German universities offer two directions: construction engineering and transport engineering
For those who want to be directly involved in road construction, i.e., determine production processes, select optimal materials and equipment, many German universities offer the Bauingenieurwesen (construction engineering) program. As Deutsche Welle notes, this field concerns not only transport but also a number of other industries related to the construction of facilities. It all depends on the specialization.
According to the CHE university ranking, the best training in the Bauingenieurwesen program is offered at the University of Kassel, Bauhaus University Weimar, and Biberach University of Applied Sciences.
A more versatile education can be obtained by studying Verkehrsingenieurwesen (transport engineering). In German universities, training in this field is offered at the bachelor's, master's, and specialist levels with the academic degree Diplom-Ingenieur.
Bilingual master's program in Aachen
One of the leading technical universities in Germany, RWTH Aachen University, offers a free (except for a small mandatory semester fee) master's program "Transport Engineering and Mobility" in English and German. Students can choose one of four specializations: "Road Planning and Infrastructure," "Railway Systems Engineering" (in English), "Roads and Automobiles," and "Airport and Aviation." The university also offers a bachelor's degree in the same field, but at this level, no classes are conducted in English—instruction is only in German. The program lasts six semesters.
Bachelor's and master's in Stuttgart
At the University of Stuttgart, the Verkehrsingenieurwesen program also offers bachelor's and master's degrees. The basic level of higher education is designed for six semesters. Classes are held in German. For students who are not EU citizens, the tuition fee is 1,500 euros per semester plus a mandatory fee of 188.4 euros per half-year.
The bachelor's program includes individual aspects of fields such as construction engineering, environmental protection technology, electrical engineering, automotive and motorcycle engineering, architecture, and economics. Since the program is in engineering, mathematics and technical mechanics are mandatory modules. Alongside these, students attend classes in computer science and business management.
Further study involves choosing a specialization: "Construction and Planning" or "Vehicles." According to Professor Markus Friedrich, head of the Department of Transport Planning and Traffic Control Engineering, bachelor's graduates can work in road enterprises, local administrations, state and federal agencies, consulting firms, and automotive companies.
The master's program in Verkehrsingenieurwesen lasts four semesters. Instruction is also in German. At this level, students have greater freedom of choice. They can focus on in-depth study of subjects such as "Road Planning and Construction," "Bridge and Tunnel Construction," or "Traffic Planning and Road Engineering."
Diplom-Ingenieur in Dresden
At the Dresden University of Technology, the Verkehrsingenieurwesen program is not divided into levels. Upon completion, graduates receive the internationally recognized academic degree Diplom-Ingenieur (Dipl.-Ing.), which confirms the ability to solve interdisciplinary engineering tasks in the transport sector.
Study is only possible in full-time form in German (a part-time option exists for the broader Bauingenieurwesen program). Tuition is free, and the mandatory semester fee is 281.2 euros.
The program is designed for 10 semesters. Initially, students study general engineering methods (from mathematics, experimental physics, technical mechanics, computer science, as well as electrical or communications engineering), fundamentals of transport systems, logistics and transport processes, traffic psychology, and other subjects.
Specialization begins in the fifth semester. In the final year, the program includes a 12-week internship, and the tenth semester is dedicated to writing the diploma thesis. "Our graduates work in engineering offices, road construction authorities, airports, road enterprises, research institutes, and the construction industry," says Professor Christian Lipold, head of the Department of Traffic Facilities Design.
Double degree in Braunschweig
At the Technical University of Braunschweig, the Verkehrsingenieurwesen program, like in Stuttgart, can be studied at the bachelor's and master's levels. Here, students have broad opportunities, as Braunschweig is recognized as one of the leading regions for research and development in the transport sector. The city is home to mechanical engineering and railway transport enterprises, as well as aerospace research centers.
The bachelor's program provides fundamental knowledge in road, rail, and aviation transport. The master's program lasts four semesters. Students can choose two specializations from five offered (aviation, automotive engineering, rail transport, economics and logistics) or take courses from other faculties' programs.
Students who speak not only German but also French can obtain a double degree through an exchange program with the University of Technology of Compiègne. "The programs at the universities are the same; you just need to complete part of your studies in Germany and part in France. It is not cheap, but as a result, the student receives two educational documents: the French Diplôme d'Ingénieur and the German master's degree," says Professor Jörn Pachl, head of the Verkehrsingenieurwesen program.
At the Technical University of Braunschweig, international students pay only the mandatory semester fee. Those who want to work alongside their studies can choose a part-time format, but in this case, the duration of study will be extended.