Automation and mechatronics

On the Diplom degree course in automation and mechatronics, you will become part of the next industrial revolution. As a future engineer, you will develop the intelligent systems of tomorrow and actively shape the future of Industry 4.0. With the dual KIA (sandwich-style) degree course (cooperative study with integrated training), you will optimally combine theory and practice and graduate with two valuable qualifications: a Diplom degree in engineering and a recognized professional qualification.

Versatile skills for the digital future

In this future-oriented degree course, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge in these key areas:

• Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Automation technology, sensors and actuators
• Regulation and control technology
• Digital communication systems and data processing
• Industry 4.0 technologies and networked systems
• Pattern recognition and machine learning
• Project management and interdisciplinary skills

With these qualifications, you will be ideally equipped to master complex technical challenges. You will encounter application examples for mechatronics and automated systems every day: the digital revolution is ensuring that cars, airplanes, household appliances, smartphones, industrial robots and trains communicate with each other. You will develop the intelligent interfaces between the virtual and real worlds, helping to shape a networked future.

Your studies are divided into a solid foundation course and a subsequent specialist course with individual specialization options. In the first semesters, you will acquire essential engineering knowledge in mathematics, physics, computer science, electrical engineering and mechanics. You will regularly alternate between the university and the company in order to apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice and also gain your first professional qualification after around 2.5 years.

From the third semester onwards, you will deepen your knowledge in sensor technology, actuator technology, control engineering and digital data processing. You can specialize in one of three areas of specialization: Mechatronics, Automation Technology/Industry 4.0 or Control and Safety Technology. The sixth semester includes an engineering internship that gives you valuable practical experience. The last two semesters focus on advanced concepts of control engineering, control systems, image processing and methods of artificial intelligence before you complete your studies with your Diplom thesis and demonstrate the skills you have acquired.

The semesters marked in light green (2.1 / 2.2 / 3.1 / 3.2) are part-time semesters. Here, the 2nd and 3rd semesters of the Diplom curriculum are each extended to 2 semesters. You complete these in a 4-week rhythm at alternating learning locations (university/company). You will complete this study section with the 1st vocational qualification (Chamber of Industry and Commerce examination). This results in a total of 10 semesters.

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

How does the dual study program work?

KIA is a dual university course leading to a degree in engineering (Diplom-Ingenieur (FH)) after 5 years - with integrated vocational training (including IHK/HWK qualification).
It combines theory and practice very intensively, creates an early bond with the future company and is therefore recommended by the state government of the Free State of Saxony and expressly demanded by companies.

Our future KIA students apply to a company cooperating with the university up to one year before the start of their studies, have the university entrance qualification, are interested in scientific problems and have the necessary mobility.

The companies conclude a cooperation agreement with the university and contracts with the applicants for practical vocational training (vocational training contract or internship contract) or - in the case of _KIApro- a qualification contract.

After the degree of a training contract or internship contract with the company, you still have to register at the university with your university entrance qualification - this is possible from mid-May.

The degree course usually begins on 01.09. with 4 weeks of basic practical training in the company. Depending on the degree program, you will then complete one to three semesters of study at the university.(Course of studies)

The study-free periods between the semesters are reserved for practical training in the company. The training in the company takes place during the basic studies according to the study schedule (e.g. in a 4-week rotation between the company and the university) and ends with the examination before the responsible chamber (IHK or HWK). Separate vocational school lessons are not provided. The theoretical knowledge required for the vocational training is taught through the scheduled lectures and additional "vocational specifics" teaching units at the university. During the practical training period, you will be entitled to collectively agreed leave and will receive a monthly salary from the company, which is based on the salary for apprentices.

After completing your vocational training, the remaining semesters will be full-time studies with part-time work (often with a study support contract from your company) and will end with the desired university degree Diplom-Ingenieur-/in (FH).

There are halls of residence available for accommodation at the Görlitz and Zittau study locations, and we have also pre-reserved shared rooms for you in the KIA houses.

Which apprenticeships are on offer?

• Electronics technician for automation technology
• Electronics technician for operating technology
• Electronics technician for devices and systems
• Electronics technician for machines and drive technology
• Mechatronics technician