Job-integrated distance learning program Electrical engineering (B.Eng.) – IfV NRW

👉 The part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Electrical Engineering at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences is aimed at working professionals and trainees in electrical engineering and automation technology who wish to obtain a first academic qualification. The course provides in-depth knowledge in energy and automation technology, including fundamentals of electrical engineering, energy technology, electronics, computer science, and project management. From the seventh semester onwards, you can choose specialisations, such as energy and automation technology or a teaching option for vocational colleges. The standard period of study is 4.5 years, involving extensive self-study and compulsory attendance at on-campus sessions.

At a Glance

🏫 Provider Institute for Collaborative Studies, Academic institution based in Iserlohn (Germany)
The Institute for Collaborative Studies NRW is a joint academic institution and the central coordination point for collaborative study programmes in NRW. As a service provider and support facility for cooperating universities, the Institute takes on central tasks for subject-specific as well as technical support. The Institute provides support for the development and implementation of collaborative study programmes.
📋 Study Format Job-integrated distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsElectrical Engineering
📜 Degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
⏳ Duration 9 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Here is the given text translated into English (en-GB): Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering 1, Mathematics 1, Physics 1, Materials for Electrical Engineering, Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering 2, Mathematics 2, Physics 2, Technical English, Fundamentals of Energy Technology, Mathematics 3, Electronics, Measurement Technology, Electrical Machines, Mathematics 4, Basics of Business Administration for Engineers, Computer Science, Applied Computer Science, Electrical Networks, Control Engineering, Efficient Lighting Technology, Automation Systems, Energy Systems, Power Electronics, Engineering Science Project, Product and Risk Management, Drive Technology, Elective Module 1, Elective Module 2, Quality Management, Renewable and Conventional Energy Generation, Elective Module 3, Elective Module 4, Project Management, Bachelor Thesis, Colloquium
📚 Electives Modern energy policy, mechatronic systems, thermodynamics, high-voltage engineering, diagnosis and promotion, vocational education 1, technical didactics, vocational education 2, additional module: general didactics
📍 Location Bielefeld
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 414 € Semester fee
from 3726 € total
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Is the part-time Bachelor’s degree course in Electrical Engineering suitable for you?

The degree course is specifically aimed at professionals and trainees from the fields of electrical engineering and automation technology who want to obtain a state-recognised university degree alongside their work. It is particularly suitable for you if you already have practical experience in a technical environment and wish to deepen this academically. The offer is also aimed at technically qualified specialists (for example master craftsmen, technicians) with the goal of systematically expanding their knowledge. People who are aiming for a teaching career at vocational colleges in the future are also addressed – the integrated teaching option opens the path to a related Master's course after the Bachelor’s degree.

Admission requirements at a glance

The following entry routes apply for admission to the joint Electrical Engineering degree programme (B.Eng.):

  • Advanced technical college entrance qualification or equivalent recognised prior education
  • Master craftsmen, technicians, graduates of two-year technical college courses as well as IHK specialists (Fachwirtinnen/Fachwirte) or IHK business administrators (Fachkaufleute) can apply without an entrance examination
  • Applicants with at least two years of vocational training and at least three years of work experience in the learned profession (applicants with relevant occupational background) are admitted without an entrance examination
  • Other professionally qualified persons with at least two years of vocational training and at least three years of professional practice, even outside the trained occupation, can be admitted via an entrance examination or a trial study period

The legally binding details are regulated by the examination regulations of Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences. Early consultation is recommended, especially if you require an entrance examination or a trial study period.

Personal requirements

  • Willingness for continuous self-study with a recommended time commitment of about 15 hours per week alongside work or training
  • Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics and technical contexts – ideally supported by training or work experience
  • Motivation to work on demanding projects with scientific analysis
  • Ability to work in a team – especially for work in interdisciplinary teams
  • Self-organisation, time management and resilience to balance work, study and private commitments
  • Openness to new technologies in the fields of automation, digitalisation and energy systems

Study Content in Detail: Which Competencies Are the Focus?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences provides you with broad and practice-oriented engineering scientific competencies. The main focus is on energy and automation technology, complemented by interdisciplinary systems thinking and scientific-methodical problem solving.

