic prowess but also for its focus on practical experience, cutting-edge research and commitment to societal advancement.
The university offers a diverse academic palette, which includes the fields of Applied Natural Sciences, Information and Communication, Architecture and Construction, Computer Science, Culture, Society, Engineering and Social Sciences as well as Business Studies.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The Cologne University of Applied Sciences has a rich heritage that dates back to its inception.
Origins in Fusion
Established in 1971, the Cologne University of Applied Sciences wasn’t just born overnight.
It was the result of merging multiple esteemed institutions, pooling in decades of academic legacy.
Prestigious Predecessors
Among the university’s foundational pillars were the Cologne Crafts Schools, State Engineering Schools and the College for Business and the unique German Insurance Academy, to name a few.
These institutions carried specializations, from photography to social work, forming a multifaceted academic base.
Innovative Additions
Not just resting on its laurels, the university showed forward-thinking by introducing novel departments like Restoration, Design and the globally-aware Institute for Technology and Resources Management suited for tropical and subtropical regions.
A Rebranding Epoch
Fast forward to 2015, the university underwent a significant rebranding, evolving into TH Köln, symbolizing its comprehensive dedication to Technology, Arts and Sciences.
Facts and Numbers
- Founded 1971 as Fachhochschule Köln
- 25,000 students
- 4,400 international students
- More than 6,500 first-year students per year
- More than 3,200 graduates per year
- More than 2,000 employees, including 440 professors
- 12 faculties
- More than 50 Bachelor’s and 50 Master’s program
CAMPUSES AVAILABLE
Not one, but TH Köln has multiple campuses, each with its own distinct identity and focus.
Here’s a glimpse into the campuses of this esteemed university
Deutz Campus
Located in the right-bank district of Cologne, this campus is a hub for engineering and business studies.
With state-of-the-art labs and lecture halls, the Deutz campus offers a stimulating environment for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Südstadt Campus
Nestled in the southern part of Cologne, this campus primarily caters to humanities, social sciences and cultural studies.
Its central location makes it easily accessible and well-connected to the rest of the city.
Gummеrsbach Campus
Situatеd a bit away from thе main city in Gummеrsbach and this campus has a strong focus on computеr sciеncе and еnginееring.
Thе Gummеrsbach campus, though smallеr than thе othеrs, is еquippеd with modеrn amеnitiеs and offеrs a closе-knit community fееling.
Lеvеrkusеn Campus
It is situatеd in thе city of Lеvеrkusеn and is Prеdominantly homе to coursеs in thе fiеlds of chеmistry and biology.
This campus offеrs spеcializеd labs and rеsеarch facilitiеs that promotе hands-on lеarning and еxpеrimеntation.
DIVERSE RANGE OF PROGRAMS
TH Köln offers a wide range of study programs for various academic interests.
Hеrе arе thе Facultiеs and programs,
FACULTIES
- Applied Natural Sciences
- Applied Social Sciences
- Architecture
- Automotive Systems and Production
- Business, Economics and Law
- Civil Engineering and Environmental Technology
- Computer Science and Engineering Science
- Cultural Sciences
- Information Science and Communication Studies
- Information, Media and Electrical Engineering
- Process Engineering, Energy and Mechanical Systems
- Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems
BACHELOR’S PROGRAM
- Applied Chemistry
- Architecture
- Banking and Finance
- Business Administration
- Business Administration and Engineering
- Business Information Systems
- Business Information Systems
- Business Law
- Civil Engineering
- Code & Context
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Computer Science
- Conservation and Restoration of Art and Cultural Property
- Construction Machinery and Agricultural Engineering
- Data and Information Science
- Digital Games
- Digital Journalism and Media
- Electrical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy and Building Services Engineering
- Film
- General Mechanical Engineering
- Insurance Management
- Integrated Design
- International Business
- IT Management
- Library Studies and Digital Communication
- Logistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering – Product Engineering and Context
- Media Informatics
- Media Technology
- Multilingual Communication
- Optometry
- Pedagogy in Childhood and Family Education
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Production and Logistics
- Renewable Energy
- Rescue Engineering
- Risk and Insurance
- Social Work
- Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems
- Vehicle Development
MASTERS PROGRAM
- 3D Animation for Film & Games
