Energy and environmental technology

One of the greatest challenges of our time is sustainable energy supply and climate protection at the same time. In the dual Bachelor's degree program in energy and environmental engineering, you will become a shaper of this transformation. You will 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 work experience and offers you a double advantage: after successfully completing your degree, you will receive both a Bachelor of Engineering and a recognized IHK professional qualification.

Key skills for the energy transition

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

• Renewable energy technology (solar, wind, water, biomass)
• Energy-efficient plants and systems
• Sustainable heat supply technology
• Power and energy machine technology
• Technical 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 degree course, you will learn how to apply the latest methods and processes to develop, optimize and efficiently use energy technology components and systems. You will be able to analyze, evaluate and improve energy technology processes - and thus actively contribute to solving the most pressing environmental and climate problems.

Your studies combine engineering fundamentals with specific expertise in energy and environmental engineering as well as practical work experience. After an initial full-time semester at the university, the dual phase begins: you will acquire basic mathematical and scientific knowledge and practical skills by regularly alternating between the university and your training company.

The first semesters are dedicated to basic engineering subjects such as mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics and materials engineering. At the same time, you will gain valuable practical experience in your training company. After around two and a half years, you will take your Chamber of Industry and Commerce exam and obtain your first professional qualification, for example as a specialist in recycling and waste management or as an industrial mechanic. In the subsequent study phase, you will deepen your knowledge in energy technology fields such as power plant technology, renewable energy technology and energy system technology. A practical semester gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a company and gain experience. You will carry out independent experiments in laboratories and internships and thus develop a deep understanding of energy technology processes. The Bachelor thesis forms the degree of your studies 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 from the Bachelor's 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 9 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 course of study leading to a Bachelor's degree after 4.5 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 that cooperates with the university.companyup to one year before the start of their studies, have a 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. In the case of _KIApro, a qualification contract.

After completing a training contract or internship contract with the company, you must register at the university with your university entrance qualification - this is possible from mid-May.

The course usually begins on 1 September with 4 weeks of basic practical training in the company. Depending on the degree program, you will then complete one to three semesters 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 are entitled to collectively agreed leave and receive a monthly salary from the company, which is based on the remuneration for apprentices.

After completing the vocational training, the remaining semesters are completed as full-time studies with part-time work (often with a study support contract from your company) and end with the desired Bachelor of Engineering.

Accommodation at the Görlitz and Zittau study locations is provided byhalls of residenceavailable, we also have accommodation for you in theKIA housesrooms in the KIA houses.

What apprenticeships are on offer?

• Specialist for recycling and waste management
• Specialist for wastewater technology
• Industrial mechanic
• Mechatronics technician