Digital Engineering

Overview

This consecutive Master of Science trains you to design and manage digitally connected systems that are transforming modern industry. Building on the Industry 4.0 paradigm, the programme focuses on creating and linking virtual product and process models across the entire value chain — from planning and design through production to lifecycle monitoring — to speed development, improve quality, and optimise manufacturing. It is taught in English and aimed at preparing specialists who operate at the intersection of engineering and computer science.

What you will study and why it matters

The curriculum was jointly developed by the chairs of Engineering and Computer Science and Media, and emphasises flexible, interdisciplinary learning with a strong practical orientation. You will work with contemporary modelling concepts and tools for computer-aided modelling, simulation and visualisation, and deepen your understanding of information-theoretic approaches to data generation and handling. The programme actively links teaching and research: industry-defined research topics are introduced early and supervised in collaboration with partners, and students benefit from access to the Digital Bauhaus Lab — a state-of-the-art university research facility that supports experimental work and applied projects.

The course prepares you to represent, interpret, evaluate and optimise complex, cross-disciplinary processes in sectors such as construction, mechanical engineering and other industrial fields. Graduates leave with methodological skills to drive full digitalisation of design, manufacturing and application processes and with practical experience that is attractive to employers working on digital transformation initiatives.

Typical application requirements (check the programme website for exact details)

• Recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, media/information technology or a closely related field
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent)
• Academic transcripts and certified degree certificate
• Curriculum vitae and motivation/cover letter
• Letters of recommendation and/or evidence of prior project work or portfolio (if requested)
• Possible programme-specific prerequisites or interview/aptitude assessment depending on background

This Master's programme combines lectures, tutorials, seminars, a supervised research project and a Master's thesis. It is designed as a full-time, four-semester course of study taught in English, leading to a Master of Science. The programme balances core foundations, engineering and computer-science methods, elective choices across departments, and substantial research practice to prepare you for advanced technical and interdisciplinary work in digital engineering.

Key modules and credits

• Fundamentals — 18 ECTS
• Engineering Methods — 36 ECTS
• Computer Science Methods — 18 ECTS
• Electives — 12 ECTS (interdisciplinary options across Computer Science & Media, Civil Engineering, Media Studies, Media Art & Design, Media Management, Architecture & Urbanism, Art & Design, and other civil engineering fields)
• Research Project — 12 ECTS (research projects are offered by many professors each semester)
• Master's Module — 24 ECTS (final thesis/project work)

Learning outcomes

• Gain solid theoretical and practical foundations in engineering and computer-science methods essential for digital engineering applications.
• Develop applied research skills through a supervised research project and an independent Master’s thesis, culminating in a substantial, credit-bearing final project.
• Acquire interdisciplinary experience via elective courses from related departments (media, architecture, art, civil engineering), enabling you to work at the intersection of engineering, computing and design.
• Benefit from curricular flexibility that supports mobility: the third semester is particularly suitable for study abroad, while the fourth semester is reserved for completing the Master’s thesis.

Program requirements (concise)

• Total workload: 120 ECTS over four semesters (standard duration)
• Credit distribution as listed above (Fundamentals 18 / Engineering Methods 36 / CS Methods 18 / Electives 12 / Research Project 12 / Master’s Module 24)
• Electives allow selection from multiple departments and Master's-level courses across the university
• Research projects available from many faculty each semester
• Third semester recommended for study abroad due to flexible course choices
• Fourth semester reserved for the Master’s thesis
• All courses are offered in English
• For information on part‑time study arrangements, contact the international counsellor: http://www.uni-weimar.de/de/medien/international

For a full list of offered modules and the detailed module catalogue, see the programme curriculum page: https://www.uni-weimar.de/en/civil-and-environmental-engineering/studies/master-degree-programmes/digital-engineering/curriculum/

Graduates are prepared for roles at the interface of engineering and computer science, such as digital product and process modelling, simulation and optimisation in construction, mechanical engineering and other industrial sectors. Typical positions include digitalisation engineer, simulation/modeling specialist, data-driven process engineer, and roles in R&D teams focusing on Industry 4.0 solutions.

The programme’s emphasis on applied research and industry collaboration also equips graduates for further academic research (PhD) or technical consultancy roles where advanced modelling, data-handling and cross-disciplinary communication skills are required.