​​A dual masters engineering programme offered by Stellenbosch University (SU) and Reutlingen University (RU) in Germany is contributing to skill development in the fields of engineering management and digital industrial management.

This week, the third cohort of students who participated in the programme received their dual qualifications during the March 2021 graduation at SU.

The graduating class includes SU students Marion Kretzschmar and Johan Van Schalkwyk and RU students Magdalena Bertele, Marc Ungen and Marius Wippel. The students graduated with a Master's in Engineering Management from SU, and a Master's of Science in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering from RU.

This brings the total number of graduates since the start of the programme in 2019 to 16.

Mr Konrad von Leipzig, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Engineering at SU who manages the SU component of the programme, says collaboration between the institutions commenced back in 2012, and in 2019 activities was expanded to the dual master's programme. The programme is an initiative of Von Leipzig and his colleague, Prof Vera Hummel from RU and since 2010 an extraordinary professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at SU. She is still one of the academics involved in the programme. Prof Daniel Palm manages the programme from RU's side and contributes to the close collaboration between the two universities.

In the first year of this programme, only one SU student and two students from RU enrolled for the programme. This year, the programme has expanded and 17 students have enrolled for the dual master's degree. The programme requires students to attend three semesters at their home university and one semester as an exchange student at the host university. 

RU student Ungen commended the international partnership between SU and his home institution and encouraged other students to register for the course.

“When we first came to South Africa, it felt like we had never left home because we received a very warm welcome at SU. It was just an amazing experience to be part of this programme," says Ungen.

He valued his time at SU, especially the student life.

“The student life in Stellenbosch is just amazing. Visiting one of the many wine farms after work, spending the night at one of these awesome street soirées or just meeting up with friends somewhere in Stellenbosch is definitely unique," he says. “I will forever remember how beautiful South Africa is. The wildlife, scenery, oceans and people left an impression that really makes me feel like I must return.“

RU student Bertele said they had hoped to travel to South Africa for the graduation. However, due to the global impact of COVID-19,  they will join their graduating class for the virtual graduation.

SU student Kretzschmar said she was grateful for the opportunity to have participated in such a unique study programme and to have had the opportunity to study in Germany. Kretzschmar said the experience has widened her professional network and has contributed to her personal development. ​