Introduction
The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Pécs is the region's most rapidly developing engineering higher education institution. Our curriculum covers almost the entire spectrum of engineering, IT and architecture. With 3,000 students, half a century of experience and a renewed and enlarged campus, we are a significant institution in the engineering scene in our country.
Half a Century of Experience
The Pollack Mihály Technical College was founded in 1970 by relocating the teachers and students of the Budapest-based Polytechnic of Mechanical Engineering for Construction and Building Materials from Budapest to Pécs and by integrating the Pécs-based Polytechnic of Chemical Industry and Mechanical Engineering in the College. The College merged into the Janus Pannonius University of Pécs in 1995 when, as a result of a multi-stage integration process, one of Hungary's largest higher education institutions was established.
From the early years, the institution had established solid international relations throughout Europe (exchange of knowledge, joint publications, joint research topics, exchange visits of teachers and students). The exchange experiences in the 1990s led to the idea of creating university-level training programs, launched in 2004. Split degree courses were introduced in the 2007/2008 academic year following the transfer to the Bologna system.
In 2013, the Faculty launched its first English-language courses in the architecture programme, and in the eight years since then, the number of international students from all over the world has increased to more than 500.
Renowned Academic Staff
Most of our lecturers have academic degrees and habilitations. Active in professional, scientific and educational life, members of our community have received numerous state and professional awards. In addition to our lecturers, colleagues with a full-time researcher profile support our academic work.
Internationally recognized professionals and scholars are regularly invited to give lectures at our Faculty. Our teaching staff includes several members with an international background. We aim to create attractive opportunities for foreign professionals and our international graduates to pursue an academic career.
Cutting-Edge Training Programmes
Bachelor's degrees (BSc, BA)
The Faculty's eight bachelor's degree programmes cover the fields of architecture, engineering and information technology, with training programmes in architectural engineering, architectural art, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, electrical engineering, computer science engineering and industrial design engineering.
Master's degrees (MSc, MA)
The Faculty's master's programmes train the country's top professionals in architecture, architectural art, urban systems engineering, interior and spatial design, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science engineering and biomedical engineering.
Advanced Vocational Training
The Faculty's 4-semester Advanced Vocational Training courses provide qualifications above the technician level, offering good employability in various technical fields.
Those with a degree can currently choose from fourteen postgraduate specialist training programmes. Responding dynamically to market changes, since 2019, four new specialisations have been accredited by our Faculty (Nuclear Power Plant Operations Engineer/Specialist, BIM Engineer, Façade Design Engineer, Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Technology Engineer).
Training Programs in English
Architectural Engineering BSc
This program covers engineering design, structures, and construction management. Education takes place in cooperation with additional design and engineering professionals. Students are expected to have good visual skills, a grasp of mathematics and the history of architecture. The program focuses on the architect's responsibility in building design, the detailed development of building systems, and teamwork. This degree course aims to give students a clear understanding of the key contexts of architecture and the built environment, the design relationships among people, architectural space, and the environment – through live projects and contemporary situations. It comprises of lectures, workshops, and studio design work.
Architectural Engineering MSc and Architecture One-Tier Master’s
These programmes train students to apply their complex knowledge in the areas of architecture and urban planning, as well as in the multi-faceted field of environment formation in general (architectural design, town and country planning, preservation of built heritage, BIM, well-being, solidary architecture, vernacular architecture, parametric design, eco-design, sustainable design, structural design, construction work, management, and administration tasks, consulting with authorities, teaching, etc.) In addition, once students have gained the prerequisite practical experience as stipulated by the regulations, they are prepared for their professional planning license.
Our Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Architecture gained candidacy for international accreditation by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects in 2022.
Interior and Spatial Design MA
This program creates interior design artists who, in liaison with architects and other design professionals, are capable of solving issues regarding aesthetic, functional, and psychological aspects of a given space or spaces and, in the course of forming architectural space, are capable of preserving the conceptual unity of interior elements and furnishings. Those graduating from the program will be instilled with essential technical knowledge and artistic talent. They will have an understanding and thorough knowledge of creativity, the design thought process, and their importance during the planning procedure. Graduates will acquire an advanced sense of aesthetic and critical talents, developed aesthetic taste, and have an exhaustive knowledge of interior design terminology, traditional and innovative materials, and the technology and tools utilized in their production.
Civil Engineering BSc
The undergraduate Civil Engineering program of the University of Pecs has been developed to enable students to have a wide range of competencies. Upon graduation, students should be able to carry out simple and complex tasks related to civil engineering construction and structural design. The curricula also aim to develop an ability to function effectively as a member and a leader on
technical teams. Bachelor's certificate entitles the students to continue their studies at the master's level. Practice-oriented teaching methods, up-to-date modern technologies, a friendly but vivid international environment, and a historical university town are hallmarks of our program.
Structural Engineering MSc
The course is aimed at people interested in building- structures, and it is open to structural engineers and civil engineers with a bachelor's degree or a degree in a related field of study. The programme is based on the Faculty’s research of structural science and aims to provide practical and theoretical training in structural engineering. The course content focuses on developing experimental technique skills and computer usage and reflects current structural analysis and design trends. The training covers research methods for engineers, construction project management, numerical methods, etc. Optional modules are also offered in structural engineering, such as design in steel and concrete, structures and geo-technics, and geotechnical engineering.
Biomedical Engineering MSc
Biomedical engineering is an emerging field that involves applying physical, chemical, mathematical, computer science and engineering principles to analyze biological, medical, behavioural and health-related problems. Biomedical engineers develop innovative devices and procedures to help prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. It relies on an in-depth understanding of science and engineering fundamentals combined with a broad knowledge of physiological and anatomical systems.
