New Degree Programme in "Mechanical Engineering Education"
The new bachelor's degree program will begin in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering during the 22/23 winter semester.
Prof. Bernd Bellair, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, explains why another Mechanical Engineering program will be launched this fall and what students can expect.
Professor Bellair, what can students expect from the new degree programme?
Students can expect a degree programme with a strong practical focus that leads to a Bachelor’s degree after seven semesters. The degree programme skillfully combines subjects from Mechanical Engineering with educational sciences and pedagogy, which can be supplemented with either business administration or electrical engineering courses. The practical study phases can be completed at vocational schools and companies, primarily in eastern Saxony. The university will assist students in finding a practical study placement.
What career prospects do students with this degree have? The career prospects are very diverse, as graduates have both technical knowledge and expertise, as well as pedagogical and didactic skills. With the degree in their pocket, graduates have the choice of going into business or the state education service.
”What kinds of roles can they expect in the business world?
Graduates can work in training and continuing education or in sales. Among other things, they can prepare and conduct training sessions and provide user consultations, or develop visual aids and teaching materials. The latter also applies if they decide to work for a private educational institution.
As you mentioned, they can also enter the public school system. Surely a follow-up degree program is required for that?
The advanced degree programme leading to the state examination—teacher training for vocational schools—is offered at TU Dresden, with which the university collaborates to provide this degree programme.
Why is this degree programme being launched now? The degree programme is intended to help address the shortage of teachers. The first two-thirds of the degree programme are completed at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. This allows us, on the one hand, to attract prospective students who are rooted in our region and, on the other hand, to provide students from technical high schools with access to teacher training. The establishment of the degree programme is co-funded by Saxon tax revenues and is part of the current university development plan. In addition to our university, the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences in Zwickau and Mittweida University of Applied Sciences are participating with comparable degree programs in cooperation with TU Dresden.
”Is this a unique degree programme in Germany?
No, there are similar programs in other federal states as well.
When will the first students be enrolled?
The application period begins in May, and the program starts in October 2022 at the beginning of the 2022–23 winter semester.
What are the requirements for enrollment?
As with all bachelor’s degree programs at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, admission requires a general higher education entrance qualification, a subject-linked university entrance qualification, an uiversity of applied sciences entrance qualification, or, in this case, a relevant Meister qualification. An interest in teaching technical concepts is an advantage. For continued study in Dresden, vocational training or professional experience in a technical field is required. Professional experience can also be gained during the program through internships during breaks between semesters.
The interview was conducted by Jan Lange for the Sächsische Zeitung, Zittau editorial office.
Starting May 16, 2022, you can submit an application for the new degree programme.
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