Generally speaking, the programme format gives you an idea of when you will be at the university during the semester and how much time you will spend there.
Full-time – complete focus on your degree
If you choose to study full-time, you’re usually at university from Monday to Friday. So you’ll be able to devote your full attention to your studies – and to university life. It’s the complete university experience! Attending lectures, seminars and tutorials, writing papers and doing internships – all these activities will make up your daily routine at the uni. If you want to do a part-time job as well, you won’t have much time to spare. And it’s definitely not possible to combine a full-time job with a full-time degree.
• Pros: the full university experience, no dual workload, internships and semesters abroad possible, fixed degree duration
• Cons: little time to earn money alongside your studies
Part-time – working and studying
A part-time degree allows you to combine your job and your studies. It opens up lots of new opportunities to climb the career ladder – without having to make sacrifices at work. Lectures usually take place in blocks on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a few additional days at the university during the semester. Which also means you won’t have very much free time while you’re doing your degree. Combining studies with your job calls for a high degree of motivation as well as support from the people around you.
• Pros: fits around your job, you’re able to carry on earning money during your degree, you can apply new knowledge straight away, fixed duration of studies
• Cons: twice the workload, not much free time
• Note: you only need to provide proof of employment when you start your degree. After that, you don’t need to notify the FH about your employment situation.
Degree compatible with part-time employment – studying while you work part-time
This format combines the advantages of a part-time and a full-time degree. Lectures are only scheduled on a few days per week – which is ideal if you want to work part-time, if you have to care for a family member or relative, or if you do voluntary work. You usually spend three days a week at the university, and you don’t have any lectures on most weekends.
• Pros: easily combined with a part-time job, no lectures on most weekends, fixed duration of studies
• Cons: dual workload for your degree and part-time job
• Note: If you have a job, you do not need to provide proof of employment
IMC Krems offers degree programmes in all three formats. And no matter whether you choose a full-time or part-time programme, or one that’s compatible with part-time employment, your degree will have a strong practical focus, so you can apply the things you learn directly at work – either during your studies or after you receive your degree certificate.
