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Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary degree programme that combines modules from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. While the range of part-time mechatronics degree programmes is limited, especially compared to the offerings in the field of mechanical engineering.
Nevertheless, there are even distance-learning Bachelor's programmes in mechatronics offered by state universities of applied sciences, as well as a Master's in mechatronics.
Here, I will present all degree programmes as well as the individual universities of applied sciences to you in detail.
Alle Studiengänge im Fachbereich Mechatronik im Überblick
We have a total of 13 courses in the field of Mechatronics.
Mechatronics
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
Discover the diversity of technology and qualify for key positions in mechatronics. The distance learning course 'Mechatronics (B.Eng.)' at AKAD University offers you comprehensive technical knowledge with a focus on …
Vehicle Technology
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
Immerse yourself in the world of automotive engineering with the Bachelor's degree program in Automotive Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University. This program prepares you for exciting activities in research, development, …
Mechatronics
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
Explore the interface between mechanics, electronics, and computer science with the Bachelor's degree program in Mechatronics at Wilhelm Büchner University. Over 7 semesters, you will gain comprehensive knowledge that qualifies …
Mechatronics
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 9 Semester
- German
- Technical product documentation, fundamentals of computer science, mathematics 1, technical mechanics 1, physics, CAD 1, mathematics 2, technical mech…
Mechatronics
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 4 Semester
- German
This course is aimed at all graduates of an engineering or natural science undergraduate degree with a minimum of 6 semesters of standard study time. Graduates of a 7-semester mechanical …
Mechatronics
- University of Kaiserslautern
- 8 Semester
- Hochschule Kaiserslautern
- German
- Analysis, Linear Algebra, Physics (with Laboratory), Machine Elements, Statics and Strength of Materials, Materials Science (with Laboratory), Electri…
Mechatronics
- DIPLOMA University
- 7 Semester
- German
- Mathematics, Basic Natural Sciences, Technical Mechanics, Construction and Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, Technical Computer Science, Fundamen…
Mechatronics
- Hamburg Distance University
- 8 Semester
- German
- General basics for an engineering degree, Engineering fundamentals from mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, Mechatronic specialization:…
Engineering
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- English
The Bachelor's degree programme in Engineering at IU International University offers students the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of engineering. The programme provides theoretical knowledge in the areas of …
Mechatronics
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In the Bachelor distance learning course Mechatronics, you will learn to design mechatronic systems that are used in a wide range of everyday objects, industrial machines, vehicles, and robots. This …
Process simulation in process engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 3 Semester
- German
The master course "Process Simulation in Chemical Engineering" at Wilhelm Büchner University offers an exciting way to deepen knowledge in the modeling and simulation of processes in areas such as …
Business Engineering Mechatronics
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's programme in Industrial Engineering Mechatronics combines solid technical and economic education with a comprehensive transfer of interdisciplinary skills. You will acquire knowledge in STEM subjects, but also in …
Business Engineering Automotive Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's program in Industrial Engineering Automotive Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University offers a comprehensive education in the STEM subjects as well as in economics and law to prepare students …
Overview of Universities
Institute for Collaborative Studies: The Institute for Collaborative Studies (IfV NRW) is a scientific institution of universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia and coordinates the distance learning offerings of this university. What that means is that if you want to complete a distance learning programme through the Verbundstudium, you enroll in a state university of applied sciences in NRW. In addition to distance learning programmes in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, the Verbundstudium currently offers the Bachelor's programme in mechatronics through the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences as well as the practice-integrated Bachelor's programme in mechatronics/automation through Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences. Special feature: The distance learning programmes through the Verbundstudium are extremely affordable.
Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium: The Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium (ZFH) is a scientific institution of the states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and Saarland. As such, the ZFH promotes and supports the distance learning programmes of a total of 21 universities of applied sciences in these federal states. This means that if you start a distance learning programme through the ZFH, you enroll in one of the state universities of applied sciences in Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, or Saarland. In addition to Bachelor's and Master's programmes such as automation engineering or electrical engineering, the ZFH also offers a Bachelor of Engineering in mechatronics.
Wilhelm Büchner University: The Wilhelm Büchner University (WBH) is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Darmstadt (Hesse). In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 6188 students were enrolled at the university. The focus of the WBH is on distance learning programmes in the fields of computer science & technology. In addition to mechanical engineering or industrial engineering, you can also complete a Master's as well as a Bachelor's degree in mechatronics at the WBH. Special feature: The programmes at the WBH are highly practical; especially in the Bachelor's distance learning programmes, there is an integrated practical phase.
AKAD University: The AKAD University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The university was founded in 1959, and in the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 5241 students were enrolled at the university. In addition to a wide range of business studies and management programmes, the university also offers distance learning programmes in the fields of IT & technology, such as mechanical engineering and the Bachelor's programme in mechatronics. Special feature: Similar to IU, AKAD students can also take exams as online exams.
IU International University: IU is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences and at the same time the largest private distance learning university in Germany. In the winter semester of 2022/2023, over 100,000 students were enrolled at the university. The university now offers over 100 distance learning programmes from all fields. Particularly interesting: the B.Eng. Electrical Engineering and the B.Eng. Robotics.
