Study Mechanical Engineering
Table of contents
Mechanical engineering is one of the traditional and future engineering disciplines and solves questions relating to the design, manufacture and operation of machines and systems in all areas of the economy. Mobility of the future, artificial intelligence & robotics - mechanical engineering is the foundation of technological progress. At TU Dresden, you can specialize in all directions. Whether aerospace or energy technology - with us you will enjoy a top education with future prospects.
Enrolment
Bachelor/Diplom/Postgraduate Studies
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the TU Dresden maintains the classical engineering degree but has adapted all courses of study to the Bologna criteria for international comparability. The German Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing. 10 semesters) is a globally recognized title and quality term; it is well known in the business world and mainly established in the technical field. A diploma program lasts at least five years in the standard study period. After the first four semesters, an intermediate certificate confirms successful completion of the primary studies, the content of which is broad engineering and scientific fundamentals. After that, students in the diploma program can continue their education and acquire in-depth specialized knowledge in their chosen field during the remaining six semesters. The diploma program includes a technical internship in the 7th semester, which is completed outside the university. This internship allows students to gain practical experience in their future professional environment and apply their theoretical knowledge in industrial practice. After ten semesters, students achieve the professionally qualifying university degree of Diplom-Ingenieur. The comparability of the diploma and master's degree is confirmed for each graduate with the "Diploma Supplement". The diploma is, therefore, equivalent to a master's degree.
In addition to this training program, we offer a three-year bachelor's program (6 semesters), the content of which essentially corresponds to the first semesters of the diploma program. The bachelor's program allows students to enter the workforce earlier. However, it is primarily intended for those who, after completing a bachelor's degree at another university in Germany or abroad, would like to study for a master's degree.
The postgraduate program is our offer to all those who already have an academic degree but want to deepen their knowledge in one of our fields of study. The entry requirement is a completed degree (bachelor's, master's or diploma) in an engineering discipline. Our postgraduate program is therefore particularly suitable for those who wish to change their focus or sharpen their educational profile. After five semesters, students receive the professional degree of Diplom-Ingenieur. Comparability with a Master's degree is confirmed by a "Diploma Supplement", as is the case with undergraduate studies.
Structure
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Further legally binding information and conditions for the degree program, such as the study requirements or application deadlines, can be found in the central study information system (SINS).
Basic studies (1st to 4th semester)
In addition to a basic education in natural sciences and engineering, the mechanical engineering degree programme at TU Dresden includes methodological and task-oriented fields of study/focus areas as well as an extensive range of specializations. The foundation course serves to impart basic skills and primarily includes modules to acquire basic knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering. These include technical mechanics, technical thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and electrical engineering. However, general principles of mechanical engineering such as design and production, machine elements and materials technology are also taught.
Advanced studies
In the second part of the degree course, the basic training is combined with application-oriented knowledge transfer. You can choose one of eight fields of study according to your interests and career aspirations. Automation and the increasing integration of information technologies and artificial intelligence are playing an increasingly important role in all areas.
Knowledge is imparted on the one hand with regard to the rational use of machines and systems, but also on the other hand with regard to the environmentally friendly use of technology and the responsible use of resources. The respective compulsory program in the 5th to 9th semester (Diploma)/ 5th semester (Bachelor) is supplemented on a compulsory elective basis by modules from compulsory elective areas. Specialist and research internships in the diploma course as well as modules for general and interdisciplinary qualification round off the range of courses. The following fields of study are available:
In general and constructive mechanical engineering, students acquire broad basic knowledge that enables them to design, calculate, construct and control a wide variety of machines and machine systems. Key features are the design and integration of the machine in relation to a specific work process and the recording of interactions during operation. Within the specialization, students can further distinguish themselves as design engineers, calculation engineers, product developers, development engineers for mobile machines, industrial designers and intralogistics.
Are you fascinated by the idea of supplying the world with safe, affordable and environmentally friendly energy? Do you value real sustainability? Then energy technology is your thing, because this is where it really gets down to business! In the main degree course, you will be introduced to the exciting world of energy technology and get an all-round overview of all the important topics. From energy machines and building energy technology to renewable energy supply and even hydrogen technology - you choose your own focus and learn everything you need for a successful career as an engineer. But that's not all: you can apply your knowledge from lectures and tutorials directly in internships or as a Student Assistant in cutting-edge research. Imagine you could soon be part of exciting experiments at the Center for Energy Technology or working at the nuclear reactor!
