After successful completion of the double degree programme, the following degrees will be awarded by the two partner universities:

• ZHAW:
  Master of Science in Nursing or Master of Science in Midwifery
• UW/H:
  Master of Science in Community Health Nursing

Witten/Herdecke University has played a pioneering role among German higher education institutions ever since its foundation in 1982: As a model university with some 2,700 students enrolled in study programmes in health, business, or culture, UW/H is synonymous with reform, having transcended the traditional “alma mater”. Knowledge transfer at UW/H always goes hand in hand with value orientation and personal growth. UW/H was the first university in Germany to introduce a graduate degree in Nursing Science (MScN) in 1996, which has been continuously updated since then.

The Institute of Nursing Science at UW/H offers a graduate programme in Community Health Nursing. Community health nurses take on preventive and advisory tasks in the local community and support people with chronic diseases and/or disabilities. In addition, they can provide medical services that currently still fall under the remit of doctors. The graduate programme in Community Health Nursing prepares students for a wide range of tasks in primary and local healthcare for people in all phases of life.

The course of study equates to 120 ECTS credits at UW/H and 90 ECTS credits at ZHAW.

Through the combined degree programme, students at ZHAW can earn an additional 40 ECTS credits at the partner university. Students at Witten/Herdecke University (UH/W) earn 30 ECTS credits at ZHAW.

In the double-degree programme, UW/H students spend the first four semesters at their home university and take the ZHAW modules in a fifth semester. The ZHAW students complete the UW/H seminars within the regular course of study or outside with two additional semesters.

There is only one Master's thesis in total. The Master's thesis is written at the home university and supervised by both double degree partners.

The Double-Degree Programme is aimed at students who are highly qualified and willing to perform. Compared to the regular Master's programme, a higher study effort is expected. The admission process for the programme is set by the home university and includes, among other things, a letter of motivation and interviews.

In the end, the home university decides on the candidates for the double degree programme. Each university can nominate a maximum of five students per year for the programme.