Mechanical Engineering

Everywhere we go, we are surrounded by technical systems so unobtrusive and natural that we rarely notice them any more. They have become ingrained parts of our lives, seamlessly blending into the world around us. The applications for these technical systems are as diverse as they are innovative: mobile phones, entertainment devices, technical healthcare solutions (such as health monitoring devices), systems for managing the modern household, traffic monitoring and control systems, automated driving assistance and safety systems (airbags, ESP, ABS), and industrial production control systems ("smart" factories, industry 4.0) are just a few noteworthy examples.
Though they come in all shapes and sizes, these systems all share a common basis: a highly complex interaction between hardware and software solutions. They are capable of collecting data from their surroundings via sensors, processing this data, exchanging it with other systems and ultimately deriving decisions and actions from it. This complex process is often broken down into smaller parts - for example, with a network of less expensive/efficient devices gathering large amounts of data, which is sent to powerful central servers for further analytical and decision-making processes.
New applications for these kinds of systems are developed on a near daily basis, which in turn pushes the boundaries for the sensor technology, applications, networks and software upon which these systems rely. Does this kind of innovative, cutting edge technology interest you? Do you enjoy breaking down and solving difficult technical problems? Then our Communication and Information Engineering programme is right for you. Our goal is to train future engineers who can thrive in the many exciting and future-oriented areas of engineering systems: from sensor technology and the pre-processing of information to collecting, transferring, and distributing data to automatic data processing and analysis. We will impart to you the necessary skills and expertise from electrical engineering, signal processing, and computer science, so that you graduate with a versatile technical background that will serve you in your future career.
With this type of training, you will be prepared for both current and future industry challenges, ready to seize new opportunities and play a role in shaping the future of technology. This degree programme was conceptually designed to provide a solid and versatile technical background that not only stresses practical relevance, but also employs an interdisciplinary, application-oriented approach with a strong international current, in part due to the use of English as the language of instruction.

Educational organisation

In your first four semesters, you will acquire sound knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical engineering and computer science, enhance your subject knowledge in mathematics, and be introduced to scientific research methods.
The following semesters will provide in-depth study. During this time, you will also be able to define your knowledge more sharply by choosing elective courses which suit your interests and career plans. The range of electives includes areas such as smart environments, advanced sensor technology, computer security, and even business administration. An interdisciplinary project will allow you to carry out an in-depth investigation of a topic of your choosing and will give you the chance to hone your individual strengths and areas of specialism.
In the sixth semester, you will have the choice of either studying abroad or doing a practical semester to accumulate valuable work experience that sets you apart from the crowd and contributes to your overall personal and academic development.
In the seventh semester, you will finish your studies by submitting your Bachelor's thesis, followed by holding a presentation and an open discussion on your research.

Study abroad unit(s)

In the sixth semester, students must complete either a semester abroad or an internship (in Germany or abroad). We provide support in selecting the partner universities and institutions as well as in raising funds.

Internships

In the sixth semester, students have the chance to either study abroad or do an internship (in Germany or abroad). We provide support in selecting the partner universities and institutions as well as in raising funds.

Forms of assessment

Graded examinations (written examinations, seminar papers, presentations, written assignments, oral examinations) and certificates (projects, reports, presentations)
Bachelor's thesis

Course objectives

Career prospects
Distributed systems are finding their way into more and more fields of application. This is fuelling an acute demand for graduate engineers, particularly those who are able to design, develop, implement, maintain, and adapt these systems according to different applications and parameters.
With this broad and interdisciplinary degree, you will be highly sought-after and well suited for an international career in a range of fields, including soft- and hardware development, project management, automation, innovation management, and consultancy.

Language requirements

Please note that for this degree programme, English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. We will accept the following certificates (or equivalents):
IELTS: 6.0 - 6.5
TOEFL (Internet-based test): minimum 80
TOEFL (paper-based test): minimum 550
TOEFL (computer-based test): minimum 213
The TOEFL code of our university is: 6962
The only exceptions to these language requirements are a secondary school certificate or a Bachelor's degree achieved in the following countries: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand. Please understand that no further exceptions can be made, even if you have achieved a Bachelor's degree taught in English in any other country.

Academic requirements

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences welcomes applications from nationals of all countries. Please see our website for general admission requirements.
Other requirements for Communication and Information Engineering BSc programme include the following:

• A sufficient level of English language proficiency (CEFR level B2 or better)
• Completion of an eight-week internship before the start of the fourth semester. You can also do this internship in your home country before applying to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
• Interest in technical problems and innovative technologies

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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.