Distance learning program Civil Engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) – The Dresden University of Technology

👉 The postgraduate programme in Civil Engineering at TU Dresden is aimed at civil engineers with a Bachelor’s degree or a university of applied sciences diploma. It provides advanced knowledge in six specialised areas: Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Development and Transport, Hydraulic Engineering and Environment, Computational Engineering, and Building Energy Management. The distance learning course can be completed part-time (eight semesters, approximately 20 hours per week) or full-time (approximately 40 hours per week) and concludes with the degree of Diplom-Ingenieur. Extensive study materials, online lectures, and a learning platform are available for the programme. The final assessment includes a project and a diploma thesis. Applications are submitted online with fixed deadlines.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider The Dresden University of Technology, University based in Dresden (Germany)
The Technical University of Dresden (TUD) is one of the largest and most research-intensive technical universities in Germany. With 17 faculties, over 30,000 students, and several clusters of excellence, it offers a wide range of study and research opportunities. It is the only university in Germany that also offers civil engineering as a distance learning course. The TUD is part of the excellence network DRESDEN-concept and has several locations in Dresden and the surrounding area.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsCivil Engineering
📜 Degree Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.)
⏳ Duration 4 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Project work, diploma thesis, scripts, e-learning modules, lecture videos
📍 Location Dresden
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
💶 Fees
from 122 € Semester fee
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Diploma Advanced Degree in Civil Engineering suited for?

The distance learning course is aimed at civil engineers who already hold a first professional higher education qualification in civil engineering and wish to deepen their expertise in a targeted manner. The course is particularly suitable for professionals with a bachelor's degree or university of applied sciences diploma who want to further qualify themselves alongside their job through a flexible part-time study programme and obtain the academic degree of Diplom-Ingenieur.

What requirements must you meet?

Admission to the advanced degree in civil engineering at TU Dresden requires a completed university degree in civil engineering. Specifically, you need to have one of the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
  • University of applied sciences diploma in civil engineering

You should also have sufficient German language skills, as the course is predominantly conducted in German. Applications are submitted at fixed deadlines via the TU Dresden online portal. Separate application deadlines apply for international applicants.

Furthermore, it is recommended that you have self-motivation, organisational skills, and the ability for guided self-study. Experience in dealing with complex technical issues as well as the willingness to invest about 20 hours (part-time) to 40 hours (full-time) per week into the course are helpful. You should enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and already have basic knowledge in civil engineering to successfully manage the challenging content of the advanced degree.

Which Subjects and Competences You Acquire in the Diploma Distance Learning Course in Civil Engineering at TU Dresden

In the diploma advanced course in Civil Engineering, you deepen your engineering knowledge in a practice-oriented and scientifically sound manner. The course is based on the classical advanced studies in civil engineering and comprises four compulsory modules as well as further compulsory and elective modules within a specialisation of your choice. Six specialisation areas are available:

  • Structural Engineering – e.g. structural design, material technology, construction
  • Construction Management – project management, construction process planning and construction economics
  • Urban Construction and Transport – infrastructure planning, transport routes, urban development
  • Hydraulic Engineering and Environment – resource management, water management, environmental protection
  • Computational Engineering – numerical methods, simulation, digitalisation in construction engineering
  • Building Energy Management – energy efficiency, building technology, sustainable planning

You learn to structure complex engineering tasks, systematically develop solutions and apply current specialist methods. The imparting of project management skills, scientific working as well as the completion of a comprehensive project (400 hours) and a final diploma thesis (processing time 18 weeks) foster analytical and conceptual abilities. After completing your studies, you will be able to undertake demanding engineering activities in planning, construction execution, operation and management of buildings and projects.

Organisation of the Study Programme in the Distance Learning Course in Civil Engineering at TU Dresden

The advanced course can be completed entirely via distance learning as a part-time or full-time programme. In the part-time model, the standard period of study is eight semesters, with an expected weekly workload of approximately 20 hours. The full-time course can be completed in four semesters with around 40 hours per week. An individual shortening or extension of the study duration is possible – personalised study plans are tailored to your prior knowledge and time resources.

Self-study is the main focus and is supported by didactically prepared teaching materials. You will receive scripts, lecture recordings, multimedia learning modules and access to the digital learning platform OPAL. There are no mandatory attendance periods. Individual consultations with professors and subject consultants are possible at any time. Examinations (written or oral) and, if applicable, internships must be taken in person each semester at TU Dresden. The degree is awarded after successful completion of the project work and the submission of the diploma thesis.

Opening Up New Professional Perspectives in Construction with the Degree Diploma Engineer

The diploma distance learning course in Civil Engineering qualifies you for demanding specialist and management tasks in the construction industry, public administration or engineering offices. Typical fields of application include:

  • Planning, calculation and supervision of engineering structures and infrastructures
  • Management of construction projects in building and civil engineering, transport and hydraulic engineering
  • Construction management, costing and site organisation
  • Expert and appraisal activities
  • Positions in research, development and digitalisation in construction engineering
  • Specialist and management roles in building management and energy consultancy

With the academic degree Diploma Engineer (TU Dresden), you attain a high reputation that is particularly recognised within the German-speaking region. Graduates are sought after in both consulting and construction companies. The knowledge gained enables you to qualify for advanced positions (e.g. project management, technical management) or to take the step into self-employment.

What Does the Distance Learning Course in Civil Engineering Cost and How Can You Plan the Financing?

The diploma advanced course in Civil Engineering via distance learning at TU Dresden involves tuition fees of 122 euros per semester. This means the total cost of the course is significantly lower than many other continuing education offerings in the field of construction. Costs for examinations, study materials and use of the learning platform are included in the semester fee.

Financing is generally possible through personal funds, funding programmes or support from your employer. Since the distance learning course is designed to be completed alongside employment, your income can continue to be secured. Tuition fees as well as expenses for learning materials and travel to attendance examinations are generally tax-deductible as work-related expenses.

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