hochschule Mainz University of Applied Sciences One Profile – Many Faces 1
Dear readers,
In this brochure we would like to introduce you to the Mainz University of Applied Sciences with all its dif- ferent aspects and facets, which yield a unique profile.
Our university plays a key role in the educational and research infrastructure in the Rhine-Main area. 5,000 students study and do research here in three special fields – engineering, design and business – which are wide-ranging domains and subject to constant change. This is why in recent years we have developed a num- ber of cutting-edge programmes of study as well as offerings in continuing professional education. We will continue to adjust our programmes and offerings in accordance with changes and requirements on the labour market. Through continuous pioneering work, the University of Applied Sciences has established a wide range of career-integrated study programmes, both full and part-time, and we will continue to move forward in this domain on the basis of our extensive experience.
Since its establishment, the University of Applied Sciences has made solid progress in the area of applied research and has acquired a strong reputation in the German business and educational landscapes. The University works closely with a number of research institutions and commercial enterprises and is there- fore well connected on the highest possible level.
Integrated competences: this is how we see the future of the University of Applied Sciences. The three schools will be combined on the new campus in the future, so that interdisciplinary study and research can be as intensive as possible.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Muth President of the Mainz University of Applied Sciences 2 3
New paths and prospects Live and learn The Rhine-Main area Mainz – City of Science
Mainz, the provincial capital of Rhine- Following its extensive action initiative, on the river, its beautiful old town and land-Palatinate, is attractive in many the city of Mainz won the coveted title its manageable size that still offers all ways. It is famous for its beautiful loca- “City of Science” in 2011. For the initia- the advantages of a big city. Mainz is tion on the river Rhine, for its historic tive, the Johannes Gutenberg University, a friendly city with a variety of leisure old town and as the city of Gutenberg the University of Applied Sciences, the and cultural opportunities. You can get and his printing press, German Karne- University hospital, academies, museums around easily and safely. The city‘s charac- val, fine local wines, major communi- and various other research institutions in teristic combination of youthfulness and cation media and the Mainz 05 football Mainz and the surrounding area formed sense of tradition are much appreciated, team. Besides its lifestyle and traditions, the Mainz Research Alliance. The aim and not only by students. science has also made Mainz famous and was to enhance scientific potential with good reason. Approximately 40,000 among people, to form networks and to students study and do research at the use science as the main tool for the city’s “In 2011 Mainz was named ‘The City of three universities located here: Johannes development. The project has become Science’ – this has made the provincial Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz an institution in which the University of capital, rich in tradition and a major University of Applied Sciences and the Applied Sciences plays a key role. location for science – famous beyond the Catholic University of Applied Sciences region’s borders.” in Mainz. The city is therefore one of What makes life in Mainz unique? In the major centres of higher education in response to a survey, students answered Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Muth Germany. this question as follows: its location President of the Mainz Research Alliance
Cosmopolitan and historically conscious, ing) and HR (Hessian broadcasting) as area, attracting scientists and students vibrant and spirited – the structurally well as the Verlagsgruppe Rhein-Main from all over the world. As a result, the strong Rhine-Main area located in the (Rhine-Main publishing group) and the cooperation of research, science, prac- middle of Europe has a lot to offer. F.A.Z. Press are all located here. tical training and economy leads to a productive, intellectual exchange: Distances are short and major locations As the name suggests, the rivers Rhine creativity meets efficiency and curiosity are easy to reach: from the University and Main converge in this area. On the meets tradition. Welcome to the Rhine- to the business metropolis of Frankfurt, river banks one can find recreational Main area! from Wiesbaden, the regional capital of activities, relaxation and an almost Hessen, to the scenic hilly Rhine-Hessian Mediterranean lifestyle, which is also landscape, and from Frankfurt Airport reflected by the fine weather: with 67 all over the world. days of sunshine, the city of Mainz and the Rhinehessen area are counted among The combination of economic power, the sunnier regions of Germany. There- scenic diversity and a rich cultural scene fore, it is not surprising that Rhinehessen makes the Rhine-Main area particularly has a reputation as a major wine-produc- attractive for many people. Due to its ing region in Germany and the city of “Mainz combines all the advantages of a central and easily accessible location, it Mainz is commonly known as one of the tradition-conscious provincial capital with is inviting for companies, creative art- world’s Great Wine Capitals. the openness and international flair of the ists and students at the same time. It is Rhine-Main area.” no wonder that the Rhine-Main area is Renowned universities, universities of also a main media centre: ZDF German applied sciences as well as research in- Michael Ebling Television, SWR (Southwest broadcast- stitutes are situated in the Rhine-Main Mayor of Mainz 4 5
