HOCHSCHULE MITTWEIDA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

INTRODUCTION

The Hochschule Mittweida – University of Applied Sciences (HSMW) is a publicly funded educational institution situated in Mittweida, Germany. It was established in the year 1867.

The University of Applied Sciences Mittweida is recognized as the second-largest public institution of higher education in the field of applied sciences within the region of Saxony.

Mittweida University of Applied Sciences provides a comprehensive range of over 50 degree programs of international quality to its student body, which comprises almost 7,000 individuals. At the institution, students have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees, such as Bachelor’s degrees, as well as postgraduate degrees, such as Master’s degrees or Diploma degrees, within the five faculties.

Academic programs are distinguished by their incorporation of both theoretical and practical components, emphasizing active collaboration with domestic and foreign firms and industries.

The institution takes great pride in reflecting upon a prosperous 150-year history, boasting an impressive alumni network of approximately 80,000 individuals hailing from over 40 different nations.

Currently, the institution has established collaborations with more than 100 global partners, while around 21 percent of the total student population consists of overseas students.

Related article: STUDY IN GERMANY

Faculties

There are five faculties at the university:

• Engineering Sciences
• Applied Computer Sciences and Biosciences
• Industrial Engineering
• Social Sciences
• Media Sciences

NAME EVOLUTION

Established in 1867 under the name “Technicum” the university first focused on providing education for machine-building engineers.

During the early 20th century, it emerged as one of Germany’s most prominent private educational institutions.

Following the assumption of power by the National Socialists, the “Technicum” transformed its institutional status, transitioning from a privately owned educational institution to the “Engineering School Mittweida” (Ingenieurschule Mittweida) in 1935.

During the 1960s, due to the favorable outcomes achieved by the electrotechnical training program, the educational institution transformed and was officially renamed the “Engineering College Mittweida.”

In 1980, the institution was granted the authority to confer the academic title of “doctor engineer.” Following the reunification in 1992, the educational institution underwent a transformation and was reestablished as a university of Applied Sciences.

Why Hochschule Mittweida?

The HSMW University provides internationally comparable study packages, with most of these programs being modularized and recognized. These programs lead to Bachelor’s, Master’s and German Diploma (FH) degrees.

The presence of high-quality instruction and a strong connection between teaching and research yields advantageous outcomes for students.

The award system used by the institution adheres to the principles of the Bologna Process and follows the European Credit Transfer System. This facilitates the opportunity for our students to engage in international academic exchanges.

Implementing this method can also provide advantages for international students enrolling at the university.

LOCATION ADVANTAGE

Studying in Mittweida offers a distinctive advantage due to its conducive environment that combines comfort, relaxation and focus. One pivotal factor contributing to this advantage is the affordability of living expenses.

While renowned cities like Munich, Hamburg, Cologne and Berlin demand budgets exceeding 400 to 600 euros for monthly rent, Mittweida stands out with remarkably economical options. The cost-conscious student can secure accommodation for around 200 euros, significantly alleviating financial burdens. This financial ease allows students to concentrate on their academic pursuits without the overwhelming strain of high living costs.

Choosing Mittweida not only offers a comprehensive educational experience but also ensures a more balanced lifestyle. The city’s affordability fosters a sense of financial security, enabling students to explore their academic and personal endeavours with enhanced peace of mind.

In this nurturing environment, students can fully immerse themselves in their studies, engage in extracurricular activities and forge meaningful connections, all while maintaining financial stability.

PROGRAMS OFFERED IN THE HOCHSCHULE MITTWEIDA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES

BACHELOR COURSES

Electrical Engineering – Automation, B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Automation – Industry 4.0
• Networks electric mobility
• Mechatronics

Physical Engineering, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Laser Technology
• 3D-Printing
• Bio photonics

Mechanical Engineering, B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Digital Product Development
• Resource-efficient Manufacturing Technology
• Laser and Surface Technology
• Micro mobility

Engineering Pedagogy, B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Study technical teaching for vocational schools.
• Specialization in the bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering.

Responsible Consumption and Production, B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Automation and Industry 4.0 in a package with experience abroad.
• Specialization in the bachelor’s degree program in electrical engineering-automation.

MASTERS COURSES

Electrical Engineering – Automation, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Networked Intelligent Systems
• Automation/Mechatronics

Acoustical Engineering, M.Sc. (Extra-occupational education)

Study fields in the course:

• Part-time Master’s program in cooperation with the Hochschule München.

Physical Engineering, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Consecutive Master program for the Bachelor of Physical Engineering, B.Sc.

