Automatisierungstechnik (grundständig)

The study program takes place at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Berufsakademien (vocational academies). Learning locations at the Fachhochschule or Berufsakademie include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, laboratories, and workshops. Students also study at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing homework; possibly participating in online courses).

This is a foundational study program (grundständiges Studium). Study options are available at Fachhochschulen and Berufsakademien. Degrees include Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), and Diplom-Ingenieur/in (Dipl.-Ing.). The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The foundational study program in Automation Technology imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in measurement, control, regulation, and management technology. Automation Technology is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium). Possible foundational study programs include Automation Technology, Automation Technology and Industry 4.0, Automation Technology and Production Informatics, Automation Technology and Robotics, and Automation and Mechatronics. Admission requirements for Fachhochschulen and Berufsakademien include at least the Fachhochschulreife (qualification for universities of applied sciences) and, if applicable, passing an internal university selection process. Students attend lectures, seminars, and practical exercises at the university.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 9 semesters. Source: Statistisches Bundesamt, Statistischer Bericht - Statistik der Prüfungen an deutschen Hochschulen - Prüfungsjahr 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk, student union, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' for a second degree, or after consuming a fixed study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits. For information on funding opportunities, please refer to the Deutsches Studierendenwerk and the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Dual study programs (duales Studium) combine academic studies with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the foundational study program of Automation Technology, there are programs integrating vocational training (ausbildungsintegrierend) and programs integrating practical experience (praxisintegrierend). The study program can, for example, include one of the following recognized vocational training occupations: Industrial Mechanic or Mechatronics Engineer. For further information and to search for dual study programs, visit the AusbildungPlus portal.

Compulsory modules may include analog and digital signal processing, analysis, digital control systems, electronic components and circuits, mechanics and vibrations, microelectronics, modeling and simulation of dynamic systems, object-oriented programming of IT applications, process control technology and Industrial IoT, robotics and factory automation, system and program design for programmable logic controllers, thermodynamics and waves. Elective modules may include Big Data in Industry 4.0, power electronics for grid connection and use of renewable energies, and smart grids. Practical study content, depending on the university, may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., in industrial companies).

Students should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: Lectures: attend lectures and seminars during the semester in the lecture halls and seminar rooms of the university or professional academy; if necessary, participate in online courses from home. Practical exercises: for example, conduct practical exercises on network simulation in the laboratory. Independent work: prepare for and follow up on courses, research in libraries, prepare presentations, complete homework assignments (also during the lecture-free period). Organization: independently plan the studies within the given study structure, adhere to specified submission deadlines and study periods, and complete study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent required). Career preparation: if necessary, complete internships (e.g., in industrial companies), prepare for career entry.

The following study subjects can be alternatives for the Automation Technology (undergraduate) program: In the field of Mechatronics and Automation Technology: Mechatronics (undergraduate), Robotics, Autonomous Systems (undergraduate), Electrical Engineering (undergraduate), Sensor Technology (undergraduate). Commonalities include developing automation technology systems and acquiring knowledge of software creation and programming. In the field of Mechanical and Plant Engineering: Mechanical Engineering (undergraduate), Production Engineering (undergraduate), Vehicle Engineering (undergraduate), Process Engineering (undergraduate). Commonalities include developing and constructing machines and components, supervising manufacturing, and utilizing metalworking, electrical, and automation technologies.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful study: Mathematics (e.g., application-oriented mathematics and statistics), Physics (e.g., electrical circuits and automation systems), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, and programming languages), and English (e.g., reading and understanding foreign-language technical literature).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. The following topics are relevant, for example: presentation techniques and time management. Elective modules such as Big Data in Industry 4.0 or Smart Grids can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in industrial companies, specifically prepare for professional life. Offers for acquiring additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of the universities (see contact details of the respective university): Universities in Germany - University search of Hochschulkompass.

The undergraduate study program in Automation Technology provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in measurement, control, regulation, and management technology. It leads to a first university degree. Automation Technology is also available as a dual study program.

Examples: Automation Technology (Bachelor), Automation Technology and Industry 4.0 (Bachelor), Automation Technology and Production Informatics (Bachelor), Automation Technology and Robotics (Bachelor), Automation and Mechatronics (Diploma), Electrical Engineering - Automation Technology (Bachelor), Smart Automation (Bachelor).

Bachelor graduates in automation technology can find various fields of activity in the private sector, such as sales, marketing, or maintenance, repair, and customer service.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw increased industrialization due to the invention and industrial use of steam and spinning machines. Mechanical engineering became a subject taught in Technical Schools from around 1850. In 1882, the first independent Electrical Engineering degree program with a focus on automation solutions was established in Darmstadt. The first chair for control and automation technology was founded in 1957. In the 20th century, many Electrical Engineering institutes expanded to include the field of automation technology. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, reformed the European higher education landscape with goals including the creation of a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonization of study programs and degrees (Bachelor and Master), and improved mobility for students and lecturers.

Depending on the study program, degrees such as Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) can be obtained. Additionally, the degree Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) is also available.

For those who discontinue their studies in automation technology, vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives. In the field of mechatronics and automation technology, these include Electrician (specializing in Automation and System Technology), Electrician for Automation Technology, or State-certified Technical Assistant for Automation Technology. Common aspects of these professions include automation technology, mechanics, mechatronics, and programmable logic controllers. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. More information on perspectives after dropping out of studies can be found at 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

Generally, no remuneration is received during studies. However, compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, such as during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Specialization during studies is possible depending on the university and study program. Examples include the design of mechatronic systems, robot programming, or the technology of CNC-controlled machine tools.

Legal regulations for university studies in Germany are set at the federal level (Hochschulrahmengesetz - HRG) and state (Bundesland) level. These regulations cover the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, qualification frameworks, and university admission requirements. Additionally, each university has its own statutes, as well as study and examination regulations.

To study at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Berufsakademien (vocational academies), at least a Fachhochschulreife (qualification for university of applied sciences entrance) or an equivalent certificate recognized by the responsible state (Bundesland) authority is required. For professionally qualified individuals, there are also opportunities to access higher education without a traditional school-leaving certificate. Some universities may conduct their own internal selection processes. For dual study programs (duales Studium), an apprenticeship, internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (practice partner) is usually a prerequisite.

Bachelor's graduates in Automation Technology (Automatisierungstechnik) can continue their studies in advanced subjects such as Automation Technology (Automatisierungstechnik), Mechatronics (Mechatronik), Robotics, Autonomous Systems (Robotik, Autonome Systeme), Engineering Sciences (Ingenieurwissenschaft), Cybernetics (Kybernetik), Production Technology (Produktionstechnik), or Process Engineering (Verfahrenstechnik), thereby expanding their career opportunities.