Information Engineering

Complex systems that process various kinds of information can be found in many business and industrial sectors. In automotive systems, electronic control units process sensor output to determine the car's current stability and derive counter-measures in critical situations. User interfaces with touch panels read user inputs and control machines in the automation industry. Autonomous vehicles in automated warehouses make use of various sensor signals to find the right shelf. Smart cameras check the quality of parts and goods post-production, and wireless communication systems allow mobile devices to deliver location-based services.

All these fields need people who have the engineering know-how to design the information processing components of such systems – as software architects or designers, electronics engineers, system engineers or test and quality engineers. As an Information Engineering graduate, you could also work in (technical) marketing as a link between German companies and the markets, suppliers and business partners worldwide.

Your ability to put theoretical and state-of-the art knowledge into practice will make you very attractive to employers. Equipped with project experience gained from the first semester on, project management and business skills, and experience from a mandatory industrial placement, you will be well prepared to take on responsibility in a company.

The degree course, which has been accredited by ASIIN, is seven semesters in length, with a large part of the curriculum dedicated to practical experience in the form of lab work, student projects and a semester in industry.

Curriculum (structure):

• Year 1: fundamentals of mathematics, electrical engineering and software construction, intercultural and language competencies
• Year 2: signals and systems, analog and digital electronics and applications, computer science and applications, economics and management
• Semester 5: industrial placement (20 weeks)
• Semesters 6/7: selected topics in computer science, computer engineering and information engineering, elective modules, Bachelor thesis

This degree course will suit you if you have a broad general interest in technology and technical systems, enjoy solving problems from mathematics and physics, and like the idea of programming and creating software solutions and understanding and advancing the electronic aspects of today’s technology. You’ll do well if you have the passion and staying power to tackle and solve complex tasks and are a rational and independent thinker.

The degree course admits first-year students in the winter semester and in the summer semester.

Application period for the winter semester: EU applicants: 1 June–15 July; non-EU applicants: 1 April–31 May
Application period for the summer semester: EU applicants: 1 December–15 January; non-EU applicants: 1 October–30 November

To apply for the degree program Information Engineering, applicants must meet the following requirements

• Higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife) equivalent to German Fachhochschulreife, allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur) or fachgebundene Hochschulreife or equivalent qualification
• Proof of proficiency in English at the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as specified in section 7, paragraph 2 of the General Admissions Regulations [HAWAZO].

If you completed your schooling outside Germany and pursue a Bachelor’s degree, an academic school-leaving qualification is mandatory which entitles you to admission to higher education and is comparable to a German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. The organisation uni assist will evaluate your certificates from school and any degree-level studies to determine the comparability. The VPD certificate from uni-assist is required for the application.

Submitting additional documents will improve your chances in the selection:

• Relevant practical experience in the technical field
• Relevant extracurricular activities in the technical field
• Feststellungsprüfung at the Studienkolleg
• A statement that explains the reason for choosing this degree program

You may submit a CV.

Applicants seeking admission to an advanced/higher semester require a certificate issued by the subject-specific advisory service/academic advising office.

More detailed information about HAW Hamburg’s application criteria can be found at International applicants.

Please note the application deadlines above. Applications can only be submitted during the application period.

You must complete the application form at myHAW and upload all the necessary documents (see admission requirements above) there to submit your application.

As the programme is restricted,  the commission committee makes a ranking and determines who will get a spot. 

Admission letters go out approximately two weeks after the application deadline.