About the degree programme
One of the greatest challenges of our time is ensuring a sustainable energy supply while protecting the climate. In the dual-track bachelor’s degree programme in energy and environmental engineering, you’ll become a driving force behind this transformation. You’ll develop innovative solutions for the efficient, environmentally friendly, and safe provision of energy—for households, industry, and mobility. The KIA model (Cooperative Study with Integrated Training) combines academic knowledge with practical professional experience and offers you a dual advantage: Upon successful completion, you’ll receive both a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a recognized IHK vocational degree of recognition.
Key Competencies for the Energy Transition
In this forward-looking degree programme, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge in these critical areas:
- Renewable energy technology (solar, wind, hydro, biomass)
- Energy-Efficient Plants and Systems
- Sustainable heating technology
- Power and Energy Machinery Engineering
- Engineering Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Energy and Resource Management
- Environmental Analysis and Environmental Management
Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and decentralizing energy systems are the cornerstones of the energy transition. In this program, you will learn to apply the latest methods and techniques to develop, optimize, and efficiently utilize energy technology components and systems. You will be equipped to analyze, evaluate, and improve energy-related processes—and thereby actively contribute to solving the most pressing environmental and climate challenges.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Mechanical Engineering |
| Location: | Zittau |
| Degree: | Bachelor of Engineering |
| standard period of study: | 9 semesters |
| ECTS credits: | 210 |
| Language of instruction: | German |
| Enrolment for: | Winter semester |
| Application period: May 1 through September 30 | Start of studies: October |
| Admission restrictions: | No admission restrictions (no NC) Details |
| No prerequisite internship | Student Advisory Service |
| Accreditation status: | Accredited |
Course content
Your degree program combines the fundamentals of engineering with specialized knowledge in energy and environmental engineering, as well as practical professional experience. After an initial full-time semester at the university, the dual phase begins: By alternating regularly between the university and your training company, you’ll acquire a foundation in mathematics and the natural sciences as well as practical skills.
The first semesters are devoted to core engineering subjects such as mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. At the same time, you’ll gain valuable practical experience at your training company. After about two and a half years, you’ll take your IHK exam and earn your first vocational degree, for example, as a specialist in recycling and waste management or as an industrial mechanic. In the subsequent phase of your studies, you’ll deepen your knowledge in energy technology fields such as power plant engineering, renewable energy technology, and energy system technology. A work placement semester gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a company and gain experience. In labs and internships, you’ll conduct experiments independently, thereby developing a deep understanding of energy technology processes. Your Bachelor thesis marks your degree and allows you to work independently on a specific energy technology project.
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 Bachelor degree programme’s curriculum are each extended to two semesters. You will complete these in 4-week cycles at alternating learning locations (university/company). You will conclude this phase of your studies with your first professional certification (IHK chamber examination). This results in a total of 9 semesters.
- Engineering Thermodynamics I
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Business Administration
- Engineering Mathematics I
- Physics and Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics I
- Materials Science and Chemistry
- Materials Science and Chemistry
- Manufacturing Technology I
- Engineering Mathematics II
- Introductory Laboratory Course in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Testing
- Engineering Mechanics II—Strength of Materials
- Engineering Thermodynamics II
- Materials Science and Chemistry
- Engineering Mathematics II
- Introductory Laboratory Course in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Testing
- Engineering Mechanics II – Strength of Materials
- Engineering Thermodynamics II
- Design Theory I
- Fluid Mechanics I
- Engineering Design I
- Fluid mechanics I
- Physical and manufacturing fundamentals of metrology
- Machine elements I
- Technical Mechanics III
- Technical thermodynamics III
- Fundamentals of Measurement Technology: Physics and Manufacturing Technology
- Machine Elements I
- Engineering Mechanics III
- Engineering Thermodynamics III
- Final Examination for the Training Program
- Heat exchangers, pipes/tanks
- Energy and resource management
- Fluid energy machines
- Basic concepts of energy and environmental engineering
- Fundamentals of material conversion
- Fundamentals of radiation protection and radioecology
- Computer Science II (elective module)
- FEM I and Applied Mathematics (elective module)
- Practicum Semester Project and Defense
- Fluid Mechanics II
- Control and Regulation Technology
- Power Plant Engineering
- Comprehensive Lab in Energy and Radiation Engineering
- Power Engineering (Elective Module)
- Interdisciplinary Competencies (Compulsory Elective Modules)
- Required Elective 1
- Sustainable Heat Supply Technology
- Radiation Technology in Industry, Science, and Medicine
- energy system technology
- Renewable Energy Technology
- Comprehensive Internship in Energy and Radiation Engineering
- Elective 2
- Scientific Project in Energy, Environmental, or Radiation Engineering
- Energy Process Engineering
- Steam and Gas Turbines
- Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology
- Final Module (Bachelor’s Thesis and Defense)
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
Energy Consulting: You analyze the energy consumption of buildings and facilities and develop optimization strategies. You conduct measurements, assess potential savings, and recommend efficient technologies. Your holistic approach and communication skills help clients sustainably reduce their energy consumption and save money. With your expertise, you directly contribute to climate protection and the conservation of resources.