- Applied Chemistry
- Applied Media Education – The Use of New Media and Games in Youth Work
- Architecture
- Auditing, Taxation, Law and Finance
- Automation & IT
- Automotive Engineering
- Behavioral Ethics, Economics and Psychology
- Business Administration and Engineering
- Business Information Systems
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Systems and Networks
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Conference Interpreting
- Conservation and Restoration of Art and Cultural Property
- Counseling and Advocacy in Social Law
- Digital Games
- Digital Narratives
- Digital Sciences
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Electrical Engineering
- Entertainment Producing
- Film
- Game Development and Research
- Gender & Queer Studies
- Green Building Engineering
- Insurance Law
- Integrated Design Research
- Integrated Water Resources Management
- International Business
- International Management and Intercultural Communication
- Library and Information Science
- Market and Media Research
- Market-Oriented Corporate Management
- Mechanical Engineering
- Media Informatics
- Media Law and Media Management
- Media Technology
- Natural Resources Management and Development
- Pedagogy and Management in Social Work
- Process Engineering – Process Intensification
- Product Design and Process Development
- Renewable Energy
- Renewable Energy Management
- Rescue Engineering
- Risk and Insurance
- Serial Storytelling
- Specialized Translation
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Taxation
- Terminology and Language Technology
- Town Planning and Urban Development in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Web Science
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH FACILITIES
The Cologne University of Applied Sciences is renowned for its research initiatives.
Equipped with advanced facilities, the institution encourages its students and faculty to delve deep into their chosen subjects, driving innovations and contributing valuable insights to their respective fields.
The University’s research footprint extends globally, fostering collaborations with other leading institutions and industries.
University Gives Practical Experience
One of the standout features of TH Köln is its emphasis on the practical application of knowledge.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that students get hands-on experience, enabling them to seamlessly transition from academic life to professional roles.
The University’s tie-ups with various industries offer students internships, projects and real-world insights, setting them up for success in their careers.
RESEARCH FOCUSES
Here are the three main focuses that the university concentrates on the most,
Integrative Society and Resilience: This research domain synthesizes challenges stemming from education, social affairs, design, culture and risk management. Through an interdisciplinary approach, it converges these diverse issues, seeking holistic solutions for a more resilient society.
Digital Work and Living Environments: This area delves into the nexus of technology and its societal implications. It’s not just about pioneering new technologies but deeply understanding their ripple effects on the fabric of contemporary living.
Sustainable Management and Resources: With an unwavering focus on sustainability, this profile pioneers strategies for efficient resource management. It champions the exploration of alternative materials and breakthrough technologies, steering us towards a more sustainable future.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE AND PARTNERSHIPS
In today’s interconnected world, having a global perspective is imperative, so Cologne University of Applied Sciences has forged partnerships with universities and institutions worldwide.
These partnerships facilitate student and faculty exchanges, collaborative research and shared learning, ensuring that the community at TH Köln is exposed to diverse viewpoints and experiences.
With the partner universities abroad, the university offers a wide range of study abroad and funding opportunities and also supports student mobility.
Some of the partnership universities abroad,
- Sweden’s Karlstad University
- Norway’s Oslo Metropolitan
- France’s Montpellier Business School
- Portugal’s universidade Europeia
- India’s Vel Tech University
- Turkey’s Mersin University
- Japan’s Chiba University
- South Korea’s Tongmyong University
- Thailand’s Naresuan University
Here are some of the ways TH Köln embraces internationalization:
Study Abroad Programs
Students at TH Köln are encouraged to partake in semesters or internships abroad, gaining first-hand experience in international settings.
The university has tie-ups with institutions globally, making it easier for students to find a suitable program.
International Degree Programs
TH Köln offers several international degree programs taught in English.
