Dual degree course in mechanical engineering (KIA)

KIA is a dual university course with a degree in engineering (FH) after 5 years - with integrated vocational training (including IHK/HWK qualification). It combinestheory and practice very intensively , creates an early bond with the future company and is therefore recommended by the state government of the Free State of Saxony and expressly demanded by companies.

Our future KIA students apply to a company cooperating with the university up to one year before the start of their studies, have the university entrance qualification, are interested in scientific problems and have the necessary mobility.

The companies conclude a cooperation agreement with the university and contracts for practical vocational training (vocational training contract or internship contract) or - in the case of _KIApro- a qualification contract with the applicants.

After concluding a training contract or internship contract with the company, you must register at the university with your university entrance qualification - this is possible from mid-May.

The degree course usually begins on 01.09. with 4 weeks of practical training at the company. Depending on the degree course, you will then complete one to three semesters at the university.(Course of study)

The study-free periods between the semesters are reserved for practical training in the company. The training in the company takes place during the basic studies according to the study schedule (e.g. in a 4-week rotation between the company and the university) and ends with the examination before the responsible chamber (IHK or HWK). Separate vocational school lessons are not provided. The theoretical vocational knowledge required for the vocational training is taught through the scheduled lectures and additional "vocational specifics" courses at the university. During the practical training period, you will be entitled to the collectively agreed vacation and will receive amonthly salary from the company, which is based on the salary for apprentices. 

After completing the vocational training, the remaining semesters are completed as full-time studies with part-time work (often with a study sponsorship agreement from your company) and end with the desired degree of Diplom-Ingenieur/-in (FH).

For accommodation at the study locations Görlitz and Zittau, halls of residence are available; we have also pre-reserved shared rooms for you in the  KIA houses .

Mechanical engineering is a high-tech field that has to adapt quickly to new requirements. The demand for engineers with practical training is constantly increasing. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (FH) offers the KIA degree course in mechanical engineering as a 5-year engineering degree (Dipl.-Ing. (FH)) in conjunction with the metal training professions.

In the foundation course, you will acquire basic scientific and technical knowledge. In the specialist degree course, you have the opportunity to specialize in construction or production technology.

Major 1: Design engineering

In the design engineering specialization, you will deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of design. You will design technical products so that they can be manufactured. You will analyze, evaluate and select possible alternative solutions. You will document the task and solutions in specifications and technical drawings, among other things. As a graduate, you will be familiar with the latest methods and procedures for developing, designing and calculating components, machines and systems and will be able to use them confidently in your everyday work.

Major 2: Production engineering

In the Production Engineering specialization, you will learn about the methods and manufacturing processes required for the industrial production of goods. You will deal with the economic production of components and work with digitally networked cutting machines and innovative industrial robot technology. As a graduate, you will be able to innovatively design and improve production processes and logistics systems for the manufacture of components.

There are two training phases:

• Section I comprises one full-time and four part-time semesters of study with practical phases including semester breaks with the practical vocational training in the training company. At the end of this training phase, you will pass the IHK/HWK examination and obtain your first professional qualification in the training occupation - after just 2½ years! Our KIApro students use the KIA training phases in the company for professional assignments in their company.
• Section II is the continuation of studies on the KIA degree course in mechanical engineering as a full-time course. This ends after a further 2½ years with the degree "Diplomingenieur (FH)".

• 1st to 5th semester: basic studies and vocational training
• from 6th semester: specialist studies
• 7th semester : Practical semester
• 10th semester: Diploma thesis and defense

You then have the option of continuing your studies with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• General or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences or admission test.
• Applicants with a qualification as a technician, business economist, master craftsman or similar. Completion of advanced vocational training according to §18(3) of the SächsHSFG must take part in a counseling interview for general university admission.

Job description

Chamber: IHK

Industrial mechanics manufacture components and assemblies for machines and production facilities, set them up or modify them. They monitor and optimize production processes and take on repair and maintenance tasks. Industrial mechanics are employed in companies in almost all manufacturing sectors.

Source: Berufenet employment agency

Job description

Chamber: IHK

Construction mechanics work in the fields of equipment technology, sheet metal construction, shipbuilding, welding technology and in steel and metal construction.

Construction mechanics

• plan their tasks on the basis of technical documents,
• manufacture components, assemblies and metal constructions from sheet metal, pipes or profiles using manual and mechanical production processes,
• manufacture, assemble and dismantle steel components, elevators, transport and loading systems, protective grilles, cladding, stairs, doors, gates, covers, containers, protective equipment, sheet metal pipes and ducts, aggregates and car bodies,
• carry out welding processes in compliance with occupational safety and environmental protection,
• assemble and disassemble metal structures and apply various joining techniques,
• create auxiliary constructions, devices, templates and unwinding,
• select test equipment and test procedures and apply the company quality assurance system,
• carry out the necessary maintenance work on systems, machines and tools,
• coordinate work with upstream and downstream areas, process complex orders as part of a team,
• carry out activities independently in compliance with the relevant regulations and safety provisions.

Source: Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training

Job description

Chamber: IHK

Mechatronics technicians build complex mechatronic systems, e.g. robots for industrial production, from mechanical, electrical and electronic assemblies and components. They test the individual components and assemble them into systems and plants. They put the finished systems into operation, program them or install the associated software. In doing so, they follow circuit diagrams and design drawings and check the systems carefully before handing them over to their customers. They also maintain and repair mechatronic systems.

Source: Berufenet employment agency

Job description

Chamber HWK

Few people are aware of the versatility of this profession. For example, this metalworking trade is used in the construction of stable steel structures or custom-made conservatories, doors and gates. Custom-made superstructures and frames for special vehicles are part of vehicle construction. Environmentally friendly equipment is manufactured for agriculture and forestry. Creatively forged parts made from a wide variety of materials are skillfully designed. Further training courses are available in farriery.

Source: Saxony Crafts Day 2003

The company is still keeping the choice of training occupation open. It is only certain that it will be a metal profession.

Job description

Chamber: IHK

Process mechanics for plastics and rubber technology produce pipeline parts and systems, components and assemblies from polymer materials, convert them or repair them.
They specialize in components, compound and masterbatch production, fiber composite technology, molded parts, semi-finished products, plastic windows and multilayer rubber parts.

Source: BERUFENET 2021

Job description

Chamber: IHK

Machining mechanics manufacture precision components, usually from metal, using cutting processes such as turning, milling, drilling or grinding. They usually work with CNC-controlled machine tools or production systems. They set these up and monitor machining processes.

Source: BERUFENET 2021