Bauingenieurwesen (grundständig)

The study program takes place at universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and vocational academies (Berufsakademien). Learning locations at the higher education institution or vocational academy include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, and libraries. At home, students engage in activities such as preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

This is a foundational study program (grundständiges Studium). Study options include universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and vocational academies (Berufsakademien). Degrees awarded are Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), and Diplom-Ingenieur/Diplom-Ingenieurin (Dipl.-Ing.). The standard duration of study is 3-4 years. The foundational Civil Engineering program provides fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in the planning, static calculation, and execution of engineering structures. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium) and a distance learning program (Fernstudiengang). Possible foundational study programs include Construction in Existing Buildings, Civil Engineering (digital planning and construction), Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Sustainable Civil Engineering. Admission requirements for universities and equivalent institutions include the general university entrance qualification (allgemeine Hochschulreife) or, if applicable, a subject-specific university entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife). For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) and vocational academies (Berufsakademien), at least the Fachhochschulreife is required. Additionally, passing an internal university selection process may be necessary.

The standard duration of study is 6-8 semesters. The average actual duration of study is 8 semesters. Source: Federal Statistical Office, Statistical Report - Statistics of Examinations at German Higher Education Institutions - Examination Year 2024.

Study costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the student union, student body, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply in certain cases, such as 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 are typically required when exceeding the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds. For information on funding opportunities: German National Association for Student Affairs - Funding Opportunities and the Federal Law on Individual Promotion of Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz - BAföG) can be consulted.

Dual study programs (Duale Studiengänge) combine an academic study program (Studium) with vocational training (Berufsausbildung) or practical phases in a company. In the foundational Civil Engineering program, there are study programs integrating vocational training and those integrating practical experience. The study program may include, for example, one of the following recognized vocational training occupations (Ausbildungsberufe): Concrete and Reinforced Concrete Worker, Bricklayer, Road Builder. For further information and to search for dual study programs (duale Studiengänge): AusbildungPlus: Portal for dual study and additional qualifications in initial vocational training.

Compulsory modules include Construction Business Administration and Construction Law, Building Construction, Building Damages, Building Material Technology/Building Physics/Building Chemistry, Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Project Management, Geotechnics, Timber and Steel Construction, Reinforced Concrete Construction, Traffic and Urban Planning, Surveying, Hydraulic Engineering, and Urban Water Management. Elective modules may include Fire Protection, Flood Protection, Urban Building Physics, and Structural Design. Practical study content varies by university but may include internships, practical modules, practical semesters (e.g., in engineering offices), and semesters abroad.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements during their studies: Lectures and seminars take place during the semester in the lecture halls and seminar rooms of the university or vocational academy (Berufsakademie); attending lectures and seminars, and potentially participating in online courses from home. Independent work involves preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and writing assignments (also during lecture-free periods). Organization means planning the studies independently within the given curriculum, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and completing study and examination requirements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are required). Career preparation includes completing internships (e.g., in engineering offices) and preparing for entry into the profession.

Students can complete parts of their studies abroad. For example, there is a trinational undergraduate (grundständig) German-French-Swiss degree program in Civil Engineering in France/Switzerland. Universities offering this program include Hochschule Karlsruhe, Institut universitaire de technologie Robert Schumann (Strasbourg), and Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz (Muttenz). Degrees awarded can be Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.), Licence Professionnelle, or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Further information can be found on the Hochschule Karlsruhe's trinational Bachelor's degree program in Civil Engineering page.