These programs cater to international students and are designed with a global curriculum, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The programs are,
Degree programs taught exclusively in English
Bachelors
- Digital Games
Masters
- 3D Animation for Film & Games
- Automation & IT
- Communication Systems and Networks
- Digital Games
- Digital Narratives
- Game Development and Research
- Entertainment Producing
- Integrated Water Resources Management
- Integrated Design Research
- International Business
- International Management and Intercultural Communication
- Natural Resources Management and Development
- Renewable Energy Management
- Serial Storytelling
- Web Science
Degree programs including a mandatory semester abroad
Bachelors
- International Business
- Multilingual Communication
Masters
- International Business
- International Management and Intercultural Communication
- Product Design and Process Development
Degree programs including courses taught in English
Bachelors
- Data and Information Science
- International Business
- Integrated Design
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Masters
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Drug Discovery and Development
- Green Building Engineering
- Insurance Law
- Renewable Energy
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
Double degree programs
Bachelors
- Social Work
- Vehicle Development
- Business Administration and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Masters
- International Business
- Digital Games
- Integrated Design
- Communication Systems and Networks
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Environment and Resources Management
Funding programs and grants offered and awarded by TH Köln
Cologne University of Applied Sciences offers a variety of funding programs and grants to its students, researchers and staff.
Some of the funding programs and grants include:
Auslands-BAföG
Auslands-BAföG provides German students with financial aid for studying or interning abroad. Benefits include grants, living cost adjustments and health insurance. Eligibility can differ.
DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is a major scholarship provider supporting various overseas academic ventures. Available for students, interns and researchers. The database offers country-specific information.
Bildungskredit (education loan)
Bildungskredit is a Federal Government program offering low-interest loans to students in advanced training, supplementing the BAföG benefits.
Heinrich J. Klein Foundation
Heinrich J. Klein Foundation supports science and international exchange through scholarships for short-term scientific projects and semester stays globally.
Fulbright Commission Grants
The Fulbright program supports mutual understanding between the USA and Germany. TH Köln students can apply for grants that aid in studies at American universities.
Erasmus+ Program
This is a European Union initiative that offers funding opportunities for students, staff and researchers to study, work or conduct research in another European country.
PROMOS scholarship
This program offers various scholarships, including for academic stays, internships, language courses and specific programs like Summer Schools. Eligibility varies, but all degree-seeking students at TH Köln can apply, with certain exceptions. Stays range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the activity. Students can apply twice yearly and applications are processed through the Mobility Online platform.
CAMPUS LIFE AT COLOGNE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
TH Köln offers a dynamic and vibrant campus life, reflecting the diverse student body and the rich heritage of Cologne.
Here’s a glimpse of what campus life at the university entails:
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The university places significant importance on sustainability and social responsibility.
Students are encouraged to think beyond their individual goals and consider the larger implications of their work on society and the environment.
Libraries and Study Spaces
State-of-the-art libraries with extensive collections ensure that students have all the resources they need.
Quiet study zones, collaborative spaces and tech hubs cater to various learning styles.
Cologne: The Perfect Backdrop
The city of Cologne, with its rich history, cultural significance and cosmopolitan flair, serves as the perfect backdrop for the University.
Students get to experience the best of German culture, history and lifestyle while enjoying the amenities of a modern city.
The university’s integration into the city also provides students with numerous opportunities for extracurricular activities, networking and more.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Graduates of the Cologne University of Applied Sciences are sought after by employers around the world.
The university’s rigorous training, combined with its focus on practical experience, ensures that its alumni are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the modern professional landscape.
CONCLUSION
Thе Colognе Univеrsity of Appliеd Sciеncеs or TH Köln as it’s popularly known, is morе than just an institution of highеr lеarning.
It’s a placе whеrе innovation mееts tradition, whеrе thеorеtical knowlеdgе mееts practical application and whеrе studеnts arе groomеd to bеcomе lеadеrs of tomorrow.
Whеthеr you’rе a prospеctivе studеnt, a rеsеarchеr or just an acadеmic еnthusiast, the university strives for a fulfilling and еnriching еxpеriеncе.
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