Computer Science Engineering BSc
The Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering focuses on design and technology within a 7-semester undergraduate training. The degree course is offered to serve profession-oriented students, providing subjects and advanced research opportunities in computer engineering, such as software engineering, data networks, information systems, cost-efficient solutions in engineering, manufacturing, etc. A significant component of the studies is laboratory oriented, as well as covering software engineering and programming skills; this course provides experience of being part of an information technology team working on real projects or as a trainee where students can simultaneously get experience of and study practical work. The program aims to equip students with a solid skill set in modern techniques and provide quality instruction for a professional career in information technology engineering.
Computer Science Engineering MSc
The new master's course in Information Technology is one of the most important programmes at our Faculty. It aims to provide engineers from technical disciplines relevant to information technology sciences with the skills to pursue a career in computer and information engineering. The program involves a deep understanding of the theory and practice of information, the study of information acquisition, systems and technical methodologies and their applications in engineering. The main areas of study include developments in intelligent systems and multiprocessor technology. The
programme combines formal lectures, tutorials and lab sessions; it develops practical and theoretical knowledge and includes supervised work sessions. The course aims to equip graduates with the necessary technical and academic knowledge and skills for engineering in information technology.
Electrical Engineering BSc
Future electrical/electronic engineers study here who will solve high-quality tasks in designing, manufacturing and operating electric and electronic appliances, equipment and facilities. This qualification ensures competence in performing measurement, evaluation, control and management tasks in the field of electricity. Apart from learning the bases of electrical and electronic engineering within the study frame at our institution, the students will become members of a technology society involving them in complex projects and developments during their university years. Electrical Engineers owning complex knowledge are now mostly wanted in Europe. Companies acting in the most dynamically developing industry field on the Earth, ranging from nuclear power plants to microelectronic companies, from small-scale teams to multi-continental firms, are waiting for you.
Research, Innovation and Industrial Partnership
By becoming involved in one of the many research groups at the Faculty, students can participate in research projects and explore their areas of interest in greater depth. Thanks to the synergies of the multi-disciplinary approach, students also gain knowledge and practical experience beyond their own specialization. These possibilities are enhanced by the structure of the university, enabling close cooperation between the individual disciplines. Consequently, our research groups and scientific workshops that thrive in the Faculty primarily work on interdisciplinary projects, sometimes going beyond the technical fields, e.g., in biomedical engineering.
Contacts with industry and events organized in cooperation with construction companies also help students acquire marketable knowledge. Exhibitions and conferences such as Pollack EXPO and MIK Partners' events are great opportunities to meet future employers and catch a glimpse of the professional environment they provide.
International Postgraduate Programme
The postgraduate training at Marcel Breuer Doctoral School is available in both Hungarian and English language. In addition to the DLA in Architecture, the Doctoral School offers a Ph.D. in Architecture within the discipline of Engineering. Its defining concept is that in addition to theoretical training, DLA and PhD students engage in workshops led by leading academics and recognized practitioners of the profession, who take students on as peers. In most cases, buildings or complexes of buildings are designed in collaboration between students and their mentors. This is the closest form of master-student relationship, which practice is the most distinctive and characteristic element of the DLA/PhD education in Pécs, making it stand out from other postgraduate programmes.
The Doctoral School also collaborates with faculty research groups and research project groups at several universities. Doctoral students from the fields of engineering, architecture and computer science have a dedicated forum at the annual international Iványi Miklós PhD DLA Symposium to present the results of their ongoing research.
Community and Support
A growing community of our international students is building around professional activities as well as voluntary organizations.
Students interested in scientific research are welcome at the National Students' Research Association, where our students regularly achieve great results, and at academic and professional competitions, such as the Solar Decathlon international house-building competition. A wide range of student scholarships also encourage outstanding academic performance, scientific work, demonstration and public engagement. Since 2021, our scholarship scheme has been supported by a Faculty Talent Centre providing personal counselling. Our services for international students include modern central library, health services, psychological counselling, and legal support.
The Pécs Chapter of Engineers without Borders, formed under the initiative of Engineers Without Borders UK brings together international and Hungarian students interested in sustainability, the circular economy, maker spaces and putting global responsibility at the heart of engineering. The organization promotes ideas of sustainability at their events, such as clothes-swap day. In 2023, the organization was awarded an EU Grant (EU4Teens) and welcomes all students.
International Network
The Faculty is continuously building its partner network and areas of international cooperation. We offer visiting status for students of our partners within and outside Europe, which studies may be integrated into the curriculum of the sending institution. At the institutional level, we work with our international partners to organize short programmes, online courses, preparatory courses, or joint training courses. Our Faculty includes a Technical Language Examination Centre, which offers English and German language courses integrated as optional credits in the curriculum. Quotas obtained through CEEPUS networks and other professional agreements enable us to organize international workshops for our students in Europe and beyond. We run international preparatory programmes for our training programmes in several partner institutions in China and an embedded architecture minor programme with our prominent partner in the United States, among other joint programmes.
Modern Infrastructure
Our first-year students from visa-requiring countries may apply for dormitory accommodation, typically provided at our on-campus, 800-bed dormitory, which significantly supports the integration into the student community. The additional infrastructure, outdoor swimming pool, and sports facilities of our Campus provide a quality recreational environment, unique among the campuses in Pécs.
In 2018, the dramatic increase in the number of international students inspired the design of the Architecture (É81) and Mechanical Engineering (G56) workspaces as the last important stage of campus development. The halls are specifically designed to serve the experimental, large-scale community education courses, providing, with the addition of the 3D Printing Centre, a genuinely 21st-century campus.
Our Faculty has something for every practical-minded, creative young person who wants to be part of designing and building a sustainable future.
