Industrial Engineering

This English-language Master of Science is built to advance engineers into managerial and leadership positions within international technology companies — whether that means joining a start-up or taking a leadership role in a multinational corporation. The programme prepares graduates for cross-border careers by combining management perspectives with a strong technical foundation.

The curriculum emphasizes technology innovation and ecological sustainability alongside industry-relevant skills and international management expertise. That blend is intended to give graduates the practical know-how and strategic outlook needed to drive technological and sustainable initiatives in industry settings.

The programme’s course design is deliberately shaped to suit both full-time students and those who are working professionals, offering a study format that supports career continuity while advancing qualifications. Overall, it is particularly attractive to anyone aiming for an international career in technology-driven sectors.

Key features / who this suits

• Taught in English
• Targets engineers seeking managerial or leadership roles in international tech companies (start-ups and multinationals)
• Strong focus on technology innovation and ecological sustainability
• Emphasis on industry-relevant practical knowledge and international management skills
• Course format designed to accommodate full-time students and working professionals

Program structure and overview

This Master of Science degree is a 120 ECTS programme typically completed over four semesters (with the option to extend in a part‑time format). The curriculum is organised to build advanced competence in industrial engineering through a blend of taught coursework, hands‑on industry experience, and a research‑based master’s thesis.

Three integrated phases (key modules)

The programme is delivered in three sequential phases: a module phase of taught courses, an industry project that places students in a real‑world engineering context, and a concluding thesis phase. The module phase covers a balanced set of core and elective units (technical, managerial and methodological topics) that prepare you to tackle complex industrial problems. The industry project gives applied experience working with companies or organisations, while the thesis phase requires independent research and synthesis of knowledge acquired during the programme.

Expected learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to apply engineering and systems thinking to optimise industrial processes, manage interdisciplinary projects, and communicate technical results to academic and professional audiences. The programme emphasizes practical problem solving, the ability to design and execute applied projects in collaboration with industry, and the competence to carry out independent research culminating in a scientifically grounded master’s thesis. For a detailed list of available courses and specific module descriptions, please consult the MIE Kiel courses page.

Requirements and key facts

• Total workload: 120 ECTS
• Standard duration: 4 semesters (part‑time equivalent possible)
• Main components: Module phase (taught courses), Industry project, Thesis phase
• Full course list and module descriptions available on the programme’s course page (MIE Kiel courses)

Graduates are prepared for leadership and managerial roles in international, technology-driven companies — from start-ups to multinational corporations. Typical career paths include product and project management, operations and supply chain roles, business development, technology consulting, and R&D or innovation management roles within sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, ICT and renewable technologies.

The programme’s practical industry project, international orientation and emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation also support career advancement for working professionals and provide a strong foundation for entrepreneurship or further research-focused study where industry-relevant technical and managerial skills are required.