Plant operation
You control and monitor energy technology systems in power plants, industrial operations or energy supply companies. You will ensure smooth operation, carry out maintenance work and optimize processes. Your technical expertise and sense of responsibility ensure a reliable energy supply and minimize the impact on the environment. You react quickly to faults and develop solution strategies.
Project development
You design and implement projects in the field of renewable energies. You plan wind farms, solar plants or biomass power plants, coordinate all project phases and keep an eye on economic and technical aspects. Your organizational skills and interdisciplinary thinking will help you to successfully implement complex projects and actively drive forward the energy transition.
Environmental Management
You will develop and implement environmental management systems in companies and organizations. You will analyze environmental impacts, prepare life cycle assessments, and define measures to improve environmental performance. Your structured approach and environmental awareness help make business processes more sustainable and ensure resources are used more efficiently.
System Design You design energy systems from the conceptual phase through to detailed design. You will size components, create technical drawings, and calculate cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. Your creativity and technical expertise will enable you to develop innovative solutions that save energy and protect the environment. You will work at the intersection of theoretical design and practical implementation.
Product Development You design and optimize energy-efficient products and systems. You test prototypes, analyze measurement data, and improve efficiency. Your innovative spirit and interest in new technologies will help you develop cutting-edge solutions for energy generation, storage, and use. Through your work, energy-saving technologies will reach the market and consumers.
FAQ
How does the dual study program work?
KIA is a dual degree program leading to a Bachelor’s degree— with integrated vocational training (including an IHK/HWK degree). It closely integrates theory and practice and fosters an early connection to the future employer.
Our future KIA students submit applications to a company that partners with the university companythat partners with the university, hold a university entrance qualification, have an interest in scientific problem-solving, and possess the necessary mobility.
The companies enter into a cooperation agreement with the university and sign contracts with the applicants for practical vocational training (vocational training contract or internship agreement).
After signing a training agreement with the company, you must still register at the university with your university entrance qualification—this is possible starting in mid-May.
The program typically begins on September 1 with a 4-week basic practical training period at the company. Afterward, depending on your degree programme, you will complete one to three semesters of study at the university.
The breaks between semesters are reserved for practical training at the company. On-the-job training at the company takes place during the foundational phase of the program according to the semester schedule (e.g., alternating between the company and the university every 4 weeks) and concludes with an exam administered by the relevant chamber (IHK or HWK). No separate vocational school instruction is provided. The theoretical knowledge required for vocational training is imparted through scheduled lectures and additional “job-specific” teaching units at the university. During the practical training period, you are entitled to vacation time in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement and receive a monthly stipend from the company based on the standard compensation for trainees.
After completing the vocational training, the remaining semesters are completed as a full-time study programme while working (often with a financial aid agreement from your company) and culminate in the desired Bachelor of Engineering degree.
What apprenticeship programs are offered?
- Specialist in Recycling and Waste Management
- Wastewater Treatment Technician
- Industrial Mechanic
- Mechatronics Technician
Here's what our students have to say about our university
- Module Handbook (Course Content and Structure)
- Faculty Website
- Application Information
- Program Flyer
- KIA (sandwich-style) degree course Flyer
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Our promise to you
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.