Contents of the Rail Vehicle Engineering program (B.Eng.)

Rail Vehicle Technology is a seven-semester, full-time bachelor's degree program with a study volume of 210 credits.

The program is structured in sequential modules that include various course types, such as lectures, seminars, and practical trainings. Most modules end with a written examination. Each module comprises a certain number of ECTS credit points. Each semester consists of modules their total sum of which is always 30 ECTS credit points.

In the full-time program you attend lectures in Aachen during six semesters. In the first three semesters, the mathematical and scientific as well as the engineering fundamentals are laid for the later subject-specific deepening and spezializing courses. With a few exceptions, the content is taught in courses that you attend together with fellow students from the mechanical engineering program.

In the fourth semester, the subject-related specialization begins with courses on business administration and the technology of railroads and on rail vehicles' drive technology. A high proportion of laboratory trainings, excursions and, of course, the IMechE Railway Challenge ensure practice-oriented specialist knowledge.

In the fifth semester, your specialization really picks up speed: Control and safety technology, production and marketing of rail vehicles, quality and safety and, last but not least, rail vehicle technology 1 determine the timetable. In the sixth semester, you will complete the lectures with modules on control and simulation technology as well as rail vehicle technology and rail vehicle drives, including hybrid drive concepts. According to your interests, you can choose an elective module that fits best to your preferences. All students of the sixth semester take usually part in the Railway Challenge; this project is definitely a highlight in their studies.

In the first half of the seventh semester, you complete the practical project which is usually carried out in an industrial company. The subsequent bachelor's thesis demonstrates your ability to apply scientific methods to a specific problem and find a practical solution. After having finished your bachelor's thesis, you will be released into your future career as a sought-after expert in rail vehicle technology.