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Contents
- Which university or university of applied sciences is the best?
- Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering through Distance Learning: Requirements and Costs
- Master's in Mechanical Engineering through Distance Learning: Requirements and Costs
- B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering at WBH: Requirements, Content, and Costs
- M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering & Management at HS Schmalkalden: Requirements, Content, Costs
- From B.Eng. to Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering vs. Mechatronics vs. Electrical Engineering: What to Study?
I am presenting to you here all part-time distance learning courses in mechanical engineering, including bachelor's and master's degree programs, and even diploma programs.
You can study mechanical engineering through distance learning not only at private distance universities in Germany but also at some state universities of applied sciences.
I will inform you in detail about all these universities and the range of mechanical engineering courses they offer in this post.
All distance learning courses in the field of mechanical engineering at a glance
We have a total of 29 courses in the field of Mechanical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
Immerse yourself in the world of mechanical engineering with the Bachelor's degree program in Mechanical Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University. Over 7 semesters, you will gain a comprehensive insight into …
Mechanical engineering
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
The distance learning programme in mechanical engineering provides comprehensive engineering knowledge and its practical application to solve interdisciplinary tasks in just 6 semesters of full-time study or part-time study. At …
Mechanical engineering
- The Dresden University of Technology
- 20 Semester
- German
- Mathematics, Engineering Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Electrical Engineering, Design Theory, Manufacturing Technology and Materials …
Mechanical engineering
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- German
- Materials Engineering, Scientific Work, Mathematics, Physics for Engineering, Introduction to Business Administration, Basics of Information Technolog…
Mechanical engineering
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 6 Semester
- German
- Materials engineering with high-performance materials and hybrids, materials testing, failure analysis, rheology, tool technology, simulation technolo…
Mechanical engineering
- The Dresden University of Technology
- 12 Semester
- German
- Mathematics, Technical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, and Electrical Engineering, Construction Theory, Manufacturing Technology and Mater…
Mechanical engineering
- University of Technology and Economics Berlin
- 9 Semester
- German
- Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Physics, Computer Science, Construction 1, Construction 2, Construction 3, Materials Engineering 1, Materials Engineerin…
Mechanical engineering
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 9 Semester
- Bielefeld, Nordrhein-Westfalen
- German
- Technical product documentation, fundamentals of computer science, mathematics 1, engineering mechanics 1, physics, CAD 1, mathematics 2, engineering …
Mechanical engineering
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 8 Semester
- German
- Mathematics, Physics, Programming, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Engineering, Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Measureme…
Mechanical engineering
- Hamburg Distance University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Materials Engineering, Scientific Work, Mathematics, Physics for Engineering, Introduction to Business Administration, Basics of Information Technolog…
Computational Engineering
- Berlin University of Technology
- 5 Semester
- German
- In-depth Numerical Mathematics, Practical Use of Mathematical Software (Wolfram Mathematica®, Mathworks Matlab®), In-depth Material Mechanics and Stre…
Mechanical engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 4 Semester
- German
The Master's distance learning course "Mechanical Engineering" at Wilhelm Büchner University spans 4 semesters and is aimed at graduates of a bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering or similar engineering …
Mechanical Engineering and Management
- University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden
- 5 Semester
- Schmalkalden und Eisenach, Thüringen
- German
With this Master's degree, you qualify for leadership positions in mechanical engineering. You will deal with technical, business, and legal content and specialize in one of the areas of product …
Robotics
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German or English
The Bachelor distance learning program in Robotics at IU International University is designed for technology enthusiasts with university entrance qualifications or relevant professional qualifications. The course provides practice-oriented knowledge in …
Vehicle Technology
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
The distance learning course in automotive engineering combines classical mechanical engineering knowledge with specialized know-how for modeling, simulation, and calculation of complex systems. Over 7 semesters of full-time study or …
Process Engineering
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 4 Semester
- German
- CFD-Computational Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Separation Technology, Maintenance Management, Process Development, Stochastics, Plant Safety, Master's Thes…
Applied Plastic Engineering
- University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden
- 5 Semester
- Schmalkalden
- German
With this master's programme at the state university of Schmalkalden, you qualify in the field of plastics engineering for managerial positions in the industry. In just 5 semesters of regular …
