Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics (MSc)

This Master's is built around maximum flexibility: there are no compulsory modules. Instead you select 60 ECTS from a catalogue of elective courses (offered in English and German) and finish the degree with a 30‑ECTS Master's thesis, giving a typical total of 90 ECTS. The programme is normally application-oriented, but you can obtain a research-oriented specialisation on your diploma if you complete at least 30 ECTS in R&D modules and choose a research‑focused Master's thesis.

Most elective modules are 10 ECTS and are designed to be interdisciplinary. Every module is co-taught by at least two professors from different fields so you learn a topic from multiple perspectives. Modules follow a consistent structure that combines theory, practical group work, evaluation of economic implications and development of leadership skills. Module codes on the course overview carry the prefixes "ME" (mechanical engineering) or "MT" (mechatronics); the sum of those codes across your chosen modules determines whether your final certificate records a specialisation in mechanical engineering or in mechatronics.

English-taught elective modules (each 10 ECTS unless stated)

• Automotive engineering (10 ECTS)
• Climate-neutral process engineering (10 ECTS)
• Fibre reinforced plastics (10 ECTS)
• Fluid mechanics (10 ECTS)
• Image processing (10 ECTS)
• Numeric methods (10 ECTS)
• Product development: from need to market (10 ECTS)
• Simulation of mechatronic systems (10 ECTS)
• Software engineering for embedded systems (10 ECTS)
• Structural durability (10 ECTS)
• System level rapid development in mechatronics (10 ECTS)
• Virtual product development: tools and processes (10 ECTS)
• R&D module (10 ECTS; individual contents)
• R&D module (20 or 30 ECTS; individual contents; prerequisite: passed 10 ECTS R&D module; a total of 40 ECTS can be chosen for R&D modules)
• Mobility module (20 or 30 ECTS study abroad; only available after completion of 30 ECTS in Kaiserslautern)

German-taught elective modules

• Energiesysteme (10 ECTS)
• Ergänzende Vertiefungen, Mosaikmodul (10 ECTS)
• Leichtbaukonstruktion und Akustik (10 ECTS)
• Prozessentwicklung (10 ECTS)
• F&E‑Modul (10 ECTS; individual content)
• F&E‑Modul (20 or 30 ECTS; prerequisite: passed 10 ECTS F&E‑Modul; up to 40 ECTS in F&E‑Module may be chosen)
• Mobilitätsmodul (20 or 30 ECTS study abroad; only available after completion of 30 ECTS in Kaiserslautern)

Key points and requirements

• No mandatory modules: you choose 60 ECTS from the elective menu plus a 30‑ECTS Master’s thesis (total 90 ECTS).
• Research‑oriented specialisation on the certificate requires ≥30 ECTS in R&D (F&E) modules and a research‑oriented Master’s thesis.
• R&D/F&E options: 10 ECTS unit available first; 20 or 30 ECTS R&D/F&E modules require completion of the 10 ECTS R&D/F&E module; a maximum of 40 ECTS may be accumulated in R&D/F&E modules.
• Mobility module (20 or 30 ECTS) is only possible after you have completed 30 ECTS at Kaiserslautern and consists of study abroad.
• Modules are interdisciplinary and co‑taught by at least two professors; each module typically counts as 10 ECTS and follows a uniform pedagogical structure (knowledge acquisition, group practical work, economic assessment, leadership skills).
• Module codes (“ME” vs “MT”) determine the specialisation printed on your final certificate based on the highest sum of allocated numbers.
• Note: some electives are taught in German — plan language preparation accordingly if you wish to take those.

This Master’s curriculum is built for maximum flexibility: there are no required courses and you design your study plan from a “menu” of available modules. You can start in either the winter or summer semester, but each module is only taught once per year, so careful planning is important. After successfully completing three modules (30 ECTS) you may begin your Master’s thesis even before finishing the remaining taught modules — a feature intended to let you concentrate your taught modules in one semester if you prefer.

A strong emphasis of the programme is research and development (R&D). Each semester can include a 10 ECTS R&D module on agreement; after one 10 ECTS R&D module you may choose a 20 or 30 ECTS R&D module by agreement, up to a total of 40 ECTS in R&D modules. Combined with the Master’s thesis, up to 70 of the programme’s 90 ECTS can therefore be earned through R&D work. R&D projects are typically embedded in university research (including third‑party‑funded projects) or carried out at a company — the university will try to match your interests to in‑house research but does not provide industrial placement contacts. The programme website lists responsible professors and contact details for discussing project ideas.

International mobility is explicitly supported: in the second semester and subject to agreement you may take a 20 or 30 ECTS mobility module at a university abroad to deepen specialised knowledge and develop cross‑cultural and language skills. Mobility can be arranged at partner institutions or, with approval, at other universities worldwide. If you complete a 30 ECTS mobility module at University West (Trollhättan, Sweden), a double degree can be awarded. Part‑time study is possible, but the curriculum is not specifically structured for part‑time students.

Key facts and requirements (concise)

• Total programme size: 90 ECTS.
• No compulsory courses — choose freely from the module “menu.”
• Intakes: start in winter or summer semester.
• Each module is offered only once per year — plan course selection ahead.
• Master’s thesis may be started after completing 3 modules (30 ECTS).
• R&D modules: typically 10 ECTS each; after one 10 ECTS R&D you may take a 20 or 30 ECTS R&D module by agreement; maximum 40 ECTS in R&D modules.
• Up to 70/90 ECTS can be gained through R&D work when combined with the Master’s thesis.
• R&D work can be integrated into university research projects or done at a company; university assists in matching interests but does not supply industrial contacts.
• Mobility module (second semester, 20 or 30 ECTS) possible at partner or other universities with agreement; 30 ECTS at University West (Sweden) can lead to a double degree.
• Part‑time study permitted but programme not specifically designed for part‑time pacing.

Graduates emerge with a customisable skill set that fits both industry and research contexts. The programme's mix of application-oriented modules, practical group work and project-based R&D prepares students for technical and development roles in sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, product development and embedded systems.

Students who pursue the research-oriented path (substantial R&D modules plus a research-focused thesis) will be particularly well placed for R&D positions at universities, research institutes or innovation-focused teams within industry, while those focused on applied modules will be primed for engineering and leadership roles in companies.