Bachelor of Engineering

Wood Engineering

The Wood Engineering degree programme covers all manufacturing and process engineering aspects of a classical engineering discipline, including the structural application of wood and other renewable raw materials. This includes fundamental material sciences such as wood biology, wood chemistry, and wood physics, as well as wood processing, the production of wood-based materials and their processing, including the structural use of wood in construction, and the basics of building physics.

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Until 31 August: Applicants with a German university entrance qualification can go directly to the → application portal

Until 15 July: Applicants with a non-German university entrance qualification go to → uni-assist

Connected with the material wood

In the Wood Engineering degree programme, you will learn the scientific and engineering fundamentals related to wood as a material, including its processing and applications. Building on this foundation, you will acquire application-specific skills. From the fourth semester onwards, you will apply your knowledge to engineering challenges in the specialisations of Wood Technology or Structural Engineering. Project work introduces you to scientific methods and working practices. The programme lasts seven semesters and comprises 210 ECTS credits.

Study content

Individual study contents

In the first three semesters, you will gain a solid foundation in natural sciences, engineering, and wood technology through lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and excursions.
In the fourth semester, you choose one of two specialisations: Structural Engineering or Wood Technology, and can further tailor your studies with elective modules.
The sixth semester includes a 20-week internship, which can be completed either in Germany or abroad.
In the seventh semester, after additional specialised modules, you will complete your Bachelor's thesis and graduate with the Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degree.

Modules per semester

In the first semester, you build on the skills you acquired at school in mathematics and the natural sciences and learn the first basics of wood engineering in the STEM subjects as well as woodworking and wood processing. A special feature is a course on sustainable development, in which students from all degree programmes take part.

You model practical problems in statics and strength theory with mathematical tools and present the results. Familiar with mathematical and physical methods and ways of thinking, you apply them in other basic subjects and advanced courses. You understand scientific working and thinking methods as the basis of all engineering activities.

You will learn the basics of machining wood and wood materials as well as terms of production technology and process models of machining. You are just as familiar with cutting materials and their areas of application as you are with the processes involved when a cutting edge engages with the material wood. You will know the machines and systems for geometrically specific products made of wood and wood-based materials.

In this module you will receive basic knowledge of wood biology and acquire botanical basics. In addition to a basic understanding of wood biology, you will be able to use tools for wood species identification and distinguish so-called wood defects. With knowledge of forest utilisation, you will be able to explain secondary forest utilisation. You will become familiar with the handling of specialised press and literature.

The module teaches you the basics of technical drawing, computer-aided design and modelling of components and assemblies. You will use computers to calculate technical correlations and create technical documentation. You link example sequences to simple programmes. You have also acquired knowledge of geometric design and data processing.

You will gain insight into sustainable development, especially in relation to raw materials and resources. The interdisciplinary, networked theoretical examination of the concept of 'sustainable development' allows you to apply the findings to practical examples. You will be able to name raw materials and their origin and classify their extraction in terms of ecological effects.

In the second semester, you further deepen your foundational knowledge. In addition to supplementary mathematical, technological and scientific content, you will be introduced to business management.

You deepen the basics of strength theory and the mathematical tools. You are familiar with analytical methods of dynamics (kinematics and kinetics). You solve engineering problems and issues and know physical mechanisms in dynamic and fluidic systems. You can assess and evaluate structural properties of the raw material wood.

You will learn about the engineering requirements for a joint. For theory, we teach the construction of joined components made of wood and hybrid components. You will apply current standards for load-bearing and non-load-bearing bondings and master the scientific and engineering methods for planning a bonded joint. The theoretical course content is deepened by accompanying practical courses.

In the module you will gain basic knowledge of wood chemistry and wood preservation, chemistry in engineering sciences, the chemical structure of wood, chemical wood properties and the application limits of wood. You will understand connections between the structure of wood components and their function, know wood-destroying fungi and insects as well as the basic measures of wood protection.

With basic engineering knowledge of mechanical engineering and metallic materials science, you will understand the relationships between materials, machine elements and design. In the design process, you will apply this to simple mechanical engineering components in accordance with standards. You will become familiar with sample production, series introduction, maintenance and repair work. You will be able to formulate the design requirements for complex mechanical engineering problems.