Diversity and Uniqueness Studying at the Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Grounded in theory and practice, inter- Excellent results exchange for entrepreneurial ideas, the national and future-oriented: studying The University of Applied Sciences is Institute for Entrepreneurial Action of the at the Mainz University of Applied very successful with its programmes of Mainz University of Applied Sciences was Sciences prepares students for profes- study, and many student projects have one of the award recipients of the nation- sional life and the future. The University received a number of international prizes wide initiative entitled “Deutschland – is well known for combining teaching, and awards. In particular, the School of Land der Ideen” (“Germany – land of science and practical training. The close Design holds a top position compared ideas”), which took place under the cooperation between the University and with other design institutes in Germany. patronage of the German president. the business world is particularly clear. The career-integrated study programmes A good example: ‘Decodeunicode – the Facts alone maintain 450 collaborative part- characters of the world’ is the title of 5,000 students are enrolled in 16 bache- nerships, predominantly in the econom- a widely acclaimed print publication, lors and 21 masters degree courses at the ic life of the Rhine-Main area. which, for the first time traces and Mainz University of Applied Sciences. identifies all of the 109,242 digital char- A wide variety of study programmes are This benefits everyone. The economy acters in the world. This view beyond offered, divided into the three following profits from the innovative ideas that the typographic horizon was made faculties: evolve at the University, and vice versa, possible by the Communication Design and students benefit from the specific programme of study within which the The School of Technology, offering the targets set by companies. In other terms, project was launched and implemented. study programmes Architecture, Civil the targets become visible through The publication won seven well-re- Engineering and Geoinformatics & Sur- the introduction of international and nowned design awards: the Red Dot veying future-oriented study programmes, Award, iF Award Gold, Type Directors including Facility Management, Media Club of New York, Art Directors Club The School of Design, offering the Design, International Business as well Germany, European Design-Award Gold study programmes Communication as Media, IT & Management. Despite the as well as “Best of Show”, Schönste Design, Media Design and Interior highly challenging fields, studying at the Deutsche Bücher 2012 (most beautiful Design University of Applied Sciences remains German books 2012) and the 2012 gold- within a manageable time frame and en design award of the Federal Republic The School of Business, offering the students are always at the centre of at- of Germany. study programmes Business Administra- tention. They benefit from the personal tion & International Business, Business atmosphere, small groups and project- Here is another example: for the devel- Law and Information Systems oriented learning. opment of a system that people with al- lergies can use to create their own pollen Each year, 1,000 students graduate from As practical training is particularly impor- and symptom profile, Professor Klaus Mainz University of Applied Sciences tant to us, our students have a wide range Böhm was awarded with the 2013 Inno- and either enter into employment or of workshops and state-of-the-art labora- vation Prize by the Ministry of Economics take up a postgraduate study programme. tories at their disposal, including: a light of the State of Rhineland Palatinate. Once laboratory, a photo lab, a virtual studio, clinical studies have been completed, a digital printing shop, a screen-printing plans are to market the system, which “Studying at Mainz University of Applied plant, an engraving studio, a bookbinding was created at the i3 - Institute for Spatial Sciences means being able to prepare workshop, a wood and model construc- Information and Surveying Technology in for professional life in a personal atmos- tion workshop, and a hydraulic engineer- cooperation with a commercial partner. phere.” ing laboratory, along with numerous com- puter pools and two libraries with a total And here is one final example: in 2010, Michael Lorsbächer of about 60,000 books. with its “concepticus“, the third national Student of Business Administration 6 7
