Structure

The full-time Master’s degree course consists of three semesters, each with 30 ECTS points; the part-time course can last up to seven semesters. One ECTS point equates to a workload of 30 working hours, including both on-campus attendance and self-study. There are no compulsory modules; all modules are elective.

When submitting your application for admission, you make a binding selection of modules from the modules offered. There is also a Master’s thesis worth 30 ECTS. In order to offer you the opportunity to select more than three modules in a semester (winter or summer), it is possible to begin the Master’s thesis once 30 ECTS have been achieved.

The modules you have selected may only be changed thereafter upon approval.

Every 10 ECTS module (300 working hours) generally involves on-campus lectures spanning 6 semester hours per week. The remaining time is set aside for self-study.

Modules

The range of elective modules (WS 21/22, SS 22, WS 22/23) offered is generally set three semesters in advance. For more information on the module codes, please see below under “Subjects / Module Codes”.

You can find a detailed module decription here.

R&D Module

Upon approval, R&D modules may be accepted (10 ECTS base module, 20 or 30 ECTS expansion module). You may select a maximum of 40 ECTS’ worth of R&D modules, of which including a maximum of two 10 ECTS base modules. You may select two 10 ECTS R&D base modules in a single semester, given that they are independent of one another and supervised by different staff members. Choosing a 20 or 30 ECTS R&D expansion module requires a completed 10 ECTS R&D base module. Along with the Master’s thesis, this means that up to 70 ECTS can be achieved in personally-defined R&D activities out of 90 ECTS in the entire degree course. There are two options:

• You have already worked on (e.g. in your company) creating a solution to a problem and would like to have this work recognized as an R&D module.
• You do not have a specific topic in mind, but are interested in completing an R&D module in a certain field.

You can communicate your ideas on this to us as early as when submitting your application for admission. Upon admission, you will be contacted automatically, in order to determine the module content as quickly as possible. The Examination Committee decides on the module codes based on recommendations from the head of the module. You must state your intention to complete a R&D module in the application for admission, like with other modules. As the decisions on admission are made at a later date, it is strongly advised that you provide an alternative module choice in your application for admission.

Application-oriented or research-oriented profile

The degree course is generally research-oriented. You can complete the degree course with a research-oriented profile if you have completed more than 20 ECTS in R&D modules and your Master’s thesis is research-based. It will be stated on your Master’s degree certificate that your studies were research-oriented.

The content of the R&D module and Master's thesis should complement one another.

Mobility Module

From the second semester onwards, upon individual approval, you have the option to complete a mobility module for a trimester or semester (20 / 30 ECTS) at a university abroad, as an alternative to the existing range of modules offered. You can find information on our partner universities at the International Office website. You also have the option to complete a mobility module at a university that is not partnered with us. The head of the mobility module, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Magin, would be happy to advise you on your options. The Examination Committee decides on the module codes based on the courses chosen.

You can include your plans for a mobility module in the application for admission. As you will only be accepted to a module once your studies have begun, it is strongly advised that you provide an alternative module choice in your application for admission.

Subjects / Module Codes

Pursuant to the module overview, every module is allocated a “MB” module code or a “MT” module code. The major stated on your degree certificate will be determined by the subject with the highest number of completed modules with each code. “MB” for Mechanical Engineering; “MT” for Mechatronics.

Language of Instruction

Most modules are offered in English. These modules have an English title. There are other modules offered in German. Students can therefore complete their degree entirely in English, entirely in German, or with a combination of the two. Students who can speak both languages will be able to choose from a wider selection.

• Applicants whose native language is not English require good English skills at B2 level, TOEIC Listening and Reading 785, TOEIC Speaking and Writing 310; TOEFL iBT 87, TOEFL ITP 543, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
• Applicants for modules taught in German whose native language is not German require good German skills at GER-B2 GER, TestDaF 3, or DSH-1 level, or equivalent.

You must provide recognized evidence of your language skills that is no older than 24 months.

Course Start

You can begin the degree course either in the winter semester (group lectures starting from early October, running until the end of January) or in the summer semester (group lectures starting from mid-March, running until mid-July).