Field of study Engineering Sciences

Engineers are the tacklers among scientists: they use scientific theories and technical principles to develop products, machines, buildings and ever new, even more efficient processes for the production of components and devices.

Photo:: Bundesagentur für Arbeit / Martin Rehm
A hand in a rubber glove holds a plastic component in a device.

Engineers need a broad basic knowledge of science, technology and computer science for their work. In addition, sustainable technologies have become increasingly important due to the climate and energy transition, which is also reflected in the large selection of specialised degree programmes.

Engineering scientists are also at the forefront of the application of artificial intelligence in industry; automated production lines would be inconceivable without their broad knowledge of IT and technology. The subjects of maths, physics, chemistry, computer science, biology and technology are central to engineering studies. How much these areas are in focus of an engineering degree programme can vary greatly. For example, biology is almost non-existent in some degree programmes, while in others computer science and programming play at most a minor role. In most engineering degree programmes, students also acquire basic knowledge in the fields of economics, social sciences and law, business administration and project management in order to be prepared for management positions.

Due to global economic relations, foreign language skills and openness to other cultural areas also play a major role, especially with regard to the Asian markets. In addition, the teaching of overarching qualifications is part of an engineering degree programme, for example in the form of employee management, presentation techniques and rhetoric or marketing. This often takes the form of compulsory elective subjects.

Career opportunities after graduation

An enigneer’s areas of responsibility are diverse and depend on the respective field of study and specialisation. Engineers usually work in a team. They plan, organise and optimise operating and work processes, develop, calculate, design and test innovative products and their manufacturing processes. They plan and monitor the production, assembly, commissioning, maintenance and operation of machines and systems. They also plan, calculate and monitor the construction of buildings.

They calculate costs and take on activities in purchasing, materials management, sales and application-related customer advice. In addition, engineers take on planning and monitoring tasks in public administration, work in associations and business organisations or as self-employed freelance consultants, for example as experts, appraisers or planners.

Video: Professions with technology

Sub-fields of study in the field of engineering sciences

  • Architecture, spatial planning

    Students of this engineering science deal with the planning, design, construction and renovation of buildings, spaces and outdoor facilities…read more »
  • Civil engineering

    Civil engineers accompany construction projects from start to finish: from the conception and planning of a project, through costing and…read more »
  • Chemical engineering

    Plastics, varnishes, paints, detergents, medicines: without chemical engineers, these everyday products would be unimaginable. Or at least…read more »
  • Energy technology, energy management

    The generation of energy from renewable resources has gained enormous importance in the course of the energy transition and now plays a key…read more »
  • Vehicle and traffic engineering

    On land, on water and in the air - engineers in this field of study make the transportation of people and goods by car, train, ship, plane…read more »
  • Manufacturing technologies

    Manufacturing technology deals with the industrial production of consumer and capital goods, which includes machines and technical systems…read more »
  • Geoinformation, surveying

    Whether navigation systems, satellites, localisation systems or maps - they all provide geoinformation. Geodata is also used in surveying.…read more »
  • Mechanical engineering, mechanics

    Mechanical engineering, with its sub-discipline of mechanics, is one of the largest industrial sectors in Germany and a key driver of…read more »
  • Media and event technology

    Media and event technicians provide artists, creatives, politicians and athletes with an appropriate stage in image and sound - live,…read more »
  • Nanosciences

    Findings from a world that is hidden from the human eye and often also from the human imagination: this is what nanotechnology is all about.read more »
  • Physical engineering

    Physical engineering is concerned with translating fundamental findings and research results from the natural sciences, especially physics,…read more »
  • Product development, construction

    The development and design of industrial products are at the heart of this field of study. From the first sketch to the prototype to market…read more »
  • Quality management

    Quality management serves to improve products, services and processes in order to increase competitiveness, customer satisfaction and…read more »
  • Process engineering

    How do you get from the (raw) material to the finished product? From ore to iron? From cotton to a T-shirt? Process engineering is concerned…read more »
  • Materials science

    Engineers in this field research modern materials and corresponding materials in order to apply new and, in the best case, more sustainable…read more »
Stand: 09.07.2025