Where to study?
The question is complex and the criteria you use to decide will differ greatly from person to person. Do you want to stay at home – or would you rather live far away? Are you already committed to a particular specialization that is only available in certain locations (e.g. marine electrical engineering in Wismar)? Would you like to study in a cool big city or a laid-back smaller town? Should your future university always be top of the various rankings – even though the rankings often only consider the research and not the teaching? And if so: bear in mind that Munich also always takes the top spot as the most expensive city.
Academic university or university of applied sciences?
In recent years and decades, the differences between these two types of higher education institutions have been ironed out to some extent, and the name of the degree is now the same. Universities of applied sciences still tend to have a more practical focus, and many of them do not offer doctorates, for example.
What – exactly – to study?
Electrical engineering is the generic term for a very broad field, which includes a large number of sometimes very different individual disciplines. There are degree courses that start out very general and where specialization does not take place until the master’s stage. But there are also some where you already have to decide the specific learning path you want to take when you choose your bachelor’s degree. In addition, electrical engineering doesn’t always mean the same thing: some degree courses are called “Industrial Engineering” or “Applied Robotics”, for example, which of course sounds a bit cooler, but does not necessarily make the subject any clearer. Ultimately, unfortunately, you have to take a very close look at each individual offer.
Which degree?
Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science are two qualifications that you can obtain in electrical engineering. Universities of applied science have a free rein in both what their degree programs contain, and what they are called. Whether one degree is considered to be of higher quality or value than the other – especially abroad – is a matter of debate. What is certain, however, is that, once you enter the world of employment, no one ever asks about it again. There is also the “Bachelor of Education” for people who later want to teach electrical engineering at vocational schools.
At some universities you can also opt for the classic German qualification “Diplom-Ingenieur”. But in the end, it doesn’t matter what the degree is called: once they have completed their studies, graduates can call themselves “engineers”. The job title is protected by German law.
Vocational training or university degree?
The electrical trade, professions in industrial electrics or corresponding professions in the energy industry are an alternative for young people who are more practically minded and do not want to go to university. More information is available at https://www.e-zubis.de or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/e_zubis/. And once you’ve completed your training, you can always go on to study at university...
On-campus or distance learning?
At certain private distance learning universities such as AKAD University and the International University IU, you can also study electrical engineering from home. In addition, some regular universities offer distance learning courses
in parallel to the on-campus courses, such as HTW Dresden, while others provide the option of a hybrid course with individual on-campus phases. Distance learning could be a suitable alternative for you, especially if you are unable, for personal or professional reasons, to move to a university town. However, if you are not sure you have the self-discipline and learning skills for distance learning, you would be wise to choose an alternative. And beware: as with all private universities, you should look at the costs involved before making a decision.
More information at:
https://www.fernstudi.net/ (in German)
But what about another option...?
For young people interested in STEM who have not yet decided on a course of study, or cannot make up their mind, there are now also various orientation courses where you can first get a taste of different areas. As a rule, credits earned will be counted towards later studies.
More information at:
https://www.komm-mach-mint.de/ (in German)
https://www.komm-mach-mint.de/schuelerinnen/orientierungsstudium (in German)
The alternative – a dual study program?
Here, studies at the university are combined with practical work in a company; in some cases, you can even do an apprenticeship at the same time and then have a double qualification. The advantages: you already start earning during your studies and will most likely have a job immediately afterwards. On the other hand, by committing to one company, you limit yourself early on and your career path involves less theory.
More information at:
www.wegweiser-duales-studium.de (in German)