Mechanical Engineering, M.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Consecutive Master program for the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, B. Eng.

DUAL AND PART-TIME STUDY PROGRAMS

Dual study program Courses

• Mechanical engineering, B.Eng. | dual
• Mechatronics, B.Eng. | dual
• Automation – Industry 4.0, B.Eng. | dual

Part-time Bachelor

• Industrial Engineering, B.Eng.

POSTGRADUATE COURSES

• Mechanical Engineering, Dip.-Ing. (FH)
• Industrial Engineering, Dip.-Ing. (FH)

FACULTY OF APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCES AND BIOSCIENCES

BACHELOR COURSES

General and Digital Forensic Science, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Practice-oriented studies of forensics in the field of general and digital forensics
• Crime scene analysis in the digital and real world

Applied Mathematics, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Application-oriented basic education in mathematics in English.
• Application-oriented basic education in computer science in English.
• Application-oriented basic education in various digital technologies in English.

Biotechnology, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Focus on bioinformatics
• Focus on molecular diagnostics
• Focus on environmental biotechnology

IT security, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Practice-oriented studies in the field of IT security
• Applied Computer Science

Media Informatics and Interactive Entertainment, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Training as a software developer for the media and entertainment
• Training as a software developer for the games industry
• Training as a software developer for the creative development of interactive 3D/2D media offerings.

Software Development, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Practice-oriented studies for the development of modern software for the demanding applications of tomorrow
• Applied Computer Science

MASTERS COURSES

Applied Mathematics for Network and Data Sciences, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• In-depth education in mathematics,
• In-depth education in computer science
• In-depth education in various digital technologies

Block chain and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• A bilingual full-time program combining advanced technical, economic, mathematical and legal content on blockchain and distributed ledger technology.

Cybercrime/Cybersecurity, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• In-depth study program in the field of cybercrime

Genomic biotechnology, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Advanced training in computer science
• Advanced training in biology.

Media Informatics and Interactive Entertainment, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Focus on software engineering for complex systems
• Focus on databases for digital media.

DISTANCE LEARNING

IT-Forensic/Cybercrime, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Extra-occupational correspondence course in the field of IT forensics/cybercrime.

FACULTY OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
BACHELOR COURSES

Industrial Engineering – B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Business and technical skills
• industrial engineer for Sales and Data Science
• industrial engineer for media

Business Administration – B.A.

Study fields in the course:

• Marketing
• Logistics
• Internationale Management
• Human Resource Management
• Finance
• Controlling & Accounting

Energy and Environmental Management – B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Engineering Sciences
• Management

Sustainable Real Estate Management – B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Management
• Engineering Sciences

MASTERS COURSES

Business Administration – M.A.

Study fields in the course:

• Entrepreneurship and management
• Reorganization and Restructuring
• Handling crises in a company

Sustainability in macroeconomic cycles – M.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Science
• Management
• Technology
• Sustainability

Industrielles Management – M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Interfaculty study program in cooperation with IWD

Industrielles Management – Innovation und Unternehmensexpansion – M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Industrial and service market
• Innovation & Business Expansion

DIPLOMA PROGRAMS

Industrial Engineering – Diploma

Study fields in the course:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Operational Management
• Energy Management
• Strategic Management

Industrial Engineering – Diploma (Distance Learning)

Study fields in the course:

• Distance learning in cooperation with the study center Weiz

Electrical Engineering – Diploma (Distance Learning)

Study fields in the course:

• Distance learning in cooperation with the study center Weiz

FACULTY OF MEDIA SCIENCES

BACHELOR COURSES

Media Management, B.A.

Study fields in the course:

• Digital Media and Journalism
• Media Production
• eSports and Games Marketing
• Media and Business

Media technology, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Live Production
• Virtual Production

Audio and Acoustical Engineering, B.Eng.

Study fields in the course:

• Audio
• Acoustics

Global Communication in Business Culture, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Management
• Media
• Social
• Global Communication in Business and Culture

Media Informatics and Interactive Entertainment, B.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Computer Science
• Media
• Software development for the media, entertainment
• Software development for the games industry
• Software development for the creative development of interactive 3D/2D media.

MASTERS COURSES

Media Management and Technology, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Journalism
• Business
• Marketing
• Creative Production

Industrial Management, M.Sc.

