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Facts and figures
Digital product development
With the ‘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.
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
Mechanical Engineering in Mittweida
In summary – Digital product development in Mittweida
Specialisation within the full-time Bachelor’s degree programme in Mechanical Engineering
(180 Credits)
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.
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 ‘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.
Related degree programmes
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 ‘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.
There are no school-style holidays during your degree. Instead, there are lecture-free periods. During these, you can study, write assignments, undertake work placements – and treat yourself to a bit of a break now and then.
In the 2026/2027 winter term, in addition to public holidays, the following periods are lecture- and exam-free:
- 21 December to 3 January,
- from 22 February. Exception: The Faculty of Social Sciences begins its lecture-free period on 29 February.
In the 2027 summer term, with lectures starting on 22 March, the dates are:
- 25 March to 2 April,
- 7 May,
- 17 May,
- from 2 August. The Faculty of Social Sciences will also hold an examination week from 23 to 27 August.
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.