We provide you with a basic understanding of the principles of economic action. You will learn to link business management contexts with the contents and objectives of the sustainability concept in a practical way and become familiar with basic corporate structures, processes and decisions.

In the third semester, which marks the final semester of the foundation phase, you will explore further aspects of general engineering and wood engineering. An introduction to building construction theory will provide you with the foundational principles of structural engineering.

Now you will learn the basics of electrical engineering and solve electrical engineering problems using mathematical methods. You understand electrical and electronic applications in mechanical engineering and timber construction and classify electrical systems. With an electrotechnical specialist, you can analyse systems, develop approaches for concrete circuit tasks and arrange for purpose-specific work.

You will be taught the physical-technical knowledge of basic manufacturing technology processes. The mechanical and thermal principles for the manufacture of solid wood products are taught.

After this module, you will be able to categorise and name the manufacturing processes, use and assess machine tools professionally in planning.

Here, basic knowledge of wood physics and chemistry as well as wood pyrolysis is the topic. You will learn about essential physical properties. You will know physical wood properties, be able to assess the standard-compliant use of wood and have knowledge of pyrolysis, combustion and gasification of wood. You will be able to deal with regulations and standards relevant to wood technology and physics.

You apply in-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals to the design and analysis of machines and systems and can design welded constructions. You calculate stresses and deformations in complex components and can estimate the service life of the components. You will evaluate the dynamic behaviour of machines and optimise designs according to requirements.

Our aim is to provide you with basic knowledge of building structures, the design of buildings, building materials and common construction methods in structural engineering (foundation engineering, steel construction, reinforced concrete and masonry construction). Furthermore, we enable you to create a design for a building.

In the fourth semester begins the specialisation phase of your studies. Depending on your chosen specialisation, you will take specialised modules, with the opportunity to personalise your programme further by selecting compulsory elective modules from wood engineering or other offerings at HNEE or partner universities.

You analyse mechatronic systems with engineering, electrical engineering and machine science fundamentals supplemented by mechatronic fundamentals and engineering mathematics. You can design and build simple systems. You have practical skills, confident handling of laboratory and measuring equipment and evaluate data with suitable statistical methods.

 

We teach the basics of building planning, jointly analyse partial and overall concepts in the planning process, apply the optimisation approaches for the use of solar inputs, summer thermal insulation and thermal comfort, understand the requirements and optimisation options for the thermal envelope of buildings and develop concepts for the energy supply of buildings.

You deal with the fundamentals of mechanical process engineering. This includes understanding the technical implementation of physical effects and interactions on particles with mass as well as the performance calculation and monitoring of plants for material conversion. You will gain an insight into the various basic operations of mechanical process engineering.

In relation to the knowledge of anatomical and structural differences of the wood species, process engineering references are made and different process variants are dealt with. You structure raw materials according to their quality and sort their uses in production. This is followed by the teaching of methods for structuring the production process. For the wood industry, aspects of process control are learned and quality criteria are taught.

 

In this module, you will learn the basics of property planning, analyse partial and overall concepts in the planning process and apply optimisation approaches with regard to the use of solar inputs, summer heat insulation and thermal comfort. This module also focuses on communicating the requirements and optimisation options for the thermal envelope of buildings, supplemented by the development of concepts for the energy supply of buildings.

 

  • CNC 1
  • Furniture and interior design/construction
  • Alternative production methods
  • Wood construction Basics of wood technology
  • Properties of wood and wood-based materials with relevance to construction engineering
  • Production and processes for components and building elements
  • Sustainable building, material cycles 1 (specialisation in structural engineering)
  • Integrated wood preservation (specialisation in structural engineering)
  • Timber quenching and tempering (specialisation in wood technology)
  • Special materials science (specialisation in wood technology)

In the fifth semester, you will continue your specialisation, with particular emphasis on the engineering project. Here, you will collaborate in a team to solve an engineering problem and document your findings according to scientific standards.

You work independently in a scientific manner and can also formulate your results in English. In a practice-oriented project work, you structure and control the work yourself and gain experience in self-management. The engineering project is a preliminary exercise for the final thesis, is to be completed in group work by three students and is supervised.

We teach you to understand building law contexts, to select basic designs and details for components and to develop components and connections that meet requirements. You will determine smoke management options and calculate components according to model fires of the IndBauRL. You will file the material requirements of the architectural planning and create rough fire protection concepts.

