Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

Study sustainable energy and hydrogen systems

The Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Systems is all about thermal and process engineering energy and hydrogen production, its distribution, storage and end use. The programme also covers topics from the fields of energy-related mechanical and plant engineering, chemical engineering and sustainability/economics.

About the application
Zwei Studierende im Labor Sorptionsprozesse.
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Learning content

What is the degree programme about?

The energy world of the future is flexible, networked and CO2-free. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important and must be made available to consumers in households, trade and industry in various forms, e.g. as heat or fuel. To achieve this, energy must be flexibly convertible and storable. Hydrogen will play a central role in the energy system of the future. Hydrogen can be produced flexibly, is versatile, relatively easy to store and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Hydrogen will become the fuel of our energy future.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Systems addresses these complex issues of the future energy world.

After studying Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Systems, you will be able to understand the technology chain of hydrogen as an energy source, from production, storage and transport to the corresponding applications, in order to develop new products and evaluate them in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

 

The following contents are on the programme:

  • Mathematical and scientific fundamentals, e.g. engineering mathematics, programming and machine elements
  • Fundamentals of hydrogen technology, e.g. chemistry, hydrogen systems and safety, thermal process engineering
  • Fundamentals of energy technology, e.g. thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, renewable energies, power and driven machines
  • Interdisciplinary teaching content, e.g. presentation and moderation, sustainability, life cycle assessment and business administration

Selected lectures are offered in English, because global challenges cannot be solved in German alone.

Our teaching content is designed to enable you, as future engineers, to take responsibility for society and the environment and to contribute to solving global challenges.

Note: In addition to the NEW degree programme, which focuses on process engineering and mechanical engineering issues, there is also the Regenerative Energy Technology and Energy Efficiency REE degree programme in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Both degree programmes enable you to help shape the energy transition, but view it from the perspective of the respective specialist discipline. Want to know more? Then find out here: REE

Auf dem Bild sind Wärmekügelchen zu sehen.
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Strengths of the degree programme

Being at the forefront

The Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Systems degree programme is brand new, cutting-edge and based on the latest research findings. We start with a small group of students, which guarantees intensive, project-orientated teaching with lots of fun.

Study with the best

OTH Regensburg is Bavaria's best university for mechanical engineering! This is according to the university ranking published by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) in March 2023, in which students rate their study conditions. In 13 categories, the degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering were ranked among the best in Germany.

Teaching at eye level

Whether in joint discussions in seminars or when working together on exciting research projects - students and professors work as equals here.

Close to the practice

Our professors have several years of professional experience, are well networked and know the requirements of companies. During the practical semester, our students can gain their own practical experience and make contacts.

Promotion? Geht auch bei uns!

Lust auf eine akademische Laufbahn? Das geht nicht nur an Universitäten. Als promotionsstärkste Fakultät der OTH Regensburg bieten wir ambitionierten Masterabsolventinnen und -absolventen die Möglichkeit, ihren Doktor bei uns zu machen.

Im Labor lernen

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten von Grund auf: Unsere Studierenden werden im Rahmen von Projektarbeiten, Praktika und Abschlussarbeiten eng in die Tätigkeiten in den Laboren eingebunden. Alle Labore und Einrichtungen entsprechen dem neuesten Stand der Technik.

Zwei Studierende arbeiten im Labor Strömungsmechanik.
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Career opportunities

What career prospects do I have?

You've completed your Bachelor's degree - now what? Do you want to hit the ground running in your professional life, do a Master's degree first or even aim for a doctorate?

Information on various follow-up options is summarised here:

  • Graduates of the Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Systems have a highly sought-after knowledge and understanding of technologies, systems and processes in energy and hydrogen technology. They not only develop innovative concepts and sustainable solutions for energy and hydrogen systems, but also integrate, evaluate and implement them from a systemic perspective. This makes them sought-after specialists with good career and promotion prospects in an increasingly complex and challenging world.

    Mechanical engineers specialising in sustainable energy and hydrogen systems work in a wide range of industries. Depending on their personal interests, they can work in the following areas, for example:

    • Development activities in the energy and hydrogen industry, e.g. from novel energy systems (Power-to-X), hydrogen-based storage and mobility concepts to synthetic fuels
    • Specialists in regional energy supply companies
    • Planning, optimisation and process management of process engineering systems for hydrogen production and distribution
    • Consulting activities in the field of energy optimisation and heat planning for industry and municipalities
    • Consultancy and specialist functions with public employers, NGOs and in the political implementation of the ‘energy transition’

    From regional champions to major global players, a wide variety of companies are potential employers - both nationally and internationally. Interesting jobs can also be found in engineering firms and the public sector. In addition, graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit are ideally equipped to set up their own energy start-up.


