Applied Materials Science, Bachelor of Engineering

Who is the Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Materials Science suitable for?

The Applied Materials Science course at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences in Bochum is aimed at school leavers with the Abitur, holders of the Fachabitur, master craftsmen and craftswomen, technicians, as well as professionally qualified individuals who are interested in the development, analysis and application of modern materials. You are in the right place if you want to understand scientific contexts, have an interest in engineering practice and aspire to a career in various industries – such as vehicle construction, energy sector or mechanical engineering. The course is also attractive for employees who wish to study alongside their job, as the programme can be completed full-time, part-time or alongside practical work.

What formal admission requirements apply?

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife)
• Admission for master craftsmen and craftswomen as well as technicians
• University access for professionally qualified individuals (e.g. with appropriate vocational training and professional experience)

There is currently no numerus clausus (NC) for the Applied Materials Science course. The programme starts each summer and winter semester.

What personal requirements are recommended?

• Interest in mathematics, physics, chemistry and technical contexts
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to work practically in the laboratory or on concrete projects
• Self-motivation and perseverance, especially in the engineering fundamentals phase
• Ability to work in a team for collaboration in laboratory groups or projects
• Commitment and openness to interdisciplinary issues between technology, natural sciences and business

Good German language skills are necessary, as the course is taught in German. English language skills are an advantage since specialist literature and some teaching content may be offered partly in English, for example in the module "Technical English for Engineers".

What awaits you in the Bachelor of Applied Materials Science?

In the Applied Materials Science degree programme at the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences in Bochum, you undertake a versatile, interdisciplinary course of study. Here you combine engineering fundamentals with an in-depth understanding of chemistry, physics and materials engineering. The aim is to specifically develop materials further, analyse technical damage cases and select the appropriate materials for various industrial sectors.

How does the course proceed?

You can complete the Bachelor's degree either as a full-time course in six semesters, part-time in nine semesters, or work-study in eight semesters. The focus is on a close integration of theory and practice: lectures, laboratory practicals and projects in cooperation with companies shape your everyday study life.

• Full-time study: standard period of study 6 semesters
• Part-time study: standard period of study 9 semesters, ideal for working professionals or for balancing family and study
• Work-study: duration 8 semesters, combines study and practical work in a company

The compulsory modules include, among others:

• Advanced Mathematics 1 & 2
• Chemistry 1 & 2
• Materials Engineering
• General Electrical Engineering
• Mechanics and Machine Elements
• Physics of Waves and Particles
• Materials Characterisation
• Statics and Strength of Materials
• Metals, Non-metals, Corrosion and Tribosensitivity
• Casting and Joining, Forming Technology, Machining Technology
• Computer Science, Technical Drawing, Fluid Mechanics
• Thermodynamics, Physical Chemistry
• Project Management, Production and Quality Management
• Finite Element Method, Damage Analysis, Materials Informatics
• Law, Business Administration for Engineers (elective area)
• Final thesis (bachelor thesis and colloquium)

Additionally, you can choose from elective modules such as Scientific Work, Energy Systems Technology, Control and Automation Engineering or Management Methods in the Production Process to set individual focus areas. Practical phases in the laboratory and in real company cooperations are an integral part of the course.

There is the possibility to acquire additional qualifications during your studies, such as the DGQ certificate Manager Quality Junior, basics for welding engineering or a course in non-destructive materials testing.

Where can you work later? What prospects do you have?

With a Bachelor of Engineering degree, you have a wide range of employment opportunities – both in industry and in the public sector or inspection organisations. Typical activities after graduation include:

• Research and development of new materials and substances
• Laboratory management and analytical examination of samples
• Management in production, manufacturing and production planning
• Expert and appraiser activities for materials, damage analysis and quality assurance
• Quality management, project management and technical consulting

Graduates find employment in industries such as automotive construction, mechanical engineering, rail transport, energy industry, plant engineering, steel and metal industry or testing companies.

The THGA programme is closely linked with industrial partners, for example ThyssenKrupp Steel or Deutsche Edelstahlwerke. This opens up excellent opportunities for internships, working student jobs and starting your career. Further master’s programmes, e.g. Material Engineering and Industrial Heritage Conservation or Mechanical Engineering, are also possible at THGA.

Studying in Bochum – what distinguishes the location?

The Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences is centrally located in Bochum and, in addition to modern laboratories and workshops, offers an active campus life. Students benefit from exchange with companies, university sports and various leisure opportunities in the “Bermuda3Eck” and Bochum’s cultural scene. Own dormitories as well as other accommodation options are available. THGA’s international orientation supports you in planning a semester abroad.

How much does it cost? How do you finance your studies?

• There are no tuition fees.
• You pay only the semester fee (currently 216 euros per semester, as of 2024). This includes, among other things, the NRW ticket for local public transport.
• Options to finance your studies include BAföG, scholarships and working as a student assistant.

Thanks to the practice-oriented course and the possibility of work-study, you can gain professional experience early on and organise your studies flexibly from a financial point of view.