The interdisciplinary curriculum of the new study program combines elementary contents of design and construction with digital contents such as software development, robotics and artificial intelligence in a holistic manner. To this end, the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering cooperates with the Faculties of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Mechanical and Process Engineering, thus tapping into existing know-how in industrial production.

Prof. Dr. Christian Bauriedel says: "With the new study program, we are consciously addressing all young people with a passion for construction who wish to be actively involved in shaping the future living environment with modern tools and are interested in sharing ideas and developing social and sustainable solutions."

The course of study is broken down into the construction and digital basics phase, the practical semester and the integral project phase. These contents are converted into practice in integral projects which shape the study program and ensure in-depth understanding and a practice-oriented learning experience through close cooperation with students in architecture, civil engineering and energy-efficient design and construction. Dual study models, combining the benefits of an academic study program with those of vocational training in a company, are also possible. "Digital.Design and Production (B. Eng.)" is the first study program in Germany with this focus.

Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Christian Waibel, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, says: "The construction industry is currently in flux and the demands placed on future skilled workers are becoming increasingly complex. Many other industries have already undergone a comprehensive digitalization process and thereby significantly enhanced their process quality and productivity. In construction, we are at the beginning of this development. With our study program 'Digital.Design and Production (B. Eng.)', we will prepare our students for a career in digitalization of design and building in a targeted way, taking into account aspects relating to sustainability, resource conservation and partnership-based building."

After successful completion of the study program, graduates receive the title "Bachelor of Engineering". Possible career opportunities are in planning offices, in the construction industry and in public institutions, as well as in software development, robotics and artificial intelligence companies or in graduates' own start-ups.

Aligned with the future requirements of industry and region

The study program was developed with the involvement of students, graduates and companies in the modern construction industry from the start. In particular, the needs of the regional economy were considered: "Digital.Design and Production (B. Eng.)" is part of the future program gP_2025 of the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). The concept was presented in October 2019 and is supported by more than 200 companies from Bavarian Swabia. The aim is to create a total of 2000 new study places in six future study programs at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences.

During the design of the study program, the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering cooperated closely with the Swabian District Association of the Bavarian Construction Industry Association (BBIV, Bayerischer Bauindustrieverband). In September 2021, the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and the association signed the cooperation agreement "Joint step into the digital future of construction" to strengthen and expand their cooperation, in particular with respect to the upcoming digital structural change in the construction industry.

Thomas Schmid, Managing Director of the BBIV, says: "The digitalization of the construction industry offers major opportunities – but it can only succeed if there are enough trained workers with the relevant skills. The introduction of the new study program 'Digital.Design and Production (B. Eng.)' is an important step in this direction."

Additional information

Interested candidates can find information on study contents, the structure of the program, possible dual study models, career prospects, application and admission at

• www.hs-augsburg.de/en/Digital-Design-and-production