14.09.2022
Overview
Mechanical engineering. mechanics
The mechanical engineering sector is the largest industrial sector in Germany and a significant engine of technical development. It is therefore one of the most important engineering disciplines.
The study field at a glance
Mechanical engineering products such as motors, pumps or blowers are found in many everyday products, such as washing machines or cars. The industry uses machinery for the production of products. There are hardly any products that are produced without machines. Milling and grinding machines, conveyor systems, cranes and industrial robots and finally the vehicle technology contribute to the fact that mechanical engineering is one of the leading industrial sectors in Germany. Similarly, the subject of mechanical engineering is also the largest engineering discipline at the universities.
There are numerous opportunities for deepening such as Plant engineering, manufacturing technology, power engineering, theoretical mechanical engineering, lightweight construction or vehicle technology covering the entire width of mechanical engineering. Depending on the university, some of the specialization options are also offered as an independent study program.
Numerous universities also offer mechanical engineering studies in the form of an integrated dual study course.
Offered courses
The fields of study in this field include not only mechanical engineering and mechanics, often referred to as "mechanical engineering", but also process engineering, metal technology, automation technology, automobile production and engineering, and computational engineering.
Depending on the university and degree program, specialization may already be available in the basics of mechanical engineering, for example, in energy and environmental technology, vehicle technology or automation technology.
Contents of the course
In the bachelor program, modules teach the scientific, technical and method-oriented basic skills. Typical subjects are: mathematics, technical mechanics, materials science and testing, design theory, computer-aided design, metrology, thermodynamics, manufacturing, processing, process engineering, electricity, computer engineering, experimental physics, work and organization.
Subsequently, the foundations are expanded and (depending on the offer) the choice of a specialization such as: general mechanical engineering, design engineering, production / manufacturing technology, product development, energy and process engineering, combustion engines, heat, drive and conveyor technology, machine tools, propulsion engines and turbomachinery , Earthmoving and agricultural machinery, transport and traffic engineering, aerospace engineering or plastics technology.
There are also specialist modules such as energy technology, production technology, machine elements, fluid mechanics, numerical calculation methods, control engineering, simulation technology, industrial automation, lighting technology or quality management. Additional offers are available, for example project management or economic and environmental conditions.
Admission criteria & course application
When applying for a study, a relevant preliminary internship is often required. As a rule, students complete an industrial internship during their studies.
Possible careers after graduation
Wherever machinery and equipment is developed, built, operated and repaired, there are job opportunities for mechanical engineers. Depending on the particular field of study, they are for example in development, project planning, design and testing, production planning and control, production and work preparation, quality assurance, maintenance as well as in service, application consulting and sales.
In addition, employment opportunities exist in engineering firms, in business and professional associations, in research and teaching, in technical inspection associations and in the civil service. Also a self-employed activity, in planning and construction or as an expert is possible.
