What this article is about:
School’s out – what next? Many school leavers face an important decision: vocational training or university? Both paths can lead to a successful career, but they differ significantly in terms of day-to-day life, learning methods and entry into the workforce. Whilst a vocational training programme provides practical experience early on, a degree course often offers greater theoretical depth and subject-specific specialisation.
However, the decision doesn’t depend on which path is generally ‘better’. What matters is which way of learning and working suits your interests, strengths and career goals.
In this article, you’ll learn how university studies and vocational training differ, what the pros and cons of both paths are, and how to work out which educational path might be right for you.
A key difference between a degree course and vocational training lies in the way theoretical knowledge and practical experience are combined. A degree course can also – depending on the university and the degree programme – have a strong practical focus.
A degree course primarily imparts academic and theoretical knowledge. Depending on the programme, lectures, seminars, projects and examinations are part of everyday life, and it is often possible to specialise in specific subject areas.
Whilst universities often place greater emphasis on academic and theoretical study, universities of applied sciences such as SRH University place particular importance on the practical application of knowledge. Practical projects, work placements or collaboration with companies can form an integral part of the degree programme.
Vocational training, on the other hand, is even more closely geared towards specific professional activities and direct entry into a particular profession. In a dual vocational training programme, you usually alternate between your training company and vocational school. This means you learn the theoretical basics and apply your knowledge directly in your day-to-day work.
| University | Vocational Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Specialisation | scientific principles and – depending on the university and degree programme – practical application | practical work experience and professional application |
| Place of study | university of applied sciences or university; in the case of dual studies, also a partner organisation | training company and vocational school |
| Duration | usually 3–4 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree | usually 2–3.5 years |
| Remuneration | usually no regular remuneration | training allowance |
| Qualification | e.g. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree | state-recognised vocational qualification |
| Entry into the profession | often after graduation | often immediately after completing the vocational training |
| Flexibility | high, depending on the degree programme | more closely tied to the trade in which you trained |
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question ‘Vocational training or university – which is better?’. Both paths bring with them different opportunities and challenges.
After finishing school, many pupils ask themselves: Is a degree course really right for me? A degree course can be particularly interesting if you want to delve deeply into a specific subject area and keep various career options open to you in the long term.
Here’s why you should consider a degree:
A degree course also requires a great deal of personal responsibility. Unlike at school, there are often fewer fixed structures and guidelines.
Possible challenges:
Vocational training offers you an early start in the world of work. This route may be a good fit, particularly if you enjoy hands-on work and want to experience first-hand what your future career will be like.
Here’s why a vocational traning is a good choice:
A vocational training programme also comes with its own set of challenges. You commit to a specific career path at a relatively early stage and are immersed in the day-to-day realities of the job right from the start.
Possible challenges:
Would you like to study, but also gain as much practical experience as possible? If so, a dual study programme could be an interesting alternative.
In a dual study programme, you combine a university degree with regular work placements in a company. This means you engage with both academic content and its practical application.
Unlike a traditional vocational training, a dual study programme leads to a university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree. At the same time, you gain professional experience whilst you’re still studying.
A dual study programme might be right for you if you …
However, a dual study programme is often demanding: you need to balance your studies, exams and work placements. You should therefore find out exactly what the specific study model involves in advance.
Instead of asking yourself straight away what others are doing, it’s worth taking a look at your own interests and strengths.
1. How do you prefer to learn?
Ask yourself which learning style comes more easily to you.
Do you enjoy learning …
Of course, these categories aren’t set in stone. In both a vocational training and a degree programme, you combine theoretical content with practical experience – with different areas of focus depending on the training or study model.
2. Do you want to start your career quickly?
If you want to start earning your own money and gaining work experience as early as possible, a vocational training programme may be an attractive option. Once you’ve qualified, you can start working straight away as a skilled worker.
With a degree programme, it usually takes longer to enter the workforce. On the other hand, your degree can open up opportunities for roles where a university degree is required or the norm.
3. Do you already have a specific career goal?
Knowing your dream job can make the decision much easier.
For some careers, a vocational training programme is the traditional route in, whilst for others you’ll need to study at university. In some fields, however, there are several options available.
You should therefore find out exactly which qualification is actually required for your chosen career.
4. How much independence do you want?
When you’re at university, you often organise your daily life yourself: your timetable, study time, exam preparation and, in some cases, looking for work placements or part-time jobs.
In a vocational training programme, on the other hand, there are usually clearer structures provided by the training company and the vocational school.
If you enjoy working independently and organising your own day-to-day life, a degree course might suit you better. If you’d prefer to benefit from fixed structures to begin with, a vocational training programme might be a better fit for you.
If you’re torn between the two paths, you could ask yourself the following questions, amongst others:
The more specific your answers are, the easier it will be to identify the right path for you.
If you’re still unsure, it helps to approach the decision systematically.
Which subjects, topics and activities really interest you? Don’t just think about what you enjoyed at school, but also about what you’d like to be doing in your day-to-day working life.
Identify specific careers that interest you. What are the entry requirements? What tasks can you expect to carry out? What career paths are available?
An internship, a holiday job or a taster day can provide more clarity than spending hours comparing degree courses and vocational training programmes.
Talk to people who are already studying or doing a vocational training. Ask them about their day-to-day lives, their experiences and the challenges they face. Career guidance services or university advisory services can also help you find your way.
Perhaps your parents, friends or teachers expect you to go to university. Or maybe in your circle, vocational training is seen as the ‘safer’ route. Nevertheless, your decision should be in line with your own interests, strengths and goals.
Choosing between a degree course and a vocational training isn’t a competition in which one path is inherently better than the other. Both options can be the starting point for a successful career.
If you enjoy hands-on work, want to gain professional experience early on and already have a specific career path in mind, vocational training may be a good choice.
If you’d like to engage more deeply with academic content and need a university degree to achieve your career goals, a degree course may be a better fit.
And if you want to combine theory and practice, it’s worth looking into a practice-oriented or dual degree programme.
So you’re not looking for the ‘better’ path, but for the one that suits you, your interests and your career goals. Take your time over the decision, try out different fields and find out about your options. Because even if your initial choice isn’t a perfect fit, there will be plenty of opportunities later on to change direction.
