Who is the distance learning course in Industrial Engineering suitable for?

The diploma course in Industrial Engineering at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau is aimed at engineers as well as technically qualified professionals who wish to specifically expand their skills at the interface between technology and business. It is particularly targeted at working professionals from the technical field who want to acquire management knowledge and position themselves for leadership or cross-functional tasks. The course is also suitable for those interested in international assignments and interdisciplinary teams, for example through the possibility of a double degree with partner universities in China or Mexico.

What formal admission requirements apply?

The following formal requirements are necessary for admission to the diploma course in Industrial Engineering via distance learning:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• Alternatively: Advanced vocational qualification (e.g. master craftsman, technician) or a successfully passed entrance examination according to regional law
• For non-native German speakers: proof of German language skills at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The course is admission-free; there is no numerus clausus restriction. The regular start of studies is in the winter semester. Proof of the corresponding admission documents must be provided as part of the application process.

Personally, you should have organisational talent, resilience and analytical thinking skills. Interest in technical and economic issues as well as the willingness to independently familiarise yourself with complex topics are equally important. Initial professional experience in an engineering environment and the ability to work both in a team and independently are advantageous. For distance learning, discipline and good time management are also required in order to successfully combine professional commitments and studies.

What content can you expect in the distance learning course Industrial Engineering for Engineers?

In the Industrial Engineering for Engineers degree programme at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau, you will acquire in-depth knowledge in the fields of business and engineering. The course is interdisciplinary and prepares you to analyse and coordinate processes along the entire value chain. You will learn to optimise economic and technical operational processes and work at the interface between engineering, business, law, and natural sciences.

• Fundamentals in business administration and economics, accounting, finance and mathematics for industrial engineers
• Specialisation in design, experimental physics, manufacturing technology, statics and strength of materials
• Technical subjects such as materials science, electrical engineering, electronics and production management
• Core subjects such as corporate management, factory operations and economic modules
• Practice-related modules: measurement technology, marketing, human resource management, operations research
• Focus through elective modules in engineering and economics from the fourth semester onwards
• Subject profiles in engineering (e.g. Industrial Management, Automotive Engineering, Environmental Technology) and economics (e.g. Controlling, Logistics, Financial Management)
• Promotion of personal and social skills in the final semester
• English skills and international experience through optional dual degree programmes

Thanks to the practice-oriented training, you will develop skills for interface work, interdisciplinary communication and process optimisation in technical and economic areas of business.

How does the course proceed? Overview of the study structure

The degree programme usually extends over eight semesters (full-time) and offers optional practical and study abroad phases. The structure is as follows:

• Semesters 1–3: Basic studies with an introduction to economic and technical core subjects
• Semesters 4–6: Advanced studies with elective modules and individual specialisation in one technical and one economic subject profile
• Semester 7: Practical phase (20 weeks) applying the acquired knowledge in real company projects
• Semester 8: Preparation of the practice-oriented diploma project and acquisition of additional social skills

• Flexibility through the distance learning mode as well as the possibility to choose individual specialisations
• Stronger practical orientation through intensive contact with companies and involvement in real projects
• Optional dual degree programme with partner universities in China or Mexico possible

Examinations are taken continuously alongside the course. The degree awarded is the academic title Diplom-Ingenieur (FH); if the dual degree programme is chosen, an internationally recognised Bachelor's degree can also be obtained.

What career options do you have with the diploma in Industrial Engineering?

The programme qualifies you for a variety of positions at the interface between engineering and business:

• Employment in industrial companies, service sectors and consulting firms
• Typical fields of activity: strategy and management, research and development, finance, logistics, production, sales, IT/data science, quality management
• Roles as project manager, production manager, process optimiser or in technical sales
• Assumption of leadership responsibilities through a broadly based individual subject profile
• International opportunities due to the dual degree and language and abroad experience gained during the course

Many graduates deliberately choose positions with a technical-economic cross-sectional focus, where communication and coordination between business areas are required.

What does the course cost and how can you finance it?

The distance learning course Industrial Engineering for Engineers at the West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau charges a semester fee of currently about 200 euros per semester (as of 2024). No additional tuition fees are charged.

• The semester fee includes the use of university facilities and services.
• Further costs may arise for study materials, exam registrations or study abroad stays.
• Financing options exist through BAföG, education loans, scholarships or possibly support from your employer.
• The costs are generally tax-deductible as continuing education.

Thanks to the low semester fees, the course remains financially attractive for working professionals.