"The 'Engineering Physics' degree programme is a key component in fostering links within the higher education region in the north-west," explained Prof. Dr Volker Mellert, coordinator of the degree programme at the University of Oldenburg, on the occasion of the renewal of the cooperation agreement between the University and the Oldenburg/East Frisia/Wilhelmshaven University of Applied Sciences (FH OOW) for the international ‘Engineering Physics’ degree programme.

The agreement was signed on 15 January by the University’s acting President, Dr Heide Ahrens, and the Vice-President of the University of Applied Sciences, Christiane Claus.The cooperation agreement has been in place since 1998. “Engineering Physics” was the first degree programme in Germany to be run jointly by a university and a university of applied sciences. The international degree programme combines physics and natural sciences with engineering disciplines. This combination is particularly appealing to international students.

To date, 373 graduates from 39 countries have successfully completed the physics- and mathematics-based foundation programme, which has a direct practical application to industry-oriented research and development across the fields of Laser & Optics, Biomedical Physics, Sound & Vibration, Materials Science and Renewable Energy.

The Bachelor’s degree programme is initially taught in English and, following an intensive language course for participants, in German. Thanks to close links with research and development institutions as well as with industry, it is ensured even whilst students are still studying that virtually all graduates will receive an employment contract after completing their final thesis. “Many students return to their home countries after completing their studies,” says the coordinator of the degree programme at the University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr Walter Neu. This helps to sustainably expand the international network of the higher education region.

The high level of recognition for the degree programme is also evident elsewhere: both the Lower Saxony Science Prize and the DAAD Prize have been awarded twice to students of “Engineering Physics”.

Contact: Prof. Dr Volker Mellert, Institute of Physics, Tel.: 0441/798-3572
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