You will be able to design and calculate simple timber constructions with connections and joints, acquire knowledge of repair connections in renovation, have knowledge of the typical construction methods in timber construction, the use of design software and be able to understand and assess calculations and designs of other planners.

You know the basics of design theory with regard to sustainability and develop planning requirements for energy-efficient, sustainable buildings. You are familiar with the assessment of requirements of energy-efficient, climate-neutral construction methods, know methods of energy balancing, assess and optimise construction methods as well as characteristic values of thermal building physics and building climatics.

The focus is on structuring, designing and planning development processes in interior design and timber construction. We teach the design aspects of product development, communication skills with team members and third parties as well as presentation techniques for different target groups.

We present the basics of wood processing and lignocellulosic plants into panel-shaped materials in chipboard and fibreboard production - including the preparation of wood raw materials into particles as well as mixing and agglomeration processes. Tasks and experiments in the laboratory of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research deepen the contents.

  • Business English

  • Production planning

  • CNC 2

  • Marketing

  • special wood biology

  • Specialisation module

  • Quality assurance

  • Building physics measurement technology

  • Fire protection

  • Raw wood quality

  • Sawn timber grading

  • Selected chapters Wood-based materials technology

  • Wood in construction

  • Automation Technology

  • Factory planning

During the sixth semester, you will undertake a 20-week internship, applying and deepening your knowledge in a practical setting. This internship can be completed either in Germany or abroad.

During the practical study semester, you will prepare for your professional activity with engineering-related activities and practical content and apply acquired theoretical knowledge and skills. You will also prepare for a management position with economic and social responsibility.

Finally, in the seventh semester, after completing additional modules, you will write your Bachelor’s thesis on an engineering topic, presenting your work in a scientific report. Upon successful defence of your thesis, you will graduate with the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.).

In the Business Management module, you will learn the basics of business law as well as human resources and business management. In addition, you will gain basic knowledge in construction and public procurement law. Through a fundamental understanding of the structural and procedural organisation in production companies, you will design operational value chains and learn the sensible use of power instruments.

We enable you to design new wooden structures and calculate them according to current standards.

The module shows interactions between materials and process influences using the example of veneer production. The effect of chemical and physical process variables on product quality is taught using plasticisation, cutting process, drying, etc. as examples. Thinking in variants to achieve technological goals is also part of the module.

 

  • Business English
  • Production planning
  • CNC 2
  • Marketing
  • Special wood biology
  • Specialisation module Quality Assurance
  • Construction elements (specialisation in structural engineering)
  • Sustainable building - material cycles 2 (specialisation in structural engineering)
  • Building physics measurement technology
  • Fire protection (specialisation in wood technology)
  • Raw wood quality
  • Sawn timber grading
  • Selected chapters on wood materials technology (specialisation in wood technology)
  • Wood in construction
  • Automation technology
  • Factory planning

With your final thesis, you complete the engineering-related part of the training. With your final thesis, you will implement theoretical knowledge and work on a transfer-oriented task within 12 weeks. You will apply scientific methods to develop efficient, practically applicable solutions. In the process, you will gain further experience in self-management.

 

After graduation

Career prospects

With a B.Eng. degree in Wood Engineering from HNEE, you will become a sought-after specialist in the wood processing industry, timber trade, or timber construction sector. Building on a strong foundation in sustainability, you will play an active role in driving the transformation toward more sustainable practices.

Specialisation options

You can choose to deepen your expertise in either wood technology or structural engineering.

In wood technology, you will explore the relationship between the structural properties of wood and process variables in sawn timber production, engineered wood products, and furniture manufacturing.

In structural engineering, you will address core tasks in timber construction based on Eurocode 5. Fundamentals in materials and production technology give you access to optimal wood products and industrial production methods for modern timber construction.

Prospects / job profiles

As a wood technologist, you will work in production, development, and management roles within companies focused on engineered wood, furniture manufacturing, interior fittings, timber construction, mechanical and plant engineering, or traditional woodworking. As a wood engineer, you will be highly valued by engineering and architectural firms for your expertise in wood-based materials, sustainable building practices, structural design, production technologies, and implementation planning.

I am an expert in fire protection for building construction projects, responsible for conducting feasibility studies and developing comprehensive fire protection concepts.

