Design and Development in Automotive and Mechanical Engineering

Overview This programme concentrates on the design and development of complex engineering systems, preparing students to work in modern, simultaneous engineering environments. You will build problem‑solving skills founded on integrated knowledge of design, development, simulation and production technology, with a strong emphasis on clear communication in international industrial settings.

Career focus The course aims to ready graduates for demanding roles in the core areas of design and development within the global mechanical and automotive engineering sectors. Typical career destinations include the automotive industry and its suppliers, mechanical engineering firms, process engineering companies and engineering consultancies.

Location and industry links The university has a long history in mechanical and automotive engineering education dating back to its founding in 1914 as the Royal College for Mechanical Engineering. Its location in a major European industrial region creates close connections with nearby global technology leaders — for example Mercedes‑Benz Group, Audi, Bosch, Festo, Porsche, Index, Mahle Behr and Trumpf — links that are especially valuable when arranging Master’s thesis projects.

International and interdisciplinary learning The programme is designed to meet the needs of globally oriented companies and brings together students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Collaborative project work with partner universities worldwide and interdisciplinary team assignments help develop the intercultural and cooperative skills expected in international engineering careers.

Key facts and expectations

• Language of instruction: English
• Emphasis on interdisciplinary, international teamwork and project work
• Core technical focus: design, development, simulation and production technology
• Strong development of communication skills for international industry environments
• Typical graduate destinations: automotive industry & suppliers; mechanical engineering; process engineering; engineering consultancy

Overview

This master’s curriculum builds advanced expertise in the design and development of complex automotive and mechanical engineering systems, with a strong emphasis on simultaneous engineering practices. Teaching combines in-depth technical lectures, hands-on laboratory work (e.g., vibration/acoustics and multibody simulation labs) and interdisciplinary, cross-cultural project work that mirrors real industrial teams. Students learn to integrate technical, economic and ecological factors into product development while collaborating across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.

Key learning outcomes include the ability to: apply advanced CAE and numerical methods (finite element analysis, multibody dynamics, CAE algorithms); perform failure analysis and ensure structural integrity; design lightweight, manufacturable products; analyse and mitigate vibration and NVH issues; and select and apply advanced materials and surface/composite technologies. The programme culminates in a six‑month master’s thesis—preferably carried out in industry—during which candidates demonstrate their full scientific and practical engineering competence; soft‑skills training is integrated into this final phase.

Curriculum at a glance (concise module list)

• First semester

  • Advanced Strength of Materials: Lightweight Design, Advanced Finite Element Method
  • Integrity of Structures: Integrity of Structures, Failure Analysis
  • Vibration Acoustics I: Vibration and Acoustics Measurement (including lab)
  • Dynamics: Multibody Systems, Simulation of Multibody Systems
  • Design and Development I: Design Methodology, Ecological and Economic Design, Reliability
  • Numerical Methods in CAE: Numerical Mathematics, CAE Methods and Algorithms

• Second semester

  • Design for Manufacturing: Production‑Oriented Product Design
  • Production Life Cycle Management (with laboratory)
  • Vibration Acoustics II: Vibrations, NVH in Automotive Systems (including lab)
  • Computer‑Aided Vibration Analysis (CAT)
  • Advanced Materials Technology: Advanced Engineering Materials, Surface Technology, Composite Materials
  • Design and Development II: Advanced CAD, Design of Experiments (DoE)
  • Project work (interdisciplinary, applied)

• Third semester (Master’s thesis)

  • Six‑month research or development thesis demonstrating scientific and practical engineering skills
  • Can be completed at the university or, preferably, within a company
  • Includes soft‑skills training during the thesis period

Graduates are prepared for design and development roles within the automotive industry and its component suppliers, the mechanical and process engineering industries, and engineering consultancy. Typical functions include product development, CAE/simulation engineer, design engineer, NVH and vibration specialist, materials and surface technology roles, and positions in production‑oriented product design and project management.

Strong ties to regional and global industry enhance employability and facilitate transitions into company‑based Master’s theses, internships and direct hires. The programme’s interdisciplinary and intercultural training further supports careers in international teams and global engineering organisations.