Additive manufacturing - materials, development and lightweight construction
Bachelor

The degree programme includes numerous core competencies in additive manufacturing (3D printing) based on a solid foundation in mechanical engineering and, in addition to specific material and process engineering knowledge, primarily teaches what is known as "additive thinking". This means that the new design freedoms of additive manufacturing (3D printing), which are of particular importance for the key technology of lightweight construction, are specifically trained. The Lightweight Construction and Production and Quality Management profiles offer in-depth study and specialisation, depending on individual inclinations.

The wide range of career opportunities and job offers extends from mechanical engineering to medical technology, from the automotive sector including the production and supply industry to aerospace engineering. Furthermore, the degree programme is a good starting point for various technical Master's programmes, such as the Master's in Lightweight Construction and Simulation.

The degree programme comprises six theoretical semesters and a practical semester in the fifth semester. The first three semesters teach basic sciences such as engineering mathematics, materials science and design, while this knowledge is deepened in the fourth semester. From the fifth semester onwards, the profile is formed by choosing one of the specialisations: Lightweight Construction or Production and Quality Management. The programme concludes in the seventh semester with the completion of a Bachelor's thesis. Practical training in industrial companies and technical institutions takes place outside the university, supervised by the university and supplemented by practical courses. The pre-study work placement lasts six weeks and the industrial placement in the practical semester lasts 80 days.

The dual study programme is a practice-oriented form of study that combines theoretical course content at universities with professional practice in a company. During their dual study programme, students complete both lectures at the university and practical assignments at the company, allowing them to acquire both academic knowledge and practical experience at the same time.

After completing a Bachelor's degree in Additive Manufacturing - Materials, Development and Lightweight Construction, career prospects open up that are similar to those of mechanical engineering graduates, but with a clear specialisation in additive manufacturing technology, where there is currently a shortage of skilled workers. Graduates can work in various areas such as product development, project management, quality control and research, whereby their expertise in innovative manufacturing technologies and lightweight construction is particularly in demand.