Shortage of young talent: “The take-up rate was below 50 percent.”

VDE dialog: What is the situation like for you in disciplines such as electrical engineering?

Prof. Salvatore Sternkopf: In recent years, the number of students on traditional degree courses in the engineering sciences teaching unit at HAWK Göttingen has fallen steadily. The take-up rate for these courses was below 50 percent at the last count. A degree in electrical engineering and information technology as we knew it until recently has become less attractive. Against this backdrop, we brought in big strategic changes. The aim was to make our courses more appealing, to better adapt them to current developments and, in particular, to make them more generalized.

What does that look like?

Prof. Katja Scholz-Bürig: The new Bachelor’s degree course in engineering sciences combines the previous subjects, including electrical engineering and information technology, in a generalized, interdisciplinary study model. This gives students more flexibility and, above all, additional time for orientation before they decide on an individual focus.

How do students view the engineering profession?

Prof. Salvatore Sternkopf: The strategy process also took into account sociological findings on the motivation of first-year students. Many young people have little idea of what STEM careers are like, but at the same time are very afraid of making the wrong decision on what to study. They want more risk-free orientation options. The new generalized Bachelor’s degree course in engineering sciences is an important consequence of this insight, as it promotes both greater flexibility in the choice of course and a gentler introduction.

Are new degree course profiles overtaking traditional courses such as electrical engineering?

Prof. Salvatore Sternkopf: Yes, we are seeing a change in the interests of prospective students. Many young people today are looking for study programs that focus more on future topics such as sustainability, the energy transition and climate action. Traditional degree courses such as electrical engineering often have an image of being outdated or too specialized – even though the content is still highly relevant.

What role does electrical engineering content play in engineering sciences?

Prof. Salvatore Sternkopf: The content of the former electrical engineering and information technology degree courses is clearly embedded in the new course. In the first two semesters, all students acquire a broad foundation in engineering, including electrical engineering, electronics and computer science. From the third semester onwards, students can choose individual specializations, for example in electrical engineering or information technology, with modules such as microprocessor technology, control engineering, digital signal processing or communication technology. Compulsory elective modules also allow students to specialize in future-oriented topics such as Industry 4.0, renewable energy or IT security. The new structure combines traditional content with a flexible focus and a modern profile. This means that the proven specialist content is retained, but is taught in a more attractive and practical way.

How do the industry and university management view this reform process?

Prof. Katja Scholz-Bürig: The university management very much welcomes and supports the reform process, which naturally involves considerable changes and challenges for the teaching staff. We are delighted that HAWK is leading the way here with a modern process tailored to the needs of the students, in order to create and train the specialists that are so important for the future challenges facing our society. This is also very much welcomed by local industry, whose requirements were a crucial part of the process.

Is it clear yet whether the program has become more attractive for students?

Prof. Salvatore Sternkopf: Absolutely. Experience from the first application phases indicates that interest is growing, although reliable enrollment figures and evaluation results are still pending. The new model aims to attract more potential students to engineering, especially ones who have previously been put off by traditional subject boundaries.

Are other universities following a similar path?

Prof. Katja Scholz-Bürig: Although there are no direct collaborations, developments at other universities are showing similar trends; degree courses are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, traditional subject boundaries are blurring and the focus is shifting toward more flexible, practice-oriented courses. The trend toward generalization and stronger links between electrical engineering, computer science and other engineering disciplines can be seen throughout Germany. The new course here at HAWK is therefore future-oriented and in line with current developments in education policy.

About the interviewees:

Prof. Katja Scholz-Bürig has been Vice President for Studies and Teaching at HAWK since 2022. She is also responsible for the area of continuing education and the library, and heads the interdisciplinary HAWK plus program. She initially took up her professorship at HAWK in 2007 in the Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Conservation.

Prof. Salvatore Sternkopf has been Professor of Materials Analysis, Materials Testing and Chemistry at the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts since February 2022. He is also Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Engineering. A doctor of physics, he previously held several positions in industry.