Digital.Design and Production (B.Eng.)
Curriculum
In the first semesters, you build a solid foundation in construction, architecture, and digital planning methods. From the third semester onwards, you deepen your expertise in a range of subject areas:
• Building Information Modeling (BIM)
• Digital Planning and Design
• Architecture and Building Construction
• Project Management and Construction Processes
• Sustainable and Resource-Efficient Construction
• Data Management and Digital Collaboration
• Visualization and Simulation
• Construction Management and Site Coordination
• Interdisciplinary Project Work
• Modern Planning and Communication Technologies
Artificial intelligence is not just a standalone module at the end of the programme. Instead, it is embedded throughout your studies. You will not only learn how to use AI tools but also understand how they work, because you help build the foundation yourself: from programming and data management to developing your own AI applications, including AI agents, for the construction industry. This enables you to apply the latest technologies critically, assessing where they add real value and where they do not.
Your Flexible Fifth Semester
Instead of completing a traditional internship semester, you can choose to study abroad or even start your own business during your fifth semester.
In the final semesters, you further deepen your knowledge and complete your studies with a bachelor's thesis.
Downloads – Module Handbook available in German only
Study Plan
| 1st Semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester | 5th semester | 6th semester | 7th semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Design | Construction and Building Processes | Industrial Processes: Planning, Manufacturing, Operations | Development of Innovations | Study Abroad / International Cooperation | Interdisciplinary Elective 2 | Interdisciplinary Elective 3 |
| Engineering I | Engineering II | Interdisciplinary Elective 1 | Project 4 – Digitalization Processes | Project 5 – Advanced Study and Interdisciplinary Collaboration | Bachelor’s Thesis | |
| Building Physics | Sustainability and Materials | Project 3 – IT Architecture | Software Development | Startup | ||
| Project 1 – Interdisciplinary Elective: Fundamentals of Planning | Project 2 – Design and Construction | Computer Science | Digital Fabrication II | Practical Training | Urban Planning | |
| Mathematics | IT Infrastructure | Digital Fabrication I | Data II | Complex Systems | Digital Twins/Ambient Intelligence | |
| Programming | BIM | Data I | General Elective | Artificial Intelligence | Simulation |
Cooperative Study Program / Practice-Integrated Study Program
A Cooperative Study Program / Practice-Integrated Study Program combines the benefits of an academic degree with those of vocational training or in-depth practical training phases in companies. Theory and practice are integrated in high-quality degree programs in a way that benefits both students and companies alike.
You can find detailed information about the different options, the program structure, the application process, and the partner organizations on the general page about the Dual and Work-Integrated Degree Programs at THA.
If you’re interested in a Cooperative Study Program, you’ll find a list of potential apprenticeship occupations in this document (only available in German):
Is Digital.Design and Production for you?
Strengths and skills that will help you in your studies:
- Interest in digital technologies and modern construction processes
- Curiosity about how modern construction projects are planned and delivered digitally
- Enjoyment of combining technical and creative disciplines
- Openness to teamwork and interdisciplinary projects
- Interest in architecture, construction, and planning
- Enjoyment of solving problems
- Enthusiasm for working with digital tools and software
- Interest in designing efficient and smart workflows and processes
Got questions?
For questions about studying Digital.Design and Production, please contact our Academic Advisor, Prof. Tobias Maile, directly:
tobias.maile(at)tha.de
If you have general questions about studying at THA, our Central Student Advisory Service will be happy to help.
Visit the Central Student Advisory Service
Your Career Prospects
The construction industry is undergoing a profound digital transformation. Digital Builders combine construction, architecture, and modern technologies, bridging the gap between the built environment and digital innovation.
By combining technical expertise, digital skills, and project management capabilities, you will gain access to a wide range of career opportunities, many in a sector with a strong demand for qualified professionals. Graduates contribute to the digital planning, coordination, and optimization of construction projects, helping to make processes more efficient, connected, and sustainable.
Possible career paths include:
- BIM Manager
- Digital Planner
- Specialist for Digital Fabrication and Construction Robotics
- Expert for Digital Twins and Building Operations
- Specialist for AI-Supported Planning Processes
- Coordinator for Digital Construction and Site Processes
- BIM and Digital Transformation Consultant
- Specialist for Construction Data and Data Management in the Building Process
- Expert for Sustainable, Data-Driven Urban Planning
- and many more
Your Application
Steps
Time Period
Admission Decision
Once your documents have been successfully reviewed and are complete and valid, you will receive a digital admission letter in the application portal.
Please note the deadline in the admission letter!
Enrollment
Next, you'll need to enroll in the program by submitting your enrollment application through the application portal.
Be sure to review the information sheet provided when you submit your online enrollment application.
October 1
Start of Studies
Your new degree program begins at the start of the next winter semester.
FAQ
A six-week pre-study internship is required. However, you can complete it by the end of your second semester, including during the following summer. You do not need to have completed the internship before starting your studies.
No. You will learn programming from the ground up, so no prior experience is required. We also build on the mathematics knowledge you acquired at school. More important than previous knowledge is a curiosity about digital tools and a passion for solving problems.
Unlike traditional Civil Engineering or Architecture programmes, Digital.Design and Production does not focus on a single discipline. Instead, it centres on the digital integration of the entire construction process. You will become the link between the construction industry and information technology, working with BIM, AI, and digital tools from day one.
You need a higher education entrance qualification, such as the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or a university of applied sciences entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife).
Graduates of technical academies and technical schools may also be eligible to study, provided they meet the relevant admission requirements. Applicants with professional experience and a recognised higher education entrance qualification are likewise welcome to apply.
If you have questions about your specific situation, the Central Student Advisory Service will be happy to help.
Yes. The Digital.Design and Production program does not require admission—there is no numerus clausus (NC). Registration with Hochschulstart.de is not necessary.
The programme is taught primarily in German. Some modules and projects are conducted in English to prepare you for international collaboration in the construction industry.
Yes. In the fifth semester, you can study abroad or take part in an international cooperation project.
There is strong demand for your skills, ranging from BIM management and digital fabrication to construction robotics and AI-supported planning. Professionals who combine construction expertise with digital competencies are highly sought after in the industry. While the digital transformation of construction is advancing rapidly, people with the right combination of skills remain in short supply. As a Digital.Design and Production graduate, you will have exactly the profile companies are looking for.
You can find an overview of career opportunities in the section “Your Career Prospects”.
Digital.Design and Production starts each year in the winter semester, usually on October 1. Information on the application period can be found under “Application”.
For your application, your most recent school report is sufficient. You may submit your final secondary school certificate (Abitur) once it becomes available. However, the certificate must be provided before enrolment and can be submitted within the specified deadlines.
If you have any questions about submitting documents at a later date, please contact the Student Affairs Office: studienangelegenheiten(at)tha.de
Contact Information
Questions about the programme?