Double degrees
A double degree is awarded when you study in 2 degree programs simultaneously with the aim of a degree in both. The double degree at the University of Hamburg requires students to be enrolled for at least one semester in the first program at the University of Hamburg before adding the second degree program.
You can add a second degree program while continuing with the first under the following conditions only:
- The involved units responsible (faculties or universities) must confirm that it is possible to complete both degree programs as conceived (complying with deadlines, no overlaps, etc.).
- There must be an understandable reason for wishing to study in both programs at the same time. Reasons can include, e.g., academic necessity or compelling professional goals.
Double degree requirement
Applying for a double degree program
You must submit the following documents:
- written explanation, in your own words, of the need to pursue a double degree
- confirmation from the involved institutions (faculties or universities) that both degree programs can feasibly be completed
- A double degree as part of a teacher-training degree program is permissible only in the following constellation: Teacher Training for Secondary Schools I and II in combination with one of the teaching subjects as a major—for example, German as a teaching subject in combination with the Bachelor of Arts in German Language and Literature. The structure of other teacher training degrees does not permit meaningful opportunities for other double degree combinations. To apply, you require confirmation from the Central Examinations Office for Teaching Training as well as confirmation from the department for your major.
You must submit your documents, depending on application type (see “Application” below), either within the application period as an upload in the special application or by using the contact form as part of the enrollment process.
Applying for a double degree
To be admitted to a double degree at the University of Hamburg, you must first be admitted to both degree programs through the regular means.
Depending on whether you apply for your double degree via hochschulstart.de (only for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) or via direct application to the University of Hamburg, the application and registration requirements are subject to different rules, outlined below.
Applying for medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy and another degree program
- Should your application for a double degree program fall under the central hochschulstart.de allocation process (applies only for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy), the application can be submitted only as part of the enrollment process at the University of Hamburg. The application for a double degree must be submitted with confirmation from the participating teaching units and your letter of motivation via the Campus Center contact form within the enrollment period.
- If you are already enrolled in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy, apply for the second degree program using the standard online application process and submit the request for the double degree with your application.
If your application is denied, you may choose to change your degree program or remain enrolled in your existing degree program.
Applying for 2 degree programs in the medical, dental, or pharmacy programs
The hochschulstart.de university place allocation procedure allows only for sequential application. The application for a double degree is required only as part of the enrollment process.
Be aware that it is not possible to apply for the first semester of 2 undergraduate degree programs (i.e., bachelor’s degree and state examination programs) as part of a double degree program.
Application for all other degree programs
If you are already enrolled in one degree program and applying for another, you must apply for the additional program through the online application system and submit the request for a double degree as a special application (found in the online application).
The special application must also be submitted electronically by the application deadline.
- If you are admitted to the degree program and your application is approved, you can begin the double degree.
- If you have been admitted to an additional degree program but your application for a double degree is denied, you can decide whether or not you wish to continue in your current program or change programs. If you wish to continue with your current program, you do not have to do anything further. If you wish to change programs, submit an enrollment application for the new degree program after you receive the acceptance letter. Once you have enrolled in your new program, your enrollment in your previous program will be terminated.
- If you receive a rejection letter for the degree program, your application for a double degree is also denied, as pursuing a double degree requires standard admission to an additional degree program.
No application for a double degree program when progressing from bachelor’s to master’s degrees
You do not need to apply for a double degree program if you are in the final phase of your bachelor’s degree while you plan to begin the corresponding master’s degree. In this case, you may be enrolled in both degree programs until the end of the first semester of your master’s degree.
No application for double degree program for doctoral studies
You do not need to apply for a double degree program if you wish to pursue your current degree program and work toward a doctorate concurrently.
No application for double degree program for fee-based master’s degree programs
You do not need to submit an application for a double degree if you are pursuing a fee-based master’s degree and another degree concurrently.
In this case, write a short note via the contact form after sending your online application, informing us that you wish to study both degree programs concurrently.
Double degree across 2 universities
It is also possible to complete a double degree at 2 different universities. There are a range of possible scenarios:
- If you are already enrolled at the University of Hamburg and would like to start a second degree program at another university, you do not need to submit an application for a double degree to the University of Hamburg—in this case, the other university will decide whether or not your double degree is possible.
- You also do not need to submit an application for a double degree program to the University of Hamburg if you are already enrolled at a private German university or a university abroad and would like to pursue a second degree program at the University of Hamburg.
- If you are already enrolled at another public German university and would like to pursue a second degree program at the University of Hamburg, you must submit the required application for a double degree program when applying to the University of Hamburg.
- If you are not enrolled at any university but are simultaneously applying to the University of Hamburg and another university for 2 different degree programs that you wish to pursue as a double degree program, you must also submit an application for the double degree program when applying online to the University of Hamburg.
Regardless of which constellation applies, you should also always inquire with the other institution about its specific regulations, which may differ from those of the University of Hamburg.
Double degree program and the federal student loan scheme (BAföG)
If you are eligible for benefits under the federal student loan scheme (BAföG), there are a few special considerations to keep in mind when enrolling in a double degree program. Funding will be provided for only one program of study, and you must select which one. We therefore recommend that you seek advice from the Counselling Centre for Study Financing run by the Studierendenwerk Hamburg ahead of time.
Alternatives to a double degree
Often an interest in another subject can be satisfied by selecting it as a minor subject or selecting lectures from that degree program as part of the elective area. In principle, students have the right to also attend lectures for other departments where these are open to them. However, this option cannot result in the award of a degree.