Master of Science in Rail and Urban Transport

This English‑taught Master’s in Rail and Urban Transport (Civil Engineering) combines technical engineering foundations with planning, modelling and evaluation tools used in modern rail and urban mobility systems. The core curriculum covers rail transport and planning, transport modelling and simulation, public transport planning, statistical methods for transport and logistics, assessment of traffic impacts and logistics processes, decision‑support systems, plus targeted soft‑skills training. Students also choose one non‑technical elective to build complementary management or innovation capabilities.

From the core foundation, students select a specialisation in either Rail or Transport. The Rail track focuses on rolling stock, track works, signalling and ballastless track systems, while the Transport track emphasises highway design, urban planning and traffic operation and control (including ITS). Each specialisation is completed with technical electives (three choices) that allow deeper study in areas such as infrastructure modelling (CAD‑FEM‑MBST), tunnel and geotechnical works, intermodal planning, airport/harbour design, intralogistics, and supply‑chain or business logistics. The programme balances analytical methods and hands‑on engineering topics to prepare you for roles in planning, operations, infrastructure design and systems engineering.

Practical considerations for international students: instruction is in English and the programme is delivered in Munich, a major European transport hub offering strong industry links and real‑world examples for study. For a full, up‑to‑date list of modules and scheduling details, consult the programme homepage. Note that module offerings can change; individual modules may be cancelled or postponed if there are too few enrolments or if staff are unavailable—TUM Asia reserves the right to do so.

Study requirements (modules and choices)

• Core modules (all students):

  • Rail Transport and Rail Planning
  • Transportation Modelling and Simulation Tools
  • Public Transport Planning
  • Statistical Methods for Transport and Logistic Processes
  • Traffic Impacts, Evaluation of Transport and Logistic Processes
  • Decision Support Systems for Transport and Logistic Processes
  • Soft Skills

• Non‑technical elective (choose one):

  • Business Administration
  • Innovation and Technology Management
  • Project Management Principles

• Specialisation (choose one): Rail or Transport

• Rail specialisation

  • Core modules:
    • Rolling Stock
    • Track Works
    • Train Control and Signalling Systems
    • Ballastless Track Systems
  • Technical electives (choose three):
    • Rail Traffic Planning and Optimisation
    • Transport and Urban Planning
    • Modeling of Rail Infrastructure Using CAD‑FEM‑MBST
    • Tunnel Works and Geotechniques
    • Introduction to Power Systems
    • Planning of Intralogistics Systems
    • Introduction to Business Logistics
    • Introduction to Supply Chain Management

• Transport specialisation

  • Core modules:
    • Highway Design
    • Transport and Urban Planning
    • Basics of Traffic Flow and Traffic Control
    • Traffic Operation and Control (ITS)
  • Technical electives (choose three):
    • Urban Road Design
    • Airport and Harbour Design
    • Rail Traffic Planning and Optimisation
    • Planning of Intralogistics Systems
    • Introduction to Business Logistics
    • Introduction to Supply Chain Management

• Administrative notes:

  • See the programme homepage for the complete and current module list.
  • Modules are subject to availability. They may be cancelled or postponed due to low enrolment or staff unavailability; TUM Asia reserves the right to make such changes.

This two-year, full-time MSc programme combines classroom-based theory with a substantial applied component. During the first two semesters students complete intensive theoretical modules delivered in Singapore; all coursework is taught in English by a mix of German and Singaporean lecturers. After the taught phase, students undertake a compulsory three-month internship with an industrial partner, followed by a six-month Master’s thesis.

Key modules

• The programme’s taught content is concentrated in the first two semesters and focuses on core theoretical topics relevant to rail and urban transport (delivered by German and Singaporean faculty in English).

Typical learning outcomes

• Consolidate advanced theoretical knowledge of rail and urban transport systems through structured coursework.
• Translate theory into practice via a mandatory three-month industry internship.
• Demonstrate independent research and technical synthesis by completing a six-month Master’s thesis.
• Gain international academic exposure through a curriculum taught by faculty from two countries and practical engagement with industry partners.

Programme requirements (concise)

• Duration: 2 years, full-time
• Taught coursework: first two semesters (held in Singapore; English instruction)
• Internship: mandatory 3-month placement with an industrial partner
• Master’s thesis: 6 months of thesis research and writing
• Instruction delivered by German and Singaporean lecturers

Graduates are prepared for technical and planning roles across the rail and urban transport sectors, including positions in rail infrastructure and rolling stock engineering, urban and transport planning, traffic operations and intelligent transport systems, and logistics. Typical employers include transport operators, infrastructure companies, consulting firms, engineering contractors, and public-sector planning authorities.

The combination of theoretical modules, technical electives, and a mandatory industry internship also equips students to pursue research or doctoral studies in transport engineering and related fields.