NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

In stage I studies, lectures, seminars and exercise courses have to be taken in general and special engineering on which
students are given written and oral tests in the intermediate Diplom examination:
phase A: chemistry; physics; electrical engineering/mechanics A; higher mathematics A
phase B: thermodynamics I and II; materials science I and II; fundamentals of information technology and numerical
mathematics; mechanics B; higher mathematics; machine elements I and II.
During stage II studies, the following subjects have to be taken and the courses completed with a written and oral examination
or a laboratory certificate:
general subjects and lab subjects: work science and business organisation; numerical mathematics; programming course;
fundamentals of oil hydraulics and pneumatics; machine dynamics I; hydrodynamics I; machine lab; production
engineering lab; welding lab I and II.
compulsory subjects: control engineering; heat, power and work machines; production systems I and II; production
engineering I and II; welding production processes I and II; machine tools I and II; production and assembly-appropriate
design; quality control.
Optional-compulsory subjects.
In addition, two major studies are required (usually involving about 200 hours of work each) as well as participation in an
excursion and completion of practical training.
The Diplom degree examination itself involves:
1. written and oral tests in the eight compulsory subjects and two optional-compulsory subjects;
2. the Diplom thesis.
In the Diplom thesis the student is supposed to deal independently with a problem from his/her field, making use of scientific
methods. A
period of three to six months is allowed for writing the thesis. The
Diplom thesis is assessed by two professors.
On passing the examination the student is given a certificate indicating the results of the Diplom examination as well as a
diploma stating that the student has been awarded the Diplom-Ingenieur degree (Dipl.-Ing.).
Example: mechanical engineering (Fachhochschule)
Example of study regulations and Diplom examination regulations for the degree programme in mechanical engineering at a
Fachhochschule (study regulations for the degree programme in mechanical engineering at the Fachhochschule Kiel, in force
since 1 August 1991, and the Diplom examination regulations for the degree programme in mechanical
engineering at the Fachhochschule Kiel of 1 August 1991).
The objective of the degree programme in mechanical engineering is to produce students capable of performing a
scientifically-based professional activity in the area of mechanical engineering.
The standard period of study is eight semesters, divided into two phases: basic studies (three semesters) and advanced
studies (five semesters). The fifth semester is a practical study semester and examinations are taken in the eighth semester.
Basic studies conclude with the intermediate examination and advanced studies with the final examination.
The aim of practical training (prior practical training and a practical study semester) is that the student acquires certain
subject-related skills and knowledge, and also to introduce the student to the work involved in his or her future profession. A
total of 16 weeks of practical training must be completed before the start of the degree programme. Practical work experience
of 20 weeks in total must be completed during the practical study semester.