Who is the Mechatronics Distance Learning Course at HFH Suitable For?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Mechatronics (B.Eng.) at the Hamburg Distance University (Hamburger Fern-Hochschule) is aimed at individuals who are passionate about the combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and information technology. The distance learning course is particularly suitable for working professionals who want to acquire a state-recognised engineering degree alongside their job. It addresses both school graduates with (advanced) technical college entrance qualifications and experienced specialists from technical professions, such as state-certified technicians, master craftsmen, or persons with completed vocational training in the technical field – even if they do not have a traditional Abitur. The course is also of interest to people seeking a lateral entry into demanding technical fields or who want to prepare for specialist and management tasks in an industrial environment, for example in mechanical and plant engineering, product development, automation technology or with service providers in technology-driven industries.

Admission Requirements: What Do You Need for the Bachelor's Degree in Mechatronics?

• With (advanced) technical college entrance qualification:
  • General higher education entrance qualification, technical college entrance qualification or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
  • Additional practical professional knowledge required
• Without (advanced) technical college entrance qualification:
  • Recognised advanced training examination and fee-based advisory interview (e.g. master craftsman exam, state-certified technician)
  • Or: Completed vocational training plus at least two years of relevant professional experience and passed entrance examination at HFH
• Shortened Course:
  • For state-certified mechanical engineering technicians from the DAA technical school or graduates of equivalent courses, recognition and shortening of the study duration is possible.

Practical professional phases (e.g. a practical main internship) can be replaced by relevant professional activities. Examination and credit recognition is carried out on a case-by-case basis. University admission is regulated according to the Hamburg Higher Education Act.

Personal Requirements: Who Should Study Mechatronics?

• Interest in scientific and technical contexts, especially in the areas of mechanics, electronics and computer science
• Mathematical and analytical thinking skills as well as enjoyment in solving complex technical problems
• Self-motivation and organisational talent for self-study in distance learning
• Willingness to learn new things and to continuously develop up-to-date technical knowledge
• Goal orientation, perseverance and resilience to manage studies alongside work or other commitments
• Ideally, first practical experience or training in the technical field (e.g. through vocational training, technical college, internships, technical projects); not mandatory, but an advantage

Detailed Course Content

The Bachelor distance learning programme in Mechatronics at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences provides knowledge at the interface of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and information technology. The aim is to prepare graduates for the development and support of networked high-tech systems in industry and business.

• Basic modules:
  • Mathematics (multi-level)
  • Physics for engineering
  • Fundamentals of technical computer science
  • Programming (introduction, hardware-related)
  • Scientific working
• Engineering fundamentals:
  • Materials science
  • Technical mechanics (multi-level)
  • Manufacturing technology
  • Electrical engineering/electronics
  • Automation technology
  • Design and machine elements
  • Power and working machines
  • Measurement technology and quality assurance
• Mechatronic specialisation:
  • Mechatronic systems and design
  • Control and regulation technology (including practical laboratory course)
  • Networked systems and mobile communication
  • Digital circuits (including practical laboratory course)
  • Programming 2 (hardware-near applications)
• Business studies and law:
  • Project management
  • Introduction to business administration
  • Elective modules: e.g. accounting, cost accounting, marketing, business law, business English
• Individual study focuses (elective):
  • Robotics
  • Human-machine interaction (including engineering psychology)
  • Smart products & services

  Additionally, the submodules Actuators and Sensors as well as Systems and Simulation are included in all focuses.

• Bachelor thesis: Completion of the programme with the academic proof of acquired competencies.

Course progression

The standard period of study in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechatronics is optional 6, 7, 8, or 9 semesters. Either 180 or 210 ECTS points are earned, depending on the chosen variant. In the nine-semester option, an extensive main internship is additionally provided.

• Course start possible on 1st January, 1st April, 1st July or 1st October
• Structured course progression part-time (approx. 22 hours of workload per week)
• On-campus phases: seminars lasting about 14 days (approx. 94 hours) at numerous locations throughout Germany as well as approx. 10 online seminars (50 hours)
• Modules for self-study via study letters, complemented by online teaching and classroom instruction
• Intermediate exams and final exams, partly as online exams or on-site
• Completion with the Bachelor thesis

Career prospects & job opportunities

With the degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechatronics, graduates acquire interdisciplinary engineering skills. The interdisciplinary orientation opens up a wide range of career opportunities, especially at the interfaces between mechanical engineering, electronics and IT.

• Fields of application:
  • Industry and service companies focusing on automation, manufacturing technology, product development and production
  • Specialist and mid-level management roles in the technology and research sector
  • Product development of sophisticated high-tech solutions (e.g. robotics, medical technology, vehicle technology, microsystems technology, mechanical and plant engineering)
  • Project management, quality assurance, test and development departments
  • Opportunity for further qualification, for example Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or industrial engineering

Costs and financing

• Tuition fees (as of 2024):
  • 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)
  • plus exam fee for final thesis per attempt: €563
• Funding options:
  • The HFH offers advice on individual financing options such as BAföG, scholarships, and instalment payments.
  • Recognition of professional prior knowledge or previous achievements can reduce the study duration and costs.