Diplom-Ingenieur/in (FH)

automation and mechatronics

As a graduate engineer (Diplom), you’ll develop intelligent mechatronics and automated systems for all areas of life. Our practice-oriented degree program will give you the skills you need.

Secure a place at university now!
Zittau
Diplom-Ingenieur/in (FH)
8 semester
NC-Free

About the degree programme

The digital transformation is fundamentally changing our industrial world. As a graduate engineer in automation and mechatronics, you’ll be at the heart of this exciting development and will actively help shape the next industrial revolution. With its two specializations—mechatronics and Automation Technology/Industry 4.0 —our modular degree programme offers you a future-oriented education that takes your individual interests into account.

Acquire Forward-Looking Skills

In this degree programme, you will gain in-depth knowledge in the following core areas:

  • Digitization of networked systems and Industry 4.0 applications
  • Development and integration of mechatronics components
  • Programming and control of automated processes
  • Sensors, actuators, and modern control engineering
  • Cyber-physical systems and IT security
  • Project management and team-oriented collaboration

You’ll learn how networked systems communicate and interact—from autonomous vehicles to industrial robots to smart building technology. The practice-oriented program—featuring lab experiments in small groups, direct guidance from professors, and an integrated work placement semester—sets you up for a successful start to your career. Your Diplom in the 8th semester rounds out your studies and serves as a bridge to your professional future.

The choice is yours!

Design Your Own Degree Programme—In the automation and mechatronics degree programme, you can choose between:

What is a KIA (sandwich-style) degree course?

Our dual KIA (sandwich-style) degree course is particularly good for those who want to combine theory and practice during their studies. In addition to theoretical expertise, you’ll receive hands-on vocational training, and upon graduation, you’ll earn not only a Diplom but also a skilled-worker certification. This makes you an attractive all-around candidate for potential employers! Details

faculty:Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Location:Zittau
Degree:Diplom in Engineering (FH)
standard period of study:8 semesters
ECTS credits:240
Language of instruction:German
Enrolment for:Winter semester
Application period: May 1 through September 30Start of studies: October
Admission restrictions:No admission restrictions (no NC) Details
No prerequisite internshipStudent Advisory Service
Accreditation status:Certified

Course content

Your path to becoming a Diplom engineer is clearly structured and combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. In the first three semesters, you’ll begin by acquiring the fundamentals of engineering in areas such as mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanics, and computer science. This foundation is reinforced through accompanying seminars and hands-on exercises in small groups, ensuring individual attention.

Starting in the fourth semester, you’ll deepen your knowledge depending on your chosen specialization. You can choose from the following specializations: Mechatronics and Automation Technology/Industry 4.0. The sixth semester is designed as a work placement semester and allows you to gain valuable professional experience and establish contacts in the industry. In the seventh semester, you’ll tackle advanced topics such as machine learning and project management, before successfully completing your Diplom with your thesis in the eighth semester.

1st semester
  • Engineering Mathematics I
  • Physical fundamentals of mechanics & thermodynamics
  • Engineering Mechanics
  • Materials engineering
  • Fundamentals of computer science
  • Fundamentals of electrical engineering - stationary processes
2nd semester
  • Communication Networks
  • Digital Technology / Microcomputer Technology
  • Business Administration
  • Physics of Matter & Electromagnetic Waves
  • Engineering Mathematics II
  • Fundamentals of Electronics
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering—Electrical Networks
3rd semester
  • Digital Technology / Microcomputer Technology
  • Engineering Mathematics II (electrical engineering)
  • Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering—Signals and Systems
  • Measurement Technology for Engineers
  • Numerical Methods/Simulation
  • Power Electronics
4th semester
  • Sensors and Actuators
  • Control Systems I
  • Control Engineering I / Programmable Logic Controllers

Specialization or Major in mechatronics

  • FEM in Mechanics and Electrical Engineering
  • Compulsory Elective Modules
    • Secure and Fault-Tolerant Systems
    • Operating Systems
    • Introduction to Collaborative and Autonomous Robotic Systems
    • Safe and Fault-Tolerant Systems
    • Solar Energy Technology
    • Software Engineering 1