Study fields in the course:

• Media-Engineering
• Management & Marketing in Event-Sport-Health
• Project and process management

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

BACHELOR COURSES

B.A. Social Work

Study fields in the course:

• Social
• Management

B.A. Social Work (Career-integrated)

Study fields in the course:

• Management
• Social
• Extra-occupational studies

MASTERS COURSES

M.A. Social Work

Study fields in the course:

• Social
• Management

M.A. Social Work (Part-Time)

Study fields in the course:

• Management
• Social

M.A. Therapeutic social work with children and young adults

Study fields in the course:

• Social

CERTIFICATE COURSES

Supervision und Coaching

Study fields in the course:

• Social
• Management
• In cooperation with BASTA e.V.

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF HOCHSCHULE MITTWEIDA

Hochschule Mittweida maintains an extensive international network. The presence of international students contributes to the enhancement of the campus environment.

Various international study programs and exchange programs are provided.

International mobility is facilitated and sustained by implementing various mobility programs and projects.

Incoming Student Exchange

Incoming Student Exchange programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a cross-cultural academic experience. Students can immerse themselves in a foreign educational environment, fostering intercultural understanding and academic enrichment.

Students have the opportunity to pursue their studies at this esteemed university while simultaneously engaging themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Germany.

There are,

• Full-time Students – International Students can study full-time at this university.
• Exchange Students – International Students can study for one or two semesters at this university.

Outgoing Student Exchange

Outgoing Student Exchange programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a cross-cultural academic experience. Students can immerse themselves in a foreign educational environment, fostering intercultural understanding and academic enrichment in a new country.

• Stay Abroad – Students can study full-time at the partner university.
• Exchange Students – Students can study for one or two semesters at the partner university.

Study in English Language

Hochschule Mittweida offers programs through English-taught. Students can immerse themselves in a diverse and innovative academic environment while studying in English.

Students can explore a range of fields, connect with a global community, gain valuable international experience for their future careers and Start the journey to academic excellence.

The programs offered in the English taught For Exchange students are,

Faculty of Engineering

• B.A. Business Administration

Faculty of Media

Bachelors

• B.A. Media management
• B.Sc. Media Technology
• B.Sc. Global Communication in Business and Culture

Masters

• M.Sc. Media Management and Technology

Faculty of Engineering Sciences

Bachelors

• B.Eng. Responsible Consumption and Production

Masters

• M.Sc. Physical Engineering

Faculty of Computer & Biosciences

Bachelors

• B.Sc. Applied Mathematics, B.Sc. Life & Computer Sciences

Masters

• M.Sc. Applied Mathematics

Institute for Competence, Communication and Sport of the Hochschule Mittweida

Course: The Self & the Other: Cultural and Social Theories of Diversity

Study in German Language

Hochschule Mittweida provides students with German language classes and FSP courses designed to provide them with the necessary professional skills for their academic pursuits.

German courses

In order to gain admission to the university, students are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the German language through the German language test for university admission (DSH).

In the event that students have been granted a conditional pre-admission offer from Mittweida University but are still deficient in their proficiency in the German language, they will be granted automatic enrollment in the DSH course at the preparatory college.

During the DSH program, university courses are incorporated as excursions. This facilitates the technical readiness for academic pursuits through familiarising oneself with the university, acquainting oneself with specialized terminology and establishing connections with German students. The selection of lectures is based on the participants’ respective programs of study.

FSP courses

In the event that students possess a secondary school qualification from their country of origin that is not acknowledged as a university entry qualification (HZB) in Germany, it is necessary for them to enrol in an FSP course at the preparatory college prior to commencing their academic pursuits.

This FSP course concludes with an assessment test (FSP), which includes the required German test.

If the student successfully completes the examination, they will possess proof that they have fulfilled the requirements for pursuing studies in German universities of applied sciences, specifically in the courses designated for their chosen specialization.

EU programs ERASMUS+

The ERASMUS+ program holds significant importance as a mobility initiative.

Hochschule Mittweida actively participates as a member of the ERASMUS+ network in Europe.

Under this Program there are sub programs,

• BIP – It is a new kind of ERASMUS+ exchange, called Blended Intensive Program or BIP. Study programs such as online teaching with one week stay in Mittweida in the presence.
• ERASMUS+ outside European Union – The university has cooperation outside the European Union is called ERASMUS+ with partner countries (KA 107). HSMW coordinate projects with the partner universities to exchange students and staff.

WORK DURING STUDIES/STUDENTENWERK

Students from member nations of the European Union or the European Economic Area are granted the opportunity to engage in work to the extent of their capacity while pursuing their education, a privilege that is also extended to German students.

