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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Technical Computer Science under the number 1162524c. Who benefits from the B.Eng. Technical Computer Science distance learning course?
The course is aimed at professionals who think in terms of hardware and software. Typical profiles: electricians, mechatronics technicians or service technicians in maintenance and automation who want to expand their development skills. Also suitable for software developers with experience in embedded or IoT projects who want to strengthen their electrical engineering foundation. Even if you have to coordinate family, shift work, or project peaks: The flexible structure with online exams and home labs supports you in balancing work, studies, and personal life.
Admission Requirements
You can start with or without a high school diploma - admission is without NC restrictions. The following paths are open:
- General university entrance qualification or technical college entrance qualification.
- Without a high school diploma with a subject-specific advanced training examination.
- Without a high school diploma with vocational training.
No NC, start of studies at any time; standard period of study 36 or 48 months with free extension.
Recognition of previous achievements: flat-rate and individual possible, up to 90 credits depending on previous education; €40 will be credited per recognized credit.
Note on recognition: Already completed further education or academic achievements are taken into account. This reduces the scope of learning, duration of study, and costs - ideal if you have solid practical experience in technology, IT, or engineering.
Personal Requirements
Success in distance learning depends primarily on self-organization, learning routine, and realistic planning. Technical computer science combines programming with electrical engineering - solid math basics, systematic thinking, and willingness to delve into hardware-software co-design are helpful. The home labs with hardware kits and professional software require independent, careful work and precise documentation.
- You enjoy problem-solving, debugging, and precise error analysis - from circuit diagrams to code.
- You can focus intensively on complex topics (e.g. signal processing, embedded systems) for weeks.
- You schedule learning windows bindingly and actively use tutorials and online resources.
- You communicate clearly in teams and projects - important for submissions, practical projects, and exams.
In the 48-month model, expect about 12-15 hours per week, in the 36-month model 15-20 hours. Plan buffers for project phases, lab reports, and exams and coordinate deadlines early with your employer or family. With consistent weekly planning, small daily learning units, and regular reflection, you stay in the flow - even during intense phases.
What do you learn in the Bachelor's programme in Technical Computer Science at Euro-FH?
You combine computer science with electrical engineering and learn to think of hardware and software as a unit. The content ranges from mathematical and natural science basics to programming and software engineering, as well as electronics, embedded systems, and IT security. Practical phases in “Home Labs”, a practical project, and the Bachelor's thesis complete the programme.
In terms of content, the curriculum can be divided into four competency blocks:
- Fundamentals of engineering and natural sciences: Mathematics, physics, and methodological skills form the basis for later technical and computer science modules.
- Software development and systems: Programming, algorithms, software engineering, and the operation of IT systems – with a focus on hardware collaboration.
- Electrical engineering and embedded technology: Circuits, measurement technology, microcontrollers/embedded systems, and hardware-software co-design as a core theme of Technical Computer Science.
- Networks, security, projects: Communication technology, networks, IT security, as well as project management and interdisciplinary development and implementation projects.
Special features include the labs “at home”: For selected modules, you work with hardware kits sent to you or professional simulation and development software (e.g. Matlab) in your own environment – introduced through a webinar and supported by online tutorials. Later, you deepen your knowledge in the practical project based on a real-world task and conclude with the Bachelor's thesis.
For individual profile building, you choose one of nine specialisations, such as automation technology, IT security, communication technology, smart manufacturing, or data competence & artificial intelligence. This way, you can tailor your studies specifically to industries such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, or cybersecurity.
How does the distance learning Bachelor's programme in Technical Computer Science work?
You can start at any time, learn digitally and multimedia, and take exams flexibly on a monthly basis – online or at one of ten examination centres. The standard period of study is 36 or 48 months, with a free extension of 18 or 24 months.
Materials, Platform, and Support
You will work with digital study materials, audio and webinar formats, as well as current development software for the technical modules. The “Home Labs” begin with an introductory webinar, after which you work on assignments independently. Subject tutors offer regular online tutorials and feedback; an AI learning assistant supports you with precise learning 24/7.
