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Deutsch Who is the dual degree programme in Electrical Engineering – Railway Power Supply and Catenary Systems suitable for?
The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Electrical Engineering – Railway Power Supply and Catenary Systems at bbw University of Applied Sciences is aimed at school leavers with an Abitur (university entrance qualification), as well as those with a Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification) or relevant vocational training who are seeking a practice-oriented entry into engineering. It is especially targeted at those interested in shaping the future of mobility and energy infrastructure in the railway sector. Typical target groups include school leavers from STEM-related advanced courses, technical trainees with work experience, and professionals who want to specifically qualify in the engineering fields of railway power supply, e-mobility, and catenary planning.
What admission requirements must you meet?
To gain admission to the dual degree programme, you must fully meet the following criteria:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or Fachhochschulreife
- Alternatively: vocational qualification with professional suitability in accordance with § 11 of the Berlin Higher Education Act (e.g. master craftsman, state-certified technician, or state-certified business administrator)
- Training contract with a cooperating practical partner company in the field of railway power supply or catenary systems (e.g. Deutsche Bahn, DB Engineering & Consulting, BPR Dr. Schäpertöns, Dorsch Group)
Special prior knowledge in electrical engineering is not mandatory, but a technical or scientific background is advantageous.
You should bring mathematical understanding, analytical skills, and an interest in technology. For the dual degree programme, you will need perseverance, organisational skills, and a willingness to perform, as practical and theoretical phases are closely interlinked. Enjoyment of teamwork as well as initiative in dealing with technical challenges are important factors. Interest in infrastructure projects in the railway sector and a readiness to collaborate with engineering firms and construction projects complete your profile.
What content does the dual degree programme "Electrical Engineering – Railway Power Supply and Overhead Lines" convey?
The dual Bachelor programme combines fundamentals of engineering with specialised training in the field of railway power supply and overhead lines. You will acquire thorough knowledge in electrical engineering, complemented by economic and legal basics as well as state-of-the-art methods of infrastructure planning.
- Fundamental studies: Mathematics for engineers, physics, materials science, technical computer science, electrical engineering, project and quality management
- Electrical engineering focus areas: Control engineering, circuit technology, digital electronics, electrical drives, measurement technology, signals & systems
- Railway-specific specialised studies: Legal, organisational and operational basics of railway operations, railway energy networks, railway power supply, overhead line technology, route planning (including CAD), power and rail vehicle technology
- Practice transfer projects: Several practical phases and applied project work in partner companies
- Soft skills: Technical English, academic work, consulting competence
- Degree: Industry-related Bachelor thesis addressing a practical problem
After completing your studies, you will be able to technically supervise railway infrastructure projects with a focus on energy supply, planning and construction of overhead lines, develop solutions and act as a link between technology, operations and project management.
How is the structure of the dual degree programme organised?
The programme lasts six semesters and is set up as a dual study course. Theory and practical phases alternate in a clearly structured weekly or block model. The bbw University of Applied Sciences works closely with partner companies such as Deutsche Bahn and specialised engineering offices.
- Interconnection: Theory phases at bbw University of Applied Sciences, practical phases in the training company
- Core curriculum: The first four semesters are dedicated to fundamental studies, followed by two semesters in the railway-specific specialised study
- Practice-oriented assessment: Continuous assessments according to ECTS, regular practice transfer reports and projects
- Bachelor thesis: Final thesis on a practice-relevant issue in cooperation with the partner company
Close contact with professional practice is central: You are employed by a partner company throughout your studies and gain valuable professional experience already during your studies.
What career prospects can you expect after graduating?
As a graduate of the dual B.Eng. degree course, you have access to diverse career paths in electrical engineering with a focus on rail network infrastructure. You qualify for demanding tasks in planning, monitoring and development of railway technical systems.
- Direct entry: Opportunities for permanent employment with practical partners, often in projects relating to railway power supply or overhead line planning
- Employers: Transport companies (e.g. Deutsche Bahn), engineering offices, infrastructure operators, energy suppliers as well as consulting firms in the rail sector
- Fields of activity: Planning and construction of railway power systems, project management in construction and maintenance projects, development of new overhead line systems, construction supervision, quality assurance
- Alternative prospects: Employment in automation technology, energy industry, production technology or medical engineering is also possible with this degree
- Further education: Master’s degree (e.g. Advanced Technical Plant Management) or specialisation through certificate courses
In particular in the field of railway power supply, there is an excellent job market situation due to the strong demand for engineers for the modernisation and expansion of transport infrastructure.
What spatial and organisational special features does the study location Berlin offer?
Your studies take place at the bbw University of Applied Sciences in Berlin-Adlershof – one of the leading science and technology locations in the city. Here you benefit from modern infrastructure, close links to economic and scientific networks as well as excellent transport connections.
- Campus: Central location in the Adlershof Technology Park, access to library, laboratories and study rooms
- Practical experience: Work at one of the numerous regional or supraregional partner companies in Berlin or surroundings
- Networks: Participation in guest lectures, excursions and networking events organised by bbw University of Applied Sciences
- Student life: Berlin as an international location offers diverse leisure, cultural and housing opportunities
Which tuition fees and financing options should you expect?
The tuition fees for the dual Bachelor Electrical Engineering – Railway Power Supply and Overhead Lines amount to €490 per month (36 instalments), which corresponds to a total of €17,640 for the entire programme. In many cases, the practical company covers all or part of the tuition fees or additionally pays a training allowance.
- Fee overview: €490 per month (6 semesters, entire duration of study)
- Practical allowance: Monthly remuneration from the partner company – varies depending on the employer
- Further support: Possible funding through scholarships, BAföG or educational loans
- Tax advantages: Tuition fees and other costs may be tax deductible
Overall, the dual study model is organised so that you are financially secure and already earn your own income during your studies.
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