Flexible Learning
A working student must be able to organize his or her studies individually — and study anywhere, any time, and in any situation.
At DUW we have set ourselves the goal of helping working professionals to broaden and deepen their skills at the academic level. Hence we are dedicated to the principle of flexible learning.
A high proportion of distance learning ensures a high degree of freedom: besides choosing your own place and time, you study as much as you want at the speed you want. There’s no pressure to get to a university building in time for a lecture or a seminar; no time-consuming commuting; no overfilled halls where you end up sitting on the stairs or by the door and can’t to hear what the lecturer is saying.
You study wherever you want, whenever you find the time. That means your studies are compatible with your private life, your time schedule, and your personal style. You set your own individual rhythm. By choosing how much you study and how fast, you control the progress of your individual continuing education. Naturally we are happy to offer you suggestions and advise you throughout your course of study at DUW.
The Media Mix
DUW’s didactically coordinated mix of methods and media ensures flexible learning. The media mix combines the advantages of conventional printed study materials, interactive electronic communication technologies and the intensive interpersonal learning that is only possible in carefully coordinated on-site seminars.
Study Materials
You will receive specially developed materials in which current scientific knowledge is prepared for your independent study according to the latest findings of higher education studies. Carefully apportioned learning units that you can assimilate even after a demanding workday, exercises and assignments that reinforce your learning progress, and examples that help you to relate what you have learned to your professional environment all contribute to successful learning. Like a university course in written form, the study booklet is your constant companion during your course of study at DUW. In these booklets you will acquire an understanding of new subjects, retain what you find most important, and look up facts you have already learned. And most importantly, you can put a booklet in your pocket and study wherever and whenever you want. Without electricity, an Internet connection, or any other technical equipment.
Introductory Seminars
We know from experience that studying is easier when you’re fully informed. The introductory seminars are optional, but we recommend that new students participate in one to gain useful information, hints, and personal contacts. Experienced DUW staff can provide you with pertinent facts and organizational information to help you integrate your studies right from the start with your career and your personal life. The Online Campus team is also on hand to offer you a live, graphic introduction to the DUW Online Campus, your virtual learning environment. Using a sample online learning unit, you’ll discover how an online seminar works and become familiar with the key functions of the Online Campus.
The Online Campus
DUW’s Online Campus is a constant connection to your learning community. Make professional and personal acquaintances, meet with other interesting people, and exchange ideas.
Primarily, the Online Campus is where specific interactive seminars are held. These events are specially designed in accordance with the goals and the subject matter of the various master’s degree courses and certificate programmes. With their focus on collaboration, the online seminars simulate professional practice in a working world that is increasingly organized in projects.
Virtual classroom events, online seminars, blogs on specific themes, chats with experienced experts, and individual academic instructors’ office hours: these are just some of DUW’s constantly expanding web-based offerings that bring you into contact with your teachers and your fellow students from practically anywhere in the world.
Through this medium, your studies will expand not only your specialized knowledge, but also your personal and social skills, while at the same time increasing your fluency in the use of electronic media.
On-Site Seminars
The carefully apportioned on-site seminars are a fixed point in your otherwise flexible course of study at DUW. Together with your fellow students, you’ll deepen the knowledge of concepts and methods that you have attained in independent study and the online seminars, and apply that knowledge to complex problems from professional practice. The main focus will be on cooperation with others and the development of your personal skills in dealing with typical challenges in your field of professional activity.
The on-site seminars are developed by qualified scholars and experts in the given field. Naturally you will have ample opportunity to meet and talk with these instructors, as well as the other members of the DUW team. Take advantage of the opportunity to network — or just to discover Berlin together with your fellow students after the seminars.