Distance learning program Industrial Engineering Process Engineering (B.Eng.) – WBH

👉 You want to study Industrial Engineering with a focus on Process Engineering alongside your job? In this seven-semester distance learning programme, you will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge in STEM subjects as well as in business, law, and social sciences. The focal points are process engineering, process optimisation, plant engineering, big data, and sustainability. The course is modular and flexibly designed, with practical projects and a professional work placement phase. Admission is possible without a grade-based selection process, with or without a secondary school leaving certificate. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded the state-recognised Bachelor of Engineering degree. The programme offers flexible start dates and a free extension period of up to 21 months.

Industrial Engineering Process Engineering (B.Eng.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
💶 Fees
from 236 € monthly
🏫 Provider Wilhelm Büchner University, UAS based in Darmstadt (Germany)
The Wilhelm Büchner University (WBH) is the largest private university for technology in Germany and specializes in part-time distance learning courses in the fields of computer science, engineering, industrial engineering, environmental technology, and design. It offers a particularly flexible study model that can be started at any time and has no fixed semester times. Thanks to the modern online campus with multimedia learning materials, interactive tools, and the AI-based learning assistant WBH A[ssist], students can tailor their studies individually. Examinations can be taken online or at 15 examination centres, and personal support from lecturers and study advisors ensures optimal assistance. The WBH focuses on practical content, close links with the economy, and high recognition of its qualifications, making it an ideal choice for professionals who want to further their academic qualifications flexibly.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsBusiness engineering
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents WITM introductory project, business administration, organisation and personnel, fundamentals of computer science, mathematics I, controlling and quality management, intercultural communication, technical mechanics I, scientific engineering fundamentals, mathematics II, accounting and finance, fundamentals of sustainability transformation and digitalisation, fluid mechanics, technical thermodynamics, quantitative decision-making tools, business and labour law, design engineering, mechanical and thermal process engineering, heat and mass transfer, seminar, environmental law for engineers, physical chemistry, apparatus and plant engineering, project work, big data and business analytics, elective modules, practical professional phase, bachelor thesis and colloquium
📚 Electives Bio-process engineering, pharmaceutical process, sustainable process engineering, process automation, maintenance management in production, AI in production and logistics, product development, fundamentals of product and process management, product and life cycle management, fundamentals of marketing
📅 Enrollment Anytime
🔗 More Info https://www.wb-fernstudium.de

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

The bachelor's degree programme is aimed at people who want to pursue a career at the interface of technology and business. It is especially suitable if you are working or wish to work in process engineering, plant engineering, or the process industry. The course is suitable for professionals with a technical-scientific interest who want to obtain a recognised university degree alongside their job and are enthusiastic about topics such as digitalisation, sustainability, and process optimisation.

Admission: What requirements must you meet?

For enrolment at the Wilhelm Büchner University, you need one of the following qualifications:

  • General university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific university entrance qualification or advanced technical college entrance qualification
  • A university entrance qualification recognised as equivalent by the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts
  • Passed university entrance examination (HZP) after two semesters
  • Alternatively, professional access:
    • Master craftsman’s certificate, specialist business qualification or technician’s certificate – without further entrance examination
    • A recognised vocational training of at least three years (final grade at least 2.5) and an intermediate school leaving certificate as well as at least two years of full-time employment

Basic mathematical knowledge is also expected; the university recommends a preparatory mathematics course if necessary.

You should have the willingness to learn independently in distance learning, possess technical and analytical thinking skills, and show interest in interdisciplinary issues. Initial experience or motivation in the areas of technology, processes or business administration is advantageous, as well as self-initiative, determination and the ability to manage time in the context of part-time study.

What content does the distance learning course in Industrial Engineering Process Engineering cover?

