TU Dortmund University Launches "studium+" for Bachelor's Students
At the start of their studies, students must adjust to new learning methods, challenging academic content, and greater personal responsibility. With studium+, TU Dortmund University aims to ease the transition into college and better accommodate diverse learning backgrounds, particularly with regard to prior knowledge of mathematics. TU Rector Manfred Bayer emphasizes why this has been a priority for him since taking office: “Universities bear the responsibility of training professionals in the natural sciences and engineering. We must provide the best possible support to those who feel confident enough to pursue such a degree program on their path to graduation. To that end, we have developed an innovative approach with studium+.”
Additional learning opportunities and more time for coursework
Under the motto “More support. More freedom. More success,” studium+ combines subject-specific and interdisciplinary learning opportunities with tailored study plans. These include, for example, supplementary tutorials, exercises, and workshops. The four participating departments place different emphases, depending on their experience with typical challenges: In mathematics, for example, students can deepen their knowledge of calculus through “Calculus Plus.” The Department of Physics offers a new lecture on subject-specific computational methods. In biological and chemical engineering, courses such as “Advanced Mathematics 0” and “Thermodynamics Plus” supplement the regular curriculum. At the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, “ETIT Coaching” is part of the program. In addition, there are interdisciplinary offerings, such as courses on organizing one’s studies, time management, and digital skills.
Another component consists of alternative study plans designed specifically to ease the workload during the first semesters. To this end, the departments reschedule certain regular courses to later semesters. This allows students to engage more intensively with the course material and take advantage of additional support services.
Participation in studium+ is voluntary. Students can generally join the program until the end of their fourth semester. Those who successfully complete the designated courses receive a certificate. Depending on the program structure, the individual standard period of study may also be extended. Under certain conditions, this can also extend eligibility for BAföG financial aid. To this end, the program utilizes a new provision in the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Expansion to Additional Departments Planned
studium+ builds on the experience gained from the collaborative project “beVinuS.nrw,” in which TU Dortmund University, together with the University of Wuppertal and RWTH Aachen University, designed a supplementary virtual “zero semester” from 2022 to 2025. As part of the project, the universities developed digital self-study resources that allow students to brush up on their high school fundamentals.
With studium+, TU Dortmund University is building on this approach and supplementing it with additional in-person offerings that are more closely linked to the regular curriculum. In the coming semesters, the program is to be gradually expanded to include additional departments and degree programs. In the long term, TU Dortmund University aims to promote academic success and reduce dropout rates.
Contact person for inquiries: