Study content

The aim of the Bachelor's degree programme in Railway Engineering is to prepare graduates for careers in the industry with a solid foundation in engineering sciences, as well as specialized knowledge in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of railway systems. Once the fundamentals have been established during the introductory semesters, students can be trained to become technically and information technology-oriented engineers, also with regard to methodological competencies, through specialized topics and subject areas.

Therefore, the study programme increasingly demands independent work in both practical (researching, structuring, programmeming, problem-solving, documenting, planning, etc.) and theoretical areas (analyzing, researching, developing, etc.), after the corresponding foundational skills have been taught. In addition to current professional qualifications, for example in the sustainable planning and maintenance of railway systems, the programme also fosters an analytical mindset that enables our graduates to, for example, first ask the right questions and then address them independently. Particular attention is paid to current issues of energy use. Special emphasis is placed on the application of modern information technologies.

Study programme

The railway engineering degree program is divided into basic studies, main studies, and advanced studies. A total of 180

Credit Point = 1 CrP entspricht 30 Zeitstunden Arbeitsaufwand zur Vor- und Nachbereitung sowie zum Besuch von Lehrveranstaltungen.

Semesterwochenstunde = Unterrichtseinheit à 45 Min./Woche. Präsenzveranstaltungen an der Hochschule werden im Modulhandbuch in SWS ausgewiesen.

In their undergraduate studies, students acquire fundamental knowledge in the fields of mathematics, physics, electrical engineering, mechanics, and computer science. Excursions, exercises, and practical courses provide initial insights into the complex interrelationships within railway engineering. Working in groups, students learn various communication and presentation techniques as well as interdisciplinary collaboration.

The main course of study provides comprehensive expertise in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of railway infrastructure. This includes, for example, tracks, bridges, and tunnels, as well as signaling and safety systems, overhead contact lines, and telecommunications. In the advanced course of study, students choose one of the following four specializations: civil engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, or communications engineering.

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Construction

The specialization in civil engineering focuses on the planning, design, and renovation of structures, taking into account the needs of ongoing railway operations. Courses related to this specialization take place on the Giessen campus.

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Electrical engineering

Electrical engineering provides knowledge about the planning, calculation and operation of power supply networks.

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Information technology

The Information Technology/Simulation department imparts specialist knowledge about information processing technologies related to railway operations. This includes both train control and communication systems.

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Communication technology

The detailed study program can be found in the module handbook.

Perspectives

The railway is an extremely complex system that requires not only interdisciplinary collaboration, intensive communication, and the development of innovative solutions, but also engineers who view the railway as a system and can assess the impact of their own work on other disciplines. Students acquire these skills, among other things, through the cooperation of three Departments and the associated joint training of students from various professional fields, as well as the continuous integration of cooperation partners into teaching to ensure a high degree of practical relevance. In this way, graduates can apply their acquired knowledge and understanding to their work and develop or further refine solutions to problems in their field. They understand the railway system and possess the necessary expertise in their professional field to be able to engage in dialogue and make productive contributions from their very first day on the job.

Dual study option (is+i)

The dual study programme (is+i) is a dual study option offered by the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen at its Friedberg campus. Its focus is the direct integration of lectures in the Railway Engineering programme at the university and practical experience at a partner company. These dual practical phases are designed to provide students with exceptional professional and personal preparation for their future careers. During the lecture period, students attend the modules of the programme according to the examination regulations. During the semester breaks, they complete part of their independent study at the partner company. This allows them to directly apply the knowledge gained at the university to practical experience at the partner company.

We offer:

• a direct application of the learned theory following each semester
• a demanding and future-proof education
• basic financial security for the entire duration of studies
• a secure first step into professional life
• Through preliminary bridging courses, a study-accompanying tutoring and mentoring programme, and a reduction in the density of exams, good conditions are created for above-average academic success.

You can find all further information on the page about dual study options.

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