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Deutsch Who is the Bachelor's degree programme in Process Engineering at THGA suitable for?
The Bachelor's degree programme in Process Engineering at the Technical University Georg Agricola is aimed at everyone who wants to understand scientific and technical contexts and apply them practically. It is especially targeted at school leavers with the Abitur as well as graduates from vocational schools who are interested in topics such as recycling, sustainable resource use, climate protection or innovative water treatment. The programme is also suitable for working professionals and those with vocational qualifications who work or want to work in engineering professions or applied environmental technology. Those who want to contribute to the development of sustainable production processes and have an enthusiasm for technology, chemistry and environmental issues will find a suitable course in the Process Engineering programme.
Which formal admission requirements must you meet?
For admission to the Bachelor's programme in Process Engineering at THGA, you need one of the following qualifications:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification
- University entrance qualification for vocationally qualified applicants according to the regulations of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (e.g. completed relevant vocational training with subsequently at least three years of relevant professional experience or advanced training such as master craftsman’s examination)
There is currently no numerus clausus (NC). No tuition fees are required, but a semester contribution is charged, which includes the Deutschland-Ticket.
You should have an enthusiasm for scientific subjects like chemistry, physics or mathematics. Analytical thinking skills, problem-solving ability and an interest in technical processes are important prerequisites. To successfully complete the degree, self-initiative, the ability to work in a team and willingness to engage in practical laboratory work and interdisciplinary collaboration are required. An interest in current developments related to sustainability and environmental technology also supports your study success.
What study content can you expect in the Bachelor's degree in Process Engineering?
In the Bachelor's degree programme in Process Engineering at the Georg Agricola University of Technology, you will acquire in-depth knowledge about the transformation, separation and utilisation of substances. You will learn to professionally understand, analyse and apply chemical, thermal and mechanical processes. The following content is the focus:
- Fundamentals of natural sciences: Mathematics, chemistry, physics as well as biology as a basis for later specialisations
- Basic operations in process engineering: Material separation, reaction management, process control, plant technology
- Thermal and chemical process engineering: Energy efficiency, process design, use in the modern TCV laboratory
- Environmental and recycling technology: Water treatment, protection of air and soil, circular economy, sustainability
- Management and business knowledge: Business administration, project management, legal and social aspects
- Digitalisation and artificial intelligence: Integration of digital methods for process optimisation and automation
- Application skills: Practical laboratory work, teamwork, presentation and reporting techniques
With this knowledge, you will be able to develop and implement innovative solutions for industrial, environmental or food-related challenges.
How does the Process Engineering degree operate at THGA?
The degree programme is designed as a classic full-time on-campus course; alternatively, there is the option of a part-time variant. In the full-time programme, you benefit from a strict 4-day week, allowing you to use one day per week for your own projects, part-time jobs or family responsibilities. The start of your studies is possible both in the summer and winter semesters.
- Standard period of study: 6 semesters full-time, 9 semesters part-time (Bachelor of Engineering, 180 ECTS)
- Study organisation: Lectures, seminars, internships and projects with close practical relevance
- Laboratory phases: Use of modern laboratories, e.g. TCV laboratory for thermal and chemical process engineering
- Individual specialisations: Electives and the possibility to specialise, e.g. in environmental technology, recycling, food industry or digitalisation
- Practice-oriented final thesis: Often in cooperation with companies in the industry
- Opportunity for a semester abroad: Support through the THGA International Office
The theoretical content is closely linked to practical application. Laboratory work plays a central role in particular.
What career opportunities and professional prospects do you have after studying Process Engineering?
Graduates of the Process Engineering degree programme have a wide range of professional prospects. The training qualifies you for activities in numerous industries and prepares you for direct entry into the profession or a subsequent Master's degree.
- Engineers in production processes: planning, design and supervision of plants in chemical, pharmaceutical, mechanical engineering and food industries
- Specialists in recycling technology, circular economy and sustainable resource use
- Roles in environmental technology: air pollution control, water treatment, soil protection
- Fields in biotechnology and life sciences, e.g. development of biological production processes
- Career in research and development, for example in innovation departments of industrial companies or research institutes
- Project management, technical consulting and application development
- Possibilities for a subsequent Master's degree, for example at THGA in the Master’s programme in Process and Environmental Engineering (courses partly in English)
With the interdisciplinary competence profile, you are flexibly deployable – from classical process engineering to green energy and the food industry.
How is the study location Bochum organised and what awaits you there?
The Process Engineering degree takes place at the centrally located campus of the Georg Agricola University of Technology in Bochum (Herner Straße 45, 44787 Bochum). The location is characterised by the following features:
- Modern laboratories, including the TCV laboratory for thermal and chemical process engineering as well as other specialised facilities for environmental and recycling technology
- Good transport connections and central location in North Rhine-Westphalia
- International network and support from dedicated teaching staff
- Campus life with a wide range of advisory and leisure activities
- Opportunity to participate in a semester abroad through the International Office
Thanks to practical seminars and project work, you will be regularly on site and make optimal use of the university’s facilities.
What costs do you have to expect for the Process Engineering degree and what financing options are available?
There are no traditional tuition fees at the Georg Agricola University of Technology. You only pay a semester fee, which is currently about 241 euros per semester (as of 2024). The semester fee already includes the Deutschland-Ticket for public transport.
- Semester fee: approx. 241 euros per semester
- No tuition fees: The degree is free of charge
- Ticket included: Deutschland-Ticket for bus and train travel in NRW included
- Individual support: Possibility of financing through BAföG, scholarships or student loans
- Additional costs: Living expenses and possibly stays abroad
THGA will gladly assist you with all questions regarding financing through its central student advisory service.
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