Distance learning program Mechanical engineering (B.Eng.) – HFH

👉 You want to acquire practical knowledge in technology, digitalisation, and Industry 4.0 as an aspiring mechanical engineering specialist. In the Bachelor’s distance learning programme in Mechanical Engineering at HFH, you will develop fundamentals in mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, as well as manufacturing and design. For your specialisation, you can choose between design, production, robotics, human-machine interaction, or smart products. The flexible programme lasts between 6 and 9 semesters, comprises 180 to 210 ECTS credits, and concludes with a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Admission requirements and flexible study models also allow for the recognition of prior professional achievements.

Mechanical engineering (B.Eng.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters, Study effort 22 hours weekly
💶 Fees
from 247 € monthly
from 12780 € total
🏫 Provider Hamburg Distance University, UAS based in Hamburg (Germany)
The HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is one of the largest private distance learning universities in Germany. It offers part-time bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in the fields of health and nursing, technology, as well as business and law. With its blended learning concept and regional study centres, it enables flexible study opportunities for working professionals and families. As a non-profit university, it promotes educational permeability, equal opportunities, and practice-oriented teaching.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsMechanical engineering
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Fundamentals of Information Technology, Programming 1, Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Mathematics 3, Academic Research, Physics for Engineering, Materials Science, Engineering Mechanics 1, Engineering Mechanics 2, Electrical Engineering/Electronics, Automation Technology, Design and Machine Elements 1 – Introduction to CAD, Design and Machine Elements 2 – Design Methodology, Technical Thermodynamics 1, Fluid Mechanics, Measurement Technology/Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Technology, Design and Machine Elements 3, Drive and Fluid Technology, Technical Thermodynamics 2 – Heat Transfer, Elective Module, Project Management, Introduction to Business Administration
📚 Electives Construction and development, production engineering/production economics, robotics, human-machine interaction, smart products & services
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Mechanical engineering under the number 175618.
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info View Vendor Profile

Who is the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.) distance learning programme suitable for?

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.) is aimed at individuals interested in technology, natural sciences and engineering issues, who wish to complete a university degree alongside their job or privately. It is particularly targeted at apprentices, professionals from manufacturing industries, technicians as well as specialists who want to advance their careers in mechanical engineering, product development or production planning. The programme is also suitable for career changers with relevant vocational training who wish to develop themselves academically and professionally.

What admission requirements must you meet?

You can be admitted to the Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering at HFH via various routes:

  • With general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification: You need the general higher education entrance qualification, advanced technical college entrance qualification or the subject-specific higher education entrance qualification. Additionally, practical professional experience is recommended.
  • With a recognised advanced training examination: You can also be admitted without a school leaving certificate if you have passed a recognised advanced training examination (e.g. master craftsman’s certificate, state-certified technician). A counselling interview at HFH is a prerequisite.
  • With vocational training plus professional experience: With completed vocational training and at least two years of relevant professional experience, you can be admitted. In this case, you must pass an entrance examination at HFH.
  • Recognition of special activities: Periods of childcare, care work or voluntary service can be credited up to one year towards the professional experience.
  • Shortened degree programme: As a state-certified mechanical engineering technician or graduate of an equivalent course, it is possible to complete the degree in a shortened form (recognition of already completed prior achievements).

Personal requirements for the distance learning Mechanical Engineering programme:

  • Good basic knowledge of mathematics and physics
  • Interest in technical and scientific issues
  • Initiative as well as the ability to learn independently
  • Reliability in working independently, since the degree programme is mainly completed through self-study
  • Ability to work in teams for group and project work (e.g. in the focus areas of design, production or robotics)
  • Affinity for digital technologies and openness to Industry 4.0
  • Willingness to help shape new technical developments and interdisciplinary approaches

Study Content in Detail: What Does the Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering at HFH Teach?

Which key competencies will you acquire in this degree programme?

