14 May 2025

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is making its degree programmes fit for the future. Two established Bachelor's degree programmes - Regenerative Energy Technology (B.Eng.) and Environmental Engineering (B.Eng.) - have been comprehensively further developed to meet the social, technological and ecological challenges. Both degree programmes can be studied directly or on a dual basis. *

From left: Prof. Dr Robert B. Wudtke, Prof. Dr Uta Breuer, Dr Pascal Leibbrandt (Photo: Tina Bergknapp)

The Regenerative Energy Technology degree programme has been one of the most popular programmes at Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences for years. Over 700 graduates have successfully completed the programme and have excellent networks in the industry. The programme concept has now been strategically developed further to prepare students even more specifically for the requirements of the energy transition.

The focus was on shifting thinking away from individual technical components towards an overall systemic understanding. The content was adapted accordingly: Topics such as sector coupling, energy system modelling, power-to-X, energy economics and environmental law as well as transport & mobility are now more prominent in the main course. Another new feature is a practical seminar in the first semester, which facilitates the start of the programme and integrates real projects from the outset. In addition, modules such as photovoltaics and wind energy systems are offered in English in the fifth semester - a clear sign of the increasing internationalisation of research and professional practice.

"We have specifically developed the degree programme to meet the requirements of an increasingly complex energy system and to optimally prepare our students for the markets of the future," says Dean of Studies Dr Pascal Leibbrandt.

The reorganisation was prompted by feedback from industry and former students. Many of them had previously worked in the development of individual components. In future, however, a systemic view is increasingly expected in order to be able to solve issues relating to the storage, distribution and integration of renewable energies in a holistic manner.

Students not only benefit from an up-to-date range of courses, but also from enhanced future prospects: the combination of systemic thinking, practical projects and English-language modules increases both employability and international connectivity. The tried-and-tested basic engineering degree programme is retained - it continues to lay the necessary foundation for later specialisations.

The new profile clearly positions the degree programme in a competitive environment: the combination of technical depth, practical implementation and broad thematic focus is a unique selling point in Thuringia and throughout Germany. Within the university, the programme is closely linked to related courses such as Environmental Engineering or Mechanical Engineering and specifically promotes interdisciplinary skills.

The Environmental Engineering degree programme has been comprehensively further developed. It now combines the previous Environmental and Recycling Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering programmes in a joint, flexible study model. The result is a degree programme that creates targeted synergies and prepares students for the increasingly networked fields of work in environmental engineering.

"We have merged the two former fields of study into one integrated degree programme in order to better meet the requirements of modern environmental engineering and to provide students with an interdisciplinary education," explains Dean of Studies Prof. Dr Uta Breuer.

The basis continues to be a solid scientific and technical foundation programme. Building on this, students choose one of the two specialisations - environmental and recycling technology or geotechnical engineering. Towards the end of the degree programme, practice-oriented project tasks come more to the fore. The aim is to link theory and practice even more closely and to promote professional skills at an early stage.

The background to this realignment was the similarity in content between the two previous degree programmes. Many fields of activity also overlap in later professional practice, so it made sense to merge the degree programmes. At the same time, this sharpens the focus on neighbouring disciplines - an important skill in times of complex environmental problems.

This has clear advantages for students: Career prospects remain excellent in both specialisations. At the same time, the new structure will increase the compatibility with Master's programmes - both in German-speaking countries and internationally. The strengths of the previous concept have been retained: the numerous internships and practical formats remain central components and ensure a close link between academic knowledge and professional application.

With this reorientation, Environmental Engineering will become a key degree programme for sustainable development. The broad choice of subjects, the practice-oriented profile and the close interlinking with neighbouring degree courses such as Regenerative Energy Technology or Mechanical Engineering make the course fit for the future - and create clear unique selling points in a nationwide comparison.

Further information:

Flyer Regenerative Energy Technology (B.Eng.)
Flyer Environmental Engineering (B.Eng.)

Study programme website "Regenerative Energy Technology (B.Eng.)"
Website degree programme "Environmental Engineering (B.Eng.)"

* subject to the final approval of the Accreditation Commission