  • As an alternative to starting a career, Bachelor's graduates can take up an advanced Master's programme.

    The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering currently offers the following Master's degree programmes: Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.), Industrial Engineering (M.Eng.), Medical Engineering (M.Sc.).

    There is also the option of a research-oriented Master's degree programme in Applied Research in Engineering Sciences.

    Overview of all postgraduate degree programmes: Master's degree programmes at OTH Regensburg

     


  • Outstanding Master's graduates from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering have the opportunity to do a cooperative or joint doctorate at OTH Regensburg.

    Further information on the subject of doctorates can be found on the OTH Regensburg website.


Zwei Studierenden arbeiten vor einem PC im Labor.
Foto: Andreas Ellermeier / OTH Regensburg

Structure and modules

How is the degree programme structured?

The Bachelor's degree programme in Sustainable Energy and Hydrogen Systems is designed as a full-time course and comprises a standard period of study of seven semesters. It consists of six theoretical and one practical semester. Students can set individual specialisations during their studies with elective modules.

  • The first study phase consists of semesters one and two and is intended to provide orientation and basic knowledge. In both semesters, 30 ECTS credits, i.e. a total of 60 credits, must be achieved.

    Modules:

    • Engineering Mathematics 1 and 2
    • Technical Mechanics 1 and 2
    • Chemistry
    • Materials for energy systems
    • Fundamentals of electrical engineering and electronics
    • Machine elements 1
    • Manufacturing process
    • Thermodynamics 1 (English)
    • Seminar Energy and Sustainability (English)

    (For further information see download area: Study and examination regulations, study plan and module handbook)


  • In the third semester, students enter the second stage of their studies. The focus here is on engineering applications with regard to energy and hydrogen systems and the practical semester. In each of the three semesters, 30 ECTS points, i.e. a total of 90 credits, must be achieved.

    Modules:

    • Engineering Mathematics 3
    • Thermodynamics 2 (English)
    • Hydrogen systems and safety
    • Renewable energies
    • Measurement technology in plant engineering with internship
    • Thermal process engineering
    • Dynamics
    • Power and work machines
    • Apparatus and pipework construction with practical course in materials science
    • Engineering informatics
    • Basics of programming
    • Fluid mechanics
    • General science compulsory elective module
    • Presentation and moderation
    • Project management and quality assurance

     

    In the fifth semester, students must take a general science elective (so-called AW module). Here, students can choose a course from a wide range of options according to their personal interests:

    • Foreign languages
    • International programmes
    • Orientation knowledge (e.g. cultural studies, natural sciences, economics)
    • Social and methodological skills (soft skills)
    • Technology and engineering

    Further information and a catalogue of AW modules and additional training courses can be found on the AW programme page.

     


  • Das praktische Studiensemester, auch Praxissemester oder Industriepraktikum genannt, absolvieren unsere Studierenden im fünften Semester. Es dauert insgesamt 18 Wochen mit einem vorgesehenen Workload von 22 ECTS-Punkten. Das praktische Studiensemester bietet Studierenden die Gelegenheit, das Gelernte in einem Unternehmen, einem Ingenieurbüro oder einer öffentlichen Einrichtung im In- oder Ausland anzuwenden. Sie können erste Berufserfahrungen sammeln und wertvolle Kontakte für das spätere Berufsleben aufbauen.

    Noch Fragen zum Praxissemester? Der Praxisbeauftragte der Fakultät Maschinenbau (allgemeine und organisatorische Fragen) oder das Referat Prüfungen und Praktikum (rechtliche Fragen) helfen Ihnen gerne weiter.


  • Der dritte und letzte Studienabschnitt beginnt mit dem sechsten Semester. Hier stehen die Vertiefungsmodule und die Bachelorarbeit im Fokus. Für beide Semester sind insgesamt 60 Credits zu erreichen.

    Module: 

    • Regelkreise und Systeme mit Praktikum
    • Fachwissenschaftliches Wahlpflichtmodul H2, 1 und 2
    • Fachwissenschaftliches Wahlpflichtmodul Energie 1 und 2 und 3
    • Energy efficiency in buildings und industry (englisch)
    • Praktikum Energie und Wasserstoff
    • Projektarbeit
    • Nachhaltigkeit, Ökobilanz und Betriebswirtschaft
    • Bachelorarbeit

    (Weitere Infos siehe Downloadbereich: Studien- und Prüfungsordnung, Studienverlaufsplan und Modulhandbuch)

    Zur Schärfung des persönlichen Profils sind vier fachwissenschaftliche Wahlpflichtmodule zu belegen. Studierende können hier Module aus dem Wahlpflichtmodulkatalog wählen.