Cosmopolitan and curious The International Perspective
It is not only large companies that think In addition, students from the Schools Mainz University of Applied Sciences and act globally these days, but institu- of Design and Engineering can com- offers international students personal tions, government agencies, as well as plete semesters or internships abroad. support from the very beginning to help medium-sized and small companies also Furthermore, they can take part in them become integrated into University cooperate with global partners. There- international projects with their part- life. As a result, everyone at the Mainz fore foreign languages and intercultural ner universities and work in interna- University of Applied Sciences benefits competence are important factors for a tional teams, which enhances their from the international focus in lectures, successful, international career. This is intercultural competence. The study cooperation on international research why internationalisation at the Mainz programme in International Civil Engi- projects and the hosting of internation- University of Applied Sciences is not neering makes a year abroad obligatory. al guest lecturers. merely another facet of modern univer- sity life: in fact it forms an integral part This international focus is also an of the University’s mission. Worldwide, advantage for lecturers at the Mainz Mainz University of Applied Sciences University of Applied Sciences, as they cooperates with approximately 100 benefit from existing cooperation agree- partner universities, from Sweden to ments by giving lectures at the partner South Africa and from Chile to New university e.g. in Buenos Aires. In re- Zealand. But what effect does this have turn, the Mainz University of Applied on the University’s students and pro- Sciences frequently hosts Argentinian grammes of study? guest lecturers.
All over the world Internationalisation at Home Those who decide to study at the Mainz It is not only German students who University of Applied Sciences always wish to go abroad; students from all study on an international level, where- over the world apply to Mainz Universi- as students can decide individually to ty of Applied Sciences for the attractive what extent. The most intensive inter- study programme and find excellent national focus can be found in the mas- conditions for study here. This is an ter’s programme in International Busi- excellent opportunity for the Mainz ness. Besides an obligatory stay abroad, University of Applied Sciences, as Ger- students can obtain a dual-master’s man students can profit from an inter- degree at one of our partner univer- cultural and social exchange at home. sities. For students with good foreign Approximately 10% of all students at language skills, the University opens new the Mainz University of Applied Scienc- doors to the world. Two special masters es are international students, and the degree courses (Germany-Argentina and percentage is increasing. This promotes Germany-France) offer new possibilities cultural diversity. The University does for students with good language skills in its best to make sure that international Spanish or French. Besides cooperating students feel comfortable – be it for “Only those who have intercultural under- with the respective partner universities, a whole programme of study or just a standing and are open to differences can Mainz University of Applied Sciences stay abroad as exchange students. Small take part in an increasingly globalised has also established networks with study groups, interactive teaching as world in the future.” other important local partners abroad, well as group and project work offer including chambers of commerce and excellent opportunities to cooperate Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schüle companies. closely with other students and tutors. School of Business 8 9
The Mainz University of Applied Sciences has contacts to Partner Universities in
Albania Argentina Australia Belgium Canada Chile People’s Republic of China Colombia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Great Britain Greece Hungaria India Ireland Israel Italy Japan Jordan Korea Lettland Lithuania Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Rwanda Slovakia Spain South Africa Sweden Switzerland Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Turkey USA 10 11
Cooperative and practical From research to technology transfer
