Bionics applies the principles and strategies found in living organisms to solve engineering challenges. Combining biology with engineering, the program teaches you to study natural structures and processes, understand the underlying functional principles, and translate those insights into technical systems and devices. The curriculum is rooted in Mechanical Engineering and delivered in English, with a focus on practical, solution-oriented design inspired by nature.
Two prominent application areas are biomaterials and robotics. Biomaterials research looks at natural fibres and surfaces for new technical materials — for example, spider silk’s combination of lightness, flexibility and tensile strength (noted as being three times stronger than steel) inspires development of high-performance fibres, while the lotus leaf’s microstructure has led to water-repellent, self-cleaning coatings. In robotics, animal locomotion and adhesion (such as geckos’ climbing ability) provide blueprints for agile, climbing or soft robots and novel locomotion systems.
For international students this means working at the intersection of biology, materials science and engineering to create innovative, nature-inspired technologies. The program prepares you to analyse biological systems critically and to apply those lessons to technical design challenges — skills useful in research & development, product innovation and interdisciplinary engineering teams.
Typical entry expectations
Curriculum overview
This MSc in Bionics lets you tailor your studies by choosing one of three specialized focus fields: Robotics, Materials, or Biomimetics. Each focus group centers on topical modules that blend mechanical engineering fundamentals with biological inspiration and cutting‑edge technology. Across the program you can expect a mix of theoretical coursework and hands‑on, application‑oriented learning that prepares you for research or industry roles where engineering solutions are informed by biological systems.
Key modules by focus field
Learning outcomes and final project
Graduates will be able to analyze biological models and translate them into engineered solutions, apply machine learning and control strategies to robotic systems, and design or select advanced materials and surfaces inspired by natural templates. The program culminates in an applied research project and the master’s thesis in the third semester, where you integrate acquired knowledge to solve a real‑world problem and demonstrate independent research and engineering competence.
Program requirements (concise)
This master's program expects applicants to have completed a relevant Bachelor's degree and to meet specific credit and grade requirements. If your prior degree does not fully match the credit threshold, there is a pathway to make up missing content by completing defined modules before or during the start of the program.
If your qualification was obtained outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), you must also provide proof of an accepted entrance test. Accepted alternatives and minimum scores are listed below.
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 roles in research and development, product design and technology transfer where biological principles are applied to engineering problems. Typical positions include R&D engineer, materials scientist, robotics engineer, product developer or specialist in surface and functional materials across sectors such as medical technology, automotive, aerospace, consumer products and sustainable materials.
The programme’s research component and interdisciplinary training also provide a solid foundation for doctoral studies or roles in innovation consultancies and technology startups that focus on bioinspired solutions.
TU Dortmund University — Dortmund
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences — Esslingen am Neckar
TU Bergakademie Freiberg — Freiberg
University of Siegen — Siegen