    Das Studium schließt mit der Bachelorarbeit ab. Es besteht die Möglichkeit, die Abschlussarbeit in Zusammenarbeit mit einem Unternehmen anzufertigen. Die Bearbeitungsdauer beträgt i.d.R. drei Monate. Auf der Seite Abschlussarbeiten der Fakultät Maschinenbaufinden Sie eine Datenbank mit ausgeschriebenen Themen, Antragsformulare zur Anmeldung und ein Merkblatt der Fakultät mit wichtigen Informationen.


    Studium und Organisatorisches

    Damit alles rund läuft

    Wo und wann finden die Vorlesungen statt? Welche rechtlichen Vorschriften müssen beachtet werden? Und wie kann ich mein Studium finanzieren?

    Antworten auf diese und weitere Fragen rund um das Bachelorstudium Nachhaltige Energie- und Wasserstoffsysteme sind hier zu finden.

    Info zur Bewerbung

    1. Please register in the  OTH Regensburg application portal. It is not necessary to register with “Hochschulstart” for this degree programme.

    2. The application process is entirely online. Complete the online application and upload all required application materials. This includes as a minimum your university entrance qualification. If further documents are necessary, they will be requested in the application portal.

    3. Make sure you regularly check your status in the application portal. Here you can also see whether any documents are still missing. You can upload missing documents by the end of the deadline. If you upload the required documents, your status will change.

    4. You will automatically receive email notifications via the application portal when your application status changes.

     

    5. If all application documents have been received within the application deadline and are valid, you will then receive an offer of a place of study online via the portal as well as an additional e-mail notification from the Admissions and Organisation Office of the OTH Regensburg. Please note that it is no longer possible to apply after the application deadline. 

    6. So what comes next? You can find all the information you need in the section under "Admissions and enrolment".

     

    For winter semesters:

    Application period for first semesters: 1 May - 15 September
    Application period for higher semesters: 1 May – 15 June

    For summer semesters:

    (no start of studies, therefore an application is only possible for a higher semester. This requires creditable achievements from a relevant programme of study).

    Application period for higher semesters: 15 November - 15 January

     

    General Information:

    During the pre-study placement, practical ideas and knowledge are to be conveyed, i.e. no auxiliary activities should be performed. It is to be completed full-time ( which is normal in companies/institutions).
    If you are attending the FOS/BOS, please do not enclose any internship documents, proof of activities, etc. Your school leaving certificate is sufficient, as it states the field of study.

    Confirmation of pre-study placement:

    - Submit one complete confirmation and not several partial confirmations.
    - The number of weeks must be included in all pre-study placement confirmations; i.e. not only the period of time.
    - If the previous pre-study placement was not completed in Germany, a certificate in at least English is required.

    You are welcome to use our ”Praktikumsbestätigung” (pre-study placement confirmation) form as an aid and submit it to the company/institution for signature.

    Special information for this study programme:

    The pre-study internship requirement does not apply if the FOS/BOS certificate with the subject technology is uploaded with your application for admission. In all other cases, the following information applies:

    Due date of the pre-study internship certificate:

    From the beginning of the degree programme until the start of the fourth semester at the latest (not with your application for admission). To be submitted by e-mail to the Examinations and Internships Office.

    Duration:

    6 weeks

    Splitting up your pre-study internship:

    The pre-study internship can be divided into two periods and two internships. The documents must be submitted once in full, not several times with partial confirmations.

    Content:

    Getting to know technical materials and processes as well as production methods and equipment. Please also refer to the separate information sheet.

    1. Please register in the application portal of OTH Regensburg .

    2. You can now select the programme you want to apply for. Please go through the steps of the application, read the information carefully and upload the required documents when prompted. If you are applying for a higher semester, the most important documents are your university entrance qualification (for details please also check the tab „International“), certificates of language proficiency, official transcripts of records showing the courses you already completed, as well as a completed and signed application for credit recognition. Additional documents will be pointed out in the application portal.

