Mechatronics

As a mechatronics engineer, you will develop intelligent systems that combine mechanics, electronics and software. You will work in development teams at manufacturers, suppliers or engineering service providers – in the automotive and aerospace industries, in mechanical engineering, in automation technology or at start-ups. Your work combines technical innovation with problem-solving skills to shape the future of mobility and technology.

Industrial and professional associations regard mechatronics specialists as desirable employees with very good career prospects. The current shortage of qualified engineers for specialist roles is set to continue, in Germany, in Europe and across the globe.

First phase

During the first three semesters, the curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of engineering: mathematics, mechanics, materials science, manufacturing technology, electrical engineering, data processing and design.

In the fourth semester, you will deepen your knowledge of mechatronics: you will study machine elements, control engineering, sensor technology, actuator technology, signals and systems, as well as the mobility and aviation industries – thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of the design and development of mechatronic systems.

Advanced studies and specialisations

From the fifth semester onwards, you tailor your studies to your individual interests. Alongside compulsory mechatronics modules such as Mechatronic Design, Modelling and Simulation of Dynamic Systems, Embedded Systems, and Condition Monitoring and Machine Learning, you deepen your knowledge with freely selectable compulsory-elective modules or one of two specialisations:

• freely selectable compulsory-elective modules
• Specialisation in Vehicle Mechatronics
• Specialisation in Aircraft Systems Engineering

The specialisations consist of five compulsory elective modules, which you select from the range of modules offered by the Automotive Engineering and Aircraft Engineering programmes.

In the Vehicle Mechatronics specialisation, you will take the modules ‘Complete Vehicle Engineering’, ‘Powertrain Engineering’ and ‘Chassis Engineering’ in the 5th semester. In the 6th semester, you will choose two further modules from a wide range of options. These range from active suspension systems, through vehicle dynamics and sustainable propulsion systems, to battery technology and rail vehicle technology.

In the specialisation in Aircraft Systems Engineering, you will take the modules Aerodynamics of Airfoils and Wings, Aircraft Structures and Aircraft Systems in the 5th semester. In the 6th semester you will choose two further modules from the fields of lightweight structures, computational fluid dynamics, avionics and cabin electronics, or the development of mechatronic cabin systems.

In the seventh semester, you will complete a ten-week practical module and conclude your studies with a Bachelor’s thesis – either in collaboration with a company or as part of a research project at HAW Hamburg.

This phase concludes with your Bachelor thesis.

Semester abroad

Fancy a degree programme with an international twist? Whether in Paris, Barcelona, Hanoi or at one of our many other partner universities – international experience can be easily integrated into your mechatronics degree.

A highlight: we have a particularly close partnership with the Vietnamese-German University – mechatronics is taught there based on our model, and we are preparing a joint double-degree programme.

This allows you to take your specialist knowledge to the next level, get to know new cultures and make contacts that will help you advance both personally and professionally.

Do you want to do more than just understand how technology works – do you want to design it yourself? In mechatronics, you’ll learn to develop software, design circuits and engineer components – and combine all of this into a single system. This ability to integrate makes mechatronics engineers unique and particularly sought-after wherever companies develop their own technical systems: in the automotive and aerospace industries, in mechanical engineering, in medical technology, or at automation and energy companies.

If you enjoy tinkering, trying out new things and are keen to help shape technical solutions from the initial idea through to the finished product, mechatronics is a good fit for you. A foundation in the natural sciences is essential – but above all, what counts is curiosity, creativity and a willingness to think beyond disciplinary boundaries.

Did you complete your secondary education outside Germany?

• If you want to do your bachelor's degree in Germany, you need an academic qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife. Here you will find all the information for international prospective students.
• Please note that you must provide proof of German language skills at C1 level.

The following applies to all applicants:

• You are required to provideproof of proficiency in English at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference

Did you complete your secondary education in Germany?
You can apply directly for this course if you hold one of the following qualifications:

• Fachhochschulreife
• Allgemeine Hochschulreife
• Fachgebundene Hochschulreife (subject-specific HE entrance qualification)
• A similar qualification

You can find information about the selection process and the numerus clausus (NC) from the previous semester here: Applying for a Bachelor's degree course/Selection criteria

We only accept online applications. Before applying, applicants must register with www.hochschulstart.de. (If you would like to apply for the dual study programme, you do not need to register on hochschulstart. Information is only available in German at TI dual.
During the application period (for the winter semester: 1 June–15 July) you can find the online application and detailed information about the application process on the Applying for a Bachelor's degree course page.

International applicants are also required to apply during the application period.
To make the process easier for you, we have compiled a step-by-step checklist: International applicants