Hamburg Distance University: Hamburg Distance University (HFH) is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Hamburg. In the winter semester of 2019/2020, a total of 11,240 students were enrolled at the university - making HFH one of the largest private distance learning universities in Germany. The university offers a wide range of distance learning programmes in the field of technology, including a Bachelor's in mechanical engineering as well as a Bachelor's in mechatronics.
DIPLOMA University: The DIPLOMA University is a private university of applied sciences based in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Hesse. In the winter semester 2019/2020, a total of 7901 students were enrolled at the university. The university offers distance learning programmes in the fields of business & law, health & social affairs, as well as a Bachelor of Engineering in mechatronics.
Costs and Study Fees in Comparison
A mechatronics distance learning programme is relatively affordable if you are enrolled at a state university. For example, through the Institute for Collaborative Studies. You only pay semester fees and possibly small fees for study materials.
On the other hand, it is more expensive at private universities. At most private universities of applied sciences, such as IU, you also pay the study fees in monthly instalments. In return, you may receive more intensive support and more varied study materials, such as video lectures.
Here are the study fees for mechatronics programmes in comparison:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 9 Semester | from 2030 € total | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | University of Kaiserslautern | 8 Semester | from 3720 € total | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 7 Semester | from 11747 € total from 207 € monthly | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 8 Semester | from 12010 € total from 240 € 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 | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly |
Bachelor's Distance Learning Programme in Robotics at IU
In the Bachelor's distance learning programme, you can currently only study robotics at IU International University. Like mechatronics, robotics is an interdisciplinary degree programme that combines modules from mathematics and natural sciences with mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering topics.
Special feature of the IU distance learning programme: You can choose whether to study in German or in English. Additionally, as you progress through the distance learning programme, you will delve into subjects such as Cognitive Robotics or Autonomous Driving.
In the full-time study programme, the study plan can be structured as follows:
- 1st Semester: Introduction to Robotics, Introduction to Scientific Work, Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Natural Science and Technical Fundamentals, Smart Factory I, Basics of Construction
- 2nd Semester: Manufacturing Processes Industry 4.0, Collaborative Work, Mathematics: Analysis, Mechanics - Statics, Electrical Engineering, Project: Construction with CAD
- 3rd Semester: Sensors, Signals and Systems, Requirements Engineering, Mechanics - Kinematics and Dynamics, Intercultural and Ethical Action Competence, Introduction to Python Programming
- 4th Semester: Mechatronic Systems, Control Engineering, Project: Modeling, Simulation and Control of Robots, Introduction to the Internet of Things, Embedded Systems, Project: Robotics
- 5th Semester: Seminar: Human-Machine Interaction, Project: Applied Robotics with Robotic Platforms, Seminar: Robotics and Society, Machinery and Plant Safety, Elective A
- 6th Semester: Elective B, Elective C, Bachelor's Thesis
During the course of your studies, you will choose a total of 3 specialisations based on your interests. You choose 2 of these specialisations in scientific fields: Introduction to Cognitive Robotics, Service Robots, Industrial Robotics and Automation Engineering.
In addition, you will choose one of these functional and industry specialisations: Python for Software Development, Data Science and Deep Learning, Robot Programming, Autonomous Driving, AI Specialist, Mobile Software Engineering, IT Security, Foreign Languages, IT Project and Architecture Management, Applied Sales, International Marketing and Branding, Supply Chain Management.
The study fees amount to a total of €15,063 in full-time study and are paid monthly in installments of €390 each. In part-time study, the total cost of the programme is €19,347, with monthly payments of €239.
More information about the degree programme: Robotics at IU in the course profile.
Master's Distance Learning Programme in Mechatronics at WBH
The only Master's distance learning programme in mechatronics is currently offered by the private university of applied sciences Wilhelm Büchner University. The programme lasts 3 semesters or 4 semesters, depending on prerequisites, with the possibility of extension if needed.
Prerequisites for admission include a degree in engineering or natural sciences with at least 6 semesters. Those who want to enter the shortened version must have completed a 7-semester undergraduate degree with 210 ECTS. Proficiency in English is also required.
The study plan is structured as follows:
- 1st Semester: Homogenisation Phase (5 Modules)
- 2nd Semester: Advanced Mathematical Methods, Embedded Systems, Advanced Technical Mechanics, Scientific Work and International Project Management, Advanced Control Engineering
- 3rd Semester: Mechatronic Systems in Manufacturing Plants with Laboratory, Motion Control, Elective Area (Vibration Theory and Machinery Dynamics, Materials, Quality Management in Manufacturing Technology, or Manufacturing Logistics)
- 4th Semester: Master Colloquium, Master's Thesis including Colloquium
The Homogenisation Phase in the 1st semester is waived for all those who have achieved 210 credit points in their undergraduate studies.
The programme costs a total of €13,716 and is paid in monthly installments of €539.
More information about the degree programme: M.Eng. Mechatronics at WBH.
About the Author Christian Wolf
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