In the distance learning course Industrial Engineering Process Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University, you develop a broad skill set that combines technical, scientific, and economic fundamentals. In the first semesters, you build interdisciplinary skills in STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, engineering) as well as in business administration, law, and social sciences. You learn how sustainability transformation and digitalisation shape company processes. The course includes, among other things:

  • Technical mechanics and thermodynamics: Solid knowledge for analysing and optimising process engineering procedures.
  • Mathematics and computer science: Mathematical methods and IT fundamentals that are crucial for engineering tasks.
  • Plant engineering and apparatus construction: Planning, operation, and monitoring of technical plants in the process industry.
  • Business administration, controlling and law: Economic action, quality management, organisation, environmental law as well as legal frameworks in engineering.
  • Digitalisation, big data and analytics: Analysis of complex industrial processes using digital tools and data processing.
  • Practical and project phases: Introductory project, group projects, seminar, practical parts (possibly recognition of professional activity), bachelor's thesis including colloquium.

As the studies progress, specialisation becomes the focus: You take individual specialisation modules in areas such as bio-process engineering, pharmaceutical processes, sustainable process engineering, process automation, AI in production and logistics, maintenance management, product development, product and life-cycle management, or marketing fundamentals. This sharpens your professional profile and prepares you optimally for the challenges of process engineering and industrial practice.

How is the course structure organised at WBH?

The degree programme is modular and runs over a standard period of study of 7 semesters (42 months) with the option to extend the study period free of charge by up to 21 months. The start of studies is possible at any time; there are no fixed semester deadlines. After enrolment, you receive immediate access to digital and printed learning materials as well as to the modern online campus with a personal AI learning assistant. At the beginning of the studies, you participate in an online introductory event that supports you in getting started and organising your studies.

  • The first semesters focus on basic modules in technology, mathematics, business administration, law, and self-organisation skills.
  • The main study phase includes advanced modules, e.g. technical mechanics, process engineering, apparatus construction, digitalisation, as well as elective modules for individual profile building.
  • In the 6th semester, you choose three modules from one specialisation area, and in the 7th semester, three further elective modules from the other specialisations.
  • Practical components are covered by projects, the professional internship (BPP) and a bachelor’s thesis with colloquium. Professional employment can be recognised for the internship if relevant.
  • Examinations are completed flexibly: term papers, written exams, project work as well as online exams or on-site exams at up to 15 locations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Supervision and counselling are central components: You receive individual support from subject lecturers and an experienced service team. Learning units can be completed anytime and anywhere. The online campus also offers community functions, grade overviews, learning progress monitoring, and access to multimedia content, webinars, as well as optional on-site seminars or virtual labs.

Which career paths and professional fields open up after this degree?

With the degree Bachelor of Engineering Industrial Engineering Process Engineering you qualify for demanding tasks at the interface of technology, business and management in process and chemical engineering. Graduates are in demand in various sectors:

  • Operation companies of process engineering plants (e.g. chemical, pharmaceutical, food, environmental technology)
  • Planning and assembly companies for process engineering machinery and plants
  • Regulatory authorities or technical inspection institutions (TÜV, expert offices)
  • Expert and engineering offices
  • Specialist and management roles in production, maintenance, process optimisation, plant planning and quality management

By choosing specialisations such as digitalisation, AI, sustainable process engineering or product management, you are qualified for key positions in future-oriented industries. Many graduates also take on interface roles in projects, are deployed as technical or project managers, or advance to leadership positions after a short period of professional experience. Further master’s studies in engineering sciences, industrial engineering or technology management are also possible.

What costs should you expect and what financing options are available?

The monthly tuition fee is approximately €236 over the standard period of study of 42 months. The total costs amount to approximately €9,912 (excluding examination fees, status 2024). This includes all learning materials, support services, access to the online campus and use of the digital infrastructure. A separate final examination fee usually applies for exams and the colloquium (content-wise comparable with other distance universities, usually between €600–700).

  • Free extension of up to 21 months possible – no additional costs if you need more time.
  • Recognition of prior achievements: For every 5 recognised ECTS, one monthly payment is waived, which can lead to further savings.
  • Funding options through employers, regional scholarships, education grants or special discounts (e.g. for soldiers) can be utilised.
  • Tuition fees can be claimed as work-related expenses or special expenses for tax purposes.
  • A free test month facilitates a risk-free start.

WBH offers individual advice on financing, instalments and scholarships. Travel costs for exams or voluntary on-site events must be planned separately but remain low in distance learning. The transparent cost structure ensures planning security for the entire study period.

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