 

Portrait

Yvonne Reinmüller

Project engineer with Ralf Kludt Dipl-Ing. (FH), graduate, wood engineering

Application

I want to apply...

Application period

Summer semester:

for higher semester: 1.12. to 28.2.

Winter semester:

for higher semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

for the first semester: 1.6. to 31.8.

 

Apply now

Please create an applicant account in the online application portal. You will receive a confirmation from us by e-mail with your user name and a password. Now you can log in and start entering all the information required for the application and uploading your documents. After submitting the online application, the "Print" button will take you to a summary of your details in the online application, which we recommend you print out and check. If you have discovered an error after submitting your application, please contact us by the closing date by e-mail at studieren(at)hnee.de.

  • general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or
  • subject-linked higher education entrance qualification or subject-linked advanced technical college entrance qualification or
  • a vocationally qualifying university degree or
  • a vocational qualification according to §9 paragraph 2 points 6 to 11 Brandenburg Higher Education Act of 28 April 2014 as amended (e.g. Meister or Fachwirt)
  • Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification, entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences, vocationally qualified higher education entrance qualification (according to § 9 (2) No. 1 to 11 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act of 28.04.2014)
  • Educational and professional background (curriculum vitae in tabular form)

Application period

Summer semester:

for higher semester: 1.11. to 1.12. 

Winter semester:

for the first semester: 1.4. to 15.7. from a non-EU country or an EU/EEA country

for higher semester: 1.4. to 15.7. from a non-EU country or an EU/EEA country

 

Apply now via uni-assist

Please apply early if you need to apply for a visa for your studies. The processing times are sometimes very long.

If you have obtained your degree abroad, then - regardless of your citizenship - do not apply directly to our university, but via the application portal of uni-assist e.V. This is a service centre for the pre-screening of international student applications for many universities in Germany. The uni-assist website will inform you about the application procedure. Please also note the country information on the uni-assist portal.

If your application is complete and meets the formal admission requirements, uni-assist will forward your application to our university. After importing your application into our application portal, you will receive an email with access data to the HNEE application portal so that you can follow up on the status of your application.

  • a higher education entrance qualification acquired abroad that corresponds to a German higher education entrance qualification.
  • Applicants with a foreign educational biography must also provide evidence of German language skills at level C1 (according to the "Common European Framework of Reference" - CEFR).
  • Feststellungsprüfung T-course

You can apply for the Feststellungsprüfung T-Kurs on the website of uni-assistwebsite to check whether you meet the requirements.

The following application documents must be uploaded exclusively via the uni-assist application portal. Please note that this list cannot be complete and further documents may be requested.

  • Copy of the university entrance qualification in the original language
  • Depending on the type of degree and country of origin, the university entrance qualification may include the following documents (see uni-assist country information):
    • School-leaving certificates with overview of grades
    • academic achievements of 1 to 2 academic years already completed
    • Other certificates relevant to the university entrance qualification (e.g. certificate of the Academic Evaluation Centre for applications from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam, proof of having passed the university entrance examination)
  • German language certificate C1 (according to the "Common European Framework of Reference" - CEFR)
  • Other relevant certificates (e.g. certificate of the Academic Evaluation Centre for applicants from China, India, Mongolia or Vietnam, proof of having passed the university entrance examination).

Foreign certificates must be translated into German or English by a sworn translator.

Application period

Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1.

Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

 

Apply now

 

As a secondary student, you can only apply for modules in the corresponding semester. You can find an overview of the respective offers here. Please note that the modules offered, their dates and contents may be subject to change.

Students who are already enrolled at a university as a main auditor can be admitted to the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde as a secondary auditor, depending on capacity. The condition is that simultaneous studies at both universities are possible (parallel studies) and that the chosen module is a meaningful addition to the studies taken up.

Adjunct students are not members of the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde. They may take part in examinations with the consent of the respective examiners and in accordance with the respective examination regulations. The scope of the examinations may not lead to a degree in a degree programme. There is no legal entitlement to take these examinations. Further details are regulated by the applicable matriculation regulations of the Hochschule für nachhaltige Entwicklung Eberswalde.

Formal applications are to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mail to the Student Services during the application period.

There is a fee for the secondary auditorium. The amount of the fee is based on the current fee schedule of the HNEE, the AStA and the Studentenwerk Frankfurt (Oder).

Application period

Summer semester: 1.12. to 15.1.

