Automobilwirtschaft, Automotive Management (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and vocational academies (Berufsakademien). Learning environments at these institutions include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, and computer labs. Students also engage in home study, such as preparing for and following up on courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is an undergraduate (grundständig) study program. Study options are available at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and vocational academies (Berufsakademien). Graduates can earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree. The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The undergraduate field of Automotive Economics, Automotive Management imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in vehicle technology, production, and marketing of vehicles. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (dualer Studiengang) or a distance learning program (Fernstudiengang). Possible undergraduate programs include Automotive and Mobility Management, Automotive and Mobility Economics/Automotive and Mobility Business, Automotive Economics and Technology, Automotive Management, and Technical Business Administration/Automotive Industry. Admission requirements for universities of applied sciences and vocational academies include at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification), and potentially passing an internal university selection process. During their studies, students attend lectures, seminars, and practical sessions.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 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 student services, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may also apply, for example, for 'long-term students,' for a second degree (Zweitstudium), or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance (typically when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income limits) may also be required. For information on funding opportunities, please refer to the Deutsches Studierendenwerk. Individual education funding is also available under the Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz (BAföG).

Dual study programs (Duales Studium) combine academic studies with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the undergraduate field of Automotive Economics, Automotive Management, there are practice-integrating (praxisintegrierende) and training-integrating (ausbildungsintegrierende) study programs. The study program may include one of the recognized vocational training professions, such as Automotive Salesperson (Automobilkaufmann/-frau) or Mechatronics Technician (Mechatroniker/in). For further information and to search for dual study programs, please visit the AusbildungPlus portal.

Modules may include: Automotive Marketing and Customer Relationship Management, Automotive Technology, Procurement, Production and Logistics, Business Administration Fundamentals, Digital Automotive World and Connected Cars, Digitalization and Innovations in the Automotive and Mobility Industry, Management and Control of Car Dealerships, Business Models and Ecosystems, Leasing, Risk and Financial Management, Human Resources Management and Labor Law, Accounting, Balance Sheet, Annual Financial Statements and Controlling, Sales and Distribution Management, Business English, Business Mathematics and Statistics, Commercial Law. Practical study content may include internships, practical modules, or practical semesters (e.g., at an automobile manufacturer), depending on the university.

When starting this program, you should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: During the semester, you must attend lectures and seminars in the lecture halls and seminar rooms of the university or professional academy; if necessary, participate in online courses from home. You should conduct practical exercises, such as data analysis using statistical programs in computer labs. You need to prepare for and review lectures, research in libraries, prepare presentations, and complete homework assignments (even during the lecture-free period). You must independently plan your studies within the given curriculum, adhere to specified deadlines and study periods, and submit study and examination performances on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). If necessary, complete internships (e.g., with car manufacturers) and prepare for entry into professional life.

The following undergraduate (grundständig) study programs can be alternatives to Automotive Economics, Automotive Management: Management and Corporate Leadership, Transport Business Administration (Verkehrsbetriebswirtschaft), Corporate Management, Business Administration (Betriebswirtschaftslehre, Business Administration), Management Consulting (Unternehmensberatung), Commercial Business Administration (Handelsbetriebswirtschaft), International Economics (advanced), Logistics, Supply-Chain-Management, Economic Sciences (Wirtschaftswissenschaften). Commonalities include: acquiring business administration knowledge, and planning, organizing, calculating, and implementing entrepreneurial decisions.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects provides a good foundation for a successful university (Studium) program: Mathematics (e.g., statistics, finance, and accounting), Economics/Law (e.g., to facilitate access to business administration content), English (e.g., to read and understand foreign language technical literature), Computer Science (e.g., data structures, algorithms, and programming languages).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career start. For example, the following topics may be relevant: Business administration, organizational management, management competence. Internships (Praktika), for instance, with an automotive manufacturer, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university): Universities in Germany - University search of Hochschulkompass.

The undergraduate (grundständig) study program Automotive Economics, Automotive Management conveys fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in vehicle technology, production, and marketing of vehicles. It leads to a first university degree. This program is also available as a dual study program (duales Studiengang) or distance learning program (Fernstudiengang).

Examples: Automotive and Mobility Management (Bachelor), Automotive and Mobility Business (Bachelor), Automotive Economics and Technology (Bachelor), Automotive Management (Bachelor), Technical Business Administration/Automotive Industry (Bachelor).

For Bachelor graduates in Automotive Economics and Management, various fields of activity are available in the private sector, such as purchasing, procurement, sales, marketing, or management and corporate leadership.

The 19th century saw the beginning of serial car production by Carl Benz and the first mass production by Henry Ford, leading to increasing technical and business complexity in the automotive industry. In 1995, the first independent degree program was established, with further programs emerging in the 20th century. The Bologna Process, which began in 1999, aimed to unify the European higher education landscape, harmonize Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, and improve the mobility of students and lecturers.

Depending on the degree program, graduates can obtain a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree.

The vocational training (Ausbildung) as an 'Automotive Salesperson' (Automobilkaufmann/Automobilkauffrau) can be an alternative to this degree program. Both fields share a common focus on the automotive industry. Searching through occupational fields on BERUFENET may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of a degree program, visit studienwahl.de.

No remuneration is received during the degree program. Compensation can be agreed upon for practical phases, for example, during an internship in a company. Remuneration during a dual study program (duales Studium) varies depending on the training model and the company.

Depending on the university and degree program, specialization is possible in areas such as financial and mobility services, marketing, or sales and distribution management.

Legal regulations for university studies in Germany are determined at the federal level by the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) and inter-state structural specifications. At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws and accreditation regulations apply. At the university level, each program has its own statutes, study, and examination regulations.

The prerequisite for studying at Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Berufsakademien (vocational academies) is at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or a certificate recognized as equivalent by the competent authority of the respective federal state (Bundesland). Information on studying without a school-based higher education entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals varies according to the regulations of each federal state. Depending on the university, an internal selection process may take place. For dual study programs, an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (referred to as a practical partner) is usually required.

Bachelor graduates in Automotive Economics, Automotive Management can continue their studies in an advanced subject, such as Automotive Economics, Automotive Management, or Business Administration. This expands their professional and career opportunities. They can pursue advanced studies in Automotive Economics, Automotive Management, or Business Administration.