University Structures

Research universities conduct research in a wide range of academic disciplines. Depending on the specific institution, certain disciplines might be more prominent than others.

Traditional Research Universities

These universities conduct basic as well as applied research across disciplines, including the humanities, law, science, engineering, and medicine. The importance of basic research and its integration into teaching and learning is the defining characteristic of Bavarian research universities. However, the approach to research and teaching at a research university includes both theoretical and applied methods.

This concept is known as the Humboldtian model and dates back to the 19^th century. Encouraging academic freedom and a strong connection between education and scientific discovery, it became a prominent academic principle worldwide. To this day, it is a core principle of Bavarian universities.

Technical Universities

Technical universities traditionally specialize in research in the fields of engineering, technology, and applied and natural sciences. They typically provide state-of-the-art research facilities and emphasize innovation. Bavaria currently has one technical university, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), but another is planned to open in Nuremberg within the next few years.  

Increasingly, scholars are recognizing that technology is not just a product of scientific research but is embedded in society. As a result, the research networks at technical universities worldwide are expanding to include many other disciplines. TUM, for instance, is developing its technology-related research in the humanities and social sciences. This crossover holds true for traditional research universities as well: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg is a research university with a strong focus on engineering and science.

Universities of applied sciences (UAS), or Hochschulen für angewandte Wissenschaften, focus on the practical side of research and education. They offer traditional research fields such as engineering, business, and social work. Universities of applied sciences are usually smaller than research universities and place greater emphasis on teaching and applied research.  

Bavaria currently has 17 public universities of applied sciences. Many of these have a strong focus on applied technology and innovation and thus carry the added distinction of being a Technische Hochschule (technical university of applied sciences).

It is important to know that universities of applied sciences are not able to award doctorates. This is why many of them cooperate with research universities to offer doctoral positions. The UAS do not follow a chair-based structure. To be eligible for the position of a professor at a UAS, you must have a doctorate and several years of work experience outside of the university.

Across universities, the names for divisions can vary considerably. Bavarian universities are generally divided into Fakultäten, often translated as “faculties,” “departments.” These are the principle administrative divisions responsible for research and teaching within a given discipline.

Important decisions are carried out at faculty level. Faculties set the examination regulations and curricula for bachelor’s and master’s degree programs according to the general regulations established by the university. The faculties also award doctoral degrees.

With new structures like “schools” or “activity fields”, some universities promote interdisciplinary collaborations and create synergies between disciplines.

Often translated as “chair,” a Lehrstuhl is a kind of subdepartment at a university. Usually, a single professor leads the Lehrstuhl, which consists of professors, research assistants, doctoral candidates, student aids, and administrative staff.

If you are applying for a PhD position or a postdoc position, you might need to apply directly to a professor in a chair, rather than the institute or department. Contact the Lehrstuhl secretary for general information about the application process or other administrative matters.