Official Study Guide for Germany
Electrical engineering and information technology
Electrical engineering deals with the development of electrical devices, such as machines or switchgear. Information technology, on the other hand, focuses on networked signal and system technology, measurement and control technology as well as computer and network technology. In combination, electrical engineering and information technology are among the key technologies for digitalization.
Overview of the academic discipline
Solar cells on rooftops, networked production systems in digital factories and, last but not least, the ever-increasing growth of e-mobility - the field of electrical engineering and information technology is now shaping all of our lives, sometimes more, sometimes less visibly. This is another reason why the skills taught in this field of study overlap with many other technical and scientific fields.
Which topics are included in the curriculum?
Important basic subjects for studying electrical engineering and information technology are mathematics, physics and applied computer science. The most important supplementary subjects include mechanics, materials science and technical thermodynamics.
In addition, business fundamentals and management methods are often taught, at least as elective subjects, but sometimes also as part of specializations. In advanced studies, systems theory plays an important role, dealing with the modelling, analysis and optimization of complex architectures in information, energy and automation technology.
What are the requirements?
At some universities, proof of a pre-study internship lasting several weeks must be provided before the start of studies; in individual cases, this can be completed during the lecture-free period. Some universities also have internal selection procedures. In-depth knowledge of mathematics, physics and computer science are good preconditions for successful studies. As specialist literature is often only available in English, knowledge of English is also important.
What study programmes are there to choose from?
The degree courses in this area include not only “Electrical Engineering” and “Electrical and Information Technology”, but also “Computer Engineering”, “Electrical and Aeronautical Engineering”, “Communications Engineering”, “Microelectronics” and “Quantum Engineering”. Electrical engineering and information technology courses are offered at universities and universities of applied sciences at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and increasingly also in the form of dual study programs.
What job opportunities are there after graduation?
Electrical and information technology engineers can be found in almost all technical sectors, for example in telecommunications, the automotive industry, energy supply or IT and software development. They develop, calculate, design and test new components, devices, machines, plants and systems or the processes for their manufacture. They monitor the manufacture, assembly, networking, commissioning, maintenance and operation of electrotechnical equipment and systems.
There are also fields of activity in research, software production, training and further education, sales and marketing, technical customer support, quality assurance, operational organization and company management. Their knowledge is also in demand in interdisciplinary fields such as mechatronics, industrial engineering, business informatics and media technology.