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Contents
- TU Dresden vs. IU: Universities offering Distance Learning for Civil Engineering Compared
- Admission Requirements: Civil Engineering without a High School Diploma
- Construction Management in Distance Learning: Overview of Courses
- Architecture possible via Distance Learning at IU
- Cost Overview: Tuition Fees in Distance Learning
In the field of Architecture & Building, the range of distance learning courses is still quite limited. If you want to complete a degree in Civil Engineering with a B.Eng. or B.Sc. through distance learning, you currently have a choice between 2 courses, which will be presented here. In addition, there are a few distance learning courses in areas such as Building Management, including a Master's degree, and even an Architecture distance learning course, which I will present to you here and compare in terms of costs and study content.
All courses in the field of civil engineering at a glance
We have a total of 16 courses in the field of Civil Engineering.
Civil Engineering
- The Dresden University of Technology
- 4 Semester
- Dresden
- German
- Civil engineering, construction management, urban engineering and transportation, hydraulic engineering and environment, computational engineering, bu…
Fire protection planning
- Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau
- 5 Semester
- Kaiserslautern
- German
- Among others, fire initiation and suppression, building products and types, design and construction, organizational and plant-related fire protection,…
Building physics and energy-efficient building optimization
- Bauhaus University Weimar
- 6 Semester
- German
- Heat fundamentals, thermal insulation with WS EnEV, Practical heat, System technology basics, Heat transfer / thermal bridges, NWG with WS DIN 18599, …
Business Engineering Construction Management
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's programme in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Construction Management provides students with a wide range of skills in the fields of technology, business administration, and management. The …
Civil Engineering
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
With this course of study, we provide you with a broad basic education in engineering, starting with basic knowledge in architecture, through to topics such as constructions for load-bearing structures, …
Environmental technology and recycling
- University of West Saxony Zwickau
- 5 Semester
- German
- Fundamentals of Physico-chemical Engineering, Environmental Measurement Technology, Biological and Medical Aspects of Environmental Engineering, Envir…
Geographic information systems
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 5 Semester
- German
- Foundations and Applications of GIS, Remote Sensing, Mathematical Methods in Geodesy and GIS, Modelling and Analysis, Visualization of Geodata, Databa…
Civil engineering
- The Dresden University of Technology
- 12 Semester
- Dresden
- German
- Construction, Existing Buildings and Building Physics, Fundamentals of Technical Mechanics, Advanced Technical Mechanics, Linear Algebra and Analysis,…
Construction project management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In the distance learning course Construction Project Management, you will be taught the most important tools of project management in addition to basic construction technology. The focus of the online …
Civil Engineering - Specialization Structural Engineering
- Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover
- 4 Semester
- Hannover
- German
- Solid Mechanics, Finite Element Applications in Statics and Dynamics, Foundation Engineering, Concrete Construction - Prestressed Concrete Structures,…
Quality management
- University of Wismar
- 4 Semester
- German
The Master distance learning course in Quality Management offered by Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS) leads to the degree of "Master of Engineering". The programme covers a wide range …
Building protection
- University of Wismar
- 4 Semester
- German
The master's distance learning programme in building protection with a degree, offered by Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS), provides a profound understanding of building protection. The course covers topics …
Environmental Engineering
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's degree programme in Environmental Engineering provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the technical and scientific aspects of environmental technology. Students acquire knowledge in the areas of environmental …
Civil Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
In the Bachelor distance learning course Civil Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University, students acquire sound knowledge in the various specialist areas of civil engineering. The course provides both theoretical and …
Building physics and environmentally friendly construction
- University of Stuttgart
- 4 Semester
- German
- Building physics, energy and technology, sustainability and eco-balance, climate basics, interdisciplinary skills, timber and refurbishment, thermal a…
TU Dresden vs. IU: Universities offering Distance Learning for Civil Engineering Compared
If you want to study Civil Engineering part-time via distance learning with a Bachelor's degree as your goal, you currently only have a choice between 2 courses, the Bachelor of Civil Engineering at IU and the Bachelor of Civil Engineering at TU Dresden.
