Market and potential analyses for eight study courses at the TH OWL

CHE Consult has conducted market and potential analyses for eight courses of study at the OWL Technical University. The courses examined are the established Bachelor’s degree courses in Open Space Management and Precision Farming, as well as the planned Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses in the fields of mechanical engineering,mechatronics, production and wood technology and energy and climate protection were examined.

The aim of the analyses was to provide insights for the decision on the introduction or further development of the study programmes and to create a basis for a marketing concept that takes into account both the demand and supply situation of the study programmes.

CHE Consult project manager Laura Wallor explains: “Universities are faced with the challenge of differentiating themselves from their competitors with their range of courses, while at the same time attempting to satisfy the interests of students and the labour market. Especially in the engineering sciences, many universities are struggling with declining numbers of first-year students, which stands at odds with the high demand for engineering graduates on the labour market and changing requirements as society becomes more digital. A data-based analysis can support the development of study programmes and marketing measures.“

The market and potential analyses examined general developments at the university and in the region. In addition, CHE Consult analysed each study programme with regard to student demand, relevant competitors and the demand for graduates on the labour market, including the specific requirements that employers are setting for graduates.

To this end, CHE Consult researched and evaluated quantitative and qualitative data and conducted guideline-based interviews with students and employers in the region. The results were summarised and presented in reports specific to the study programme. In addition, CHE Consult presented findings from a synopsis of the individual analyses to the presidential board.

“The results of the analysis provided by CHE Consult allow us to take an objective view of the potential of the new study programmes. The analysis of the specific target groups provides valuable information on sensible focal points in the design of the curricula and for the development of targeted marketing measures,” says Yvonne-Christin Bartel, Vice President for Education and Internationalization at the OWL Technical University.

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