Mechanical engineering
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
- Product development and design, materials engineering, manufacturing technology, CAx technologies, mechatronics/automation technology, business admini…
Digital Automotive Production
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- German
- Production Technology I, Production Technology II, Production Management I, Production Management II, Digital Factory I, Digital Factory II, Productio…
Process Engineering
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 8 Semester
- German
- Fundamentals of process engineering (chemical, biological, mechanical, and thermal), mass and heat transfer, process, plant, safety, and (renewable) e…
Engineering
- University of Mittweida
- 8 Semester
- German
- Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.) through distance learning at IU International University is aimed at individuals who want to acquire an engineering qualification flexibly and independently of …
Plastics Technology
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
This extensive distance learning programme, which leads to a Bachelor of Engineering in 7 semesters, provides you with in-depth knowledge of the characteristics, processing, and application of plastics. You will …
Process engineering
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
- Key qualifications for studies and profession, Basics of Chemistry, Basics of Business Administration, Basics of Computer Science and Programming for …
Automotive and Mobility Business
- University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Environment Nürtingen-Geislingen
- 6 Semester
- German or English
- Structures in the automotive and mobility market, digitization and innovations in the automotive and mobility industry, basics of automotive engineeri…
Mechanical engineering
- AKAD University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Key qualifications for studies and professional careers, Product and Process Management for Industry 4.0, Advanced Materials Science, Automation Engin…
Automotive and Mobility Management
- University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Environment Nürtingen-Geislingen
- 3 Semester
- Geislingen
- German or English
- Product, brand, and pricing policy in the mobility industry, innovation and transformation management in the automotive and mobility industry, sales a…
Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
The distance learning course in Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University provides comprehensive knowledge in the fields of engineering, business administration, and mechanical engineering. Students acquire a broad …
Automotive Engineering (Vehicle Engineering)
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 3 Semester
- German
The 3- or 4-semester distance learning course "Automotive Engineering" at Wilhelm Büchner University in Darmstadt provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of automotive engineering. The course …
Which university or university of applied sciences is the best?
Most of the universities offering a distance learning course in mechanical engineering are public universities or universities of applied sciences. Unfortunately, it is not possible to answer which university is the best in general. The key point is: Almost all universities are universities of applied sciences, with the exception of TU Dresden. TU Dresden has been offering a distance learning course in mechanical engineering for almost 10 years, also leading to a diploma. However, the regular duration of the program is 20 semesters, making it unsuitable for most of you due to its length.
When choosing your university, you should consider the following: Where is the university located? How high are the tuition fees? Besides printed study materials, are digital formats also offered? Do the study contents or modules align with my interests?
Here is an overview of the most important universities offering distance learning courses in mechanical engineering:
HTW Berlin: The University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics in Berlin is a public university of applied sciences that mainly offers on-campus degree programs but also some distance learning or part-time degree programs. It offers, in particular, the Bachelor's program in Mechanical Engineering and the Master's program in Development and Simulation Methods in Mechanical Engineering. In 2015, the on-campus Mechanical Engineering program at the university ranked 7th nationwide in the WirtschaftsWoche ranking.
TU Dresden: TU Dresden is the only university in Germany offering a distance learning course in mechanical engineering. It offers not only a Bachelor's program in mechanical engineering but also a distance learning program in mechanical engineering leading to a diploma. However, the duration of the program for part-time distance learning is 20 semesters – approximately 10 years of study.
Hochschule Anhalt: Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is a public university of applied sciences located in Saxony-Anhalt. Currently, around 6000 students study at Anhalt University. The university mainly offers on-campus degree programs but also offers several distance learning programs, such as a Bachelor and a Master in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Bachelor in Process Engineering and a Bachelor in Electrical and Information Engineering.
Hochschule Schmalkalden: Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences is a public university of applied sciences located in Thuringia. The university was established in 1991, with approximately 2500 students enrolled in one of the many Bachelor's or Master's programs. In addition to on-campus programs, the university offers two master's distance learning programs that may be of interest to technology enthusiasts: Mechanical Engineering and Management, as well as Electrical Engineering and Management.