The following study fields can be alternatives to the Civil Engineering (undergraduate) program: In the area of Architecture and Construction Technology, alternatives include Architecture (undergraduate), Building Physics (undergraduate), Construction Business Administration, Construction Management (undergraduate). Common aspects are conducting planning and calculations for construction projects, checking the technical feasibility of projects, estimating effort, and acquiring knowledge in construction planning, execution, and management. In the area of Building Services Engineering, alternatives include Facility Management, Technical Building Management (undergraduate), Building Services Engineering, Building Energy Technology (undergraduate), and Supply Engineering (undergraduate). Common aspects are planning supply and disposal systems, performing technical calculations, and acquiring knowledge in construction execution.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful studies: Mathematics (e.g., statistics, cost and material requirement calculations), Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (e.g., building physics, building materials science), Computer Science (e.g., civil engineering software programs), and English (e.g., reading and understanding foreign language texts).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful start to a career. The following topics, for example, are relevant: presentation and negotiation techniques, and foreign languages. Elective and compulsory elective modules such as flood protection can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in engineering offices, specifically prepare for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of the universities (see contact details of the respective university). Information on universities in Germany can be found via the Hochschulkompass university search.

The undergraduate (grundständig) study program in Civil Engineering imparts fundamental scientific and practical knowledge in the planning, static calculation, and execution of engineering structures. It leads to a first university degree. This field of study is also available as a dual study program (duales Studium) and a distance learning program (Fernstudiengang).

Example degree program titles: Building in Existing Structures (Bachelor), Civil Engineering (Bachelor), Civil Engineering (Digital Planning and Construction) (Bachelor), Civil Engineering and Geodesy (Bachelor), Civil and Environmental Engineering (Bachelor), Interior Design (Bachelor), International Civil Engineering (Bachelor), Structural Engineering (Bachelor), Sustainable Civil Engineering (Bachelor).

Bachelor graduates in civil engineering have various career opportunities in the private sector and public service, such as construction planning, construction management, building construction, civil engineering, or facility management.

In the mid-19th century, an engineering science combining practical construction knowledge with scientific foundations was established; study programs heavily focused on construction machinery dominated. In the mid-20th century, the Institute for Construction Management was founded in Dresden in 1955, bringing together technical and scientific knowledge. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including: creating a unified European higher education area, harmonizing study programs and degrees (introduction of Bachelor's and Master's programs), and improving the mobility of students and lecturers.

Degrees awarded depending on the study program: Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.). Additionally, there is the Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.) degree.

The following vocational training (Ausbildung) professions can be alternatives for this degree program: Architectural Drafter, Civil Engineering Drafter, or Deep, Road, and Landscape Construction Drafter in the field of Development, Construction, and CAD; Construction Drafter; State-certified Construction Technical Assistant; Technical System Planner specializing in Steel and Metal Construction Technology. Commonalities include designing and planning buildings and components, performing structural calculations, and understanding construction and contract law. Searching by professional fields may reveal further alternatives. For more information on prospects after dropping out of a degree program, visit 'Studienabbruch - und dann?' and 'studienwahl.de'.

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

Depending on the university and study program, specialization is possible in areas such as structural engineering, transportation, or water and civil engineering.

Legal regulations for study programs are set at the federal level (Hochschulrahmengesetz - Higher Education Framework Act), state level (Bundesland - federal state higher education laws), and university level (university statutes, study and examination regulations). These regulations cover aspects like program accreditation and qualification frameworks.

For Studium (undergraduate studies) at universities and equivalent institutions, the general or, if applicable, subject-specific Hochschulreife (higher education entrance qualification) is required. For Fachhochschulen (universities of applied sciences) and Berufsakademien (professional academies), at least the Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or an equivalent certificate recognized by the respective federal state is needed. Information on studying without a school-based Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (higher education entrance qualification) for professionally qualified individuals varies by Bundesland (federal state). Some universities may conduct internal selection processes. For dual study programs, an Ausbildung (vocational training), internship, or employment contract with a suitable company (practice partner) is usually required. A pre-study internship may also need to be demonstrated.

Bachelor graduates in civil engineering can continue their studies in advanced subjects such as civil engineering, construction business administration, construction management, or urban and regional planning, thereby expanding their professional and career opportunities. Other possible advanced study fields include architecture, building physics, building materials engineering, monument preservation, real estate economics, infrastructure management, and building services engineering.