  • Basic knowledge: You will acquire knowledge in mathematics, physics, information technology and programming. Scientific working methods are also part of the curriculum.
  • Engineering skills: Building on the basics, modules such as materials technology, technical mechanics, electrical engineering/electronics, design and machine elements, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics as well as automation technology and measurement technology follow.
  • Subject-specific mechanical engineering knowledge: In the specialisation, you will deal, among other things, with manufacturing technology, drive and fluid technology, design and machine elements 3 as well as specialised thermodynamics.
  • Business-related content: The curriculum integrates business administration, project management, materials and production management as well as legal fundamentals (e.g. labour law, business English and competition law).
  • Individual specialisations: During the course, you will choose from five study focus areas:
    • Design and Development – product development process and innovation management
    • Production Technology/Production Management – optimisation of manufacturing processes with a focus on costs, sustainability and digitalisation
    • Robotics – mechatronic systems with actuators, sensors, control and simulation
    • Human-Machine Interaction – engineering psychology, user-friendly interfaces in technical systems
    • Smart Products & Services – Industry 4.0, digitalisation, cyber-physical systems

Which skills are in focus?

  • Analytical and systemic thinking as well as the application of scientific methods
  • Project and team work, especially through complex exercises and group projects
  • Independent problem-solving skills, for example in the development, simulation and optimisation of mechanical engineering solutions
  • Understanding of interdisciplinary connections between technology, business and law

Course Structure: This Is How the Mechanical Engineering Distance Learning Programme Is Organised

How is the course structured and what do you need to consider?

  • Variations: Duration and scope of study are flexibly selectable – 6, 7, 8 or 9 semesters (180 or 210 ECTS credits). The 9-semester option includes a compulsory main internship (30 ECTS credits).
  • Start dates: Possible on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October of each year.
  • Module structure: In part-time study, all students complete four modules per semester (each worth 6 ECTS). The modules are logically structured in content.
  • Self-study & support: You study independently using study letters, supplemented by voluntary (partly recommended) face-to-face or online seminars. Participation in exam-relevant group work (“complex exercises”) is mandatory.
  • Examinations: Exams are taken at HFH study centres (including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Kassel, Essen, Linz, Vienna, Würzburg, Nuremberg, Stuttgart) or online.
  • Specialisation: From the second phase of study onwards, you choose your individual focus area according to your interests and career goals.
  • Degree completion: Bachelor thesis in the chosen specialisation area with the academic degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.).
  • Recognition of prior learning: Professional qualifications and prior achievements can possibly be credited towards the degree, also applicable to the main internship and shortened study periods for state-certified technicians.

Career Prospects & Professional Opportunities: What Does a Degree in Mechanical Engineering Open Up for You?

Where do graduates work? Which roles are available?

  • Industry access: Mechanical and plant engineering is one of the most important German industrial sectors. Mechanical engineering graduates are in demand there as well as in adjacent industries (automotive, energy, medical technology, aerospace, consulting).
  • Typical areas of employment:
    • Test and trial departments, product development, manufacturing, production technology
    • Research and development departments (e.g. new production technologies, robotics, or digitalisation)
    • Internal consulting in companies, e.g. in staff units or operational divisions
  • Functional areas: Responsible tasks as a specialist or (middle) manager are open to you.
    • Production and process management
    • Design and development
    • Project management of technical innovations
    • Technical consulting and quality assurance
  • Promotion opportunities: The bachelor’s programme qualifies you for advanced master’s programmes, for example in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering or general management (MBA).
  • Practice-oriented degree: The academic and practically oriented focus meets the requirements of modern industrial companies, especially in the context of Industry 4.0 and digitalisation.

Costs and Financing: What Expenses Should You Expect?

How are the tuition fees structured?

  • Tuition fees (depending on the duration of study):
    • 6 semesters: €355 per month (total €12,780)
    • 7 semesters: €309 per month (total €12,978)
    • 8 semesters: €276 per month (total €13,248)
    • 9 semesters: €247 per month (total €13,338)
  • Additional examination fee: A fee of €563 per attempt is charged for the final thesis.
  • Discount: When enrolling by the end of 2025, more favourable conditions with approx. 15% reduced tuition fees apply.

Which financing options are available?

  • You can pay the tuition fees in monthly instalments.
  • Possible recognition of professional prior learning can reduce the total price through shortening the period of study.
  • Funding opportunities exist, among others, through scholarships, BAföG (subject to individual eligibility) or education funds. Employers also often support career-oriented study programmes.
  • The tuition fees are tax-deductible if the distance learning programme serves professional qualification purposes.

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