Verbundstudium: The Verbundstudium combines the part-time study offerings of state universities of applied sciences in NRW. If you enroll in one of the courses offered through Verbundstudium, such as the distance learning Bachelor's program in Electrical Engineering, you will be studying at one of the participating universities of applied sciences in NRW. Apart from distance learning programs in Mechanical Engineering, the universities offer numerous other degree programs, such as Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, and Business Administration.
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences: Hamburg University of Applied Sciences is a private university of applied sciences that exclusively offers distance learning programs. The university was founded in 1997, with approximately 11,000 students enrolled in one of the degree programs. Programs are offered in subjects like business engineering, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering.
Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule: WBH is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Darmstadt, Hesse, focusing on engineering distance learning programs. The university has around 6000 students enrolled, studying subjects like mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or electrical engineering.
AKAD University: AKAD University is a private university of applied sciences based in Stuttgart. The university primarily focuses on distance learning programs in Computer Science & Technology, as well as Business Administration. They offer Bachelor's and Master's distance learning programs in subjects like electrical engineering, mechatronics, and mechanical engineering.
IU International University: With over 100,000 students, IU is the largest university in Germany. The university is located in Erfurt, Thuringia, operating more than 40 examination centers throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – exams can be taken in the form of online exams. In the IT & Technology field, the university offers programs such as a Bachelor of Engineering in Robotics and a Bachelor of Engineering in Business Administration Industrial 4.0.
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering through Distance Learning: Requirements and Costs
Degree programs leading to a Bachelor of Engineering often last 7 semesters and comprise 210 credit points in full-time study. At most distance universities, you can also study part-time, such as at IU, which offers 2 part-time models.
The admission requirement for all Bachelor's degree programs is a high school diploma, a technical college entrance qualification, or a specialized higher education entrance qualification. At the Hamburg Fern-Hochschule, you may also need to prove professional experience or complete an internship.
At all universities, you can be enrolled even without a high school diploma. For example, distance learning without a high school diploma is possible after completing a technician training. Alternatively, if you have completed vocational training in the technical field and then worked for 2-3 years in that profession.
The tuition fees for a distance learning course in mechanical engineering vary enormously. At state universities, such as TU Dresden, fees start at 100€ per semester. Private universities, like Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule, are significantly more expensive, but you also receive a lot more study materials, including digital resources, and the support is more intensive.
The following table compares the tuition fees of the Bachelor's degree programs:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, Diplom-Ingenieur Distance learning program | University of Mittweida | 8 Semester | ||
| Mechanical engineering, Diplom-Ingenieur Distance learning program | The Dresden University of Technology | 20 Semester | from 182 € Semester fee | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | The Dresden University of Technology | 12 Semester | from 1200 € total from 100 € Semester fee | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 9 Semester | from 2106 € total from 234 € Semester fee | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | University of Technology and Economics Berlin | 9 Semester | from 3843 € total from 427 € Semester fee | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 7 Semester | from 12780 € total from 247 € monthly from 1440 € Semester fee | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 14004 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Robotics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | 8 Semester | from 31200 € total from 650 € Semester fee |
Master's in Mechanical Engineering through Distance Learning: Requirements and Costs
Most Master's programs, even in distance learning, last 4 semesters. An exception is the Mechanical Engineering Master's program at the HFH, which can be completed in 3 semesters, and the Master's program at the WBH, which can also be completed in 3 semesters.
Generally, to be admitted to a Master's program, you need a first degree in a technical field, sometimes with at least 210 ECTS. Additionally, at most universities, you must be able to demonstrate professional experience.
