>> Due to the wide range of courses offered by the university, I decided to pursue a second set of studies - design engineer with a specialisation in fashion - to complement my first. Here I can additionally live out and develop myself creatively. The combination of the two Degree programmes offers the advantage that I can acquire a very broad knowledge and I am well positioned for later professional life and the industry. The Hochschule Niederrhein is an industry- and research-oriented university where you learn scientific and practical working methods.
Are you interested in developing your own cuts and models or in the processing techniques of clothing? Then the Degree programme in Product Development is just right for you. Here you will get deep insights into pattern construction and pattern development from simple pieces, such as skirts or pants, to more elaborate pieces, such as jackets or coats. These are developed together using various CAD programs and then realized in the sewing lab.
Are you rather creative, do you like to draw and do you want to design fashion yourself? Then the Degree programme Design Engineer Fashion is right for you. You will learn creative design techniques and deal with shapes and colors. You will also learn about the historical background of art, textiles and costume as well as design. In addition to the development of your own creative signature, the focus of the studies is on the creation of conceptual collections and designs for the fashion industry, always taking into account current trends, the respective target group, a market analysis and a well-considered choice of materials.

>> I particularly liked the combination of technical knowledge, practical work and the opportunity to be creative. In addition, the university deals with many future-oriented topics, so you are always up to date.
Both the practical work during the studies and the compulsory internship give you a good and easy start to your professional life, as you can already gain experience and apply the knowledge you have learned.
I have been working as a product developer at Jack Wolfskin since 2021. This profession is very diverse and exciting, as you need knowledge from all areas of Clothing Technology to be able to fully develop a product.

>> The Hochschule Niederrhein was one of the first universities to introduce to and actively promote 3D visualization. Therefore, it was a great pleasure for me to be confronted with the topic at a very early stage, when I was allowed to deal with a 3D software in my student assignment. I was immediately enthusiastic about the technology, so that my focus has been reoriented ever since. In my Bachelor's thesis I finally developed a virtual collection, which I realized in parallel and staged virtually.
Today I know that the chosen engineering apprenticeship was an ideal training for my current profession due to the combination of design and technology.
3D visualization is an essential part of digitalization for a sustainable and innovative fashion world of tomorrow.
HSNR offers students great opportunities to prepare for a new, exciting and above all dynamic working world, because nothing is as constant as change.

>> At the same time, I also realized that IT and the associated processes and structures play a major role in how quickly a garment can be produced. In order to be able to implement sustainable and ON-Demand production, all processes must be optimized.
In my current job at a globally successful company TUKATECH (an American software manufacturer), I can of course put the apprenticeship I received back then at the HS to excellent use. I need a 360-degree view of the individual areas of the fashion industry in order to be able to make the right decisions, since changes in IT can always have a significant impact on all areas of a clothing company.
The HS Niederrhein, with its Virtual Lab, is one of the best-equipped virtual labs in all of Europe. In my time, virtual product development was a dream of the future, today it is a MUST!