The typical German Technische Universitat, formerly called ‘Technische Hochschule’, offers structural engineering as part of its civil engineering course which would also include traffic, hydraulic and environmental engineering. Western Germany has such universities at Aachen, Berlin, Bochum, Braunschweig, Darmstadt, Dortmund, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Munich, and Stuttgart. It is not yet finally decided which schools will become technical universities in the eastern part of Germany, except for Dresden. The formal curriculum, including classes and tutorials, usually covers 9 semesters or 4½ years. However, the average student takes between 5 and 6 years to complete his studies. His university studies will start at an age of 21 since, after finishing at high school, he has to complete 18 months’ military service (or alternative service for conscientious objectors) and some compulsory practical training.
J. Schlaich, Professor Dr Ing.