The aim of Stage 1 studies is to build up fundamental knowledge on the broadest possible basis, enabling undergraduate automation engineers to familiarise themselves with as many engineering fields as possible. This is necessary not only because automation technology is an interdisciplinary technology, but because it also enables graduate engineers to quickly regain their footing in the event of later career changes, whether intentional or unintentional (e.g. due to developments such as improvements resulting from innovative technologies, a change of industry, etc.).
Electronics? Mechanical engineering? Informatics? The right mix makes the difference!
Who can imagine the modern world without touchscreens? They are used not only for smartphones or cars. In today's world, even washing machines and refrigerators can be operated using icons on a screen. But it's not just about touchscreens. There is a lot more to ensuring that it is possible, for instance, to read error codes and logs in a modern car, thus greatly simplifying maintenance. This requires sensors and control units in which microcontrollers process the information. It is the interaction of modern sensors and actuators, of modern software and ergonomic operating elements, that makes for good automation. It is this interaction that makes an autopilot in an aircraft or autonomous driving at all possible. The situation is similar in industry. Here, too, great importance is attached to ergonomic operation, maintainability, early error detection and logging. In addition, everything is expected to function autonomously and independently of humans – and preferably fully automatically. It is also a matter of optimising processes and thus saving time and costs. Resource conservation and ecological sustainability also play a major role, as does user-friendliness. But how does that work? How do the classical disciplines of electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and informatics work together? The answers are provided by the Automation and Electronics specialisation.
Why choose this programme
Electronic equipment manufacture' is the biggest job driver in Bremerhaven
According to the survey 'Die größten Jobmotoren in Bremerhaven (2007–2014) (The biggest job drivers in Bremerhaven (2007–2014)) conducted by the Chamber of Employees in Bremen, first place was held by the 'manufacture of electronic equipment'.Strong practical orientation
The study programme has high practical relevance due to the semester of professional practice in industry in the fifth semester, the internal university project in the sixth semester and the industrial professional practice phase in preparation for the bachelor's thesis.Excellent laboratory equipment
Our laboratories offer the latest automation systems from renowned automation manufacturers.
Automation engineer
Development, production, commissioning, maintenance and distribution
The combination of engineering mechanics, electronics and informatics is highly relevant and offers excellent career opportunities for students, for instance, in companies in the fields of electronic engineering, precision engineering, medical technology, mechanical and plant engineering or automotive and aircraft construction. Products include, for example, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and lane departure warning systems (LDW) in automobiles, instrument landing systems (ILS) in aircraft, video systems, intelligent prostheses, infusion pumps, industrial robots and flexibly automated manufacturing systems. The students' education is geared towards taking on tasks in development, production, commissioning, maintenance, service and sales.
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Bachelor of EngineeringStudy Form
Full-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-freeTerm of Admission
Winter semesterMain Course Language
GermanStandard Period of Study
7 Semester
Hard Skills, Soft Skills and practical know-how
What are the subjects?
Stage 1 of the programme (Grundstudium) deals comprehensively with the fundamentals of the subjects mathematics, physics, engineering mechanics, engineering design, materials science, thermodynamics, informatics, electronics engineering and control engineering. These subjects are accompanied by a practical laboratory course which teaches the practical skills required. Stage 2 of the study programme focuses on imparting specialised knowledge and developing the students' hard skills. This part of the programme moves on to more detailed subjects such as production planning, manufacturing technology, quality management, systems theory, analogue circuit and measurement technology, power electronics, electrical machines, digital signal processing, control and fieldbus technology, and process control engineering and simulation. Here, too, most of these subjects are accompanied by a practical laboratory course which teaches the practical skills required. There are also projects, electives and the professional practice semester. These also deal with practical skills, as well as imparting soft skills and presentation techniques.
Programme overview
Automation technology, process control technology, control engineering, mechatronics, electromechanics, technical informatics. Its distinctive feature lies in its combination of electronics engineering, mechanical engineering and informatics. Automation engineering is an interdisciplinary engineering science, and this makes it special.
Professional practical experience begins already in the fifth semester. You are given the choice of undertaking a professional practice semester in an industrial company at home or abroad, during which you will work on engineering tasks for 20 weeks under close supervision, thus gaining valuable experience for your future career. You can search for a placement in Bremerhaven or the surrounding area, in Bremen, in Germany or abroad. This gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the workplace of an automation engineer. In the seventh semester, there is then the 10-week professional practice phase in preparation for your final thesis. Here, too, you make the decision. Should it be the same industry, company size, nation as in the previously chosen semester of professional practice? It is not unusual for graduates to find their first job in the company where they worked while writing their thesis. Or you may decide to build on your bachelor's degree by studying for a master's degree, such as a Master of Arts in 'Embedded Systems Design' at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences.
Admission and application
Admission to the programme requires a general higher education entrance qualification, an entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences or an educational qualification recognised as equivalent. The Registration Office and the Student Advisory Service can provide information on the options for studying without a higher education entrance qualification. The admission requirement for foreign students is an C1 language level in German.
The Engineering (ING) study programme admits students in the winter semester every year. The application deadline is 15 July. Please apply online through our ecampus application portal where you can upload all the necessary documents.
The Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a member of UNI-ASSIST (Application Services for International Students). Prospective students who have gained their university entrance qualification outside the European Union (EU) can therefore submit their application directly to UNI-ASSIST. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the winter semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 30 June. Following a successful review, this is forwarded on to the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. UNI-ASSIST charges applicants a fee to process the application (www.uni-assist.de).
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
Please take advantage of the offers for prospective students to help you find out more before your study commences.
Learn more about the study programme
Engineering – Automation and Electronics