International students who possess a valid residence visa are granted the opportunity to engage in work inside a firm, subject to certain limitations. Specifically, they are permitted to work for a total of 120 full days or 240 half days throughout the course of a calendar year, thereby enabling them to earn monetary compensation.

Furthermore, students are granted the opportunity to engage in work as student assistants inside the institution or the “Studentenwerk” organization, with no prescribed restrictions on the number of working hours.

At the Studienkolleg, students are prohibited from engaging in work-related activities during the academic semester, with the exception of designated semester vacations.

In order for students to exceed the permitted amount of working hours per year, it is necessary for them to obtain authorization from the Foreigner’s Registration Office.

DOUBLE-DEGREE PROGRAMS

The academic program at the home institution is supplemented by a combined period of study abroad at the partner university.

Each university will issue the final certificates and transcripts of grades individually.

The institution provides a range of academic programs for students to choose from.

• Applied Mathematics for Networks and Data Sciences (M.Sc.)
• Business Administration (B.A.)
• Business Administration (M.A.)
• Business Engineering (Dip.-FH)
• Electrical and Automation Technology (B.Eng.)
• Industrial Management – Innovation and Business Expansion (M.Sc.)
• Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics (B.Eng.) Mechanical Eng.

PARTNERS OF THE HSMW

The Hochschule Mittweida – University of Applied Sciences has numerous global partnerships. The institution has established ERASMUS+ partnerships with nearly all partners in the European Union, enabling the financing of stays within the constraints of available financial resources.

Some of the partners worldwide

• Austria’s Monash Universität
• Belgium’s Hasselt University
• Brazil’s Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
• Bulgaria’s TU Gabrovo
• Cameroon’s African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)
• Canada’s Concordia University of Edmonton
• China’s Changshu Institute of Technology
• France’s Université de Bretagne Occidentale
• Great Britain’s University of Bristol
• Latvia’s Riga Technical University (RTU)
• Romania’s Universitatea din Petrosani
• USA’s City University Seattle

RESEARCH PROFILE

With a rich heritage spanning 150 years in engineering education, Mittweida University of Applied Sciences has evolved into a forward-thinking institution with a global perspective.

The university provides diverse programs that emphasize practical and applied education in several disciplines, including engineering, business, social sciences, media and other related professions.

The research conducted at Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is distinguished by its focus on practical application and interdisciplinary nature.

It is characterized by four main research areas (FSP)

• Laser Technologies
  Laser technologies constitute the primary research emphasis of the university.
  The key responsibilities of this concentration area encompass research and development, transfer services including spin-offs, consulting, testing and further education.

• Product and Process Development
  The research endeavours are influenced by a distinct set of engineering and natural sciences, which also connect with industrial engineering.
  The research areas of interest encompass the following domains: energy technology and systems, resource management, information and system electronics with a focus on embedded systems, materials and surface technologies, manufacturing technologies, drive systems and robotics, work planning, component development and evaluation, automation industry 4.0, fibre composites and biological systems and technologies.

• Digitalization in Business and Society
  Digital Educational Technologies focuses on developing teaching and learning processes in higher education through the development and implementation of appropriate technologies and platforms.
  Its primary objective is to improve study success and the overall quality of education by leveraging digitalization.
  The study profile lines within the context of digitalization in business and society cover various economic, social and media research methodologies to address the difficulties posed by economic and social transformations.
  The two faculties of the university engage in extensive research on various aspects related to working environments, living conditions, quality of life, regional development and entrepreneurship within profile lines.

• Applied Computer Science
  The objective of this research is to methodically enhance algorithms that are efficient and can be practically implemented. Robust research profiles are commonly observed in certain domains such as big data, encompassing technologies like block chain and distributed ledger technology (DLT), bioinformatics and digital forensics & IT security.
  There is a possibility of synergistic interactions between the disciplines of mathematics and the domain of machine learning expertise.
  Prominent study areas within the domain of media informatics encompass the domains of web, app, cloud, gaming technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR).

RESEARCH CENTERS AND INSTITUTES

Hochschule Mittweida has established research centers, institutes and labs dedicated to specific research areas. These centres serve as hubs for research activities and collaboration.