The following table details the admission requirements for the Master's programs:
| Program | University | Duration | Costs | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Development and Simulation Methods in Mechanical Engineering, M.Sc. | HTW Berlin | 4 semesters | 3480 EUR/sem. | Technical or scientific undergraduate degree and usually at least one year of professional experience |
| Mechanical Engineering, M.Eng. | Verbundstudium | 6 semesters | 173 EUR/sem. | Undergraduate degree in technical disciplines with a minimum overall grade of 2.7 |
| Mechanical Engineering, M.Eng. | Hamburg University of Applied Sciences | 3 semesters | 2940 EUR/sem. | Undergraduate degree; 1 year of work experience; Proficiency in English; Admission restricted to 30 places |
| Mechanical Engineering and Management, M.Eng. | Hochschule Schmalkalden | 5 semesters | 2560 EUR/sem. | Technical undergraduate degree and 1 year of work experience; or non-technical undergraduate degree and 5 years of relevant work experience plus admission test |
| Mechanical Engineering, M.Eng. | Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule | 4 semesters | 3552 EUR/sem. | Undergraduate degree with 210 ECTS in mechanical engineering; Proficiency in English |
| Mechanical Engineering, M.Sc. | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | 6 semesters | 160 EUR/sem. | Qualified degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar fields; 1 year of relevant work experience; Selection process |
B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering at WBH: Requirements, Content, and Costs
Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule is a private university of applied sciences based in Darmstadt, and one of the most popular private universities in the field of mechanical engineering. Currently, around 2200 participants are studying the Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering at WBH.
Required for admission to the B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering is a high school diploma, a technical college entrance qualification, or a specialized higher education entrance qualification. Access without a high school diploma is possible with a successfully completed university entrance examination after 2 semesters of study. Also, completing an advanced training course qualifies for university admission. The program is not subject to admission restrictions; there is no NC (numerus clausus).
The full-time distance learning program lasts for 7 credit semesters, which is 42 months. The study period can be flexibly extended at no additional cost up to 63 months, which is about 10 semesters.
The program is divided into a basics and a core and specialization study.
The basics study includes the following modules:
- Mathematical and natural science basics study area: Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III with a lab, Introduction to natural science engineering fundamentals, Natural science engineering fundamentals
- Computer Science study area: Computer Science Fundamentals with a lab
- Mechanical Engineering study area: Materials Engineering, Technical Mechanics, Technical Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics with a lab, Design Theory and Machine Elements I
- Electrical Engineering study area: Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Metrology, Control Engineering with a lab
- Business Management and Leadership study area: Business Administration Fundamentals and Legal Principles, Communication and Management
- Special Engineering Practice: Introduction Project for Engineers
In the core and specialization study, the following modules are completed:
- Mechanical Engineering study area: Design Theory and Machine Elements II, Design Theory and Machine Elements III, Manufacturing Technology with a lab, CAD Techniques and Finite Element Simulation with a lab; Elective modules: Power and Working Machines with lab, Machine Tools with lab, Internal Combustion Engines, Fluid Machinery, Non-Destructive Testing of Materials with lab, Computational Engineering, and Process Chains
- Mechatronics and Robotics study area: Actuators with lab, Design of Mechatronic Systems, Industrial Robotics Technology with lab
- Electrical Engineering study area: Analog Control Engineering with lab; Elective modules in Power Electronics, Electrical Machines with lab
- Special Engineering Practice: Engineering Project and Project Management, Vocational Practical Phase
- Bachelor's Thesis and Colloquium
During the course of distance learning, students specialize in one of the disciplines: General Mechanical Engineering or Development and Design. Towards the end of the distance learning program, students also complete a vocational practical phase lasting 18 weeks. Work experience can be taken into account.
M.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering & Management at HS Schmalkalden: Requirements, Content, Costs
The Master in Mechanical Engineering & Management at the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden in Thuringia is popular because it combines specialization in mechanical engineering with business management skills. Unlike a Master's in Business Engineering, the focus here is on management skills for mechanical engineers.
Required are a completed technical university or vocational academy study and at least one year of relevant work experience. Those with a non-technical university degree must exhibit 5 years of work experience.