    Important!
    You should only apply for a higher semester if you have already completed at least one semester in a similar university degree in terms of academic level (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) and field of study. If you are currently enrolled in your first semester at university, you should not apply for a higher semester because you will most likely not receive your exam results before our application deadline (we do not accept any documents after the deadline).

    To assess whether you have already completed creditable work, you should first read the study and examination regulations of the programme you wish to study, in particular which courses and modules are included in the curriculum. Further details of course content can be found in the programme’s module handbook. You can find these documents on the OTH Regensburg programme website. If you believe that you have already completed courses that are equivalent in terms of content and workload to courses from the programme’s curriculum at OTH Regensburg, you can make a proposal for recognition to the Admissions Board by listing these courses in the application for credit transfer. You also need to submit transcripts of records. Please combine these with course or module descriptions from your previous university. Instead of uploading the complete module handbooks, you should only upload the module descriptions of the courses you have completed. If the courses were taken at OTH Regensburg, module descriptions are not required. If you would be interested in studying the programme in the first semester as well, you should apply separately for the first semester (different deadlines or requirements may apply).

    3. Please check the OTH Regensburg application portal regularly for updates on your status or missing documents. If necessary, you can upload any missing documents before the application deadline.

    4. As soon as your application has been processed by the Admissions Office, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with additional information. Please note that receiving a confirmation e-mail does not imply that you will also receive admission.

     

    5. If all application documents have been received within the application deadline and are valid, you will receive an e-mail with further information after the examination committee has checked the documents. Please note that it is no longer possible to apply after the application deadline. 

    6. The examination committee decides on the crediting of academic achievements and whether a placement in a higher semester is possible. This placement is based on the creditable achievements and not on the semesters completed. Please note that there may also be admission restrictions in the admission procedure for higher semesters. 

    7. So what comes next? You can find all the information you need in the section under "Admissions and enrolment".

     

    For their application at the OTH Regensburg, international applicants need

    • a university entrance qualification
    • an adequate knowledge of German

     

    UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE QUALIFICATION

    For an application for a Bachelor’s degree programme at the OTH Regensburg (university of applied sciences) international certificates, transcripts of your educational records and diplomas must first be recognized by uni-assist. Please request a so-called “preliminary review documentation” (in German abbr. VPD). (Exceptions are applications from the PR China and Vietnam. The recognition lies in the responsibility of the particular Academic Evaluation Center. However, if the APS certificate does not show a grade, a VPD is also required. Applicants from India need a certificate of the Academic Evaluation Center of India in order to request the VPD from uni-assist.)

     

    GERMAN LANGUAGE SKILLS

    German language skills on level DSH 2 are required. You have to upload your German language certificate either when applying or when enrolling via the online portal.

    These certificates are recognized as an alternative to the DSH 2 certificate:

    • TestDaF: TDN 4 in all sections of the exam
    • Studienkolleg: Feststellungsprüfung „Deutsch“
    • DSD: Level II with C1 in all sections of the exam
    • Goethe: C2
    • telc: telc Deutsch C2, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule
    • ÖSD: C2
    • UNIcert® Deutsch III

    Please read all texts and, if available, linked documents directly under Application Info!

     

    If you need a visa to study in Germany, you should look into the visa procedure and (if necessary) register on the waitlist as soon as possible. Depending on your country, receiving a visa appointment can take a long time. On the other hand, our admission letters are only valid for one semester and admission cannot be deferred.

    You can find more information for prospective international students (on visas or other issues) on the web pages of the International Office.

    For prospective students with a master craftsman's certificate

    With a master craftsman's certificate or an equivalent equivalent qualification, you can apply without restriction and have no subject restrictions, as you have a general university entrance qualification. In the application portal, you will be asked for your higher education entrance qualification. Please enter "Beruflich Qualifizierte Meister" (vocationally qualified master craftsman).

    When applying, in addition to your complete certificate including grade point average, you must also submit documentary proof of an interview with the departmental advisor for course guidance. Please make an appointment as early as possible. The name and contact details can be found in the "contact" section of each degree programme. Your course guidance advisor will also provide you with documentary proof that the interview took place. Documentary records of academic counselling from other universities in Bavaria are recognised for the same or similar degree programmes and must also be uploaded in the application portal. Other documents specific to your chosen study programme can be found in the application portal.

    Attending a preparatory course (including mathematics) is particularly useful for taking up a technical or engineering degree programme. The OTH Regensburg offers suitable preparatory courses for those with vocational qualifications.

    If you would like to study part-time - i.e. parallel to your job - rather than full-time, we recommend that you visit the pages of the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW).

