Mechanical engineering. mechanics

Mechanical engineers develop machines and systems that are used in industrial production: They construct milling and grinding machines, conveyor systems, cranes and industrial robots. Motors, pumps and fans can also be found in many everyday products, such as washing machines or cars. This makes mechanical engineering one of the leading industries in Germany. Similarly, the subject of mechanical engineering is also the largest engineering discipline at universities.

Students can choose from numerous specialization options that cover the entire range of mechanical engineering - such as plant engineering, manufacturing technology, energy technology, theoretical mechanical engineering, lightweight construction or vehicle technology. Depending on the university, some of the deepening options are also offered as an independent course of study (see, for example, “Energy technology, energy management” or “Manufacturing technologies”).

At many universities, mechanical engineering can also be taken in the form of a dual course of study that integrates training.

The subjects of study in this field include not only mechanical engineering and mechanics, often referred to under the term “mechanical engineering”, but also “applied mechanics” or “engineering”.

Depending on the university and course of study, specialization can already take place during the undergraduate course, e.g. in energy and environmental technology, automotive technology or automation technology.

In the bachelor's program, modules impart the basic scientific, technical and method-oriented skills. Typical subjects are mathematics, technical mechanics, materials science and testing, construction theory, computer-aided design, measurement technology, thermodynamics, manufacturing, processing and process engineering, electricity theory, technical computer science, experimental physics, work and business organization.

This is followed by the expansion of the basics and (depending on the offer) the choice of a specialization such as construction technology, production/manufacturing technology, product development, energy and process engineering, internal combustion engines, heat, drive and conveyor technology, machine tools, aircraft drives and turbomachinery, earthmoving and Agricultural machinery, transport and traffic technology, aerospace technology or plastics technology.

There are also specialist modules such as energy technology, manufacturing technology, machine elements, fluid mechanics, numerical calculation methods, control technology, simulation technology, industrial automation, lighting technology and quality management. Additional offers are available, for example:  on project management or economic and ecological conditions.

During their studies, students usually complete an industrial internship.

When applying to study, proof of a relevant previous internship is often required.

There are job opportunities for mechanical engineers wherever machines and systems are developed, built, operated and repaired. Depending on the respective focus of study, they work, for example, in development, project planning, construction and testing, production planning and monitoring, manufacturing and work preparation, quality assurance, maintenance as well as in service, application consulting and sales.

There are also employment opportunities in engineering offices, with business and professional associations, in research and teaching, with technical monitoring associations and in the public service. It is also possible to work independently, for example in planning and construction or as an expert