FH Joanneum Graz - Studiengang Fahrzeugtechnik/Vehicle Technology

With the introduction of FH Courses in Austria, young people are offered a new avenue towards their professional careers, in conformity with EU standards. The Automotive Engineering Program is the first of its kind at the university level in Austria. It is a study of the entire automotive industry from the mechanical and electronical technological side to the economic side. The course lasts eight semesters and aims to excel by being practical in nature. Due to its interdisciplinary approach to applied knowledge, our graduating automotive engineers will have excellent opportunities in the job market

A hundred years after its invention, the automobile has become the driving force of the world's economy. In Austria alone, some 350,000 people earn their living in sectors associated with the car - be it in manufacturing, maintenance, operation, trade or insurance. The course, therefore, is designed to provide a technology-oriented all-round education.

The core subjects of the Course "Automotive Engineering" include, apart from the typical engineering tasks - design, development and manufacturing - the areas sales and maintenance. The technological-scientific training is complemented by classes that enhance communicative and social competence as well as the understanding of economic and legal aspects. Environmental concerns play a vital part in addressing the above areas.

Graduates of this Course will be qualified to pursue careers in all the sectors of automotive industry, from design and testing to manufacture and logistics.

engine and gearbox manufacturers, chassis and body makers as well as the supplier industry;
the motorcar trade;
sectors related to the motorcar trade, such as special-purpose vehicle manufacturers, the mineral oil industry, service centers, testing and homologation authorities;
transport companies.

Maintenance and repair are additional areas of employment for graduates, e.g. by managing the business on their own, which requires, apart from high-quality technological education, profound knowledge of economic and social matters. Complemented by social and methodological competence, this know how in general opens up prospects for careers in senior positions.

to comprehend the system "vehicle" as well as comparable complex systems in their totality and in relation to its environment;
to understand the interaction among the automotive industry, suppliers and customers;
to solve complex technological problems with regard to social, legal, economic and ecological aspects as well;
to independently manage and run organizational units and staff;
to run, organize and carry out projects;
to introduce market-oriented thinking into design, planning and acquisition;
to identify development trends and organize their implementation;
to engage in technological and economic discussions both in German and in a foreign language.

Programs last eight semesters with fifteen teaching weeks in each.
Attendance is compulsory in all courses. Programs comprise of 186 semesters hours (sh) in six areas of specialization:

Foundation science courses 25 sh
Foundation technology courses 39 sh
Automotive Engineering 70 sh
Economics and society 28 sh
English 12 sh
Practical Work and Dissertation 12 sh

In the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd semesters, the students receive a practical foundation in the natural sciences, information technology and a fundamental introduction to mechanical and production engineering.

In the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th semesters, students follow an interdisciplinary professional program in automotive engineering. The main subjects are: automotive and transmission design construction as well as piston, and internal combustion engine design and construction. Complementary subjects cover the areas of calculation and design, experimentation and manufacturing. The program is complete by including courses in business administration and social sciences.

In their 6^th semester students will work on a comprehensive project. The interdisciplinary nature of the program makes it possible to apply what is learned to a realistic situation. The two final semesters represent a transition from studying to professional life. The 7^th semester is for work placement purposes either within Austria or abroad. The 8^th semester is intended for the preparation of a dissertation which synthesizes everything that has been studied but which has practical applicability.

One of the following conditions has do be met:

general university entrance requirements achieved by holding a High School Diploma (equivalent to British A-levels), or a Vocational High School Diploma.
pass Qualifying Admission's Exams (comprising of general topics such as, German, physics, English and mathematics as well as specific topics such as automation in manufacturing, electronics, mechanical engineering, applied physics, process engineering and business administration).
a relevant vocational qualification with additional exams in mathematics, physics, German and English.

Further information

Only a maximum of fifty places are available per year. The first step is a written application letter from the candidate together with a tabulated curriculum vitae. All applications are treated confidentially. Everyone who meets the entrance requirements will be invited to sit an entrance examination. This test is meant to show an applicant?s aptitude and talent as well as motivation. The final step is an interview with the applicants.

Graz is a city with four universities, the Karl-Franzens University, the Technical University, the University of Music and Dramatic Arts and the Medical University, totaling over 40, 000 students which makes for an excellent environment for pursuing a higher education. Furthermore, the Graz area has become a center for the automobile industry during the last several years. Graz is the only place in Austria where not only motors and other parts are manufactured, but entire vehicles are also mass-produced. Therefore, Graz was naturally pre-destined to be the location of the "University of Applied Science" in automotive engineering.