The University’s strength lies in applied i3mainz Institute for Spatial Informa- office of Mainz University of Applied research and technological development tion and Surveying Technology has made Sciences supports all partners that are in a number of fields. This competence a contribution to the development of involved in research projects and their enjoys worldwide recognition that is the University’s research profile. The development. demonstrated by various third-party i3mainz is internationally recognised as funded projects as well as newly devel- one of Germany’s two major research in- The transfer office informs companies oped patents. The focus on new key are- stitutes in this area of science. Currently, and institutions that seek to communi- as in which the Mainz University of Ap- the i3mainz is running an international cate with Mainz University of Applied plied Sciences is involved results in close project on applications in spatial sur- Sciences about current research and collaboration with partners from busi- veying in the humanities with partners development projects, facilities and ness, science, museums and industry. from 25 countries, a project that is fund- services, and it also assists in the appli- ed by the European Union. Design Lab cation for funding. Based on its success to date, Mainz Uni- Gutenberg collaborates closely with the versity of Applied Sciences has defined University and the Gutenberg Museum, the fields of “Information Technology & and has carried out several outstanding Communication” as well as “Innovative projects in the field of typography. Just Composite Materials in Architecture, recently, a European Union research Civil Engineering and Design” as its project was finalised at the Institute of main areas of research. Innovative Structures, which was carried “In the area of applied research and devel- out with the help of 16 partners from all opment, the Mainz University of Applied The three Schools at the Mainz Univer- over Europe. Sciences has made a name for itself far be- sity of Applied Sciences have developed yond the borders of the state with the strong seven institutes with individual key Transfer to the economy research programmes of its institutes.” areas where technological pioneers have To promote exchange with external worked independently and successfully partners from public institutions and Prof. Dr. Frank Boochs for more than a decade. Especially the the business community, the transfer Director of i3mainz
The Way to self-employment Mainz Office of Entrepreneurship
The Mainz Office of Entrepreneurship, ment. The Office provides information, which was launched by the Mainz Uni- consultation and training on how to set versity of Applied Sciences, the Johannes up a business. Furthermore the Univer- Gutenberg University of Mainz and the sity offers an entrepreneurial platform, University Medical Centre, supports stu- where students can develop their own dents, professors, University staff as well business concepts. as alumni on their way to self-employ- 12 13
Family and Academic Life A family-friendly university
In 2003, the Mainz University of Applied and offers flexible working hours as women starting their student life, as well Sciences earned the title of ‘family-friend- well as the opportunity to work from as the Absolventinnentag (women grad- ly university’. In addition, in 2013, the home. The University’s family-friendly uates day) and training for potential University successfully submitted its policy also includes flexible curricula female professors to help them develop equal opportunity plan for support from and examination schedules for students. a professional career. the Programme for Women Professors Furthermore students and staff of Mainz of Germany’s federal and state govern- University of Applied Sciences have access When we refer to equal opportunities, ments. This sounds great, but what does to an extensive network of professional we are referring to both female and male it mean? help in difficult situations. students. For example, in future, male students will also be encouraged to join For students and staff, the Mainz Univer- Equal opportunities programmes of study that usually attract sity of Applied Sciences provides helps Especially women benefit from the Uni- female students. We have made a start with domestic responsibilities such as versity’s family-friendly policy, as the flex- with our Boys’ Day in the programme of parenting and taking care of relatives. ibility of studying or working with chil- studies in Interior Design. The idea is to In this context, we provide a number of dren offers new prospects in academia. interest male pupils early for this field of child care services. For example, we help study. establish contact to childcare profession- Therefore, the Mainz University of als in the localities where members of Applied Sciences offers support in nu- the University community live; we also merous domains and encourages women “Equal opportunity assumes a change in have a nursery school on campus and with a number of projects starting from values: commitment to the family is just as reserved spots at a day-care centre in the an early age, including Girls’ Day, the important as one’s career”. historic centre of Mainz. And for emer- Children’s University and the Ada Love- gencies, we offer 24-hour childcare even lace Project. Besides these initiatives, Prof. Susanne Reiß at the weekend. Therefore the University Mainz University of Applied Sciences Equal Opportunity Representative at the provides child-care facilities on campus offers a mentoring programme for Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Career and personal success The Career Centre
