Requirements for a UAS-professorship

The formal requirements for an appointment as a professor at a university of applied sciences (UAS) are specified in the Higher Education Law of the respective federal state. In Lower Saxony, there are four legally mandated criteria (see below) that applicants must fulfill. Depending on the specific job advertisement, additional formal requirements may apply; for example, relevant publications and research experience are often required.

In addition to these mandatory criteria, additional qualifications may be required. These additional criteria include both technical and social competencies, which can serve as "plus points" if present, but their absence does not result in the exclusion of applicants.

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Legally mandated criteria

The requirements listed below refer to Section 25 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG) and therefore apply exclusively to professorships in Lower Saxony. Since these requirements are mandated by law, you will find them listed as mandatory criteria in every job advertisement.

However, regarding the extent of teaching experience and the relevance of professional practice — or additional artistic and creative achievements — there is a certain margin of discretion within which the appointment committee can operate.

Please consider applying, even if you are unsure whether you fully meet these criteria. And do not hesitate to contact the person listed in the advertisement if you have any questions.

Professorship with a scientific focus:

1.    A completed university degree
2.    Pedagogical and didactic aptitude confirmed by practical experience (teaching experience)
3.    Special aptitude for scientific work (usually proven by an above-average doctorate)
4.    At least five years of professional practice after the first university degree, of which at least three years gained outside the university sector. Your professional experience does not need to have been gained in one go, but must have been your main occupation (at least 50% of a full-time position).

Professorship with an artistic and creative focus:

1.    A completed university degree
2.    Pedagogical and didactic aptitude confirmed by practical experience (teaching experience)
3.    Special aptitude for artistic and creative work (proven, for example, by outstanding projects, exhibitions)
4.    Additional artistic and creative achievements (e.g. prizes, competitions)

I am missing one of the legal requirements — how can I obtain it?

Gaining teaching experience

Teaching assignments not only offer the opportunity to gain the required teaching experience. They also provide insights into everyday university life and the professional field of UAS professors, and allow you to build important contacts.

Would you like to take on a teaching assignment?

Contact the respective Dean of Studies directly:

Here you can find the seven faculties of HAWK and their academic departments.
Or contact the Individual Profile Study Program offered by HAWK plus.

When you take on a teaching assignment,inquire at the beginning about possible opportunities for evaluation and encourage students to participate. A positive evaluation included in your application can earn you additional points.

Additionally, when accepting teaching assignments, make sure to independently plan your series of courses, as independence, in addition to continuity in teaching, plays an important role in qualification as a UAS professor.

In addition to gaining practical teaching experience, you can also undertake theoretical and methodological training. For this purpose, the modular program "Weiterbildung in der Hochschullehre" (WindH), accredited by the German Society for University Didactics (dghd), is suitable. However, participation in the WindH program cannot replace practical teaching experience. And: All the workshops and seminars are conducted in German.

Gaining professional experience

When choosing a position outside the university sector, you should ensure that it is academically demanding and relevant to your area of expertise. Additionally, to qualify for a UAS professorship, the position should be at least 50% (part-time) or more.

If you are working at a research institute, it is often necessary to provide separate documentation demonstrating the extent to which your duties involved professional practice.

Completing a Doctorate

A doctorate is generally part of the career path for a UAS professorship.

The Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG) requires an "above-average doctorate," which usually means summa or magna cum laude. If you completed your doctorate with "cum laude," you will typically need to provide an expert review of your other publications and research achievements to demonstrate above-average performance.

Would you like to pursue a doctorate? You can find more information here:
Doing your doctorate at HAWK

Information about UAS-Professorship

Appointment procedure for UAS professors

From application to appointment

Learn more

Become a professor

Career prospects as a professor at a university of applied sciences (UAS)

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Job profile: UAS-Professor

What it means to be a professor at a university of applied sciences

Learn more

Requirements for a UAS-professorship

Legally mandated criteria

Professorship with a scientific focus:

Professorship with an artistic and creative focus:

I am missing one of the legal requirements — how can I obtain it?

Information about UAS-Professorship

Appointment procedure for UAS professors

Become a professor

Job profile: UAS-Professor

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