     

    For prospective students with a vocational qualification certificate

    If you have completed vocational training, it is possible to apply for a place at university with a specific subject in mind. Your vocational training and the degree programme you wish to pursue must have a subject-related connection. In the application portal, you will be asked for your higher education entrance qualification. Please enter "Beruflich Qualifizierte Gesellen" (vocationally qualified journeymen).

    Please upload the following documents with your application:

    1. Certificate of completion of vocational training including grade point average

    2. Certificate of completion from a vocational school

    3. Proof of subsequent full-time employment of at least three years relevant to the vocational training.

    4. Other documents specific to your chosen study programme can be found in the application portal.

    5. Documentary record of an interview with the departmental advisor for course guidance. Please make an appointment as early as possible. The name and contact details can be found in the "contact" section of each degree programme. Your course guidance advisor will also provide you with confirmation that the interview took place. Documentary records of academic counselling from other universities in Bavaria are recognised for the same or similar degree programmes and must also be uploaded in the application portal.

    For full admission, applicants are still required to complete a two-semester probationary period, i.e. admission is tentative and subject to certain conditions.

    Attending a preparatory course (including mathematics) is particularly useful for taking up a technical or engineering degree programme. The OTH Regensburg offers suitable preparatory courses for those with vocational qualifications.

    If you would like to study part-time - i.e. parallel to your job - rather than full-time, we recommend that you visit the pages of the Centre for Continuing Education and Knowledge Management (ZWW).

    Admission and enrolment

    If your application has the status “Gültig” ("valid"), you can already be assured that you will be offered a place in a study programme at the OTH Regensburg. (This does not apply to Bachelor degrees in Architecture, Industrial Design and Midwifery). You can download the corresponding “Zulassungsbescheid” (admission letter) in the application portal. You can accept your offer of admission immediately in the application portal and enrol online.

    Enrolment generally takes place in August for the winter semester and in February for the summer semester.
    If you have also applied for a degree programme with restricted admission, please wait with your current enrolment until the allocation of places in study programmes has been decided. However, to be on the safe side, you should enrol by the end of the deadline at the latest.
    If you cannot be admitted due to missing documents, you will receive a letter of rejection.

    Documents

    The following documents must normally be uploaded for online enrolment at the university:

    • “Antrag auf Immatrikulation” (Application for enrolment) along with other documents required, depending on the individual case. You will be able to download the application for enrolment after accepting the place of study online in the OTH Regensburg application portal.
    •     Signed “Einwilligungserklärung zum Datenschutz” (declaration of consent regarding data protection). You will receive this together with the application for enrolment.
    •     Copy of valid identity card/passport
    •     Digital notification of health insurance, see the following notes "I would like to enrol. What do I have to do?"

    Semester fee

    You will receive the transfer details for the semester fee with your application for enrolment.

    I want to enrol as a student and have to provide proof of health insurance. What do I need to do?

    • If you have chosen public / statutory insurance, please contact your health insurance company and inform them that you are planning to enrol at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg. Your health insurance company will then send us a digital notification known as M10. Please note that we cannot accept any insurance membership certificates in PDF or paper form. Our institution number is H0000048 (please provide this to your insurance company if necessary).

      If you have questions about public vs. private insurance, please check the website of the DAAD.


    • If the insurance from your home country is not accepted in Germany and you are over 30 years old, you may have chosen a private health insurance for Germany. In this case, please contact any public health insurance company in Germany with your insurance documents. Please inform them that you would like to enrol at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg and remain privately insured. The health insurance company will then send us a digital notification of your exemption from public insurance. Please note that we cannot accept an insurance membership certificate from your private health insurance instead of the exemption. Our institution number is H0000048.

      If you have questions about public vs. private insurance, please check the website of the DAAD.


    • If you are already insured in another EU country, your insurance may be accepted in Germany. If that is the case, you need to apply from exemption from compulsory public insurance. To do that, please contact any public health insurance company in Germany, send them your insurance documents and inform them that you would like to enrol at Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule (OTH) Regensburg. The health insurance company will then send us a digital notification of exemption. Please note that we cannot accept any insurance membership certificates in paper form. Our institution number is H0000048.

      If you are coming from a non-EU country and/or are over 30 years old, you need to take on public or private health insurance which is valid in Germany. The website of the DAAD should help you better understand your options and choose the type of insurance which is best for you. After you have chosen your insurance, please ask your insurance company to send us a digital confirmation message of your insurance, or (if you have chosen private insurance) apply for exemption as instructed above.