Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineering is a major growth industry, within which Hamburg is a leading worldwide player.
At HAW Hamburg, we work closely with the aviation industry to ensure our students are taught on the basis of up-to-the-minute developments in engineering and can relate their learning directly to real-world problems and solutions. Students can choose from focal areas looking at design, structures and aircraft cabins.
Your future career
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Aeronautical engineers principally work in the development, design, testing and production of aircraft and related products, as well as conducting servicing and maintenance tasks in maintenance hangars.
Course content and structure
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The first two semesters focus on the subject’s theoretical basis, encompassing mathematics, physics, materials science, engineering mechanics and key principles of design.
During semesters 3 to 6, you work on a focal area chosen from the following:
- Aircraft design and lightweight structures
- Cabin design and cabin systems
The degree course encompasses lightweight construction engineering, aerodynamics, flight mechanics and aircraft manufacturing; the ‘Cabin design and cabin systems’ focal area additionally entails the study of cabin planning, ergonomics and design, cabin systems and system integration.
The seventh semester consists of a 22-week industrial experience phase. Here students receive the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and capabilities acquired in their degree course through hands-on work on real-life engineering problems. They also gain insights into the world of work in its technical, scientific, organisational and economic facets and contexts. This practical phase – and the degree course – concludes with the completion of a Bachelor thesis.
Your interests and skills
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If you have a passion for technology and for aviation and enjoy working creatively, HAW Hamburg’s degree course in Aeronautical Engineering will suit you down to the ground. You’ll need strong abilities in mathematics and physics, solid English language skills, good spatial awareness and a flair for construction and design.
Interested – but not quite sure yet whether this is the right course for you? Our self-assessment test can help you make up your mind. Take it here: HAW Navigator.
Admission requirements
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School-leaving certificate
You can apply directly to us with one of these qualifications:
- Fachhochschulreife
- Allgemeine Hochschulreife
- Fachgebundene Hochschulreife
- Meister*in oder Fachwirt*in
Do you not have a traditional university entrance qualification, but have completed vocational training and have at least three years of professional experience? Then you can apply via the special university entrance qualification for professionals (§ 38 HmbHG), more information can be found here
English language skills
You need English language skills at B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); this overview shows which certificates are recognised.
Pre-study work experience
The current examination regulations require 13 weeks of pre-study work experience for this degree programme. It is recommended that you complete the general technical pre-study work experience (8 weeks) before starting the degree programme. However, you do not need this for your application and can also complete it during the lecture-free period.
You did not obtain your degree in Germany?
If you want to do your Bachelor's degree in Germany, you need an academic qualification that is equivalent to the German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife.
You can find all the information for international prospective students here
Please note that you must provide proof of German language proficiency at C1 level.
Application process
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You can only apply for a study place online. Before you submit your application, you must first register at www.hochschulstart.de.
Application period:
Winter semester: 1 June - 15 July
Summer semester: 1 December - 15 January
During this time, you will find the online application and all important information about the process under the menu item Application Bachelor
As an international applicant, you can also apply online during the application period. It's easy with our step-by-step checklist.
Questions about selecting a course, applications, admissions and degree courses
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Applications and admissions
Student Admissions and Registration Office (Studierendensekretariat)
Stiftstraße 69, 20099 Hamburg (ground floor)
T +49.40.428 75-9898
studierendensekretariat (at) haw-hamburg (dot) de
Contact us with your questions about applications and admissions
The Information Point is open at the following times:
Monday–Thursday: 10:00 am–1:00 pm
Friday: closed
In-person office hours:
Monday+Tuesday: 11am-1pm, Thursday: 2:00 pm–4:00 pm
Telephone office hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 am–10:00 am, Thursday: 9am-11am
For general queries about HAW Hamburg degree courses and course choice
Student Counselling Team (Zentrale Studienberatung)
Stiftstraße 69, 1st floor, room 122
20099 Hamburg
T +49 40 42875 9110
Contact form
Office hours
Contact person for applicants with disabilities or chronic health conditions
Meike Butenob/Dieter Röh
Stiftstraße 69, Haus 3, room 37
Tel. +49.40.428 75-7220
inklusion (at) haw-hamburg (dot) de
Contact the department
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Subject-specific enquiries:
Prof. Dr. Kay Kochan
Berliner Tor 5, 20099 Hamburg
Tel.: + 49.40.428 75-7910
kay.kochan (at) haw-hamburg (dot) de
Enquiries about the cooperative degree programme:
Coordinator for cooperative degree programmes in engineering:
Berliner Tor 21, room 127, 20099 Hamburg
Tel.: + 49.40.428 75-8610
dualstudium_technik(@)haw-hamburg.de
Queries around pre-course experience:
Practical experience advisor:
Prof. Dr. Eckart Nast
Berliner Tor 5, room 11.25, 20099 Hamburg
Tel.: + 49.40.428 75-7896
eckart.nast(@)haw-hamburg.de