Exams: Online or Monthly at the Examination Centre
For exams and assessments, you can choose between online exams from home or attending in person at one of 10 nationwide examination locations. If a session is cancelled, you can make it up the following month – no downtime.
Seminars and Presence Time
There are only a few compact seminars, usually held online. Exams can be taken online or in person – there is no strict campus attendance requirement. For certain laboratory practical components, you use the hardware kits and software sent to you locally at your home.
Time and Flexibility
Choose between 36 or 48 months – with a free extension of 18 or 24 months. This helps to balance your studies with shift work, family commitments, and project seasons. By crediting previous achievements (up to 90 ECTS), you can shorten the duration of study, the number of exams, and the fees significantly. Plan your weekly learning rhythm consistently and allocate extra time for exam months and the practical project.
How much does the Bachelor's programme in Technical Computer Science at Euro-FH cost?
Tuition fees start at €281 per month. The actual monthly rate depends on the chosen study model. A free extension is included – there are no additional extension fees within the specified grace periods. Recognised prior learning reduces both the duration and total costs.
Additional costs mainly arise situationally: travel tickets for optional in-person exams at the examination centre (if you choose not to take them online) as well as any required specialist literature based on personal preferences. The “Home Lab” kits and software access are provided throughout the course. It is common to claim the fees as advertising costs/special expenses in your taxes; employers often support them with subsidies or educational leave – especially in technical roles with a current demand for skilled professionals.
What careers and salaries are possible after completing the Bachelor's programme in Technical Computer Science?
You qualify for engineering and development roles at the interface of hardware and software – from embedded development to IT security. Typical starting salaries range from €48,000-€60,000 gross per year depending on the region and industry, with salaries of €65,000-€85,000 being realistic with experience; managerial positions can reach €90,000 and above.
- Embedded software developer: Firmware and driver development for microcontrollers, IoT devices, automotive control units.
- Automation development engineer: PLC programming, sensors/actuators, industrial Ethernet, commissioning.
- System engineer IoT & communication technology: Networked systems, protocols, edge and gateway design.
- IT security engineer: Secure coding, hardening of embedded systems, cryptography, and security concepts.
- Test and integration engineer: Hardware-in-the-loop, quality assurance, verification/validation of mechatronic systems.
For further academic advancement, master's degrees in computer science, embedded systems, automation technology, IT security, or data science are available – depending on your chosen specialization and career goal.
Who is the Bachelor's programme in Technical Computer Science suitable for – and who is it not suitable for?
The programme is worthwhile if you want to combine technology and programming and pursue a recognised engineering degree alongside your profession. The combination of “Home Labs,” practical projects, and specialisation is strong if you aim to enter or advance in industries such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, or security.
- You already work in IT, electronics, automation, or maintenance and want to switch to development, system design, or security.
- You are looking for a part-time format with monthly planned exams, few in-person sessions, and digital learning setups.
- You want to master hardware-software co-design and sharpen your profile through one of nine specializations.
- You want practical components without going to a lab – working at home with sent hardware kits and professional software tools.
- You plan to take on technical or managerial responsibilities in the medium term in development, automation, IoT, or IT security.
Not every situation is suitable. You should be aware of certain conditions – especially the mathematical and technical components as well as the costs compared to state universities.
- If you expect a programme with minimal mathematics: Engineering mathematics and physics are part of the fundamentals.
- If you absolutely need many on-campus lab sessions: The practice mainly takes place in “Home Labs” and online.
- If you are looking for a focus solely on programming without hardware: The emphasis is explicitly on hardware-software co-design.
- If the tuition fees of private universities are not feasible for you: State universities are usually cheaper but less flexible.
If you are looking for a flexible, practical engineering programme with a clear integration of technology and software, and want to study alongside your job in a predictable manner, the Bachelor's programme in Technical Computer Science at Euro-FH is a very good fit. If you expect full-time campus presence or want to avoid hardware-related topics, you should consider alternatives.
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