Overview The programme is built to meet the needs of internationally oriented engineering companies and trains students to become highly qualified engineers for automotive systems — particularly in feedback control and software‑intensive applications. Teaching is closely linked with local industry, placing a strong emphasis on hands‑on experience. Students routinely work on networked projects in multicultural teams, reflecting the collaborative, cross‑border nature of modern vehicle development.
History and structure Launched in 2008 and offered every year, the master was restructured in 2023 (ASM 2.0) to place greater emphasis on systems and software. It now offers two distinct majors that allow you to specialise according to your career goals:
Study format and objectives The programme is taught in English and is completed in the normal study period of three semesters (one and a half years), culminating in a master’s degree. Its primary goal is to bring students to a specialised, professional level in either vehicle systems or automotive IT. To increase interaction with German students, two second‑semester courses (Powertrain/VS and V2X/IT) are run in parallel with the German Automotive Master’s programme.
Key facts and requirements
Overview
This programme delivers an advanced, professionally oriented education in complex automotive systems. Students select one of two specialisations — Vehicle Systems or Automotive IT — and progress through a mix of theoretical courses and hands-on, cross-cultural team projects that simulate real workplace conditions. These interdisciplinary projects give students the chance to apply technical skills while collaborating with peers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.
Curriculum structure
The course is organised over three semesters. The first semester establishes core foundations: model-based system design and software engineering; system simulation and control (including state machines, advanced controller design and microcontroller topics); and the mathematical tools needed for engineering (statistics and numerical differential equations). Based on prior study, the academic director assigns one supplementary module in the first term—either Vehicle Systems Fundamentals or IT Fundamentals—to ensure all students have the necessary background.
In the second semester students move to advanced topics shared across the cohort (autonomous systems, a team project, and modules on global engineering / project management / international negotiations). Each student then follows the chosen major. The Vehicle Systems path focuses on ride & handling, suspension modelling and propulsion systems. The Automotive IT path covers autonomous communications (communication systems and vehicle-to-X) and usability & dependability (mobile robotics, man–machine interaction, safety and security). The final semester is devoted to a six‑month Master’s thesis, carried out individually or in teams at the university or preferably in industry, and includes dedicated soft‑skills training.
Key modules (highlights)
Expected learning outcomes
Programme requirements (concise)
This master's program is aimed at students with a first degree in engineering-related fields. Suitable undergraduate backgrounds include Automotive Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other Bachelor of Engineering degrees such as Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering — degrees with an equivalent level of engineering training will also be considered.
You will need to submit a small set of supporting documents as part of your online application: confidential references, a motivation letter describing your reasons for applying and your goals, and proof of English language ability. Specific accepted tests and minimum score requirements for English are listed on the program website, so check there before applying. Applications must be submitted through the university’s online portal.
Applicants whose bachelor’s degree was awarded in the People’s Republic of China, Vietnam or India must obtain an APS certificate (a verification issued by the German Academic Evaluation Service) as part of the admission process.
Required documents and conditions
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for engineering and development roles in the automotive sector, including positions focused on vehicle dynamics, suspension and powertrain development, as well as roles in automotive software, vehicle communications, safety-critical systems, robotics and autonomous driving. Employers include OEMs, tier‑1 suppliers, software companies and mobility startups, as well as research organisations.
The programme’s strong practical orientation, industry collaborations and option to carry out the master’s thesis within a company improve employability in technical development, testing, systems integration and project management roles across the automotive value chain.
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