Mechatronic Systems Engineering

With each new, innovative development, the inner workings of modern products increase in complexity. Not only that, but as products evolve, research and development efforts for the subsequent generation of products also grow more and more complex. In order to keep up with this cycle, engineering teams have begun to replace or supplement conventional mechanical approaches to problem solving with newer electronic and software-based approaches, creating a new integral, multidisciplinary design process referred to as mechatronics. This complex meshing of disciplines requires profound technical expertise as well as finely-tuned soft skills in order to work effectively in the diverse teams of experts it frequently involves.
The Bachelor's programme Mechatronic Systems Engineering was designed with these advanced qualifications in mind, employing a highly technical, interdisciplinary approach with three main areas of emphasis: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science. The unique combination of modules expands upon these three core disciplines with additional units in natural science, technology and management techniques, providing a very broad professional foundation. At the same time, continuous emphasis is placed on developing team skills through practical exercises, extensive group activities and exciting, student-led projects, which provide ample opportunity to put growing theoretical knowledge and management skills to the test.
The programme is taught completely in English, which will greatly enhance your level of fluency and enable you to communicate more easily and effectively in a group environment with other experts from around the world.

Educational organisation

Altogether, the degree programme consists of seven semesters of full-time study. A solid foundation in science and engineering is imparted in the first three semesters. Following this, your knowledge will be enhanced in key specialist areas in the fourth and fifth semesters. During this time, students also choose elective courses to form a more robust and meaningful study profile. The sixth semester is dedicated to gathering practical work experience at a company or organisation in the biomaterials field. The seventh and last semester is for writing the thesis. Here, we also attach great importance to practical relevance and support collaborative theses with the private sector. Furthermore, necessary skills for writing a thesis are provided in intense block courses during the seventh semester. The study programme concludes with an oral presentation of the research findings in the thesis.

Study abroad unit(s)

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

Internships

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

Forms of assessment

Written examination, laboratory reports, oral examination, tests

Course objectives

Many career opportunities are available for engineers in mechatronics. Typical fields of activity include the following:

• development (design, calculation, construction and testing of technical devices and systems)
• production (design, manufacture, operation and monitoring of technical devices and systems, testing of products and procedures, quality control)
• marketing and sales of technical devices and products
• management activities in industry, private companies and public administrative bodies

Industries include, among others: energy and environmental technology, process engineering, general machine and plant construction, automotive and supplier industry, medical technology, and pharmaceutical industry as well as services and small businesses.

Language requirements

Please note that for Bachelor's degree programmes, 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. The following certificates are accepted:
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

German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or equivalent
See: http://anabin.kmk.org/

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.