International Management and Psychology

The natural world as a source of engineering inspiration - that's the core idea behind bionics, a combination of the terms "biology" and "technics", which means engineering in this context. In English, the approach of combining biology and engineering is often called biomimetics. The basic principle of biomimetics is learning from nature. The idea of bionics/biomimetics is to understand the principles and systems behind nature's constructions and to transfer them to technical systems and devices. One major application of biomimetics is the field of biomaterials. Spider silk, for example, is both light and flexible and three times stronger than steel. Such material properties are of interest for various technical fibres. In robotics, animal models such as geckos are used as inspiration for the development of climbing robots. Another application is the development of water-repellent, self-cleaning materials, which were inspired by the surface structure of the lotus leaf.

Educational organisation

Students choose one of two module blocks in the winter semester:

• Block A: Bionics of Locomotion and Control (with the modules Bionics of Locomotion and Control; Energy and Environment; Mechanics and Control)
• Block C: Bionics of Materials and Structures (with the modules Bionics of Materials and Structures; Materials in Structures; Joining Materials)

All students must also complete the following modules in the winter semester:

• Elective courses
• Development and Management
• Applied Research Project A

Students choose one of two module blocks in the summer semester:

• Block B: Bionics of Sensing (with the modules Bionics of Sensing; Sensors; Sensor Fusion)
• Block D: Bionics of Behaviour and Sociology (with the modules Bionics of Behaviour and Sociology; Business Biomimetics; Systems and Organisation)

All students must also complete the following modules in the summer semester:

• Elective courses
• Applied Research Project B

Students then write their thesis in the third semester.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

Oral examinations, written examinations, laboratory reports

Course objectives

Experts in bionics/biomimetics work in a highly interdisciplinary field which requires expertise in both engineering and biology. What's more, interest in potential uses for bio-inspired materials and machinery continues to grow in many sectors and industries, creating increasing demand for specialists in these fields.
Bio-inspired materials and devices are of increasing interest in many fields of practical applications. The wide-ranging fields of activity and possible jobs include:

• industries and scientific institutions focusing on micro-/nanotechnology
• biomaterials industry
• energy technology
• bioengineering
• engineering offices
• research institutions
• service providers and experts specialising in biomimetics

Language requirements

Please note that for Master's degree programmes English language skills at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:
IELTS: 6.5 or higher
TOEFL (internet-based test): minimum 100
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 560
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 220
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962

Academic requirements

• A completed BSc degree course in a corresponding course of study
• at least 210 ECTS points or, ideally, a total study time of seven full-time semesters (for Bachelor's graduates with less than 210 ECTS points, entry requirements can be secured by taking defined modules)
• proof of sufficient knowledge of English language (at least level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR))

---

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

Approx. 270 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administration fees and includes a semester ticket that allows free travel on most bus and train routes throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as to and from Nijmegen in the Netherlands.

Costs of living

The "Deutsches Studentenwerk" puts the average cost of living for students in Germany at around 700 to 800 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and other nominal costs. For a sample breakdown of living expenses and information about financing your studies in Germany, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants.

Job opportunities

International students from non-EU countries are legally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa. No additional authorisation from German authorities is required.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences often posts job advertisements for students both inside and outside the university on campus noticeboards. Some jobs at the university only require English, but most jobs in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, and surrounding areas will require at least conversational fluency in German. Fortunately, our Language Centre offers German courses that students can attend at no charge.
However, due to the intense workload at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, first-year students are strongly advised to dedicate their full attention to their studies. In later semesters, you will have a more open schedule and a better idea of how to balance work and studies. This is also a realistic time frame for acquiring speaking proficiency in German while studying full-time.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships are available for currently enrolled students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The most prominent scholarship is the Germany Scholarship ("Deutschlandstipendium"). German and international students are both eligible to apply. The Germany Scholarship is a stipend of 300 EUR per month awarded each year to a limited number of students who have demonstrated excellent academic performance or exemplary social commitment to the community. Other scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available through regional and national organisations in Germany. Please see our website for details.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences informs all students of important scholarship deadlines in advance so that they don't miss any potential application opportunities.
http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-grants

Arrival support

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is accessible from the international airports Amsterdam (AMS), Düsseldorf (DUS), Cologne/Bonn (CGN), and Weeze (NRN). The university does not offer any pick-up services, but both Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort can be reached by public transportation from any of these airports.
If you anticipate any travel problems, delays, or unexpected changes to your plans, please contact our Welcome Centre so that we can support you with helpful advice.

Services and support for international students

Our Welcome Centre supports international students during their first few weeks in Germany. The Welcome Centre provides helpful advice and guidance on contracts, opening a bank account, registering your place of residence, applying for a student visa, setting up health insurance, and more.
The student mentors at the Welcome Centre know first-hand what it's like adjusting to life as a student in Germany. They are also an important first contact point for students with personal and social issues, as they can direct students to the right place for their specific needs. The Welcome Centre also promotes student culture at the university by organising trips and excursions to destinations all around the region as well as a range of social events for students such as the annual "Freshtival", the university's week-long orientation festival for new students in the winter semester.

Accommodation

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to make accommodation arrangements before your arrival. The university does not have its own residence halls, but the "Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf" runs dormitories near campus in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort with options for single rooms or two- and three-room flats. Prices start at around 220 EUR per month. Room availability in these dormitories is limited and subject to a waiting list, so it's important to register online for a room as soon as possible. Please note that a security deposit of three months' rent is also required.
Most students choose to share a private flat off campus with fellow students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany, for example: http://www.wg-gesucht.de. Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences also maintains its own list of available flats and rooms for students on its website. Thanks to the flexibility of the Semester Ticket, students can live in Kleve, Kamp-Lintfort, or one of the many cities and towns nearby and reach campus by public transport. For more information and helpful tips on finding a flat, please see our website: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/housing.