About the degree programme
The dual Diplom degree course in Mechanical Engineering opens up a world of fascinating technical possibilities for you. You’ll become a shaper of the future by developing, improving, and testing machines and technical systems. With the KIA (sandwich-style) degree course, you’ll optimally combine theory and practice and graduate with two valuable qualifications: a Diplom-Ingenieur degree and a recognized vocational certification as an industrial mechanic, mechatronics technician, or in another metalworking profession.
Versatile Skills for Tomorrow’s Industry
In this practice-oriented degree programme, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge in the following key areas:
- Design theory and computer-aided design
- Technical Mechanics and Strength of Materials
- Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics
- Manufacturing Technology and Materials Science
- Control and Regulation Technology
- Mathematical and Numerical Methods
- Project Management and Fundamentals of Business Administration
With these qualifications, you’ll be well-equipped to develop creative solutions to technical challenges. You’ll play a key role in developing sustainable technologies and production processes: from designing energy-efficient machines and eco-friendly materials to creating innovative solutions for the circular economy. Whether it’s smartphones, cars, or robots—you decide where your passion for technology will take you.
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 is structured around a solid foundation of basic coursework, followed by specialized coursework that builds on that foundation and offers opportunities for individual specialization. During the first phase, you will acquire essential engineering fundamentals in mathematics, physics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science. You’ll alternate regularly—every four weeks—between the university and a training company, allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge directly in practice and earn your first vocational degree after about 2.5 years.
After this intensive foundational phase, you’ll deepen your knowledge with more advanced courses such as machine elements, engineering design, and manufacturing technology. A work placement semester offers you valuable experience in the industry. As you continue your studies, you can specialize in one of two tracks: engineering design or production engineering. With your Diplom thesis in the final semester, you’ll demonstrate the skills you’ve acquired and independently solve a complex engineering problem—often in collaboration with industrial companies and with direct practical relevance.
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 study with your first professional certification (IHK Chamber Examination). As a result, the program consists of a total of 10 semesters.
- Engineering Thermodynamics I - Energy Theory
- Fundamentals of Computer Science
- Business Administration
- Engineering Mathematics I
- Physics and Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics I - Statics
- 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 (TM II)
- Engineering Thermodynamics II – Heat Transfer
- Materials Science and Chemistry
- Engineering Mathematics II
- Introductory Laboratory Course in Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Testing
- Engineering Mechanics II – Strength of Materials (TM II)
- Engineering Thermodynamics II – Heat Transfer
- Design Principles I
- Fluid Mechanics I
- Engineering Design I
- Fluid mechanics I
- Physical and manufacturing fundamentals of metrology
- Machine elements I
- Technical Mechanics III - Kinematics/Kinetics
- Technical Thermodynamics III - Process Thermodynamics
- Fundamentals of Measurement Technology: Physics and Manufacturing Technology
- Machine Elements I
- Engineering Mechanics III – Kinematics/Kinetics
- Engineering Thermodynamics III – Process Thermodynamics
- Final Examination for the Training Program
- Machine Tools
- FEM I and Applied Mathematics
- Work Planning
- Machine Elements II
- Design Theory II
- Quality management and Quality Assurance
- Computer Science II (Elective Module)
- work placement semester
- Control and Regulation Technology
- Drive Technology
- Fluid Power Machines (Elective Module)
- Interdisciplinary Competencies in ZfL
- Required Electives
- Project Work: Structural Analysis
- Joining and Assembly Technology
- Fundamentals of Polymer Technologies
- Surface Technology
- Process Engineering
- Business Law/Cost and Performance Accounting
Specialization or Field of Study: engineering design
- Machine Dynamics
- Structural Dynamics
Specialization or Field of Study Production Engineering
- Material Flow Engineering/Industrial Robotics
- Project Seminar
- Applied C-technology
- Machine testing
- Production control/
Industrial management
Specialization or field of study engineering design
- Component safety/damage diagnosis
- Machine design
- Mechanism technology
Specialization or field of study Production Engineering
- Production metrology
- Manufacturing technology II
- Project work manufacturing systems
- Final module (Diplom thesis and defense)
Career opportunities
Professional areas where you can get started
Design
You develop innovative machines and systems on the computer using modern CAD software. You calculate components, create detailed technical drawings and simulate the behavior of complex systems. Your technical understanding and creativity will help you to find well thought-out solutions that are functional, economical and suitable for production.
Manufacturing
You plan and monitor production processes in metalworking and Mechanical Engineering. You set up machine tools, optimize manufacturing processes, and ensure compliance with quality standards. With your expertise, you help reduce production costs while improving quality. You work directly where raw materials are transformed into precision components.
Maintenance
You ensure that machines and systems function reliably. You carry out preventive maintenance, analyze faults and rectify them quickly and efficiently. Your work will extend the service life of technical systems and prevent costly production downtime. Your versatile knowledge of mechanics, electronics and control technology is put to use here every day.
Development
You conduct research on new technologies and improve existing products. You’ll build prototypes, conduct tests, and systematically analyze the results. Your innovative thinking and analytical skills will help you find solutions to complex technical problems. You’ll often work in interdisciplinary teams on the products and manufacturing methods of the future.
Technical Purchasing
You procure components, materials, and services for production. You negotiate with suppliers, compare quotes, and evaluate the technical suitability of components. Using your technical expertise and business acumen, you find the optimal balance between quality, price, and delivery time, and ensure a smooth flow of materials through manufacturing.
Quality Assurance
You inspect components and products to ensure they meet the required specifications. Using modern measuring equipment and testing methods, you check dimensions, surfaces, and functions. You document test results, analyze deviations, and implement corrective actions. Through your precise work, you ensure that only flawless products leave the factory and reach the customer.
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?
- Industrial Mechanic
- Construction Mechanic
- Mechatronics Technician
- Metal Fabricator
- Process Technician for Plastics and Rubber Technology
- Machining Technician
About the advantages of the dual study program | KIA
Your Degree Programme in 60 Seconds
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- Module Handbook (Course Content and Structure)
- Faculty Website
- Application Information
- Program Flyer
- KIA (sandwich-style) degree course Flyer
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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.