Who can complete the part-time distance learning course in Civil Engineering (B.Eng.)?

The distance learning course in Civil Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering) at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands is primarily aimed at professionals with completed vocational or technical further training. The course is particularly suitable for master craftspeople as well as state-certified technicians from the construction and construction-related sectors. The target group includes individuals who wish to expand their professional qualifications with an academic degree in order to open up new career prospects – for example, as authorised designers for building applications, in sustainability management, building energy consulting, or as expert assessors. The programme is ideal for those who want to remain employed and complete their studies flexibly alongside their everyday work life.

Admission requirements for the distance learning course in Civil Engineering

Admission to the part-time, shortened distance learning course in Civil Engineering is only possible with one of the following qualifications. Admission requires completed further training at the level of the German Qualification Framework (DQR), Level 6. This leads to a general recognition of prior achievements and shortens the duration of study to 32 months.

• Master craftsman qualification in a construction occupation such as bricklayer, concrete worker, metal worker, carpenter, joiner, plumber, painter, varnisher, plasterer, roofer, tiler, screeder, timber construction technician, master chimney sweep, parquet layer, master heating engineer, master road builder, master civil engineer or industrial foreman mechatronics.
• State-certified technicians in construction, e.g.:
  • state-recognised diploma in building construction technology
  • state-recognised diploma in construction technology with a focus on civil engineering
  • state-recognised diploma as technician for surveying

If you hold another master craftsman or technician qualification, it is advisable to have your prior education individually assessed for credit recognition by the university’s study advisory service.

Applicants with qualifications as technicians in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or metal construction are not admitted.

Further admission possibilities:

• Admission is also possible without a university entrance qualification by proving relevant further training and at least three years of professional experience.
• There is no numerus clausus (NC) – the professional prior qualification is decisive.

Personal requirements for the course of study

In addition to the formal admission criteria, the following personal qualities are helpful to successfully complete the distance learning course:

• Good technical understanding and interest in mathematics, physics, and engineering issues
• Experience in craft or technical activities in the construction sector
• Self-motivation, self-organisation and time management skills for part-time learning
• Willingness to engage with complex construction processes, standards and building regulations
• Affinity for digital working methods, for example for CAD/BIM applications in construction
• Communication and teamwork skills for later leadership and project management tasks

The course is demanding but practically oriented. Those who are interested in sustainable construction, solution-oriented technology and structural progress bring ideal conditions for successful completion and a prosperous career advancement.

Course Content: Civil Engineering in Distance Learning – What Will You Learn?

In the Civil Engineering distance learning programme (B.Eng.) at the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), you will acquire engineering expertise for the construction world of the future. The content is specifically tailored to the requirements of master craftsmen and craftswomen as well as state-certified technicians and combines technical, economic and sustainable aspects of construction.

• Technical Fundamentals: Central topics include mathematics for technical applications, building physics, building materials science, mechanics, electrical engineering and building technology.
• Building Construction and Planning: Topics such as structural analysis, reinforced concrete construction, timber and steel construction, turnkey construction, modular construction, building science and typology are covered.
• Digital Methods: You will learn to work with CAD and BIM applications for digital planning and construction management.
• Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: The focus is on energy-efficient construction, life cycle assessment, life cycle analysis and sustainability in the construction sector. Modules such as “Energy-saving Construction” impart specialised knowledge on designing energy-efficient buildings and meeting legal requirements (Building Energy Act).
• Construction and Surveying Technology: The surveying module introduces measurement methods, instrumentation and digital inventory recording as well as construction supervision.
• Management and Economic Skills: Topics such as business plan development, digital business models and academic working prepare for leadership roles and self-employment.
• Practical Relevance: Almost all modules are application-oriented. Lecturers with practical experience bring current developments into the course; excursions and case studies ensure close links to the workplace.

The course content prepares you for professional roles as authorised construction applicants, energy consultants or experts. Through the course, all requirements for the energy consultant examination as well as membership in an engineering chamber and authorisation to submit building applications can be fulfilled.

Distance Learning at FHM: How the Course Works

The Civil Engineering distance learning programme (B.Eng.) at FHM Online-University is fully online and allows flexible, location-independent scheduling. The standard period of study is 32 months. Due to recognition of previous qualifications (e.g. master craftsman or technician certificates), the duration of study is generally shortened, so this course is specifically organised as an advanced degree for working professionals.

• Digital Learning Platform: All study materials are available digitally. These include text scripts, videos, podcasts, tests and practice-oriented tasks.
• Online Events: For each study module, online sessions take place in the evenings (from 6:00 p.m.). Here, content is deepened together with professors and fellow students. Participation is voluntary.
• Self-study with Personal Support: FHM relies on intensive support from tutors as well as practical guidance throughout your studies.
• Recognition of Prior Learning: Further training already completed is recognised on a lump-sum basis, which has a positive effect on study duration and fees.
• Flexible Examination Formats: Depending on the module, exams take place as online tests, written assignments or presentations. The final examination requires a separate fee.
• Quality Assurance: The distance learning programme is certified by the State Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) (registration number: 1177725).

Students benefit from a four-week trial phase at the start, flexible deadlines and the possibility to extend the study period by six months free of charge.

Career Prospects: Your Opportunities as a Civil Engineer

The Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at FHM imparts skills for responsible and varied roles in the construction and engineering sectors. Graduates acquire, with the completed degree and corresponding work experience, the prerequisites for authorisation to submit building applications as well as for various specialisations.

• Authorised Design Applicants: After membership in an engineering chamber and at least two years of professional experience, graduates can independently submit building applications.
• Energy Consulting and Sustainability Management: The course specifically prepares for the energy consultant examination and tasks in building energy consultation as well as life cycle analyses.
• Expert Activities: The acquired skills qualify graduates for later work as publicly appointed or sworn experts in areas such as structural analysis, thermal and sound insulation or building damage.
• Further Fields of Employment:
  • Construction planning and management in companies and authorities
  • Expert and consulting services in the construction sector
  • Self-employment in the areas of planning, supervision and consulting

The broadly based content and the focus on digital, sustainable and practice-oriented skills open up long-term job prospects – especially in times of high demand for qualified civil engineers.

Costs and Financing

The Civil Engineering distance learning programme (B.Eng.) at FHM Online-University costs 390 euros per month for a 32-month standard study period, totalling 12,980 euros for the complete course.

• Monthly Tuition Fee: 390 euros
• Final Examination Fee: 500 euros
• Total Cost: 12,980 euros (excluding examination fee)
• Discount: The tuition fee can be reduced through recognition of prior learning.
• Extension: The study period can be extended by up to six months free of charge.

There is also a four-week trial phase at the start. Tuition fees are paid regularly; further information on financing options and funding is provided individually by the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands.