Civil Engineering Schools and Programs in Germany

Civil Engineering Studies in Germany

You can study civil engineering in Germany at the Berlin University of Applied  Sciences. Source.Are you one of the millions of people worldwide considering an opportunity to participate in a study abroad program—a program that allows you to study and live for a time in a foreign country?  Are you interested in the field of Engineering, or more specifically, Civil Engineering, a discipline that deals with the design and construction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams and other byways that help people get around?  In today’s global society, an increasing number of students are recognizing the value of participating in study abroad programs, including hundreds of Civil Engineering students who are making their way each year to the beautiful and very progressive country of Germany.  In the following article we will provide some quick facts about Germany and the Civil Engineering programs offered there, and highlight some of the sights and attractions students will be treated to when they opt to study in this fascinating nation.
 
The Federal Republic of Germany is a federal parliamentary republic located in the west-central portion of the European continent.  The nation, which covers an area of just over 357,000 square kilometers (138, 847 square miles), is home to some 81 million people, making it the most populous nation in Western Europe and the most populous member nation in the European Union.  A wealthy nation, Germany has the world’s fourth-largest economy as measured by nominal Gross Domestic Product and the fifth-largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity.  Germany is the major political and economic power of the European continent, and as a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is the world’s second-largest exporter and third-largest importer of goods.  To maintain its position as a global economic leader, the country relies on graduates from its excellent system of higher education, a system that is ranked one of the best in the world.

Civil Engineering Education in Germany

Civil Engineering is an educational discipline offered by most of Germany’s major universities.  The program is offered at three levels, the undergraduate or Bachelor degree level, the graduate or Master’s degree level, and the postgraduate level, leading to a doctorate or PhD degree. 
 
At the undergraduate level, the program typically spans four years for full-time students—the time it takes to complete a total of 240 credits.  Once students have successfully completed their undergraduate studies, they are eligible to apply for admittance into the Master’s degree program—a two-year program consisting of approximately 120 credits and the completion of a Master’s thesis or project.  Exceptional students who want to further their education after earning their Master’s degree can apply for admission into the doctoral program of Civil Engineering, although the admission requirements are generally must more rigid.

In the simplest terms, Civil engineering is a professional field concerning the design and maintenance of public works such as roads, bridges, water and energy systems as well as public facilities like ports, railways and airports.  The coursework students can expect to encounter while pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering is a mix of mathematics, science and technology, with classes such as physics, chemistry and calculus leading the way, along with basic design courses in the use of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) technology.  Advanced courses emphasize laboratory-related projects and research, along with courses in the theory and science behind the discipline, and analysis and design.

An important field of study by any measure, Civil Engineering touches many aspects of our everyday lives.  From the water we use to brush our teeth in the morning to the roads we use to drive to school or work to the power that charges our cell phones, you can bet that Civil Engineers have had a hand in ensuring that the modern infrastructure we take for granted is designed and built correctly.

Civil engineering as a study deals with the blueprint and development procedure in the built environment for the construction of buildings, dams, and infrastructure, for instance, roads and bridges. As a civil engineer, one will be engaged in the entire construction procedure, i.e, from development to assessment, and even developing a maintenance structure for the construction project. If this sounds like a field you would want to study and engage in, then consider pursuing your education in Germany.

Germany is the hub for the best education not only in engineering but in other courses as well. Germany being the headquarters for most reputable automobile and industrial brands makes it the best place to study civil engineering not only for local students but for international students as well. Studying this course in Germany gives civil engineers an upper hand globally.

The construction industry in the country has grown a lot in the past few years. This has seen Germany increase its participation in unfamiliar construction plans via the means of subsidiaries overseas, projects, and designs. Foreign companies and builders are also allowed to provide assistance in designing and construction. As a student in Germany, these practices enable you to interact with other smart minds in the field thus enabling you to learn different designs and aspects of the field thus sharpening your skills as a civil engineer.

Studying civil engineering in Germany enables a student to learn and master all components involved in construction projects, such as planning, operations, financing, and construction among others. These skills will enable you as a civil engineer to successfully complete your tasks.

Under civil engineering, there are a number of fields to choose from for one’s specialty. Some of the fields are urban engineering, environmental engineering, coastal engineering, and transportation engineering just to mention a few.

Universities offering civil engineering in Germany

German degrees are reputable across the globe and haves sturdy global focus. German has quite a number of universities that any person interested in civil engineering could enroll to. Some of the universities are Bielefeld University, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Berlin University of Applied Sciences - HTW Berlin, Europa Universität Viadrina- Frankfurt, Fern Universität Hagen, Free University of Berlin, and  Jacobs University Bremen just to mention a few.

The languages used for instruction at the universities are German and English. The language used varies from school to school. To study civil engineering in Germany, you might be required to prove how good your language skills so as to be able to participate in class and comprehend the lectures. An international student might be required to take English-language tests. The official English-language tests accepted by the majority of German universities are CAE, TOEFL, and IELTS.

Most of the universities in the country offer a number of scholarships for both local and international students. They also provide support for foreign students thus enabling them to adapt well in the country.

Career options in Civil Engineering

As a civil engineering student, there are a number of career options one can venture into after attainment of one’s degree. These include being a building control surveyor, construction engineer, water resource engineer, and structural engineer just to mention a few.

Why Study Abroad in Germany

So why should you pursue at least a portion of your Civil Engineering studies in Germany?  The better question is “why not?”  Germany is a country full of history, art and culture; medieval towns and castles; bustling cosmopolitan cities and some of the friendliest people on the planet.  No matter what time of year you visit Germany, there is always something to see and do.  Enjoy the warm, colorful days of spring meandering through the country’s many protected gardens and parks; and stroll summer nights through cities like Berlin, the nation’s capital, where people from around the world gather to enjoy the many art and musical festivals held there.  The fall is all about the food and beer of Oktoberfest, while the winter is the perfect time for skiing in the nearby Alps, a destination offering breathtaking views of the country’s mountains and forests.  Some of the other sights and attractions that might interest you include:

The Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is one of Germany's most loved scenic routes, winding you through a region that boasts exemplary German scenery and culture; charming medieval towns surrounded by walls, fortresses and towers, half-timbered houses, historic hotels, castles, and restaurants that offer tasty and hearty food and some of the best beer in the world.  Highlights along the Romantic Road include the spectacular Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, and the castle Neuschwanstein.

The Dresden Frauenkirche

The Dresden Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady, has a long and storied history that will literally tug at your heart strings.  In the midst of World War II, when air-raids wiped out the city center of Dresden, the grand Frauenkirche collapsed into a pile of rubble, measuring some 45 feet high.  The ruins were left untouched for over 40 years as a reminder of the destructive powers of war. However, in 1994, the painstaking reconstruction of the church began, almost completely financed by private donations; and in 2005, the people of Dresden celebrated the resurrection of their much-loved church and symbol of their resilience.

The City of Trier

Nestled along the banks of the Moselle River is the city of Trier, Germany's oldest city. It was founded as a Roman colony in 16 B.C. and became the favored residence of several Roman emperors.  Nowhere else in Germany is the evidence of a former Roman presence in the country as vivid as it is in Trier, a city whose highlights include the Porta Nigra, the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps; and the Cathedral of Trier, which houses the “Holy Robe,” the garment said to be worn by Jesus Christ when he was crucified.  Each year, thousands of pilgrims flock to the city and cathedral to get a close up look at this sacred relic.