About the degree programme
The challenges of a sustainable energy supply require in-depth expertise and innovative solutions. In the dual-track Diplom degree course in energy and environmental engineering, you’ll gain comprehensive engineering skills to tackle these future challenges. With two specialized tracks— Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency or Applied Radiation Technology —the program offers you a unique depth of technical expertise. The KIA model (Cooperative Study with Integrated Training) combines academic excellence with valuable practical experience and leads to two degrees: the Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) and a recognized professional certification.
In-depth subject-specific competence for complex energy-related challenges
This challenging program provides you with advanced knowledge in these key areas:
- High-level thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Advanced energy conversion technologies
- Efficient power and energy machinery engineering
- Renewable 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 growing share of renewable energy and the decentralization of energy supply, the demands placed on energy systems are undergoing fundamental changes. In this program, you will acquire the in-depth knowledge needed to develop, design, and operate components and systems for sustainable energy systems. Depending on your chosen area of specialization, you will focus either on renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency or on the applications of radiation technology in industry, science, and medicine. With this qualification, you will become a sought-after expert in the complex technical challenges of the energy transition.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| faculty: | Mechanical Engineering |
| Location: | Zittau |
| Degree: | Bachelor of Engineering (FH) |
| standard period of study: | 10 semesters |
| ECTS credits: | 240 |
| 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 follows a well-thought-out structure that combines a broad foundation in engineering with specialized subject expertise. In the first phase, you’ll acquire fundamental knowledge in mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. You’ll alternate between the university and a training company, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge directly in practice and earn your first vocational degree after about two and a half years.
After this foundational phase, you’ll make an important decision regarding your further specialization and choose between the tracks Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency or Applied Radiation Technology. As the program progresses, modules such as Heat Exchangers, Fluid Mechanics, and Energy and Resource Management will broaden your understanding of energy technology. A work placement semester gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in an industrial company. Depending on your chosen specialization, you will then focus on 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 later semesters, challenging courses such as energy process engineering and efficient energy systems are added to the curriculum. Finally, with your Diplom thesis, you demonstrate your ability to independently solve complex energy engineering problems at a high technical 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 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 10 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 in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Testing
- Engineering Mechanics II
- Engineering Thermodynamics II
- Materials Science and Chemistry
- Engineering Mathematics II
- Introductory Laboratory Course in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Testing
- Engineering Mechanics II
- Engineering Thermodynamics II
- Design Principles 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 Program
After the third semester, you will choose a specialization: “Applied Radiation Technology” or “Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.”
- 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
- Practicum Semester Project and Defense
- Fluid Mechanics II
- Control and Regulation Technology
- Power Plant Engineering
- Power Engineering (Elective Module)
- Required Elective 1
- Sustainable Heating Technology
- Introduction to Neutron Physics and Nuclear Engineering
Modules in the Specialization Track in Applied Radiation Technology
- Radiation Technology in Industry, Science, and Medicine
- Comprehensive Internship in Radiation Technology
Modules in the Specialization Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- energy system technology
- Renewable Energy Technology
- Comprehensive Internship in Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Energy Process Engineering
- Efficient Energy Systems
- Steam and Gas Turbines (Elective Module)
- Elective 2
- Heating and Ventilation Engineering
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Required Elective 3
- Electrochemical Storage and Hydrogen Technology
- Project Work in Energy and Environmental Engineering
Modules in the Specialization Track Applied Radiation Technology
- Comprehensive Internship in Radiation Technology
- Plant Safety and Reliability/Reactor Safety
- Production and Disposal of Radioactive Materials
Modules in the Specialization Track Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- Comprehensive Internship in Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Refrigeration and Heat Pump Technology
- Final module (Diplom thesis and defense)
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
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 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
You will work on the further development of energy technology components and systems at research institutions or industrial companies. You will conduct systematic test series, analyze measurement results, and use them to develop new concepts. Your scientific approach and innovative spirit will help 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 Design and Construction
You will lead challenging plant construction projects from the conceptual design phase through to commissioning. You will prepare detailed design documents, coordinate trades, and oversee the installation of complex energy systems. Your technical expertise and project management skills will ensure that large-scale energy projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Radiation Protection and Radiation Technology
You monitor and ensure the safe use of radiation technology in industry, medicine, and research. You develop safety concepts, conduct 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.
FAQ
How does the dual degree program work?
KIA is a dual university program leading to a degree as a Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) — with integrated vocational training (including an IHK/HWK certification).
It closely integrates theory and practice, fosters an early connection to the future employer, and is therefore recommended by the State Government of the Free State of Saxony and expressly required by companies.
Our future KIA students submit applications to a company partnering with the university up to one year before the start of their studies; they must have a university entrance qualification, be interested in scientific problems, and possess the necessary mobility.
The companies enter into a cooperation agreement with the university and sign contracts with the applicants for vocational training (vocational training contract or internship contract) or—in the case ofKIApro—a qualification contract.
After signing a vocational training contract or internship contract 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’ll 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 examination 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 as stipulated by the collective bargaining agreement and receive monthly compensation from the company based on the standard pay scale for trainees.
After completing the vocational training, the remaining semesters are completed as a full-time study programme while working (often with a student aid agreement from your company) and culminate in the desired university degree of Diplom-Ingenieur/in (FH).
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
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.