UAS-professorship: Everything about teaching experience
The opportunity to pass on knowledge and the close contact with students - for many professors at technical universities of applied sciences, this is one of the great advantages of the job description. But how much teaching experience must be demonstrated when applying for a professorship and what role does university didactics play in everyday working life? Read the answers to these questions in the latest #careerpaTHnews.
For some, it is the main motivation from the outset; others only discover over time how much they enjoy it: teaching is an essential part of a professorship at a Technical University of Applied Sciences (UAS). At UAS, university teaching is predominantly carried out by the professors - and great importance is attached to the quality of teaching, the use of innovative teaching methods and a consistent practical orientation.
Proof of pedagogical aptitude
In order to ensure the quality of teaching at UAS, applicants for professorships must prove their pedagogical aptitude as one of three essential qualifications - in addition to academic and professional qualifications. However, pedagogical aptitude is not strictly defined and there is no set minimum requirement. This gives applicants a high degree of flexibility when it comes to recognising teaching experience. Teaching activities during a doctorate are recognised, as are deputy or visiting professorships, training activities in a company or part-time teaching assignments at a university. In addition to independently held courses, you will also be recognised for participation in further didactic training courses. Trial lectures that you give as part of appointment procedures also count as valuable teaching experience.
Acquire targeted teaching experience
When applying for a UAS-professorship, it is advisable to list your teaching experience in detail. The date, content and scope of the individual teaching activities should be listed as specifically as possible in order to enable an adequate assessment of your teaching aptitude. If you are unsure whether your previous teaching experience is sufficient to apply for a UAS-professorship, there are a number of counselling services available to you. At the TH Wildau, the Career Centre for Professorial Development will advise you individually on the various options for gaining teaching experience in order to apply for a professorship.
Develop your teaching skills with the "LehrImpulse" programme
A professorship at a technical university of applied sciences offers the unique opportunity to closely support students and optimally prepare them for urgent questions from professional practice. To do this, professors must keep up to date with the latest pedagogical and methodological developments and regularly develop their teaching skills. At the TH Wildau, the Centre for Study and Teaching is a hub for improving study and teaching conditions. Here, professors can find comprehensive support and further training opportunities, for example the current "LehrImpulse" programme for developing and testing innovative teaching concepts. You can still apply for the programme until 29 July 2024.
Professional qualification for a UAS-professorshipOpen areaClose area
A key difference between Technical Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) and universities is the qualifications that applicants for professorships must have. This is because UAS expect their applicants to have practical professional experience in addition to academic and teaching experience. This necessary triple qualification means that the path to an UAS-professorship is less structured and straightforward. On the other hand, the UAS-professorship is therefore the ideal career option for anyone who does not want to choose between academia and professional practice.
Relevant professional experience outside of academia
But what exactly does professional experience mean in this context? The respective state university laws stipulate that UAS-professors must have a certain amount of professional experience. In Brandenburg, three years of practical professional experience are required, two of which must have been gained outside of academia. " Outside of academia" means that the professional experience must not have been gained at universities, the universities of applied sciences or private universities - however, practical experience at non-university research institutes is generally taken into account.
Part-time work experience
Another piece of good news: part-time employment (from 50 per cent of standard working hours) is also fully recognised. It is important that this is successful and relevant practical work experience, as this is the only way to ensure the high quality of practice-orientated teaching and research at technical universities of applied sciences.
Targeted professional qualification - at every career stage
Those who pursue the UAS-professorship as a career goal can plan the acquisition of professional qualifications in the long term. However, it is also possible to acquire the professional qualification at a later stage. For example, five federal states have already introduced alternative professorship models that allow the appointment of partially qualified individuals. The necessary professional experience is then gained in a structured manner. We will of course report as soon as other federal states follow this procedure.
Do you still have questions about professional qualifications? The Career Centre for Professorial Development will be happy to support and inform you. Simply arrange an individual counselling appointment - we look forward to hearing from you!
You can also find further information on qualification for the UAS-professorship on the pages of the appointment management of the TH Wildau.
Seizing opportunities in the new yearOpen areaClose area
Maybe you know this feeling: you are actually quite satisfied with your current position. You already have a certain amount of experience, many work steps are easy for you and you get along really well with the people in your team. But you still suspect that there could be more waiting for you out there. Maybe it's just a vague feeling, maybe it's a thirst for action and the need for further development, and maybe it's a very specific longing to set off in a certain direction.
You can take feelings like this seriously. At the beginning of every professional development or reorientation there is self-reflection. Think about where your current position may not be completely fulfilling, where your greatest strengths lie and what activities really excite you. Of course, you can do this on your own or seek professional support. There are numerous specific information and advice offers. The Career Centre for Professorial Development at TH Wildau is there for you if you want to pursue a scientific career path at a University of Applied Sciences (UAS).
Here at the Career Centre it doesn't matter how mature your development plans are, because the advice and support is always individual. You can talk to us to find out more about the career profile of a UAS-professor or to discuss your development opportunities together. We would be happy to support you in making a well-founded development decision for yourself. Of course, we are also available to provide you with advice and support if you have already decided to gain further qualifications in order to become a professor at a University of Applied Sciences.
Professional development is possible at any time and is not a question of age. When applying for a UAS-professorship, it is your academic and practical qualifications that count - a wealth of experience is an advantage here. We would be happy to accompany you on your journey - from the first idea to implementation.
The Career Centre for Professorial Development wishes you courage, trust and success in 2024!
