Distance learning program Economics Engineering Plastics Technology (B.Eng.) – WBH

👉 The Bachelor's degree programme in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Plastics Technology at Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences is aimed at working professionals with an interest in technical knowledge and economic processes. You will acquire interdisciplinary skills in mathematics, computer science, plastics processing, CAD, recycling, as well as business, law, and social sciences. The modular distance learning programme lasts 42 months, is state-recognised, and has no admission restrictions. You can specialise in five areas of focus and organise your studies flexibly alongside your job. Practical elements, project work, and a bachelor's thesis complete the course. Costs start at 235 euros per month, and prior learning credits can be recognised.

At a Glance

🏫 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
📜 Degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🎯 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, computer aided engineering, scientific engineering fundamentals, mathematics II, accounting and finance, fundamentals of sustainability transformation and digitalisation, chemical reactions and materials, fluid mechanics, quantitative decision-making tools, business and labour law, polymer chemistry, plastics processing I, software engineering, seminar, big data and business analytics, plastics recycling, plastics processing II, project work, project and change management, elective modules specialisation, elective modules other specialisations, bachelor thesis and colloquium, practical professional phase
📚 Electives Plastics Engineering, Production, Product Management, Sales Engineering, Patent Engineering
📅 Enrollment Anytime
💶 Fees
from 236 € monthly
🔗 More Info https://www.wb-fernstudium.de

Who the Industrial Engineering in Plastics Technology degree course is suitable for

The distance learning course „Industrial Engineering in Plastics Technology“ is aimed at professionals who combine technical understanding with an interest in economics and want to qualify for current challenges in plastics technology. It is particularly suitable if you are already working in a technical, industrial, or economic environment or are aiming to enter the plastics, manufacturing, or materials sector. The degree course is also of interest to specialists from production, product management, sales, and patent departments who want to further develop academically.

Admission: Which formal paths are open to you

To enrol, you must meet one of the following requirements:

  • General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or advanced technical college entrance qualification
  • Higher education entrance qualification recognised as equivalent by the Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts
  • Passed university entrance examination after at least two semesters with performance
  • Professional qualification as access, e.g.:
    • Master craftsman, specialist or technician (each without further access or aptitude test)
    • Completed at least three-year apprenticeship with a final grade of 2.5 or better and intermediate school leaving certificate as well as at least two years of full-time professional experience
Admission occurs without numerus clausus (NC). Previous achievements from studies or professional development can be credited upon application and shorten the duration of study.

Personal requirements for study success are:

  • Basic mathematical and scientific understanding, ideally with prior knowledge from school or training (an optional maths preparatory course is offered)
  • Analytical thinking and technical interest, since subjects such as materials science, production technology and digitalisation play central roles
  • Self-organisation and discipline for a demanding distance learning course alongside work
  • Initiative in learning and willingness to regularly engage with complex technical as well as business administration topics
  • Team skills and willingness to communicate, especially for group projects and digital collaboration
Initial experience in industrial practice is an advantage but not a mandatory requirement. You are also suitable as a career changer with an interest in technology and management in the plastics sector.

What content does the Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Plastics Technology provide?

In the Bachelor's degree programme Industrial Engineering with a focus on Plastics Technology, you combine technical expertise with economic know-how. The first semesters lay a broad foundation in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering. These STEM subjects are supplemented by modules in business administration, law and social sciences. You also engage with current topics such as sustainability transformation and digitalisation.

A central element is the introductory project, which familiarises you with methods of time management, self-organisation and goal setting. Several modules offer the opportunity to practically train project work and teamwork. From the second semester onwards, the focus intensifies on plastics technology: topics include chemical materials, polymer chemistry, plastics processing, CAD techniques, finite element simulation and plastic recycling.

As the course progresses, you deepen your specialist knowledge by choosing one of five specialisation areas:

  • Plastics Technology (e.g. elastomers, adhesives, energy efficiency and sustainability)
  • Production (e.g. process automation, AI in production and logistics)
  • Product Management (e.g. product development, product and life-cycle management)
  • Sales Engineering (e.g. sales management, business model management)
  • Patent Engineering (e.g. technology management, patent strategies and law)

Additionally, you will be trained in big data, business analytics and project and change management. Accompanying the course is a professional practical phase that transfers your theoretical knowledge into everyday business life. The degree concludes with the bachelor thesis and a colloquium.

How is the distance learning course Industrial Engineering with a focus on Plastics Technology structured?

The distance learning programme at Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences is designed for maximum flexibility: enrolment is possible throughout the year, and there are no fixed semester dates. The standard period of study is seven semesters (42 months), with a free extension of up to 21 months possible. The course is modular; you can choose and work on modules flexibly depending on your personal knowledge level.

At the start of your studies, you participate in an online introductory event and receive your first learning materials. All learning content is available in printed and digital formats, supplemented by webinars, videos and multimedia exercises. You control your learning progress individually. Exams can be taken either online (open-book) or at 15 examination centres. Many exams are designed as term papers or project work, with written exams possible both on-site and online.

Important practical components such as laboratory exercises or the professional practical phase are flexibly adapted to your work life. Support is provided personally by tutors, lecturers and the online campus – including a AI-supported learning assistant. Optionally, you can attend on-campus seminars, although participation is usually voluntary.

The individual semesters are structured as follows:

  • Semesters 1–3: Basic modules (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, business, law, introductory project)
  • Semesters 4–5: Specialisation in plastics technology, plastics processing, sustainability, big data, seminar and project work
  • Semester 6: Three specialised elective modules from one specialisation area
  • Semester 7: Three additional elective modules from other specialisation areas as well as bachelor thesis and colloquium
  • Semesters 5–6: Professional practical phase (creditable through relevant professional experience)

What career opportunities open up after graduation?

The interdisciplinary degree qualifies you for specialist and leadership positions at the interface between technology and business. Graduates are particularly in demand in the following industries:

  • Plastics processing industry
  • Cable industry and polymer production
  • Automotive and aerospace industry
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Food and packaging industry

You can take on tasks in product and process management, consulting, sales or project management. Positions such as sales engineer, production manager, innovation manager or patent engineer are also open to you. The broad education enables both direct entry into the profession and the pathway into specialised Master's degree programmes.

With your combination of technical and business expertise, you will in future be able to design sustainable production processes, introduce innovative products and actively accompany the digital transformation in companies. Plastics technology is a growth area with excellent future prospects, especially due to trends such as lightweight construction, circular economy and material innovation.

What fees and funding options do you need to expect?

The tuition fees for the Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Plastics Technology at Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences amount to €235.25 per month over 42 months (standard period of study). This results in an approximate total of €9,879 for the entire duration of the course. In addition, towards the end of your studies there is a exam and graduation fee (one-off, usually about €695).

The fees include:

  • All learning materials (printed and digital)
  • Online campus and digital tools
  • Support from tutors, lecturers and academic advisors
  • Regular examinations (term papers, written exams, project work)
  • Participation in seminars (if online or within the scope of the standard period of study)

If you take exams or seminars at on-site locations, you bear travel and possibly accommodation costs yourself. If you reduce the length of study, you pay correspondingly fewer monthly installments. No additional fee is charged for a free extension of up to 21 months.

Recognition of prior achievements is possible. For every 5 ECTS credits recognised, one monthly fee is waived. Employers, public funding programmes and educational loans can individually contribute to financing. The costs are usually also tax-deductible as work-related expenses.

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