Digital product development – Bachelor’s specialisation

Even machines are now created digitally. Before technology is built, components are manufactured or vehicles are produced, they are simulated, tested and developed – often entirely virtually. This is precisely where the ā€˜Digital product development’ specialisation within the Mechanical Engineering degree programme at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences comes in. You will not only design technical products, but also gain an understanding of the entire digital development process, from the initial idea to the finished solution.

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Facts and figures

Faculty
Engineering Sciences
Academic degree
Bachelor of Engineering
Course of studies
6 Semesters
Start
Winter semester
Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.)

Digital product development

With the ā€˜Digital product development’ specialisation, you’ll focus your Mechanical Engineering degree specifically on modern development processes in industry and product design. In doing so, you’ll develop the mindset of a modern development engineer: you’ll analyse technical systems, understand motion and force dynamics, and learn how to design and optimise complex assemblies. To achieve this, you’ll combine traditional mechanical engineering skills with digital development tools to create solutions that work technically and can be implemented in industry. Rather than looking at individual components in isolation, you’ll learn to understand products as complete systems.

What sort of content can I expect?

An overview of the course content

The Digital product development specialisation is aimed at anyone who wants not only to design technical ideas but also to actively develop modern products. You will learn to plan technical systems digitally and to optimise products efficiently right from the development phase. This digital development aspect sets your Mechanical Engineering profile apart.

The practical component is also a key feature. First, you’ll learn all about computer-aided design, assembly design, mechanism analysis and related topics. You’ll then apply this theory as part of a student team over several semesters in a collaborative development project. Together, you’ll gain experience that goes far beyond traditional design exercises.

Fundamentals of Design with Introductory Practical Course

Fundamentals of Manufacturing Technology with Introductory Practical Course

Fundamentals of Information Technology with Introductory Practical Course

Fundamentals of Materials Science with Introductory Practical Course

Engineering Mechanics I

Mathematics

Machine Elements I

Engineering Materials

General Chemistry

Fundamentals of Physics

Engineering Mechanics II

Mathematics – Analysis

Machine Elements II

CAD Techniques

Measurement Technology/Manufacturing Measurement Technology

Electrical Engineering

Business Management

transversal skills

Collaborative Development Project

Propulsion Technology

Technical Thermodynamics/Fluid Mechanics

Automation Technology

Fundamentals of Production Operations

2 specialisation modules:

  • Assembly Design
  • Mechanism Analysis

Collaborative Development Project

Hydraulics/Pneumatics

CNC programming

Manufacturing Process Design

Plastics Technology

2 specialisation modules:

  • Machine Dynamics
  • Engineering Design

Collaborative Development Project

Hydraulics/Pneumatics

CNC programming

Manufacturing Process Design

Plastics Technology

2 specialisation modules:

  • Machine Dynamics
  • Engineering Design

Cooperative Development Project

Work placement and Bachelor’s thesis
: Independent academic and practical work within a company, culminating in an independent academic thesis
. Duration: 20 weeks

Cooperative Development Project

Work placement and Bachelor’s thesis
: Independent academic and practical work within a company, culminating in an independent academic thesis
. Duration: 20 weeks

ā€žI’ve enjoyed studying at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences right from day one. The lectures are interesting, clearly presented and – something that’s particularly important to me – linked to practical applications. Even though great emphasis is placed on working independently, you’re always given personal support – even at half past ten in the evening.ā€
Marie
22, from Frankenberg/Sa., studying Mechanical Engineering in his 5th semester
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Mechanical Engineering in Mittweida

In summary – Digital product development in Mittweida

Description

Specialisation within the full-time Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering

Academic degree
Bachelor of Engineering
(180 Credits)
Regular study period
6 Semesters, Full-time study
Start
Winter semester
Course language
german
Admission restriction
No
Costs per semester
Semester fee 107€
Further qualification
Afterwards?

After completing your degree in Mechanical Engineering, you might work, for example, as a development engineer, design engineer or CAD specialist in industry and product development. Roles in simulation, technical development or the engineering of complex machinery and plant are also typical career paths.

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Study Information Evening (Studieninformationsabend)

11 November 2026 | 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

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Application and Admission

Applicants must hold a general university entrance qualification, a university of applied sciences entrance qualification, a subject-specific university entrance qualification or an equivalent recognised qualification. Applicants who have completed vocational training and have at least three years’ professional experience may also be admitted following a consultation and a successful entrance examination.

Language skills:

Anyone who did not obtain their university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution must demonstrate German language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Proof of this can be provided, for example, by passing the ā€˜German as a Foreign Language’ (TestDaF) test at the Mittweida University Preparatory College with an average score of TDN 3 in all four sections, or by presenting an equivalent certificate.

The application period for the winter semester begins on 15 April and ends on 15 July. You can register online via the HSMW application portal. Once you have submitted all your documents, you can enrol. Once you have enrolled, your place at Mittweida is secured. For international applicants, the application deadline is 15 May, to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

We’ve got you covered! Excellent study conditions, modern facilities and affordable rent allow you to focus fully on your studies. Tutorials are on hand to help with academic queries, the SAXEED start-up network supports you on your journey to developing your own business idea, and the Social Support Service offers assistance with specific life situations, such as childcare or caring for relatives. The campus also has plenty to offer: two music festivals a year, an active esports team and a vibrant student community. Discover just how diverse life in Mittweida is – at the Open Day or the Night of Science.

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Do you have any more questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, once you’ve completed the core modules, you’ll choose one of the four specialisations: Digital product development, Vehicle Development for Sustainable Mobility, Resource-efficient Manufacturing Technology, or Laser and surface technology. This allows you to tailor your degree programme precisely to your interests and develop into a specialist in your chosen field.

As a graduate, almost every door in industry is open to you, from traditional vehicle and plant engineering through to aerospace, medical technology and the energy sector. You will often work in development, design, production or quality management, and your skills are in demand wherever complex technology is designed and built.

Definitely, because Mittweida focuses on ā€˜learning by doing’ in state-of-the-art laboratories and through an integrated practical module in industry. Many students also take the opportunity to write their final-year dissertations in direct collaboration with companies, which often serves as a springboard to their first job.

Studying in Mittweida stands out thanks to its friendly atmosphere and close contact with lecturers, combined with state-of-the-art technical facilities (particularly in the field of laser technology). Here, you’re not just a number in an overcrowded lecture theatre, but work in small teams on real-world projects that prepare you for a career in industry.

As well as an interest in technology and physics, you should have a solid understanding of maths to be able to handle the calculations behind the scenes.

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  Lisa Viehweg
Lisa Viehweg
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Dienstags 13:30 bis 15:30 Uhr
Mittwochs 9 bis 11 Uhr
Donnerstags 14 bis 17 Uhr
Freitags 9 bis 11 Uhr

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What is the HSMW?

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There are more than just five good reasons to study in Mittweida. The most important one: over 90 specialised degree programmes that consistently focus on practical professional skills. Because, particularly in the age of AI, it’s not just about having learnt the theory, but about successfully applying it in practice.

But your time at university is about more than just acquiring knowledge. The HSMW campus is reminiscent of a US university – a small university somewhere in the Midwest. In Mittweida, everything is within easy walking distance, so you can study more comfortably, in a more relaxed and focused way – thanks in part to affordable rents. Instead of having to finance your living costs with part-time jobs, you can make the most of the vibrant campus life.

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