Specialization or Field of Study: Automation Technology / Industry 4.0

  • Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Safe and Fault-Tolerant Systems
  • compulsory elective module
    • Introduction to Collaborative and Autonomous Robotic Systems
    • Electromagnetic Compatibility
    • Solar Energy Technology
5th semester
  • Project Planning
  • Interdisciplinary Skills (Compulsory Elective Modules)

Specialization or Field of Study: mechatronics

  • Design Engineering
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Compulsory Elective Modules
    • Fundamentals of Process Automation / Process Analysis
    • IT Security and Data Protection
    • Software Engineering 2
    • Fundamentals of Soft Computing
    • Methods and Applications of Industry 4.0
    • Control Systems/Industrial Data Communication

Specialization or Major in Automation Technology / Industry 4.0

  • Control Systems/Industrial Data Communication
  • Fundamentals of Soft Computing
  • Methods and Applications of Industry 4.0
  • compulsory elective module
    • Fundamentals of Process Automation / Process Analysis
    • Modeling and Simulation
6th semester
  • Engineering Internship
7th semester
  • Control engineering II
  • Control Engineering II
  • Pattern recognition and machine learning
  • Project management for engineers

Specialization or field of study Mechatronics

  • Industrial image processing
  • Building automation/energy management

Specialization or field of study Automation Technology / Industry 4.0

  • Building automation/energy management
  • Model-based measurement and control methods
8th semester
  • Final module (Diplom thesis and defense)

Career opportunities

Professional areas where you can get started

Project management

Project Management

You will coordinate complex automation projects from planning through implementation. You will be responsible for ensuring that technical projects are completed on time and within budget, and you will lead interdisciplinary teams to develop innovative solutions.

Development

Development

You design and implement mechatronics - intelligent systems and intelligent control systems. You combine mechanics, electronics and computer science to create future-oriented products and thus make a significant contribution to technological innovation.

Distribution

Sales

You advise customers on complex automated plants and systems. You analyze specific requirements, develop tailor-made solution concepts and translate technical innovations into concrete customer benefits.

Process optimization

Process optimization

You optimize production processes through intelligent automation solutions. You analyze production processes, identify potential for improvement and implement digital technologies to increase efficiency.

Division management

Division Management

You are responsible for strategic and operational decisions in technology development. You lead specialized teams, drive innovation, and actively shape your company’s digital transformation.

Machine learning

Machine learning

You will develop algorithms for data analysis and pattern recognition for intelligent industrial applications. You implement self-learning systems and thus support the development of predictive maintenance concepts and autonomous systems.

You will find even more opportunities with us in other related degree programs:

Advanced Master's Degree Programs

Still not sure? If you have any questions, please contact our Student Advisory Service. We’re here to help you choose the right program.

What our students say about the Automation and Mechatronics degree program

Further information
Fachstudienberater
Prof. Dr.-Ing.
Jens Uwe Müller
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science'
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.36
+49 3583 612-4795
+49 3583 612-3509
Allgemeine Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Student Services & International Affairs
02763 Zittau
Th.-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 0.21
First floor
+49 3583 612-3055
Chat with us via WhatsApp

Starting now, we're also offering our Student Advisory Service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message at: +49 173 2086748

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Studying in the wild east?

Studying with us is different. Above all, better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.

There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz, the wild east, is unique.

Studying with a child
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From BAföG (German financial aid for students) and scholarships to loans and housing assistance, there are numerous ways to finance your studies. We also offer support for studying or doing an internship abroad.

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A part-time job or a job at the university can make it easier to pay for your studies. We offer students a variety of opportunities in this regard, including jobs after graduation:

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Support during studies
Equal opportunity and full participation are important to us. Through a variety of activities, advisory services, support options, reasonable adjustments, and accessibility, we promote inclusion.
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