Laser and surface technology – Bachelor’s specialisation

Not everything that transforms industry is visible at first glance. Often, a surface just a few micrometres thick determines whether a component can withstand extreme stresses, whether energy is used efficiently, or whether a product will function for years to come. Laser technologies, too, have long been shaping numerous high-tech sectors, from medical technology and microelectronics to automotive engineering. In the Laser and surface technology specialisation within the Mechanical Engineering degree programme at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences, you will explore these key technologies of modern production.

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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.)

Laser and surface technology

Precision, an understanding of materials and high-tech manufacturing. Rather than the day-to-day work of traditional Mechanical Engineering, in Laser and surface technology you’ll be working with processes that often operate behind the scenes but are of central importance to high-tech products. 

You’ll be working on technologies that often drive industrial innovation invisibly behind the scenes – but without which modern production simply wouldn’t function. It is precisely this specialisation that makes your profile particularly attractive to innovative industrial sectors. 

What sort of content can I expect?

An overview of the course content

In Mittweida, you’ll study Laser and surface technology as part of a comprehensive Mechanical Engineering degree. This will enable you to understand not only individual processes but also the broader context encompassing design, materials, manufacturing and industrial applications. You’ll learn how surfaces can be specifically modified to make components more durable, efficient or functional.

A key feature of the Mittweida programme is its practical focus: as part of the cooperative development project, you’ll work in a team over several semesters on real-world technical challenges and learn how modern manufacturing and surface technologies are actually applied.

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:

  • Testing Methods for Coatings and Surfaces
  • Fundamentals of Surface Technology

Collaborative Development Project

Hydraulics/Pneumatics

CNC programming

Manufacturing Process Design

Plastics Technology

2 specialisation modules:

  • Coating Techniques
  • Laser processing

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 – Laser and surface technology 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, for example, work in manufacturing and materials engineering, laser material processing or industrial quality assurance. Roles such as development engineer specialising in surface and coating technologies, or in high-tech production environments, 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
Studienberatung
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Presence

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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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next available on 07.09.2026 from 9
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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