Since the 1989 examination cohort, the DZHW has carried out nationwide representative graduate surveys in Germany at four-yearly intervals. For the current first survey of the 2012/13 examination cohort, no graduates of diploma or magister programmes are included, for the first time in the history of DZHW graduate surveys. Now that the reform of the degree system, replacing the traditional degrees with bachelor’s and master's programmes, is almost complete, the survey will cover – apart from graduates of State Examinations – mainly graduates of bachelor's and master's programmes. This will make nationwide representative findings on master graduates in Germany available for the first time. In the course of this new approach, we plan to adapt the survey instrument to the altered target group and to revise it theoretically and methodologically.
Alongside the traditional core topics of DZHW graduate surveys - looking back to one's studies, international mobility, taking up doctorate studies and the transition from study to career - the survey will focus on two main issues complexes:
- How far do the higher education careers, study experience, tendency to take a doctorate and career placement of master graduates differ from graduates of previous diploma and magister programme? What material or immaterial benefits result from a master's degree compared to starting a career on the basis of a bachelor's degree?
- What decisions do the graduates take after completing their bachelor's degree? Do they embark directly on gainful employment or do they first take a master's degree? Do bachelor graduates change their university or discipline for their master's programme? What problems occur in the transition to a career or to a master’s programme?
The survey was carried out by post, in writing, as in the previous cohorts; the graduates selected by random sample received a questionnaire in early 2014. The results were published in June 2016.
