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Physical Engineering

Lasers cut car bodies, optical sensors control production lines, and Biophotonics supports medical diagnostics. Many of the technologies that make modern industry possible are based on physics – or, to be more precise, on the ability to harness physical effects for technical applications. This is precisely what the Physical Engineering degree programme at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is all about. You will not only learn to understand the laws of nature, but also use them to develop real-world technical systems.

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Facts and figures

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

Physical Engineering

Physical Engineering is aimed at people who want to take a closer look. Why does a sensor system measure in the micrometre range? How can light be specifically shaped, amplified or analysed? How are technologies developed that operate with the highest precision? 

The Physical Engineering degree programme combines physics with engineering thinking, turning scientific principles into practical high-tech solutions. Rather than focusing on purely theoretical physics, you’ll develop a technical understanding of systems that are actually used in industry, research and medical technology.

"How much physics is there in Physical Engineering?" | Professor and student answer FAQs about the degree programme

What sort of content can I expect?

An overview of the course content

The close links with cutting-edge technology are what make studying at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences so special. For decades, research has been carried out at the Laser Institute at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences into laser material processing, optical measurement technology and photonic applications. 

This close connection to research shapes the entire degree programme. You’ll learn to understand technical systems holistically: from optics and measurement technology, through material properties, to electronic and micro-technical components. This is precisely what creates the profile that companies and research institutions are looking for: people who don’t just operate high-tech systems, but truly understand them.

The specialisations demonstrate just how broad the field of Physical Engineering is. In Laser Technology, you’ll explore high-precision processes for industry and manufacturing. Through 3D Printing, you’ll work on modern manufacturing processes. Biophotonics combines optical technologies with biological and medical applications.

Mechanics

Fundamentals of Information Technology

Design

Electrical Engineering

Mathematics for Physicists

transversal skills

Currents/Waves

CAD Techniques

General Chemistry

Procedural Programming

Mathematics: Analysis

Materials Science

Thermodynamics and Electrodynamics

Technical Optics

Physical Measurement Technology

Advanced Mathematical Methods

Instrumentation/Safety 

Engineering Physics

Optical Metrology

Structure of Matter

Engineering Mechanics

2 specialisation modules:

In the Laser Technology specialisation:

  • Fundamentals of laser material processing
  • Laser Material Processing Techniques

In the 3D Printing specialisation:

  • 3D printing processes
  • Function-oriented design for 3D Printing

In the Biophotonics specialisation:

  • Photobiology
  • Biophotonics measurement technology

Business Management

Fundamentals of Manufacturing Technology

Analogue Technology

Microsystems Technology

2 specialisation modules:

In the Laser Technology specialisation:

  • Laser Physics
  • Comprehensive practical course in Laser Technology

In the 3D Printing specialisation:

  • Fundamentals of Additive Manufacturing
  • Advanced practical course in 3D printing processes

In the Biophotonics specialisation:

  • Biophotonics I – Interaction of light with organic matter
  • Comprehensive practical course in Biophotonics

Practical module
: Independent scientific and practical work within a company
Duration: 12 weeks

Bachelor’s
thesis: Final, independent academic thesis
Duration: 12 weeks

„I chose the Biophotonics specialisation because I find the intersection of physics and biology particularly interesting. During my studies, I was able to gain practical experience in the field of Biophotonics and work with modern spectrometers and microscopes – both as part of my Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and in my role as a research assistant.”
Josephine
Aged 26, from Mittweida, holder of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physical Engineering, specialising in Biophotonics
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Physical Engineering in Mittweida

In summary – Physical Engineering in Mittweida

Description

A full-time Bachelor’s degree programme at the interface between the natural sciences and engineering practice

Academic degree
Bachelor of Science
(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 studying Physical Engineering, you could, for example, work as a development engineer for laser systems, a specialist in optical measurement technology or a process engineer in the photonics industry. Roles in medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry, additive manufacturing, sensor development or industrial research are also typical career paths.

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Study Information Evening (Studieninformationsabend)

11 November 2026 | 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Has this sparked your interest?

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.

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Do you have any more questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, at the end of the third semester, you’ll choose one of the three promising specialisations: Laser Technology, 3D Printing or Biophotonics. To help you make your choice, you’ll get a taste of all the areas during the first few semesters and can bombard your lecturers with all sorts of questions.

As well as holding a general or subject-specific university entrance qualification, you should have a keen interest in science and technology. Specific advanced-level school subjects are not essential, but a solid foundation in mathematics and physics will make it much easier for you to get to grips with the fundamentals of engineering.

Due to subjects such as thermodynamics and electrodynamics, or advanced mathematics, the degree programme is considered mathematically and physically demanding and requires logical thinking and discipline. However, no specific prior knowledge is required, as all the fundamentals are systematically built up from the outset and the university supports you with preparatory courses.

Mittweida is home to the nation’s leading laser institute, the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (LHM), which means you’ll have access to world-class technical facilities that are unrivalled by any other university in Germany. You’ll also benefit from extremely small practical groups – usually comprising just two or three people – and very personalised support, without the hassle of overcrowded lecture theatres. 

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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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dedicated staff
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Years at HSMW
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