Curriculum for Rail Vehicle Engineering
Dealing with the consequences of increasing mobility is a central societal issue of the 21st century. The traffic and environmental problems that have been growing for years, particularly in urban areas, along with the climate debate, are leading to an increased share of modern rail systems in the modal split. The European high-speed rail network is steadily expanding, freight transport by rail is also increasing in absolute terms, and many major cities have rediscovered trams and urban rail systems that were once considered outdated and obstructive.
Rail Vehicle Engineering as an Academic Discipline
The field of Rail Vehicle Engineering is represented at TU Dresden by the Chair of Rail Vehicles at the Institute of Railway Vehicles and Railway Technology.
For students interested in rail vehicle engineering, TU Dresden offers two main paths for university education. Firstly, the modularized Diploma program in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Rail Vehicle Engineering can be chosen. In this path, a two-year basic study program in general mechanical engineering is followed by a three-year advanced study program, during which students can attend subject-specific courses. Alternatively, students can opt for a Bachelor’s program followed by a Master’s program.
The courses offered by the Chair of Rail Vehicles cover two main areas: Rail Vehicle Engineering and Locomotive Engineering, which are divided into several modules. For detailed information about the content of the lectures, please refer to the Courses section.
Why pursue a degree in Rail Vehicle Engineering?
As a future Diploma Engineer, you will play a key role in creating sustainable transport solutions and efficient technologies. In principle, our graduates have a very wide range of career opportunities.
Rail vehicle engineers work at vehicle manufacturers as designers, calculation engineers, project managers, commissioning engineers, or even as sales specialists. On the other hand, operating companies offer employment opportunities for those interested in maintenance, vehicle modification, procurement, and operations. Additionally, there are numerous service providers, such as engineering offices and consulting firms, which actively rely on the expertise of our graduates. In the supplier industry, you develop specialized product solutions, possibly even outside the rail vehicle engineering sector. As a future employee of inspection and testing institutions, you will accompany the approval process of vehicles and their components. Research institutions also provide numerous employment opportunities.
Further Information
- Uni Tag: Open Day with a wide range of information opportunities (annually in the 2nd quarter)
- Uni Live: Trial study program with attendance of lectures (annually in the 1st quarter)
- Lecture series: Overview of Mechanical Engineering Study Tracks (1st or 2nd quarter)
- Potential employers in Saxony (courtesy of the Saxony Economic Development Corporation)