Structural Engineering University of Duisburg-Essen

The Bachelor's programme of Structural Engineering is dedicated to the planning, construction, manufacture and operation of structures in the fields of structural engineering, civil engineering, transportation engineering, and hydraulic engineering. It provides both a thorough scientific basis and practical expert knowledge by preparing students for the diverse requirements of the construction industry. The programme focuses on traditional construction subjects, such as statics, concrete construction, and steel construction. Geotechnical fundamentals, such as ground investigation and building foundations, add to the range of modules on offer and ensure a comprehensive understanding of soil properties.

The programme also provides in-depth knowledge of construction management in order to train successful organisation and implementation of large construction projects, in which aspects such as quality management and economic planning strategies are key. Next to this, students acquire in-depth knowledge of international construction law on the one, and national standards on the other hand, preparing them for the globalised job market.

The Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering is the basis for a winning career as a civil engineer and may be added by further education towards a Master's degree and work in academia. More often however, graduates find employment as engineers in both construction and commercial companies, engineering offices, or in the public sector. As a special career feature, the increasing internationalisation in civil engineering provides for international job opportunities: German companies are significantly involved in major international construction projects, leading to economic stability. From the growing construction industry in major international cities to booming environmental engineering, graduates can find attractive long-term employment opportunities in a dynamic and future-proof field of work.

The first two semesters offer general orientation, both in the subject matter and the German culture and language. Hence, in the first year, the language of instruction in this Bachelor's degree programme for the basic subjects is English. In addition, language courses are offered. The remaining four semesters are taught in German and English, and they further the knowledge expected to successfully finish with a degree.

In addition to the compulsory courses in the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to pursue personal engineering interests in elective courses. Methods of teaching include practical laboratory assignments and participation in project team work. Non-technical courses are also integrated into the curriculum which serve to develop soft skills and key qualifications.

The degree programme concludes with the Bachelor’s thesis. The thesis illustrates your ability to work independently and within a given time frame on a specific problem from the field of Engineering using scientific method. Bachelor graduates are qualified to continue their studies in a postgraduate (so-called consecutive) or interdisciplinary Master’s programme. However, you can also use your Bachelor’s degree to enter the job market directly.

An industrial internship in a company is compulsory for all Bachelor's students.

University entrance qualification ("Abitur") or a high school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur, or special university entrance qualification (restricted to certain fields of study, "Fachhochschulreife"), or equivalent

Proof of course grades in Mathematics of 2.5 or better (or equivalent grades) during the last three years prior to the application for this study programme

All students are required to pay an administrative fee of about 350 EUR per semester. The administrative fee includes a monthly ticket for public transport in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, subsidised meals in the university canteen, and administrative services of the university itself.

With an estimated monthly budget of 1,200 EUR, you’ll find Duisburg, Essen, and the surrounding metropolitan area of "Ruhrgebiet" an affordable place to live and study, with great public transport, and student-friendly housing.

The faculty and the teaching and administrative staff all aim to support international students towards academic success and their integration into the German job market after completing their studies. A variety of additional courses on how to relocate to a foreign country and culture, on intercultural communication, on dealing with institutions and finding one's way in them, plus how to enter the German job market successfully all add to your swiftly feeling at home in Germany.

Accommodation is possible both in student housing run by the "Studierendenwerk" and in flats offered on the free housing market. The rent for a room in a student hall of residence is around 350 to 500 EUR per month.

We are a young faculty with a structure unique to Germany. From electrical engineering and information technology to mechanical engineering, materials technology and civil engineering - everything belonging to the field of engineering is united under one roof. Beyond these, medical technology, business administration, and logistics ensure additional multi-perspective study programmes and multidisciplinary research approaches. With some 50 institutes, some 80 professors, and over 7,500 students, we are one of the largest engineering faculties in Germany.

For the Faculty of Engineering, internationalisation is a primary goal for advancing its performance in research and teaching. This includes the faculty-wide range of internationally oriented Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes, the “International Studies in Engineering” (ISE) structure. We also proudly host a large number of guest researchers from all over the world research who add to the international reputation of the Faculty of Engineering.

The multicultural people of the Ruhr area are known for their open-mindedness, inventiveness and a great deal of curiosity. Sports & leisure, gastronomy, arts & culture, numerous shopping opportunities and "special places" – not only the cities of Duisburg and Essen, but the whole metropolitan area has much more to offer than one – or even several – of the largest universities in Germany.