The Career Centre of Mainz University and training to expand the expertise of al companies can connect with students of Applied Sciences is a service institu- professional newcomers. Topics include and graduates from Mainz University of tion that brings together the University successful job interviews, assessment Applied Sciences. To ensure high quality and companies and that supports stu- centre training as well as networking job offers and the direct exchange with dents with their professional orientation and intercultural communication for respectable companies, the database is and their transition into a career. The working abroad. available to designated users only, so Career Centre offers comprehensive both sides can benefit from it. consultation about the topics: profes- Companies are constantly looking for sional applications, candidate profile and newcomers. This is why the Career career planning. Furthermore, the Ca- Centre has launched an exclusive online reer Centre offers workshops, seminars database, in which local and internation- 14 15
Dynamic and Experienced A young university with a long tradition
The Mainz University of Applied Plenty of room for applied sciences “Two guiding principles have been present Sciences is a young university. It has In 2009, the University began its move ever since the Mainz University of Applied been an independent institution since to an attractive new campus in the im- Sciences was originally founded: a practi- 1996, and since 1999, it has officially mediate vicinity of the Johannes Guten- cal approach and constant progress.” been known as a University of Applied berg University of Mainz. This first new Prof. Dr. Andrea Beyer Sciences. And yet, the origins of the building houses the School of Business, Vice President Mainz University University date all the way back to 1757, with more than 2,000 students, the of Applied Sciences when the Prince Elector of Mainz de- department for Geoinformatics and cided to found an ‘Academy for Painters Surveying with its workshops and lab- and Sculptors’. oratory, as well as our main university administration. Right next door are Much has changed since then. On 1 Sep- located student residences and a child- tember 1996, the “Fachhochschule care centre for the children of students Rheinland-Pfalz” with its eight depart- and University employees. ments was dissolved. The former de- partments Mainz I and Mainz II served Soon, Mainz University of Applied as the basis for the “Fachhochschule Sciences will merge the Schools, which Mainz”, which in turn was renamed are currently located in the city centre “Hochschule Mainz” in September of Mainz, on the new campus. The 2014, and which today has about aim is to create optimal conditions for 5,000 students enrolled. study, research and technical develop- ment and therefore support interdisci- But despite all of these changes, two plinary collaboration and professional guiding ideas persisted which clearly focus as well as to use the synergies of distinguish our profile even today: the University network and create iden- proximity to praxis and perpetual tity. This is what makes Mainz Universi- further development. ty of Applied Sciences stand out.
Photo to the left above: The pioneering graphic designer Prof. Otto Arpke taught at the “Kunstgewerbeschule Mainz”, a precursor institution of the University, from 1928 to 1933 16 17
Contact Publishing Mainz University of Applied Sciences — at a glance Information
Publisher Founded: 1996 The President of Mainz University Number of students: 5000 of Applied Sciences Professors: 140 Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Muth staff: 280 Conception Schools: Schools of Engineering / Design / Business Bettina Augustin M. A. Partner universities: 100 Manager of the Department of Communication Corporate cooperation partners: 450
Design Mainz University of Applied Sciences Mainz University of Applied Sciences Uwe Zentgraf, Dipl.-Designer (FH) Campus Holzstraße Scientific institutes: Institute for Architecture (ai-mainz) Lucy-Hillebrand-Straße 2 Holzstraße 36 Contact Institute for Spatial Information and Surveying 55128 Mainz 55116 Mainz Mainz University of Applied Sciences Technology (i3mainz) Tel.: +49 (0) 61 31 / 628 - 0 • Central Administration • School of Engineering E-Mail: [email protected] Institute of Innovative Structures (iS-mainz) • School of Business • School of Design www.hs-mainz.de former Institute for Sandwich Technology • School of Engineering Institute for Media Design (img) Circulation 1000 exemplars Design Lab Gutenberg Institute for Entrepreneurial Action (IUH) Text Dorothee Bönsch Institute for Applied Management Science and Social Bettina Augustin Entrepreneurship (IFAMS)
Photography Katharina Dubno Research focus: Information technology and communication Innovative Composite Materials in Architecture, Printed by Civil Engineering and Design Druckerei Lattreuter GmbH, Nierstein Hochschule Mainz Hochschule Mainz Holzhofstraße 8 Wallstraße 11 Date Centres of excellence: Spatial information technology in humanities 55116 Mainz 55122 Mainz 2014 generative-cinematic narration
• School of Engineering • School of Design • School of Design Certified as ‘family-friendly university’ since 2003 Homepage HOCHSCHULE MAINZ UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
www.hs-mainz.de