Dual to success!

Energy and environmental engineering

Generating, storing and using renewable energy efficiently - the megatopic. With the dual study program in the company and university, you combine theory and practice to perfection.

Zittau
Diplom engineer
10 semesters
NC-Free

About the degree program

The challenges of a sustainable energy supply require in-depth specialist knowledge and innovative solutions. In the dual Diplom degree course in energy and environmental engineering, you will acquire comprehensive engineering skills to master these future tasks. With two specialized majors - Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency or Applied Radiation Technology - the course offers you a unique depth of expertise. The KIA model (cooperative studies with integrated training) combines academic excellence with valuable practical experience and leads to two degrees: the Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) and a recognized professional qualification.

In-depth expertise for complex energy technology challenges

This demanding degree program provides you with advanced knowledge in these key areas:

  • High-level thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
  • Advanced energy conversion technologies
  • Efficient power and energy machine technology
  • Regenerative energy systems and their system integration
  • Innovative storage technologies and sector coupling
  • Complex thermal processes and their optimization
  • Energy system technology and supply concepts

With the increasing share of renewable energies and the decentralization of energy supply, the requirements for energy systems are changing fundamentally. In this degree course, you will acquire the in-depth knowledge to develop, dimension and operate components and systems for sustainable energy systems. Depending on your chosen specialization, you will either specialize in renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency or in the applications of radiation technology in industry, science and medicine. This qualification will make you a sought-after expert for the complex technical challenges of the energy transition.

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

The KIA (sandwich-style) degree course is very good for future students who want to combine theory and practice. In addition to theoretical knowledge, you will also acquire practical training and at the end of your studies you will not only receive a Diplom certificate, but also a skilled worker's certificate.

You have the choice, design your studies!

With energy and environmental engineering, you can choose between a:

Study details

The most important facts at a glance:

Faculty:Mechanical Engineering
Location:Zittau
Degree:Diplom-Ingenieur/-in (FH)
Standard period of study:10 semesters
ECTS points:240
Teaching language:German
Enrolment for:Winter semester
Application: 1.5. to 30.09.Start of studies: October
Admission restriction:open admission (without NC) Details
No pre-study internshipto the student advisory service
Accreditation status:accredited

Course content

Your studies follow a well thought-out structure that combines a broad engineering foundation with specialized technical expertise. In the first phase, you will acquire basic knowledge in mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics and materials engineering. You will alternate between university and training company so that you can apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice and also obtain your first vocational qualification after around two and a half years.

After this basic phase, you will make an important decision for your further specialization and choose between the specializations Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency or Applied Radiation Technology. As your studies progress, modules such as heat exchangers, fluid mechanics and energy and resource management will broaden your understanding of energy technology. An internship semester gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in an industrial company. Depending on your chosen specialization, you will then specialize in topics such as energy system technology and renewable energy technology or radiation technology and the handling of radioactive materials. Complex internships allow you to gain in-depth practical experience in your area of specialization. In the advanced semesters, you will also study challenging subjects such as energy process engineering and efficient energy systems. Finally, your Diplom thesis will demonstrate your ability to solve complex energy technology problems independently at a high engineering level.


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 Diplom curriculum are each stretched over 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 professional qualification (Chamber of Industry and Commerce examination). This results in a total of 10 semesters.

1st semester
  • Technical Thermodynamics I
  • Basics of computer science
  • Business Administration
  • Engineering Mathematics I
  • Physics and fundamentals of electrical engineering
  • Engineering Mechanics I
  • Materials engineering and chemistry
2.1 Semester
  • Materials engineering and chemistry
  • Manufacturing technology I
  • Engineering Mathematics II
  • Basic practical course in physics, electrical engineering, materials testing
  • Technical Mechanics II
  • Technical thermodynamics II
2.2 Semester
  • Materials engineering and chemistry
  • Engineering Mathematics II
  • Basic practical course in physics, electrical engineering, materials testing
  • Technical Mechanics II
  • Technical thermodynamics II
  • Engineering design I
  • Fluid mechanics I
3.1 Semester
  • Engineering Design I
  • Fluid mechanics I
  • Physical and manufacturing fundamentals of metrology
  • Machine elements I
  • Technical Mechanics III
  • Technical thermodynamics III
3.2 Semester
  • Physical and manufacturing technology fundamentals of metrology
  • Machine elements I
  • Technical Mechanics III
  • Technical thermodynamics III
  • Final examination for the course

After the 3rd semester, you choose a specialization: "Applied Radiation Technology" or "Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency".