IU – the private university
IU is a private university and at the same time the largest university in Germany. The Bachelor's degree program lasts 6 semesters in full-time studies but can be extended to 12 semesters part-time. If you already have completed vocational training, for example as a real estate specialist, you can have it credited towards the studies and thus shorten the duration of studies further.
Facts about the distance-learning course in Civil Engineering at IU:
- Degree: Bachelor of Engineering with 180 ECTS.
- University: private university, strong practical orientation
- Tuition fees: starting from a total of 14,739€ in full-time studies, can be paid in monthly instalments
- Specializations: 3 modules, such as Construction Law and Construction Accounting, Construction Project Management.
- Special features: high flexibility, study programs specially tailored to the needs of working professionals; Online exams
Conclusion: very flexible, state-of-the-art study materials, but expensive.
More information about the course
TU Dresden – the state university
The second option to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering through distance learning is offered by the state university TU Dresden. However, the course is only available in a part-time variant, lasting a total of 6 years (12 semesters).
Facts about the course:
- Degree: Bachelor of Science with 180 ECTS
- University: state university, more research-oriented
- Duration: normally 12 semesters in standard study time; individual shortening is possible
- Tuition fees: approximately 200€ per semester; a total of 2,000–3,000€
Conclusion: longer duration of studies, less practical orientation, but extremely cost-effective.
Admission Requirements: Civil Engineering without a High School Diploma
High school diploma, technical high school diploma, or specialized university entrance qualification: With one of these qualifications, you can enroll in almost all Bachelor's distance learning courses that I present here.
In addition, at most universities, you can also enroll in studies even without a high school diploma. For example, the Bachelor's distance learning course Business Engineering Construction Management at Wilhelm Büchner University, which you can study under the following conditions even without a high school diploma or technical high school diploma:
- Option 1: You have successfully completed an advanced training qualification, for example, a master craftsman examination, an examination to become a state-certified technician, or a specialist business administrator examination. With such a certification, you can enroll in a Bachelor's program at WBH, as well as at most other distance universities.
- Option 2: You have completed a vocational training. The training should have lasted at least 2 years and be related to the course of study. Then you worked in this profession for at least 2 years. With these qualifications, you can enroll as a guest student – after 2 semesters, you then take a university access examination. If you pass this, you will be regularly enrolled, and your guest-student semesters will be credited.
To enroll in a master's program, you usually need to have a first university degree. The following table compares the admission requirements of the master's distance learning courses in the field of Architecture and Construction Engineering:
| Program | University | Degree | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection Planning | Technical University of Kaiserslautern | Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) |
|
| Facility Management | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|
| Building Physics and Energy-efficient Building Optimization | Bauhaus University Weimar | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|
| Facility Management | Wismar University | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|
| Architecture and Environment | Wismar University | Master of Science (M.Sc.) |
|
Construction Management in Distance Learning: Overview of Courses
The alternative to a distance learning course in Civil Engineering: Construction Management Distance Learning. With a degree in Construction Project Management, for example, you can work as a Planning Coordinator, Project Developer, or Construction Manager.
You can study Construction Management with a Bachelor's degree goal part-time at these universities: IU, Wilhelm Büchner University, and University of Applied Management. At Wilhelm Büchner University, you will be dealing with the following study contents, for example:
- 1st Semester: Business and Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (Part 1), Business Administration, Economics and Business Law, Leadership and Labor Law, Introduction Project
- 2nd Semester: Business and Engineering Mathematics and Statistics (Part 2), Scientific Engineering Fundamentals, Controlling and Quality Management, Construction Operations
- 3rd Semester: Scientific Engineering Fundamentals, Basics of Computer Science with Lab (Part 1), Elective Area I, Construction Design
- 4th Semester: Academic Work and Communication, Organization and Project Management, Basics of Computer Science with Lab (Part 2), Material Science with Lab, Building Physics and Technical Building Equipment
- 5th Semester: Intercultural Competence and International Management (Part 1), Accounting and Finance, Calculation/AVA with Virtual Lab, Technical Drawing and CAD, Seminar
- 6th Semester: Intercultural Competence and International Management (Part 2), Steel Construction/Timber Construction, Construction and Contract Law Solid Construction, Project Work
- 7th Semester: Elective Area II, Elective Area III, Bachelor Thesis and Colloquium
More information about the course here: Business Engineering Construction Management, B.Eng.