Are you ready to help shape the future of energy? Then choose energy engineering at TU Dresden and become part of an exciting adventure! And don't forget that sustainability plays a crucial role here.
What will you design after your studies? The next type of
electric cars? The next Formula 1 car? Or the
high-speed train of the next generation? After graduating in this field of study, you could be capable of all of these things, as the focus of the course is on specialist knowledge of components and subsystems of the overall vehicle as well as the (further) development of technical systems for motor and rail vehicles.
The scientific discipline of lightweight construction is playing a decisive role in shaping the global trend toward resource-saving mechanical engineering. In doing so, it uses
innovative material combinations, design principles and calculation methods to provide sustainable products and technologies. The study focus is on the design and layout of hybrid lightweight structures with fiber composites as well as lightweight manufacturing and joining technologies for mechanical and vehicle engineering.
In this field of study, students can choose between the subject areas of aircraft technology, aerospace systems and aircraft propulsion. The focus is on the development of technical aerospace systems. Among other things, students develop their own drones and rovers, carry out measurements on aircraft, develop satellites and future propulsion systems.
Production engineering deals with the development and use of manufacturing processes, machine tools, with the methods of quality assurance, production metrology, process design, factory and logistics planning for parts production and assembly, and ergonomic design.
Are you interested in simulation methods in mechanical engineering and want to understand the world of technology at a fundamental level?
In order to design machines and systems, you need to understand the behavior of technical components and systems and how they interact with their environment. This requires knowledge of structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. Analytical and numerical as well as experimental methods are used to solve engineering problems.
The aim is to understand the physical and mathematical principles of mechanical engineering and to learn methods for technical description, calculation, simulation and experimental verification. Solid and comprehensive knowledge is imparted, which enables application in a very wide range of subject areas. At the participating Chairs, students and staff work and research on solutions for current and future challenges in the field of mechanical engineering.
Have you heard about the first woven heart valve or our university's algae films? Then it's time to take a look for yourself in the test halls of the specialization in processing machines and textile machine construction . Here, biomedical high-performance fibers and resource-saving packaging materials could be the focus of your studies. Or are you primarily interested in machines that weave yarn or produce food highly efficiently? There is a wide range of options available to you.
There are no scheduled lectures in the seventh semester of the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. This period is reserved for a compulsory internship in which students can gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in industrial companies or non-university research institutions. The internship lasts for 15 weeks and serves as an important orientation for the student's specialist focus in the further course of study. The course is completed in the 10th semester with the writing of a diploma thesis or in the 6th semester with the writing of a bachelor's thesis.
Catching students' voices
Nele, Mechanical Engineering student
"The reason why I chose mechanical engineering after leaving school? I enjoy mathematics and am very interested in technology. That sounds very crude, but in summary it hits the nail on the head. I'm now halfway through my degree. My basic studies are over. And I can build on the basics, such as mathematics, technical mechanics, design theory, electrical engineering and much more. But there was one subject that was groundbreaking for me that wasn't on the list. Production engineering. The subject really fascinated me and was the deciding factor for me to major in production engineering. What fascinates me about production engineering is the holistic view of a product's life cycle. What parameters need to be taken into account when designing and selecting manufacturing processes? How are the parts manufactured? Which machines can be used to implement production? How long do the individual production steps take? Which parts does a company manufacture itself and which are purchased? Questions upon questions to which I look forward to finding answers in production engineering."
Cliché or truth - seating for Mechanical Engineering students
Do I have to be good at math and physics to study mechanical engineering? How much truth is there in the checked shirt cliché? Students answer these and many other questions in the "Sitzgelegenheit". In this YouTube format, students, employees or alumni of TU Dresden are asked interesting questions from the community.
Uni vlog with Mechanical Engineering student Lukas
Lukas Günther is studying Mechanical Engineering at TU Dresden, majoring in General and Constructive Mechanical Engineering. In the new TU Dresden student vlog, he gives an insight into his numerous hobbies and activities alongside his studies. Lukas talks about the important role agriculture and the technology behind it play in his life, where he volunteers and how he lives out his passion for photography and film.