Winter semester: 1.6. to 15.7.

 


Apply now

 

As a guest student, you can only apply for modules in the corresponding semester. You can find an overview of the respective offers here. Please note that the modules offered, their dates and contents may be subject to change.

As a rule, an application for guest auditor status must be submitted to the Student Services Department prior to the start of the course (Guest auditor application).

Persons who are not matriculated can be admitted to courses up to 8 semester weeks as guest auditors without proof of university entrance qualification within the scope of the available educational capacity.

As a rule, guest auditors are subject to a fee. No fees are charged to students. Guest auditors for interested persons with a refugee background are free of charge.

Participation in the courses in the corresponding teaching areas is confirmed in writing. Participation in examinations is excluded.

Formal applications are to be submitted during the application period by post or e-mail to the Student Services during the application period.

We are happy to welcome you to an → exchange programme at HNEE.

 

FAQ on application and admission

No, there are no separate application deadlines for those who obtained their Abitur or Fachhochschulreife before the current year. You can find the current application deadlines under the Application section for each degree programme.

 

If the number of applications is expected to exceed the number of available study places, a degree programme is offered with limited admission. The study places are awarded to the applicants in a selection procedure. Several ranking lists are created. The average grade or waiting period of the most recently admitted applicant determines the selection limit for the respective year.
Here you can find the selection limits for the restricted-admission degree programmes of the past year:
Selection limits for restricted-admission degree programmes of the past years

No, you can only apply for one degree programme at our university. You are welcome to consult with us at an early stage to find out which degree programme might be the most suitable for you. Please contact us via e-mail to arrange an appointment. Consultations are possible by telephone, online and in person.

If the Fachhochschulreife consists of a school-based and a practical part, an application is only possible when both parts have been completed. If, for example, the practical part ends after the application deadline, an application is only possible the following year.
If you are applying for a Master's degree programme, we require a certificate of achievement from your university showing at least 150 ECTS, the provisional average grade and the expected end of studies.

You have the opportunity to apply for a place at our university even without an Abitur. To do so, you need a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Realschule), relevant vocational training and two years of professional experience or a master craftsman's certificate or Fachwirt, regardless of the subject area.

Notifications of admission, rejection or exclusion are made available in the online application portal. At the same time, information on this is sent to the e-mail address stored in the applicant account.
Notifications for degree programmes with restricted admission are usually sent out two to four weeks after the end of the application period for the respective degree programme.

Before your studies

Here you will find all the important dates, all the information about the matriculation ceremony, the university library and the language centre.

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All links for orientation from scholarships, funding opportunities to finding accommodation

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Welcome Programme

Our students will help you with local orientation, enrolment, dealing with the authorities, finding accommodation and much more.

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FAQ before starting your studies

Are there preparatory courses before the regular start of studies?

You will find the semester dates and the programme for the introductory events for first-year students on this page in good time.

When and how do I start my studies?

You will find the semester dates and the programme for the introductory events for first-year students on this page in good time.
There, you will learn how to access your study plan in the campus management system → Mein EMMA, register for modules and exams, and use the Moodle platform, where all learning materials are provided. You will also meet your academic contacts, student representatives and initiatives, and fellow students, while gaining your first insights into the degree programmes. It's well worth attending!

Please bring a valid ID for the identity check, as well as something to take notes with.
For meals, feel free to take advantage of the great offerings at our sustainability canteen.

You can find your study plan online via the account access in our campus management system → Mein EMMA, which you will receive by e-mail with your enrolment. 

No, attendance is not compulsory—neither for courses nor for the introductory week (with the exception of the identity check at the beginning of your studies, most exams, and any registered excursions).
However, regular attendance is strongly recommended. It not only supports your learning progress but also helps foster the positive dynamic within our small learning groups.

Most of your questions will likely be answered during the introductory events at the start of the semester. If you still have questions or specific needs, feel free to make use of → our advisory services.

General information about studying

General Student Counselling

Stadtcampus | House 5 ground floor, right
Schicklerstraße 5 | 16225 Eberswalde

+ 49 3334 657-149

studieren(at)hnee.de 

Counselling appointment
Please make an appointment by phone or e-mail.

Subject-specific information on the degree programme

Student counselling & head of study programme

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Neumeister

Professorship for Fundamentals of Engineering

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