BSc Information Engineering Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Today's complex information processing systems require specialists with comprehensive know-how regarding the software, hardware and information technology aspects of such systems. This degree enables you to understand, specify, design and maintain such systems as well as to further specialise in the disciplines involved.

Basics of Mathematics & Mathematics Extensions:
The first two semesters will supply the mathematical fundamentals for scientific engineering. During the following two semesters, you will be taught the basics of signal & system theory, which are essential for information technology.

Intro. to Electrical Engineering & Electronics:
This series of lectures includes basic measuring techniques and methods of design and analysis of linear and non-linear circuits. The courses are supplemented by two lectures on electronics that introduce electronic devices and the foundations of analogue electronic circuits. A lecture on digital circuits completes this series.

Electrical Engineering Applications:
Information and communication systems are software-based and run on application-specific hardware. Fundamentals of microcontroller architecture and programming are introduced in one course. An additional course offers the design and implementation of application-specific digital systems and the corresponding VHDL hardware description language.

Software Construction:
Technical systems are widely based on software. Therefore, knowledge of programming languages and methods of software design is essential. This course introduces the procedure-oriented programming language C and the object-oriented language JAVA. Additional topics are algorithms and data structures.

Computer Science:
This course builds on the "software construction" course. It contains methods and procedures to design complex software systems and is completed with modern concepts of databases and operating systems. Finally, there is a software engineering project in which students apply their knowledge to solve a manageable problem in small groups.

Advanced Engineering Topics and Electives:
Students specialise in further fields of engineering via electives and the following modules: bus systems & sensors and digital communication systems and digital signal processing, which deal with the transmission and processing of analogue and digital signals.

Non-Technical Modules:
Economics & management and scientific & project work, intercultural competence and German language as well as learning and study methods

Internship:
In the fifth semester, students complete an internship in industry for 20 weeks to become acquainted with the daily working life of an engineer. Personal support is provided by a professor.

This course is taught in person only. There isn't an option to study online.

• First Semester
  • Mathematics 1 (5 TU) + Exercise (1 TU)
  • Electrical Engineering 1 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Software Construction 1 (4 TU) + Lab (1.5 TU)
  • German (2 TU)
  • Learning and Study Methods (3.25 TU)

• Second Semester
  • Mathematics 2 (5 TU) + Exercise (1 TU)
  • Electrical Engineering 2 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Electronics 1 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Software Construction 2 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Intercultural Competence (2 TU)
  • Learning and Study Methods (1.25 TU)

• Third Semester
  • Signals and Systems 1 (3 TU) + Lab (1TU)
  • Electronics 2 (4 TU) + Lab (1.5 TU)
  • Digital Circuits (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Algorithms & Data Structures (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Economics & Management (3 TU) + Exercise (1 TU)

• Fourth Semester
  • Signals and Systems 2 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Digital Systems 1 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Microcontrollers (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Software Engineering 1 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Databases (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)

• Fifth Semester
  • Scientific & Project Work (2 TU)
  • Industrial Placement of 20 weeks

• Sixth Semester
  • Operating Systems (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Bus Systems and Sensors (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Digital Signal Processing (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Digital Communication Systems (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Elective Project 1 (3 TU)

• Seventh Semester
  • Elective Module 1 (3 TU) + Lab (2 TU), Elective Module 2 (3 TU) + Lab (1 TU)
  • Elective Project 2 (4 TU)
  • Bachelor's Thesis

1 TU = teaching unit of 45 minutes per week

This course is taught in person only. There isn't an option to study online.

For more detailed information about the modules and course content, please click on the PDF link below.

An internship of twenty weeks is to be completed during the fifth semester. Programme advisers will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

• Secondary school certificate (twelve school years minimum) equivalent to the German "Abitur" or "Fachhochschulreife"
• Proof of English ability if English is not the applicant's first language (see language requirements)
• Strong interest in technology and technical systems, good understanding of mathematics, ability to think in abstract ways

Uni-assist (VPD) (http://www.uni-assist.de): Students who completed their school education outside Germany must have their high school certificate and (where necessary) their university transcripts checked by uni-assist and receive a VPD (pre-registration documentation) BEFORE applying to the HAW Hamburg. The VPD from uni-assist must be uploaded as part of the application process at HAW Hamburg. Please be advised that the uni-assist VPD process can take six to eight weeks, so please apply early.

For more information about admission requirements: HAW-Hamburg: Information Engineering (BSc) – Information for prospective students

Each semester, students have to pay a semester contribution (379 EUR as of September 2026). This fee includes a semester ticket for unlimited use of Hamburg's public transport system (and currently also for regional trains as part of the Deutschlandticket programme). For more information about studying in Hamburg, see: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Hamburg is a relatively expensive city. Depending on your lifestyle and where you live, you should expect living costs of 1,000 to 1,300 EUR for rent, food, and other expenses.

If you are coming to Germany on a visa, you will have to provide proof of your finances for the first year: 853 EUR per month (10,236 EUR per year).

EU students can work 20 hours per week.

Students from non-EU countries are permitted to work 140 full days (280 half days) in one calendar year. Please be advised that part-time job opportunities are limited, especially for students who do not speak German. It is unlikely that we will be able to offer you a job on campus. Therefore, please make sure you have sufficient finances for your studies.

More information can be found here, under "Visa & Paperwork": https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Students can apply for scholarships for academic excellence. They can also apply for an examination scholarship when they are in their final semester. This will serve as a financial support while students are completing their Bachelor's theses. More information can be found here: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/international/international-students/.

Please be advised that it is unfortunately not easy to find accommodation in Hamburg; finding somewhere to live can take a while and best done once you have arrived in Hamburg. Try getting an AirBnB first and search after arrival to avoid online scams.

Student halls of residences are organised by the "Studierendenwerk Hamburg". They offer affordable accommodation for students under the age of 30. Generally, students have their own room in a shared apartment with a communal bathroom and kitchen. The monthly rent for a room in a student hall of residence is usually between 350 and 450 EUR (including amenities). New students can apply three months before the start of their degree programme. Please be advised that they unfortunately have long waiting lists.

Further information about accommodation can be found here: https://www.haw-hamburg.de/en/study/campus-life/accommodation/.

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg) is one of the largest of its kind in Germany and within our nine faculties we offer a wide range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in engineering, IT, life sciences, design and media as well as business and social sciences.

We focus on hands-on applied teaching, giving our students a practical insight into their fields of study through projects, lab work, internships and theses in industry.

Our expertise is drawn from faculty members who have worked in industry before joining the university. In research, we are an important partner for the city of Hamburg’s companies and innovation clusters, developing new ideas from the synergies of this dynamic location.

Our fields of expertise reflect the technologies, industries and services that make Germany a leading economy, and our close collaboration with Hamburg's innovation clusters allows us to develop this knowledge in our teaching and research.

We are a very international university, with students from over 100 countries making up 11% of our students. Combined with the international nature of the city of Hamburg, you will feel very comfortable studying here.

Read more about the city and what our students say: HAW-Hamburg: International students.

In the north of Germany and in the heart of Europe, Germany’s second largest city (1.8 million) offers excellent quality of life and international flair. If you like to spend your leisure time outdoors, then you will love Europe’s “greenest” city with its lake, canals and beautiful parks. For those of you who love culture, Hamburg’s museums, theatres and its world-famous concert hall, the Elbphilharmonie, will inspire you.

Hamburg is also one of the most dynamic commercial centres in Europe, placing its strategic focus on six innovative segments: aviation (Airbus), IT and media, the international port and logistics, life sciences (biotechnology, medical technology and health care), nanotechnology, and renewable energies. We are sure you will feel at home.