Automotive Engineering
Automotive engineering is a key driver of economic development and industrial innovation in Germany and worldwide. Individual demand for mobility solutions is rising, which calls for us to rethink and reimagine the ways we get around. Only new and creative approaches to design and compatibility will enable us to develop exciting products which are easy on both the earth’s resources and people’s budgets.
Your future career
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Automotive engineers primarily work in product development for major players in the automobile industry, including manufacturers, suppliers and R&D services. Their day-to-day tasks involve body design and simulation or work on dashboards or interiors. They plan and design vehicle engines, drives or chassis systems, or run tests on newly developed engines and parts for cars, commercial and special purpose vehicles.
Course content and structure
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The first two semesters focus on the subject’s theoretical basis, encompassing mathematics, data processing, materials science, engineering mechanics, key principles of design, and descriptive geometry.
During semesters 3 to 6, you work on a focal area chosen from the following:
- Powertrain and chassis systems
- Automotive body engineering
- Commercial and special purpose vehicles
The seventh semester consists of a 22-week industrial experience phase, which usually forms the basis of the Bachelor thesis that follows.
Your interests and skills
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To be happy and successful studying Automotive Engineering, you’ll need a keen interest in the interaction of mobility and technology and should be enthusiastic about solving complex issues from engineering science.
A strong ability in mathematics or physics is essential. You’ll do well in this course if you have good spatial awareness, robust logical thinking skills and are a creative team player and self-starter.
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.
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. Jan Friedhoff
Berliner Tor 9, 20099 Hamburg
Tel.: + 49.40.428 75-7903
jan.friedhoff (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, 20099 Hamburg
Tel.: + 49.40.428 75-7896
eckart.nast(@)haw-hamburg.de