This four-semester Master of Science taught in English is designed for graduates with a solid Bachelor’s background in mechanical engineering who are interested in industrial research, development and the practical implementation of mechanical engineering solutions. The programme is based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and requires completion of a total of 120 ECTS credits. Applicants must select one of the three available specialisations at the time of application.
The curriculum targets Germany’s major industrial sectors—particularly drive technology and production machinery—and has been developed with an eye to current and future industry needs. Graduates are qualified for research & development and applied engineering roles in large firms as well as in small and medium-sized German enterprises, including many specialised “hidden champion” companies.
The program begins with two semesters of focused coursework: you choose one of three specialisations and complete the mandatory core subjects for that track, while also taking compulsory elective modules drawn from a catalogue that includes the modules of the other two specialisations and additional courses relevant to the field. This structure gives you in-depth technical grounding in your chosen area while allowing cross-specialisation breadth so you can combine complementary skills and tailor your study profile.
In the third semester you put theory into practice through a three-month industrial internship and a supervised project carried out at one of the local research institutes. These hands-on components are designed to consolidate engineering knowledge, develop applied problem-solving and project-management skills, and build professional contacts in industry and academia.
The final semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, an independent research or development project that demonstrates your ability to tackle a complex engineering challenge, document findings, and present results. Successful completion of the program prepares you for technical leadership roles in industry or for continuation to doctoral research by combining advanced disciplinary expertise with practical experience.
Program structure — key requirements
Typical learning outcomes
This program looks for applicants with a solid mechanical engineering background and the subject-specific knowledge needed for the chosen specialisation. Admissions consider your undergraduate degree, academic performance under the German grading scale, and proof of English proficiency; submission of GRE scores is suggested but not mandatory. You must demonstrate competence across core engineering topics and additional skills that match the specialisation you apply for. Exact credit/ECTS requirements for individual subjects are published on the department’s website before each application period, so check those details before applying.
Below are the specific admission expectations and required knowledge in bullet form for clarity.
Winter Semester (International)
30 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in research & development, simulation and modelling, automation, digital product design and smart manufacturing. The programme’s strong orientation toward drive technology and production machinery equips students to work in large industrial firms as well as German SMEs and “hidden champions” in sectors such as drive systems, machine tools and sustainable production.
Because of the programme’s practical internship and applied project components, alumni often move directly into R&D and engineering positions, simulation teams, or product development groups where skills in numerical methods, digital twins, CAD and process simulation are required.
TU Dortmund University — Dortmund
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences — Esslingen am Neckar
TU Bergakademie Freiberg — Freiberg
University of Siegen — Siegen