Industry 4.0 is reshaping how products are designed, produced and delivered. Recent advances in robotics, networked systems and augmented reality are transforming manufacturing, supply chains and resource management — and organizations need managers who understand these technologies to remain competitive.
This master's program prepares you to become an expert in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 solutions. Core topics include industrial automation, additive (3D) manufacturing and digital twins, while project work builds practical communication, negotiation and intercultural teamwork skills.
The curriculum is interdisciplinary: you will study innovation, product lifecycle and change management and learn to confront contemporary challenges such as data protection, sustainability and developments in artificial intelligence. Because the course blends technical knowledge with managerial competence, graduates enjoy strong international career prospects across manufacturing and technology sectors. During the program, students also participate in the Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Programme (SMSCP) and obtain certification levels one to three.
Key topics and outcomes
This master’s program combines engineering fundamentals with management perspectives to prepare students for Industry 4.0 environments focused on automation, robotics and additive manufacturing. In the first semester you revisit mathematical methods, study electrical and electronics engineering, and learn CAD design using NX (Siemens). Early management-oriented modules introduce industrial networking and technological foresight, while data analysis, basic programming and a hands-on project lab (including SMSCP level one and measurement technologies) build practical skills.
In the middle semesters the curriculum moves into software development, artificial intelligence, and product- and project-management topics. You will cover product lifecycle management (with customer relationship and supply chain aspects), industrial automation with PLC work (including SMSCP level two), and additive manufacturing and materials science. A second AI course is paired with modelling, simulation and digital-twin methods (including SMSCP level three) plus exposure to new industrial technologies such as extended reality and autonomous robotics. Sustainability, innovation and competence management are threaded through several Sustainable Technology Management modules.
The final semester emphasizes systems-level concerns and independent work. Topics include cyber security, digital signal processing, sensor and cloud technologies, and a company project or internship. The program concludes with research & development methods, a master’s colloquium, and the master’s thesis, giving you the opportunity to apply technical and managerial skills to a substantial research or industry-oriented project.
Key modules (by semester)
Learning outcomes
This program seeks applicants with a technical or scientific undergraduate background who can follow an engineering-oriented master’s curriculum focused on automation, robotics and advanced manufacturing. Typical admissible bachelor qualifications include degrees in engineering disciplines (for example environmental, electrical, computer science, mechatronics, mechanical, civil) or other natural science subjects. International applicants should ensure their first degree is recognized as equivalent to a German bachelor’s degree.
In addition to your degree, the admissions process requires standard documents to verify identity, language ability and academic readiness. Prepare a current CV and a copy of your passport or ID; you may also be asked to supply certified translations if your documents are not in the university’s working language. Check the program’s webpage or contact admissions for details on accepted English tests or minimum score requirements.
Required application documents
Winter Semester (International)
15 August 2026
Summer Semester (International)
1 February 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 October 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
1 April 2026
Graduates are positioned for roles at the intersection of engineering and management in manufacturing and Industry 4.0 environments. Typical career paths include automation and control engineer, additive manufacturing specialist, robotics or digital-twin engineer, systems integrator, product lifecycle or supply chain manager, and roles in R&D or technology consulting.
Because the programme combines technical expertise with innovation and change-management training, alumni can pursue international opportunities in industrial firms, technology providers, research institutions and start-ups focused on smart factories, sustainable production and digital transformation.
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