Who is the distance learning course in Chemical Process Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University suitable for?
The distance learning course in Chemical Process Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering) is aimed at working professionals and prospective students who are pursuing an engineering degree and want to deepen their knowledge in process and chemical engineering in a practical way. The course is suitable for people from laboratory professions, technical assistant professions, the chemical industry, or for career changers with an interest in large-scale production, process optimisation, and sustainability of chemical products. The course is also designed for specialists who take on managerial roles in the process engineering industry or who want to specifically prepare for work in research, plant construction, regulatory authorities, or development.
What formal admission criteria apply for enrolment?
Several paths are open to you for starting the course:
- General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Subject-specific university entrance qualification
- University of applied sciences entrance qualification
- A university entrance qualification recognised as equivalent by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art
- Passed university entrance examination (after at least 2 semesters of performance in the trial study programme at Wilhelm Büchner University)
You can also be admitted without a conventional Abitur if you bring the following qualifications:
- Master craftsman certificate, qualification as a specialist or state-certified technician – each without further entrance or aptitude tests
- Professionally qualified persons: At least three years of recognised vocational training with a final grade of 2.5 or better, intermediate school leaving certificate and two years of full-time employment
Already completed achievements from training, work, or studies can be credited upon request and shorten the course duration.
Basic mathematical knowledge is important for starting the course since the programme is science- and engineering-oriented. The university offers an online mathematics preparatory course for this purpose.
Personal requirements and recommended prior experience
You should have good analytical and scientific thinking skills as well as an interest in technical processes and methods. Independent and structured working, perseverance, and self-organisation are central, especially in distance learning with a high degree of self-study. Practical experience in laboratories or technical professions is helpful, as is a strong motivation to engage with current issues related to sustainability, digitalisation, and industrial production processes. Communication and teamwork skills are required since project management and leadership skills are an integral part of the course.
What content can you expect in the Bachelor's distance learning course in Chemical Process Engineering?
In the Chemical Process Engineering degree programme at Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences, you will develop an interdisciplinary subject profile that combines scientific, mathematical and engineering skills. You will engage with the production and optimisation of key everyday products, such as plastics, dyes, fuels or pharmaceutical active ingredients. Fundamental modules provide a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science.
- Mathematical and scientific fundamentals: Mathematics I & II, Scientific Fundamentals, Physical Chemistry
- Engineering basics: Technical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Engineering
- Core modules of process engineering: Mechanical, Thermal and Chemical Process Engineering, Reaction Engineering, Mass and Heat Transfer
- Plant construction and production: Apparatus and Plant Engineering, Computer Aided Engineering, Engineering Design
- Specialisations: Through elective modules you can specialise, for example, in Pharmacy, Bioprocess Engineering, Sustainable Processes, Energy from Biomass or Technology Assessment
- Leadership and communication: Modules such as Intercultural Communication, Business Administration and Project Management prepare you specifically for management roles.
- Practical and research relevance: An engineering project, a professional work placement phase as well as the bachelor's thesis combine theory and application.
During your studies, you will learn to analyse complex material transformations, control process steps and plan and optimise production plants. Laboratory phases and projects enhance your skills in handling modern plant technology and digitally supported tools.
How is the distance learning course in Chemical Process Engineering organised?
The bachelor's degree programme is designed as a part-time distance learning course with maximum flexibility for working professionals. The standard period of study is 7 semesters (42 months), with the possibility of a free extension of up to 21 months. You can start at any time and set your own learning pace.
- Modular structure: Each module concludes with an examination (written exam, term paper or oral exam); many exams can also be taken online.
- Digital learning: Study materials and e-books are available at any time. You get access to the online campus, interactive learning materials and an AI-based learning assistant.
- Practical elements: Laboratory phases, project work and a professional work placement (which can be replaced by employment) are firmly integrated.
- Support: Individual support by tutors, regular feedback and personal student counselling accompany you throughout your studies.
- Online introductory event: At the start of your studies, you will meet fellow students and university contact persons and receive valuable tips for a successful start to your studies.
The degree programme combines self-study with virtual learning elements and occasional, individually schedulable practical assignments.
What career fields open up to you after graduation?
With the Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Process Engineering degree, you will have access to sought-after positions in a variety of industries. Particularly valued is the ability to combine technical knowledge with ecological, economic and management skills. As a graduate, you are, for example, suitable for:
- Operations management and process optimisation: in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, metal, paper, textile or waste disposal industries
- Planning and construction of technical plants: at engineering, planning and assembly companies
- Technical supervision and quality assurance: for authorities, monitoring associations as well as expert offices
- Research and development: in companies and research institutions for the development of new processes and products
- Consulting and project management: organisation and management of projects of various sizes in an international environment
Specialist and management experts in chemical process engineering are highly sought after due to their high level of specialisation and interdisciplinary profile and receive above-average remuneration across industries.
Where does the distance learning course in Chemical Process Engineering take place?
The distance learning course is run by the Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences with its main office in Darmstadt. The organisation is completely location-independent – you learn flexibly from home or anywhere you have online access. Attendance phases are kept to the necessary minimum and mainly concern practical phases, such as laboratory exercises or exams, which you coordinate at selected locations – preferably in Pfungstadt or at other WBH examination centres.
What costs should you expect for the Bachelor's degree in Chemical Process Engineering?
The total costs for the distance learning programme in Chemical Process Engineering amount to €14,193 (with a monthly payment of €237 over 60 instalments). This includes all learning materials, access to the online campus, support and examinations. There is the possibility of a free extension of up to 21 months if you need more time.
- Price per month: €237
- Total price for standard period of study: €14,193
- Funding options: The university offers discounts (e.g. for parental leave) as well as support with recognising prior achievements and the use of BAföG, educational loans or scholarships.
- Recognition of prior achievements: For every 5 recognised ECTS credits, one monthly instalment is waived.
This distance learning course is therefore financially manageable for working professionals and can be flexibly integrated into your work routine.
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