Who is the Combined Mechatronics Degree Suitable For?
The combined mechatronics degree is aimed at professionals from the fields of mechanical engineering, device, plant and vehicle technology, electrical and automation engineering as well as maintenance, service and sales who want to pursue an engineering bachelor's degree alongside their job. It also targets trainees with a technical focus who wish to start a degree course parallel to their training. If you want to systematically expand your technical expertise and take the next career step in engineering or related professional fields, this degree offers you a practice-oriented foundation. The programme is suitable for everyone who thinks across systems, develops technical solutions to problems and wants to prepare for demanding tasks in automation, industry or the education sector.
Your Formal Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the combined mechatronics degree (B.Eng.) at FH Südwestfalen, you usually need to meet the following requirements:
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification (either the school or technical part is sufficient)
- Alternatively: General higher education entrance qualification
- Master craftsmen or comparably qualified persons (e.g. state-certified technicians, IHK technical specialists, IHK technical businesswomen or businessmen) can apply without an entrance examination
- Subject-related applicants with at least two years of vocational training and three years of work experience in the learned profession are admitted without an entrance examination
- Other professionally qualified persons (at least two years of training and three years of work experience, also outside the vocational training profession) have the option of admission via an entrance examination or a trial study period
Contact the student services office at FH Südwestfalen early to find out about exact application deadlines and the required documentation. Enrollment is possible at the start of the winter semester. The usual semester fees as well as an additional media and service fee per semester apply.
Personally, you should have a strong motivation for technical work, an interest in mechanics, electrical engineering and computer science as well as pronounced skills for independent, structured learning. Since the programme is designed to be part-time alongside a job, self-discipline, self-organisation and the willingness to invest an average of 15 hours per week for self-study and additional attendance times are expected. Communication skills, teamwork and analytical thinking will also help you successfully complete study projects and practical tasks.
Which content and skills are the focus of the Mechatronics degree programme?
In the part-time Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechatronics, which can be attended alongside work and training, you combine solid knowledge from mechanics, electrical engineering, and computer science. During the course, you develop a cross-system understanding of mechatronic systems. Key topics include:
- Mechanics, precision engineering, and fluid technology
- Electronics, electromechanics, and optics
- Computer science and control engineering
- Digital technology, microcomputer technology, and sensor/bus systems
- Programming skills (including C programming)
- Simulation and optimisation of mechatronic systems
- Automation technology and robotics
- Computer-aided processing of measurement data and project management
These basics are complemented by elective modules, such as Technical English, construction systematics, quality management, computer architecture, introduction to machine learning, Unix-like operating systems, and digital image processing. Practical projects and laboratory exercises ensure a close integration of theory and application. The aim is for you to be able to analyse, develop, and apply complex technical systems across various industries.
How is the distance learning Mechatronics degree programme structured?
The programme spans nine semesters and starts every winter semester. The language of instruction is German. The workload corresponds to 180 ECTS credits (approx. 4,500 hours total workload). At the beginning of each semester, you receive digital and printed learning units which you study independently in self-study (approx. 15 hours per week). Additionally, you usually attend on-campus sessions at the university every second Saturday (approx. 5 hours per week). Attendance is partially compulsory.
The curriculum is divided into compulsory modules during the early semesters and advanced elective modules as well as practical projects in the later stages of the programme. Laboratory internships, written assignments, and short presentations are part of the degree. Exams take place in the form of written tests, oral examinations, and project work. In the final semester, you write your Bachelor’s thesis and present it in a colloquium.
Which professional perspectives does this degree open up?
With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, you qualify for responsible roles in a wide range of technical industries. After completing the programme, you will be especially in demand in the following areas:
- Automation technology and industrial production
- Vehicle technology/automotive (development, design, quality management)
- Construction and agricultural machinery industry
- Consumer goods industry (e.g. household and entertainment electronics)
- Plant engineering
- Information technology and embedded systems
Typical tasks include the development, optimisation, and maintenance of mechatronic systems (e.g. robots, vehicle components, industrial plants). The cross-sector orientation prepares you optimally for the rapidly growing demand in industry, production, research, and development. Additionally, the degree provides the possibility to enter teaching at vocational colleges with supplementary qualifications.
How are the tuition fees and financing options structured?
A total fee of approximately 2,030 euros applies for the course. This consists of:
- Regular enrolment and re-registration fees charged by the university each semester
- Media and service fee of 99.75 euros per semester (status: December 2025)
Additional costs may arise from study materials or travel to on-campus appointments. Instalment payments are common within the semester fees. You may be able to deduct the course fees as work-related expenses for tax purposes. Funding options may include employer subsidies, scholarships, or education funds.
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