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Who is the Dual Study of Civil Engineering suitable for? Target group, access, and personal requirements
The Dual Study of Civil Engineering at IU International University is aimed at all those who want to combine a practice-oriented education in the field of construction with an academic degree. It targets students with a high school diploma, but also professionals who want to further their career with a Bachelor of Engineering. The study is ideal for individuals with an interest in technology, mathematics, and natural scientific contexts, who can envision a future as a civil engineer, urban and transportation planner, or energy consultant. Those aiming for leadership positions will also benefit from valuable practical and management skills through the Dual Study.
What are the formal admission requirements?
- General higher education entrance qualification (A-levels) or vocational baccalaureate diploma (vocational A-levels) or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification: With one of these qualifications, you are directly eligible for admission.
- Access without A-levels: Even without a traditional school leaving certificate, you can start if you
- have completed a minimum two-year vocational training and can demonstrate at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience afterwards, or
- have completed a state-recognized advanced training (for example, as a master craftsman or state-certified business economist).
- There is no Numerus Clausus (NC) and no further access restrictions.
- A practical partner company is mandatory, as you will spend a significant portion of your study time in practice. IU will support you in the search.
The study starts twice a year, either in the summer or winter semester.
What personal requirements are helpful?
- Technical and mathematical interest: Affinity for scientific questions, understanding of mathematics and mechanics, as well as an interest in construction processes and design.
- Systematic work: Ability to think analytically, structure problems, and develop practical solutions.
- Communication skills: You enjoy working in a team, can express yourself clearly, and like working with various project participants such as clients, architects, or authorities.
- Self-organization & commitment: Since studies and practical phases run parallel, self-motivation, discipline, and resilience are important.
- Interest in sustainable solutions: Topics such as energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and innovative technologies are particularly relevant.
Who is the Dual Study of Civil Engineering particularly suitable for?
- High school graduates with a high school diploma who want to directly enter an academic and practice-oriented profession.
- Experienced professionals who bring construction and technology interest and want to further qualify alongside their profession.
- Anyone aspiring to work in construction planning, construction management, real estate, or technical environmental protection and who wants to benefit from the combination of practice and theory.
- Individuals who want to take on responsibility early on and secure a long-term career in engineering professions.
What do you learn in the Dual Study Programme Civil Engineering?
In the Dual Study Programme in Civil Engineering at IU International University, you systematically deal with essential basics and current trends around construction, infrastructure, and building technologies. Your content is interdisciplinary and combines technical, business management, and digital aspects.
- Building Construction and Materials Science: You learn how buildings are planned, designed, and implemented. It involves classic construction techniques, building materials and their specific properties, as well as building physics and structural engineering.
- Engineering Mathematics and Technical Mechanics: Analysis, linear algebra, and statics form the mathematical and mechanical foundation for your future expert role.
- Building Informatics & Digitalisation: In the Building Information Modeling (BIM) module, you gain insights into digitized planning processes. In addition, all students learn about the use of Artificial Intelligence in construction.
- Construction Theory & Structural Design: The focus is on reinforced concrete construction, steel construction, timber construction, as well as advanced structural analysis, complemented by numerous practical projects.
- Transport and Hydraulic Engineering, Urban and Transport Planning: You deal with the design, construction, and management of transport routes and hydraulic structures, including waste and sewage water management.
- Business Management and Administration: Construction business management, cost calculation, and construction management are also part of the curriculum.
- Specializations: Here you can set your own priorities, for example in areas such as the design of reinforced concrete components, construction management, private and public building law, CAD, or project management.
A special feature of the programme is the close integration of theory and practice through ongoing practical projects and reflection units.
How does the Dual Study Programme in Civil Engineering work?
At IU, you study in a dual study programme in one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study Programme, classes take place on campus two days a week – occasionally also online via live video conferencing. Afterwards, the learning material is deepened. The Dual myStudy combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. You acquire the theory independently via myCampus – supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. Optionally, you can participate in weekly virtual accompanying events and use additional interactive live formats to deepen your knowledge.
- Dual Study Programme: You attend lectures on campus or digitally in the virtual classroom two days a week. In addition, you use learning materials that you can work on flexibly.
- Dual myStudy: Self-study is flexible with digital learning materials and a learning AI, supplemented by regular virtual accompanying events.
- Practical Phase: Always integrated: You work 20 hours a week at your practical partner (company or institution in the construction industry) and gain valuable work experience.
- Regular Study Duration: In seven semesters (3.5 years), you acquire 210 ECTS and graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
- Curriculum Structure: The programme is modular. You take six to seven modules per semester, complemented by practical projects and elective areas.
- Start of Studies: Possible twice a year, for the summer or winter semester.
IU actively supports you in finding a suitable practical partner through its large corporate network. Free applicant training is included.
What career opportunities does a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering offer?
Graduating as a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering opens doors to numerous areas of application – both domestically and internationally. Your broad and practice-oriented education qualifies you for a variety of tasks in the planning, execution, and management of construction projects.
- Construction Engineer: Planning, implementation, and monitoring of civil engineering projects. Opportunities to work at construction companies, engineering offices, consulting firms, or in the public sector.
- Urban, Regional, and Transport Planning: Developing concepts for sustainable urban and regional design, infrastructure planning, and public clients.
- Energy Consultant / Energy Manager: Consulting on the energy optimization of buildings and companies, development of sustainability and renovation concepts.
- Project Management and Construction Management: Taking on leadership and coordination tasks in construction projects, e.g. as a project manager in an engineering office.
With the choice of your specialisation modules, you can also strategically steer towards real estate management, construction law, cost estimation, or digitisation in construction.
Where can you study Civil Engineering in a Dual Study Programme at IU?
IU International University offers this Dual Study programme nationwide at many locations as well as online.
On-Site Locations for the Dual Study Programme: Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Mannheim*, Munich
Dual myStudy: Online studies via myCampus with accompanying virtual live events
- Optional accompanying events for deepening knowledge – weekly via live video conferencing
- All study programmes on the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual remote studies
- Your theory is 100% virtual – flexible, independent of location, at your own pace
- You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
- Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students
For the practical phase, numerous partner companies are available nationwide – IU actively supports and mediates suitable positions.
*Available again in the Dual Study Programme model from October 2026
Costs and Financing of the Dual Study Programme Civil Engineering
A central advantage of the Dual Study Programme at IU: There are no tuition fees for you as a student. The costs are completely covered by your practical partner. This way, you benefit from a private, practice-oriented degree without having to bear the financial burden yourself.
- Tuition Fee: €0 (covered by the practical partner)
- Other Benefits: You benefit from personal support, innovative learning tools, and small study groups.
Living expenses (rent, food, etc.) are to be borne by you, but can be financed through remuneration from the practical partner.
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