The following table lists both Bachelor's and Master's programs in the field of Construction Management and Facility Management.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Engineering Construction Management, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Construction project management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Facility Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Facility Management, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 4 Semester | from 8800 € total from 367 € monthly |
Architecture possible via Distance Learning at IU
The first Bachelor's degree program in Architecture has only been available for a short time, specifically at the private IU International University. The Architecture Distance Learning lasts 6 semesters in full-time studies and can be completed entirely online. The study content includes the following modules:
- 1st Semester: Building Construction – Basics, Introduction to Scientific Work, Basics of Building Materials, Presentation: Basics, Design: Basics and Building Theory, Project: Concept and Model Design
- 2nd Semester: Building History, Presentation: Model Building, Seminar: Architectural Theory, Collaborative Work, Design: Residential Construction, Project: Housing Concept
- 3rd Semester: Structural Design, Building Construction – Timber Construction, Building Physics, Presentation: CAD, Design: Public Buildings, Project: Cultural Building Concept
- 4th Semester: Surveying, Building Construction – Finishing and Facade, Urban Development, Intercultural and Ethical Action Skills, Design: Office and Industrial Construction, Project: Office and Industrial Building Concept
- 5th Semester: Building Technology, Project: Structural Design and Dimensioning, Construction Business Management, Cost and Schedule Planning, Private and Public Construction Law, Landscape Planning
- 6th Semester: Elective Subject A, Elective Subject B, Bachelor Thesis
In addition, there are several Master's programs in the field of Architecture, all offered through the University of Wismar. Example: The Master Architecture and Environment at HS Wismar. Also, IU International University offers a Master's distance learning program in Architecture.
Cost Overview: Tuition Fees in Distance Learning
The tuition fees for distance learning programs in the field of Architecture & Building can vary, especially at private universities. Don't be discouraged by the high total costs, as at all private universities, you pay the fees in monthly installments. In return, you usually receive study materials in printed and digital form, have access to an online campus, participate in webinars, and watch lectures online in the form of recordings. At state universities, you may not pay any tuition fees at all, only so-called semester contributions.
Here are the tuition fees for the Bachelor's programs in Civil Engineering in comparison:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering, Diplom-Ingenieur Distance learning program | The Dresden University of Technology | 4 Semester | from 122 € Semester fee | |
| Civil engineering, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | The Dresden University of Technology | 12 Semester | from 190 € Semester fee | |
| Business Engineering Construction Management, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Construction project management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
Master's programs are usually expensive even at state universities – the exception is the Master's program in Civil Engineering at TU Dresden. Otherwise, for a Master's distance learning program, you can pay up to €16,000, but on average about €10,000.
Here are the total costs of the Master's programs in Civil Engineering compared:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering - Specialization Structural Engineering, Master of Science Distance learning program | Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz University Hannover | 4 Semester | from 1636 € total from 409 € Semester fee | |
| Quality management, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 4 Semester | from 10600 € total from 442 € monthly from 2650 € Semester fee | |
| Architecture (currently not chamber-capable), Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 4 Semester | from 14143 € total from 329 € monthly | |
| Building physics and energy-efficient building optimization, Master of Science Part-time program | Bauhaus University Weimar | 6 Semester | from 18330 € total from 3055 € Semester fee |
About the Author Christian Wolf
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