4th semester
  • Heat exchangers, pipes/tanks
  • Energy and resource management
  • Fluid energy machines
  • Basic concepts of energy and environmental engineering
  • Fundamentals of material conversion
  • Computer Science II (elective module)
  • FEM I and Applied Mathematics (elective module)
  • Modules of the specialization
5th semester
  • Practical semester thesis and defense
6th semester
  • Fluid mechanics II
  • Control and regulation technology
  • Power plant engineering
  • Power engineering (elective module)
  • Compulsory elective 1
    • Sustainable heat supply technology
    • Introduction to neutron physics and nuclear technology

Modules in the specialization Applied Radiation Technology

  • Radiation technology in industry, science and medicine
  • Complex practical course in radiation technology

Modules in the specialization Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency

  • Energy system technology
  • Regenerative energy technology
  • Complex practical course in energy and environmental engineering
7th semester
  • Energy process engineering
  • Efficient energy systems
  • Steam and gas turbines (elective module)
  • Compulsory elective 2
    • Heating and ventilation technology
    • Computational Fluid Mechanics
  • Compulsory elective 3
    • Electrochemical storage and hydrogen technology
    • Project work in energy and environmental engineering

Modules in the Applied Radiation Technologyspecialization

  • Complex practical course in radiation technology
  • Safety and reliability of plants/reactor safety
  • Production and disposal of radioactive materials

Modules in the specialization Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency

  • Complex practical course in energy and environmental engineering
  • Refrigeration and heat pump technology
8th semester
  • Final module (Diplom thesis and defense)

Career opportunities

Professional areas where you can get started

Energy system planning

Energy system planning

You design and model complex energy systems, taking into account technical, economic and ecological aspects. You develop supply concepts for neighborhoods, industrial sites or regions and simulate their behavior. Your in-depth analytical skills and systemic thinking will enable you to design sustainable energy supply structures and create a basis for investment decisions.

Power plant technology

Power plant engineering

You will plan and optimize conventional and renewable energy generation plants. You will calculate thermodynamic cycle processes, dimension components and develop operating strategies for maximum efficiency. Your comprehensive understanding of thermal processes and plant technology will help you to modernize power plants and make them fit for the requirements of the energy transition.

Research and development

Research and development

You will work on the further development of energy technology components and systems in research institutions or industrial companies. You carry out systematic test series, analyze measurement results and derive new concepts from them. Your scientific approach and innovative spirit will help to increase the efficiency of energy technologies and find new solutions to the challenges of the energy transition.

Energy storage technology

You develop and optimize technologies for storing electrical and thermal energy. You will design battery systems, hydrogen technologies or thermal storage systems and integrate them into existing energy systems. Your interdisciplinary knowledge in electrical engineering, thermodynamics and materials science will enable you to create key solutions to the challenge of fluctuating renewable energies.

Plant planning and construction

Plant planning and construction

You will manage challenging plant construction projects from conception to commissioning. You create detailed planning documents, coordinate trades and supervise the installation of complex energy systems. Your technical expertise and project management skills ensure that large-scale energy technology projects are completed on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards.

Radiation protection and radiation technology

Radiation protection and radiation technology

You monitor and ensure the use of radiation technology applications in industry, medicine and research. You will develop safety concepts, carry out measurements and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Your specialized knowledge of radiation physics and radiation protection makes you a sought-after expert in this highly regulated and responsible field of activity.

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

FAQ

How does the dual study program work?

KIA is a dual course of study leading to a degree in engineering (Diplom-Ingenieur/-in (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 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 will be entitled to the collectively agreed leave and will receive a monthly salary from the company, which is based on the remuneration for apprentices.

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

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

What apprenticeships are on offer?

  • Specialist for recycling and waste management
  • Specialist for wastewater technology
  • Industrial mechanic
  • Mechatronics technician
Nora Terlunen
Kia-Beauftragte Metallberufe
M.Eng.
Nora Terlunen
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
02763 Zittau
Schwenninger Weg 1
Building Z VII, Room 129
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4823
Kristin Groß
Fachgebietskoordinator KIA
Dipl.-Wirtsch.-Ing. (FH)
Kristin Groß
Rectorate/Head Office University Development and Communication/Department KIA
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z I, Room 1.48
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4811
Allgemeine Studienberatung
Madeleine Pohl
Division Studies and 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

We now also offer our student advisory service via WhatsApp. Just send us a message to: +49 173 2086748

Our promise to you

Affordable living

We have plenty of affordable living space: apartments in halls of residence, your own apartment, shared apartments - everything is possible here.

More about living

Simply go abroad

If you would like to go abroad during your studies, we make it possible. What's more, two other countries are just a stone's throw away from our campus. A quick trip abroad is part of our everyday life.

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One tree per student

The HSZG plants a tree for every student. If you want, you can even do it yourself.

More about sustainability and environmental protection

Between mountains and lakes

Here you study at eye level - not just with your fellow students. Thanks to small student groups, our teaching staff will respond to you individually. Recreation, mountains, lakes, two cities rich in cultural diversity and right in the middle of it all is the HSZG.

More about the region

Campus life

There's no shortage of partying here: shared flat party, festival, record session, student club. The only challenge you face is deciding what to do.

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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
We support families in their studies with numerous offers, from childcare, vacation semesters, more flexible study and examination services, counseling services and much more.
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Studying with a disability
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
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Financing

From BAföG and scholarships to loans and housing benefits, there are numerous ways to finance your studies. We also offer support for studying or doing an internship abroad.

Jobs and career

You can finance your studies more easily with a part-time job or a job at the university. We offer students various opportunities for this, including a job after their studies:

Help with starting your studies
There are many special offers to help you get started with your studies: Introduction days, come-in weeks, advisory services and much more.
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Support during studies
Equal opportunities and unrestricted participation are important to us. We support inclusion with various activities and advisory services, support options, compensation for disadvantages and accessibility.
Learn more

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