Top marks for study quality

From March through May 2022, the Center for Quality Analysis at Dresden University of Technology invited students from all universities in the Free State of Saxony to participate in the Saxon Student Survey. A total of 498 students from HSZG responded to the call. The university thanks the participating students for their valuable feedback and suggestions on how to further improve the quality of teaching and learning in its degree programs.

Feedback from students in their first few semesters shows that compelling degree programs, the practical relevance of the curriculum, and the good reputation of HSZG’s faculty—on the one hand—and proximity to their hometowns as well as the low cost of living at their respective study locations—on the other—are the main reasons for choosing HSZG as a place to study.

Also worth noting is the very positive assessment of the quality of education, in which the university performs very well compared to other universities. The breadth of disciplines, the quality of course content, and the practical relevance of the teaching units are particularly impressive in this regard. The constructive relationship between faculty and students, as well as the good atmosphere within the student body, are highly valued at HSZG.

For the clear majority of HSZG students surveyed, the learning objectives are clearly defined in nearly all classes / courses, and the exam requirements are aligned with the course content. In most cases, faculty members take students’ suggestions and proposals into account. Teaching is predominantly practice-oriented.

However, there are also some critical points to note. For example, one in four HSZG students complains that exam results are often announced very late.

One focus of the very extensive survey was studying during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the survey revealed that HSZG students would like to see the digital teaching and learning formats used during the COVID-19 semesters continued as part of in-person instruction. Students can no longer imagine doing without online lecture notes, slides, and practice assignments, as well as video and audio recordings. Regarding digital exam formats and digitally supported group work, however, the picture is quite mixed.

The results from the participating degree programs are currently being evaluated by the faculties, and areas requiring action are being identified; where appropriate, corresponding measures are being implemented. Interested students and prospective students are welcome to contact the relevant Dean of Studies or the members of the Faculty Student Committee of the responsible faculty to obtain more detailed information about the evaluation of individual degree programs. The Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Keil, as well as Dr. Sommer from the Central Quality Management Office ( ) will also discuss the results with members of the Student Council and the Faculty Student Committees in the coming weeks.