  • Basic modules (1st–4th semester):
    • Fundamentals of electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, materials of electrical engineering
    • Technical English for international cooperation
    • Basics of business administration specially for engineers
    • Computer science and applied computer science to prepare for digital transformation
  • Core modules from the 5th semester onwards:
    • Electrical networks, control engineering, efficient lighting technology and measurement technology
    • Automation systems, energy systems, power electronics
    • Engineering practical projects to apply theoretical knowledge
  • Specialisation and elective compulsory modules (from the 7th semester):
    • Individual specialisations to choose from: Energy and Automation Technology (e.g. modern energy policy, mechatronic systems, high-voltage technology) or Further Education/Teaching at Vocational Colleges (diagnosis, vocational pedagogy, technical didactics)
  • Project and management competencies (final semesters):
    • Product and risk management, quality management
    • Project and bachelor thesis as well as colloquium for the independent implementation of complex projects

Which skills will you acquire?

  • Applying engineering scientific methods to analyse and solve technical problems
  • Combination of theory and professional practice: integration of practical examples and company activities in study projects
  • Interdisciplinary work and team leadership nationally and internationally
  • Advanced knowledge in the field of intelligent energy systems (Smart Grid, Smart Cities)
  • Optional: Didactic and pedagogical competencies for teaching at vocational colleges

Course Structure: How is the Degree Programme Organised?

The programme is designed to be compatible with work and training, offering a flexible study structure over nine semesters (4.5 years). In total, 180 ECTS and about 4,500 hours of work are required.

  • Process and structure:
    • Annual start of studies in the winter semester
    • Usually four modules per semester
    • Self-study based on semester-appropriate assigned learning materials (approx. 15 hours per week)
    • Mandatory and attendance events mostly on Saturdays (about every 2 weeks with 8 hours per session)
    • Laboratory internships: practical applications are documented and presented
  • Examination achievements:
    • Written exams, oral examinations, written elaborations
    • Graduation with written bachelor thesis and colloquium
  • Individualisation in the 7th–9th semester:
    • Elective compulsory modules and specialisation (e.g. more automation or teaching content)
    • Practical final thesis, often in cooperation with companies

A structured alternation between self-study and attendance ensures a high level of practical relevance and enables working professionals to manage their studies flexibly.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects: Where Can You Work After Graduation?

A degree as Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering opens up numerous employment opportunities in a highly digitised and networked industry.

  • Typical fields of activity:
    • Specialist and managerial positions in companies of energy supply, automation, measurement and control technology, mechanical engineering or building technology
    • Specialist for intelligent energy systems (Smart Grid, Smart City) in utility companies, engineering offices or technology centres
    • Project and quality management in national and international teams
    • Software development as well as information and communication technology
    • With study focus "Further Education": access to Master's teaching degree programmes for vocational colleges and educational careers
  • How does the industry assess the prospects?
    • The demand for specialised engineers in the energy sector and industrial networking is growing according to the forecast of the VDE (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) [Source: VDE Trend Study 2024]
    • Interdisciplinary know-how is becoming increasingly important for modern working environments

The activities range from technical development through project management to leading work teams. The degree programme qualifies you for positions requiring sound technical and organisational skills.

Costs and Financing: How Much is Your Investment?

Studying at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences requires no special tuition fees apart from the regular semester contributions.

  • Fixed costs per semester:
    • Enrolment and re-registration fees (according to information from Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences)
    • Additional media and service fee: approx. €108.47 per semester (as of May 2025)
  • Example total costs:
    • For nine semesters about €976 for media and service fees plus the regular semester contributions
    • Additional costs (e.g. for teaching materials, travel to attendance events) must be calculated individually
  • Financing options:
    • Possibility of funding through professional training funds or the Employment Agency (e.g. advancement BAföG, education loan; information without guarantee)
    • Tax deduction as work-related expenses possible, since it is a part-time study programme
    • Many employers financially support job-relevant qualifications or grant leave of absence

The financial burden is moderate compared to private universities, especially due to public sponsorship.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Electrical engineering? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Institute for Collaborative Studies or the editorial team will answer you.

Experiences & Reviews