© TU Dresden 2022
Spoilt for choice with the large selection of degree courses in mechanical engineering at TU Dresden - Q&A with Johannes
Studying mechanical engineering - but what does that actually mean? 🔧 Aerospace engineering, general mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, lightweight construction - so many specializations, but which one is right for me? What prior knowledge do I need for a mechanical engineering degree? Student Johannes gives an insight into his studies at TU Dresden. Professor Brosius provides further information on the degree program in a course introduction
© TU Dresden
Future prospects
Graduates of the degree program have a wide range of employment opportunities, e.g. in research, design and product development, factory and plant planning, production preparation and production, machine and plant maintenance, quality assurance, work design and industrial design, management and marketing. They also take on tasks in the public sector or work as self-employed in an engineering office. Depending on the chosen field of study and specialization, graduates can work as calculation engineers, e.g. for solid mechanics, fluid mechanics or thermodynamics, as design engineers, production engineers, technologists, production computer scientists or designers for general mechanical, apparatus and plant engineering as well as for such special branches of industry as energy machine, machine tool or processing machine engineering, automotive and conveyor technology, rail and aircraft technology, toolmaking, technical building equipment or textile and clothing technology. Graduates who wish to work primarily in research have the opportunity to obtain a doctorate (Dr.-Ing.).
Alumni portrait Dr. Franziska Graube-Kühne (Class of 2012, PhD 2020)
1. What position do you hold and what does your day-to-day work look like?
I am head of the "Technology" department in the Power and Heat division at SachsenEnergie. Our department is responsible for the Dresden district heating network and smaller ones in the region and is the project department for the new construction and maintenance of generation plants for heat or coupled power & heat. We oversee the entire project phase, starting with the development of ideas (e.g. where can we use heat sources for heat pumps) through planning and construction to commissioning and documentation.
2. What fascinates you about your work?
You can do something for the energy transition right at the cutting edge, have an incredibly wide range of technologies and are confronted with strategic and political issues. Above all, there is the question of how to provide affordable green heat with a reliable supply.
3. What experiences from your mechanical engineering studies have benefited you the most in your career?
An understanding of key figures and quick estimation - does that make sense? In what range should a value lie? Can it work that way? - is very often important in order to always have an overview of the multitude of projects and issues. It is important not only to understand that something works, but also how it works, to question everything and also to have a wealth of knowledge across all areas of energy technology - what is the difference between a backpressure turbine and a condensing turbine? How does a natural circulation system work? What types of chillers and heat pumps are there? How can pumps be controlled? I always wanted to know as much as possible, so this helps me now.
4. Did you have a specific career goal during your studies? How did your career develop in comparison?
I always wanted to be an energy engineer. I chose mechanical engineering because it was the home of energy technology. I wanted to help shape the energy transition and I am very happy to be able to actively do this today. In fact, today I am doing exactly what I always wanted to do, I am building green energy generation plants, a little less globally than I had originally planned, but I didn't know how wonderful family life with children would be.
5. What advice would you give other women in engineering for starting their careers?
It is often the case that women and men are still not treated "equally". First and foremost, women have a harder time earning respect, but when they do, it is often even greater than for men. As a manager of men and women, I try to treat everyone fairly, not equally. Mixed teams with men and women work best because they complement each other perfectly. In any case, women don't need to be afraid of not being up to something. If you are enthusiastic about something, then you are usually good at it. Motivation is often more important than other factors. However, if you do experience discrimination or harassment because of your gender, I recommend dealing with it openly. Many people today are much more aware of such issues and will help.
Evaluations of the degree program

Weiterempfehlungsquote des Studiengangs auf StudyCheck anhand unabhängiger Bewertungen durch Studierende (Stand 14. Juni 2024)
How satisfied are students on the Mechanical Engineering degree program? Independent evaluations of the degree program can be found at Studycheck.de
(current evaluation from July 8, 2024) Dominik: "I have been studying for almost 5 years and am currently working on my diploma thesis. I have nothing but positive things to say about my studies. I specialized in aircraft engineering. The courses on offer and, above all, the lecturers are extremely competent and have a great deal of knowledge in every area of this industry. I particularly enjoyed the many excursions to well-known companies in the sector, which gave me unique insights into the industry."
Advice
General advice on choosing a course
Advice on studying mechanical engineering

Studienberatung
Studienberatung
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