The distance learning program lasts a total of 5 semesters. The study plan includes the following modules:
- 1st Semester: Machine Tools, Innovative Joining Techniques, Materials Selection and Lightweight Design, Automation Technology
- 2nd Semester: Business Law and Occupational Safety, Business Administration, Quality Management
- 3rd Semester: Project and Innovation Management, Product Data Management, Soft Skills
- 4th Semester: Elective area Product Development (Applied Mechanics, Simulation in Product Development, Rapid Technologies, Design and Evaluation, Product Management and Technical Sales) or Elective area Production Technology (Manufacturing Process Design and Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Production Planning and Control, Plant Engineering and Maintenance, Energy Engineering Aspects in Production)
- 5th Semester: Master's Thesis
Overall, the program includes 14 on-site phases, mostly held on weekends. The block events are held in Schmalkalden or Eisenach (Thuringia).
The tuition fees amount to approximately 2600€ per semester.
From B.Eng. to Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Degrees
The goal of a distance learning course in mechanical engineering can be not only a bachelor's degree, but also a master's and sometimes even a diploma. Here's an overview of the most important mechanical engineering degrees:
Bachelor of Engineering. The typical degree in engineering subjects and therefore also in mechanical engineering and mechatronics is a Bachelor of Engineering. The standard period of study for the B.Eng. is usually 6 to 7 semesters, replacing the diploma of the universities of applied sciences as well as the diploma I of the comprehensive universities, both of which were degrees with a standard period of study of 7 to 8 semesters. By the way, universities in other countries also frequently award similar degrees, such as the "Bachelor of Science in Engineering," the "Bachelor of Business Engineering," and the "Bachelor of Business Administration and Engineering."
Bachelor of Science. The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) is not awarded very often in distance learning courses in mechanical engineering, it is a typical degree especially in natural sciences and social sciences such as psychology. At least the TU Dresden and the HTW Berlin still award this degree to their graduates in mechanical engineering distance learning.
Master of Engineering. Those who have a B.Eng. or a B.Sc. can pursue a master's degree. Master's programs in the field of mechanical engineering & mechatronics typically conclude with a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). The master's program usually lasts 3-4 semesters and is equivalent to the diploma of a university and the diploma II of a comprehensive university.
Master of Science. The Master of Science is rather atypical in the field of mechanical engineering and is awarded in subjects that are thematically related to distance learning in mechanical engineering, but do not focus on mechanical engineering and mechatronics. For example, the distance learning course "Development and Simulation Methods in Mechanical Engineering" at the HWT Berlin.
Diploma. Degree programs leading to a diploma are almost extinct. However, for those who still want to study one of the "outdated" diploma programs, there is the opportunity to do so with the mechanical engineering program at the TU Dresden. However, a lot of time should be planned for this: The average duration of studies until the diploma is 20 semesters, i.e., 10 years.
Mechanical Engineering vs. Mechatronics vs. Electrical Engineering: What to Study?
The core of engineering science is the development, design, and production of machinery. Therefore, all mechanical engineering courses impart broad knowledge required for the construction of power machines, working machines, machine tools, conveyor systems, and vehicles.
On the other hand, electrical engineers deal with the research, development, and production technology of electrical devices. By the way, you can also study electrical engineering by distance learning: Electrical Engineering by Distance Learning - the best courses compared.
Mechatronics engineers work interdisciplinary at the interface between electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, and disciplines like informatics, electromechanics, precision engineering, microsystems technology, and adaptronics are essential components of mechatronics distance learning courses.
Here's an overview of the most interesting bachelor's programs in mechatronics and electrical engineering:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and information technology, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Electrical and Information Technology, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 7 Semester | from 14238 € total from 229 € monthly | |
| Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 14004 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Electrical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Job-integrated distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 9 Semester | from 3726 € total from 414 € Semester fee | |
| Electrical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | 9 Semester | from 5850 € total from 650 € Semester fee | |
| Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | University of Kaiserslautern | 8 Semester | from 3720 € total from 465 € Semester fee | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 9 Semester | from 2030 € total |
About the Author Christian Wolf
Hi, I'm Christian, the founder of fernstudi.net & your personal, independent study advisor 👋 Do you have questions about a course of study or are unsure which course is right for you? I'm happy to help - in detail, competently, honestly, and individually.
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