There are three total central scientific research facilities

• Laserinsititut Hochschule Mittweida (LHM)
• Institute for Knowledge Transfer and Digital Communication (IWD)
• Institute for Competence, Communication and Sport of the Hochschule Mittweida

Some other Institutes,

• Block chain Competence Center Mittweida (BCCM)
• InnArbeit – Center for Innovative Work Planning and Work Science
• Institute for Innovation, Controlling and Business Development (ICBD)
• Institute for Energy Management
• Institute for Sustainability and Real Estate Management
• Institute for Computer Science and Media in Research and Transfer (CSMRT)
• Saxon Institute for Computational Intelligence and Machine Learning (SICIM)
• MIKOMI

Industry Collaborations

HSMW have strong ties with local industries and businesses.

Research projects involve partnerships with companies to develop innovative solutions.

Some of the Cooperation Partners,

• Laser Institute Middle Saxony e.V.
• Management Institute Mittweida e.V.
• Media Institute Mittweida e.V.
• Saxon Institute for Children and Teenager Psychotherapy – Covering all Methods e.V.
• Research Institute for Economic Sciences Mittweida e.V.
• Institute for Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Data Analysis e.V. (CIID)
• Friends´ Association of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences e.V.
• Friends´Association Lab Facilities – Mittweida University of Applied Sciences e.V.

CENTRAL FACILITIES

LIBRARY FACILITY

Use Permissions

Access is regulated through the implementation of IP address or the utilization of a combination of login and password. Authorized users can retain data and generate physical reproductions solely for personal purposes.

Access Permissions

Control over access to paid online resources is regulated inside the limits of the university campus by utilizing an IP address. The recommended option for browser settings entails selecting a direct connection to the Internet and opting out of any proxy configuration.

VPN

The university offers a Virtual Private Network (VPN) facility that enables students to get access to the complete content of licenced electronic materials.

Primo Research Portal

Students can access both printed and electronic sources during their research endeavors. The integration of the database information system DBIS and the university publication server Monami has been established in this service.

Other facilities of the Library

• Loan periods
• Renewal
• Reservation
• Virtual tour
• Schedule of fees
• Digital Reading
• Carrel rental
• Interlibrary loan
• Equipment rental
• Digital consultation

SPORTS FACILITY

The university sports programs provides diverse sports and exercise options for students and employees while offering student-athletes a valuable training platform.

Some of the facilities offered are,

Health and fitness sector

The campus offers a health and fitness facility that provides opportunities for strength and fitness training. The facility is equipped with contemporary 3D devices, Diagnos 4 back devices, a section dedicated to free weights, as well as various cardio equipment, among other amenities.

Moving Break

The inclusion of a “moving break” in educational settings aims to enhance the engagement and vitality of students during lectures by incorporating relaxation activities. Additionally, these breaks include coordinative-cognitive exercises that stimulate cognitive development in the brain.

Beach volleyball court

Members of the university are granted complimentary access to the beach facility located in the Lothar-Otto-Sporthalle without incurring any fees.

Competitions/Events

The University organizes sports tournaments and events with the aim of fostering students’ interest in sports.

One of the notable events is the Saxon University Sports Festival where many sports competitions like volleyball, basketball, football, tennis and table tennis were held.

Partner University of top-class sport

The Mittweida University of Applied Sciences provides an environment that is conducive to a dual career for competitive athletes, encompassing both their pursuit of competitive sport and their academic education.

The university also has Agreements with other organizations some of which are,

• General German University Sports Association (adh)
• Chemnitz-Dresden Olympic Training Center
• Saxony State Sports Association
• Freiberg Student Union and the municipality

Other facilities of the Sports

• University sports hall
• Tennis Court
• Boathouse Mittweidaer Aue
• Artificial turf pitch
• Gymnasium Lauenhainer Strasse

STUDIENKOLLEG FACILITY

The University provides a preparatory course that spans either one or two semesters. This course culminates in the necessary examination, known as the Feststellungsprüfung  which serves as an assessment of the student’s knowledge and readiness to pursue further studies.

Alternatively, students can choose to take the German language examination, which grants them eligibility to enroll in German universities.

CAMPUS FACILITY

In the same line as other colleges and universities, HSMW provides its students with lecture halls, recreational areas and support services to enhance their overall educational experience.

CONCLUSION

Hochschule Mittweida – University of Applied Sciences presents a compelling proposition for students seeking quality education in a supportive environment. With a focus on practical and applied learning, the university equips students with skills that seamlessly transition to real-world scenarios.

The institution’s emphasis on affordability sets it apart, allowing students to pursue their academic goals without undue financial stress. Whether through its research facilities, student exchange programs, or diverse academic offerings, Hochschule Mittweida prioritizes holistic development.

Through this institution, students open doors to not only academic excellence but also personal growth, cultural enrichment and a strong foundation for their future endeavors.

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