Systems Engineering in Manufacturing (SEM)

This Master's programme develops a broad yet detailed, interdisciplinary understanding of engineering as it applies to modern production systems. It trains you to take a systems-level perspective on manufacturing — from product requirements through lifecycle management — so you can design, develop and improve production systems that operate across multiple sites. Emphasis is placed on linking product design and production processes and on considering the entire lifecycle of production assets.

You will gain the methodological foundations needed for engineering and controlling production systems, and learn to recognise and exploit the interdependencies between different system components and aspects. The programme is delivered in English, making it suitable for international students who want to build competencies that are applicable in industrial practice, production planning, automation and research contexts.

Typical admission requirements (confirm exact criteria with the university):

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering or a closely related field
• Proof of English language proficiency (as required for the programme)
• Academic transcripts and a curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter or statement of purpose; other supporting documents as specified by the university (e.g., references, portfolio)

This master’s curriculum combines discipline-specific courses with practical experience and an independent research project. During the first two semesters you follow taught modules across core scientific and engineering areas — from mechanics and materials to digital systems and automation — that are explicitly linked to product and production systems. Emphasis is placed on showing how these fields interact, giving you a systems-level view of manufacturing and mechatronic solutions.

In the third semester you complete an internship to apply classroom knowledge in an industrial or research setting and gain hands-on experience. The final (fourth) semester is reserved for the Master’s thesis, where you investigate a chosen topic in depth and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent, academically rigorous work.

Key modules

• Mechanics
• Digital systems
• Automation
• Logistics
• Material sciences
• Manufacturing technology
• Information sciences
• Cross-cutting areas such as systems engineering and mechatronics

What you will learn

• How the main fields of product and production systems connect and influence one another
• System-level thinking for designing and optimizing manufacturing processes and products
• Practical skills through an industry- or research-based internship
• Independent research competence and the ability to carry out a master’s-level thesis project

Curriculum requirements (structure)

• Compulsory modules covering core scientific/technical subjects
• Compulsory elective modules ("Wahlpflichtfächer") to tailor your profile
• A practical internship (typically taken in semester 3)
• A Master’s thesis (completed in semester 4)

Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in industry and research related to manufacturing and production systems. Typical positions include production/systems engineer, process engineer, automation engineer, operations planner, or consultant in manufacturing optimisation and lifecycle management. The programme’s systems-level training also provides a solid foundation for pursuing PhD research in production engineering, mechatronics or systems engineering.

Because the degree is English-taught and emphasises practical work and interdisciplinary skills, international graduates can seek employment in multinational manufacturing firms, research institutes or technology consultancies involved in smart factories, digitalisation of production and cross-site production planning.