This program combines electrical engineering, mechatronics, computer science and artificial intelligence to train students in the design and integration of autonomous systems. Coursework and projects build both a broad understanding of hardware and software components and a system-level perspective, so you learn how sensors, perception, planning, control, networking and human–machine interfaces work together in real-world autonomous solutions. Instruction is delivered in English, making the course accessible to international students.
You can focus on one of four advanced specialisations—Human‑System Interfaces, Networking & Collaboration, Planning & Control, and Sensing & Perception—while developing practical engineering skills that prepare you for interdisciplinary work. Graduates leave as competent engineers ready to enter fast-growing areas such as automotive, automation and robotics, communication services, or industrial services, where expertise in autonomous systems is in high demand.
Admission & applicant profile (concise)
This research-focused MSc gives you advanced theoretical and practical tools to develop autonomous systems. The programme centers on the design and implementation of autonomy technologies, preparing students to address one of today’s most important engineering challenges through a mix of compulsory and elective coursework, hands-on labs, and scholarly work.
Students build their profile by taking required and optional modules in two of four specialisation areas: Human‑System Interfaces, Networking & Collaboration, Planning & Control, and Sensing & Perception. In addition to core classes, the curriculum includes elective seminars and lab courses that translate theory into practice. Practical and interpersonal skills are reinforced through a team project or an industry internship, and the degree is concluded with a research-driven Master’s thesis.
Learning outcomes
Curriculum requirements (concise)
Applicants are expected to come in with a strong technical foundation across several core domains that are essential for work on autonomous systems. The program requires familiarity with advanced engineering mathematics, classical control concepts, sensor technology, mechatronics and basic electrical engineering. Practical programming skills and an understanding of fundamental algorithms and data structures are also necessary to implement and test autonomy methods.
These prerequisites reflect the interdisciplinary nature of autonomy technologies: mathematical tools and signal-processing methods are used to model and estimate system behavior, control theory underpins feedback and decision-making, sensor knowledge supports perception, and mechatronics/electrical engineering cover the hardware integration and actuation aspects. Programming and algorithmic skills let you build, simulate and evaluate autonomy software (examples of useful languages include C, C++, Python and MATLAB).
Required background (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for engineering roles in the rapidly growing field of autonomous systems across sectors such as automotive, automation and robotics, communication services, and industrial services. Typical positions include systems engineer for autonomous platforms, perception/planning/control engineer, robotics developer, and roles in sensor and network integration.
The programme’s blend of hardware and software education, practical lab work and industry internships also provides a solid foundation for research careers or continued academic study (PhD). Employers value the programme’s system‑oriented approach and specialisation options for tackling complex autonomy challenges.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen