Dual Degree

Summary
This page describes what a Dual Degree entails and provides an overview of the programme structure, admission requirements and selection process. It briefly explains the value of a Dual Degree for the labour market. Finally, the phases of development and implementation of the Dual Degree programme are explained.

What is a Dual Degree?

Dual Degree programmes are based on agreements between Fontys ICT Eindhoven and a partner university where an explicit Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is signed with the detailed comparison between the programmes of both universities and for certain routes in the Topic structure of Fontys ICT. Students from those partner universities can, after an intake procedure, enter our programmes with either a 1 year, 1,5 year or two year programme based on the intake, pre-requirements, GPA level and practical experience of the proposed student.

Students spend the first three years of their study programme at their home university. For most students, this also means valuable access to the labour market in the dynamic Brainport region. A larger number of graduates also strengthens the ties with innovative companies. Dual Degree graduates from Fontys ICT develop into successful professionals at various high-tech companies in Brainport. The high percentage of graduates who continue to work in the region demonstrates both the students' appreciation for the work field and the work field's appreciation for the students.

Programme structure

The programmes are tailored to the student's prior knowledge with programmes lasting 1, 1.5 or 2 years. The programmes may vary per partner university. The possible programmes are laid down in the MOA between Fontys ICT and the partner university. This is the result of the curriculum comparison carried out by the Curriculum Development Committee (OO). All admission requirements are also specified in the MOA. The final programme that the individual student will follow is determined on the basis of the agreement, the curriculum completed by the student, the results thereof, his portfolio, his letter of motivation and the results of the intake interview with the student.

Admission requirements

An admission procedure at partner universities assesses students on the basis of:

  • A GPA score of 75%, for example 3.5 out of 4. Lower scores are acceptable however for the 1 year programme to be accepted a GPA of 3.6 or higher is required;
  • A preselection of the partner university where they also explain the financial consequences and prepare the students;
  • Language proficiency according the regulations set out here.

Selection process

The partner university identifies interested students and, after confirming their motivation, nominates them to Fontys. Application files, including a motivation letter, list of grades, secondary education diploma, IELTS test results (no older than two years) and a copy of the passport, are submitted to StudyICT@fontys.nl. Suitable students are invited for an intake at Fontys, during which their knowledge, experience and practical skills are assessed by two assessors. Based on this assessment, a recommendation is made to the examination board and a binding proposal is made to the student. The assessors consist of a domain expert and the responsible person for the Dual Degree programme at Fontys ICT Eindhoven.

Dual Degree and employment opportunities

Upon completion, students receive a Double Degree from Fontys ICT and their home university, which offers a valuable advantage in the job market. Many graduates choose to work in the Brainport region, where they contribute to the dynamic technical landscape.

Process: Development and Implementation of the Dual Degree Programme

Phase 1: Preliminary Research and Analysis

  1. Conduct market analysis for potential countries and universities;
  2. Develop a long list of potential partners;
  3. Refine to a shortlist based on Fontys ICT criteria.

Phase 2: Initial Contact and Exploration

  1. Make initial contact with potential partner universities;
  2. Plan and prepare visits to selected universities;
  3. Exchange curricula and compare educational programmes by means of a quick scan;
  4. Select final Dual Degree programmes.

Phase 3: Programme development

  1. Develop Dual Degree programmes based on Fontys ICT curricula and those of partner universities;
  2. Ensure correct alignment between programmes;
  3. Develop a settlement model for credits and courses/themes.

Phase 4: Contractual Phase

  1. Draw up a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA);
  2. Submit MOA to programme managers;
  3. Obtain approval from the Curriuculum Development Committee (OO);
  4. Have MoU and MoA contract checked by Fontys ICT legal department;
  5. Submit to Fontys legal department;
  6. Request final review from partner university;
  7. Process feedback and check with OO and legal department;
  8. Perform final check with partner university;
  9. Arrange signature and dispatch of documents.

Phase 5: Student selection

Coordinate the selection process using the following steps:

  1. Application and GPA check;
  2. If necessary, have a motivation check carried out by an agent, although this is not always applicable;
  3. Submission of candidates after positive recommendation;
  4. Organisation of intake interviews in consultation with the Examination Board;
  5. Draft and communicate recommendations;
  6. Process acceptances and applications and obtain approval from the Examination Board;
  7. Inform ‘admission’ about programme allocation.

Phase 6: Transfer and evaluation

  1. Transfer students to the Coordinator Programme Implementation Degree;
  2. Hold regular consultations on student results;
  3. Evaluate contracts and curricula;
  4. Assess the results of Dual Degree students;
  5. Adjust programmes where necessary.

Roles