A newly set up college facilitates the difficult transition from school to a theoretically demanding degree course. As part of this, school pupils who are already interested are targeted in several phases with relevant projects at school, followed by preparation courses in Mathematics and Mechanics to eliminate any gaps in knowledge and students are later supervised in individual programmes. Introductory projects bring together experimental procedures, analytical observation and numerical implementation. The degree courses offer attractive mandatory elective options and practical elements.

As the proportion of foreign students is particularly high at BTU, foreign students from later semesters are used in preference in preparation courses and exercises in order to overcome language barriers. The international degree course Power Engineering offers an interesting programme for the English-language master’s degree. The double master’s degree in Processing Technologies of Materials allows students to do a master’s degree at the Saint Petersburg State University and the BTU.

The information, communication and media centre (IKMZ) of the BTU offers extensive digital services with access to e-books, specialist databases, online publications, standards and patent catalogues, audio-visual archives and much more. All necessary licenses for software are also available to the engineers.

Current research topics are presented during lectures, which keeps the students informed and attracts them to externally funded projects. The lightweight construction research centre, the energy centre and the equipment centre for flow research as well as the innovation centre offer students interesting opportunities for research projects. The faculty has modern laboratories and equipment, e.g. for forming technology, joining and welding technology, engine technology, automation technology, vehicle technology, power plant and network control technology as well as drive technology.

The central start-up service of the BTU is the first point of contact for students, alumni and employees of BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg looking to put a business idea into practice. Its free service includes intensive and personal advice and support, precisely tailored qualification as well as support in applying for financial support (e.g. EXIST start-up grant). The well-networked team helps with the planning and organisation of setting up a company.

Joint interdisciplinary and intercultural team work is encouraged in the interdisciplinary studies. The ring laboratories for product development, energy technology and vehicle technology are practical interfaces between several professorial chairs and teach a wide range of subjects from the initial product idea to the design draft or the corporate concept. Students can often complete their final dissertations in connection with practical projects in industry.