The collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and BMW Group Plant Debrecen has reached a new, strategic level: this year marks the launch of the FastLane dual master’s program and the establishment of the BMW Department, created in partnership between BMW and the Faculty of Engineering.
FastLane – A Direct Career Path for the Engineers of the Future
The goal of the FastLane program is to enable talented students to gain hands-on professional experience at BMW during their studies.
Throughout the two-year dual MSc program, participants can acquire real industrial experience across several fields, complete their thesis projects at BMW, and benefit from mentoring, free training opportunities, and competitive compensation. In the long term, the program aims to offer graduates the opportunity to continue their careers as full-time employees at BMW Group Plant Debrecen.
Dual Master’s Programs in Four Engineering Fields
The Faculty of Engineering now offers dual master’s programs in four disciplines — Mechatronic Engineering, Vehicle Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering — in cooperation with BMW.
By involving an industrial partner, the Faculty aims to make its programs even more practice-oriented. This collaboration not only enhances students’ professional development but also increases the attractiveness and competitiveness of the Faculty’s MSc programs.
BMW Department – Where Industry Meets Education
A new milestone in the partnership between BMW and the Faculty of Engineering is the establishment of the BMW Department, led by Dr. Otto Murr, Head of the Quality Management Center.
The department’s mission is to integrate academic expertise with industrial practice, opening new opportunities for research, innovation, and practical education within one of Europe’s most advanced automotive facilities.
Material Testing for BMW
For the Faculty of Engineering, close cooperation with industrial partners extends beyond education — it also yields tangible results in research and measurement technology. Within this framework, the Department of Mechanical Engineering conducts material testing for BMW, supported by a dedicated laboratory and professional team.
Continuous infrastructure development ensures a stable, long-term partnership that contributes to industrial innovation in Debrecen.
Active Presence in Faculty Life
BMW professionals actively participate in faculty events and are engaged in both the academic and community life of the Faculty of Engineering. This direct involvement provides students with valuable industrial experience and career opportunities already during their university years.
Together for the Engineers of the Future
The newly signed cooperation agreements were formalized by Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Manufacturing Hungary Kft., Prof. Dr. Zoltán Szilvássy, Rector of the University of Debrecen, and Prof. Dr. Géza Husi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
The expansion of this partnership clearly demonstrates the shared commitment of the University of Debrecen and BMW Group to educate the engineers of the future — professionals who combine high-level theoretical knowledge with real industrial experience, right here at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen.
Cs.K.