Industrial Engineering Digital Engineering and Management: Who Benefits from the Degree Programme?

The distance learning programme Industrial Engineering Digital Engineering and Management (B.Eng.) at Hochschule Fresenius is aimed at everyone who wishes to work at the interface of business and technology. The target group in particular are working professionals and graduates from technical, economic or commercial fields who are seeking a first academic qualification. The course is suitable for career changers without a traditional university entrance qualification as well as for experienced professionals with completed advanced training. It addresses people interested in digitalisation, Industry 4.0 and engineering tasks who plan a career move into future-oriented professional fields such as mechanical engineering, logistics, technical consulting or process management.

Formal Admission Requirements at a Glance

The following access routes apply for the bachelor’s distance learning programme:

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur), each in the respective authorised federal state or field of study.
• Without Abitur: At least two years of completed vocational training and two years of full-time employment in a field subject-related to the degree programme. In addition, a subject-specific university entrance examination is required.
• Advanced training: Qualification as a master craftsman, technician, specialist business administrator or business economist with at least 400 hours of further training. Here too, a subject-specific university entrance examination is required.
• Special route: At least three years of vocational training (final grade 2.5 or better) and a secondary school certificate. For a lower final grade, a university entrance examination is additionally required. A certain number of credits must also be earned in the first year of study (e.g. 18 credit points in the 1st semester or 30 credit points in the 1st year).

Previous achievements from training or employment can be recognised upon application, provided they correspond in content and form.

Personally, you should have a basic understanding of mathematics, logical thinking and an interest in technical issues. Prior knowledge from professional practice in business, technology or IT is helpful but not mandatory. For distance learning, you need self-organisation, discipline and self-motivation, as learning progress must be planned independently. Good communication skills as well as a willingness to engage with digital tools and interdisciplinary content are advantageous.

What content and skills does Industrial Engineering in distance learning provide you with?

In the distance learning programme „Industrial Engineering Digital Engineering and Management“ at Hochschule Fresenius, you acquire broad knowledge at the interface of engineering, digitalisation and business. The curriculum is based on a modular structure and combines fundamental knowledge with current practical issues of digital transformation. The study content in detail includes:

• Foundations of Economics: Business administration, management, accounting, controlling, finance
• Technical and Scientific Basics: Mathematics, technical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrical engineering and digital technology
• Quantitative Methods: Descriptive and inductive statistics, data analysis
• Business Law and Professional Development: Legal frameworks, law in business, project work
• Computer Science and Programming: Introduction to programming, IT fundamentals, software applications
• Digital Transformation: Modules on digitalisation of business and production processes, Industry 4.0, modern automation
• Cross-disciplinary Skills: Communication, presentation techniques, English and intercultural skills, academic working, self-organised learning
• Programme-specific Specialisations: Understand connections between technical development and management, choose modules from areas such as technical sales, human resource management, innovation and technology management as well as product and process management
• Specialisation Areas („Focus Areas“): Choose according to interest e.g. Advanced Programming, Industrial Robotics, Virtual and Augmented Reality, IT Business Consulting or E- and Mobile Business

Through this structure, you acquire, among others, the following skills:

• You plan, control and optimise technical and economic processes in companies
• You analyse data for operational and production decisions
• You learn to identify digitalisation potentials and actively integrate them into business processes
• You are able to communicate interdisciplinarily with technical and non-technical teams and coordinate projects
• You are enabled to combine leadership and management tasks with technical expertise

How does your distance learning in the field of Digital Engineering and Management work?

The distance learning programme is modular and individually adaptable. The standard period of study is either 36, 48 or 72 months depending on the chosen model, whereby you can flexibly adjust the duration. You can start your studies at any time – without fixed semester deadlines. The following aspects characterise the procedure:

• Study materials are provided via the digital campus (studynet) – you learn online and self-organised, all materials (studymags, videos, e-books) are available digitally
• Optionally, you can order printed booklets for a fee; digital learning is standard
• Virtual study groups and regular online seminars support you with queries and deepen practice-relevant topics
• Two attendance days (a total of 14 hours) for seminars can take place in Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich; additionally, there are accompanying online seminars
• Each module concludes with an examination: exams (online or on-site), term papers, project work, presentations and open-book formats are used according to content. Exams can often be taken online around the clock
• Personal study coaches accompany your learning process, advise on organisation and studies and are available for individual support
• The thesis as a scientific final paper forms the conclusion of the studies
• Through the cooperation with Arizona State University® you have access to international online certificates and project experience

What career prospects open up for you after graduation?

With the Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering Digital Engineering and Management, you are trained for forward-looking tasks in technology-driven and business-oriented companies. Typical areas of application and career opportunities are:

• Technical management, e.g. as a project manager for digitalisation projects
• Optimisation and control of production processes in mechanical engineering, plant engineering or Industry 4.0
• Specialist and managerial positions in technical sales of high-tech products or services
• Supply chain management, logistics planning and efficiency enhancement in international companies
• Management consultancy focused on digitalisation and technical process analyses
• Data analysis and process management in digital transformation projects
• Interface functions between IT, engineering and business administration

The degree also provides the basis for further Master's studies in engineering, industrial engineering or digital management. Employers appreciate the interdisciplinary skills you acquire in this programme – both for entry-level positions and for advancement in high-tech industries, consulting firms or traditional industrial sectors.

Transparent and manageable: Costs and financing options

The following tuition fees apply to the Bachelor distance learning programme Industrial Engineering Digital Engineering and Management:

• Monthly fee: from €209.15 (for 72 months duration); alternatively €289.25 (for 48 months), €333.75 (for 36 months)
• Total costs: e.g. €12,420 for a standard study period of 6 semesters (model deviations possible depending on duration and discounts)
• All fees include learning materials, access to the platform, examination fees, support by study coaches and online library
• Additional costs may arise if you participate in optional attendance workshops or order printed learning materials
• Travel and possibly accommodation costs for attendance exams or seminars are your own responsibility

Several options are available to finance your studies:

• Student loans (e.g. KfW student loan)
• Scholarship programmes (such as the Deutschlandstipendium)
• Funding through BAföG (possible depending on prerequisites, especially for first degree)
• Employer sponsorship, e.g. via educational leave or direct contribution to your study costs
• Tuition fees are generally tax-deductible as income-related expenses

In summary, Hochschule Fresenius makes the cost structure transparent, allows flexible payment models and supports you with advice on suitable financing options. This makes your investment in distance learning clearly calculable.