Master of Science in Global Engineering and Management

Overview

This international, interdisciplinary master's programme brings together German and international students to study engineering, management and digital innovation across the entire value chain — from procurement and R&D, through production, to sales and marketing. A central theme is digitalisation: how products, processes and connectivity (for example via the Internet of Things) create new opportunities and challenges. The curriculum addresses how products continuously capture and exchange data, how factories and logistics become intelligently networked (Industry 4.0), and how retail trends such as mobile payment, shopping apps and augmented reality transform customer experiences. The programme also recognises that many modern products increasingly include substantial software development and that digital transformation often requires rethinking business models.

The course rests on three complementary pillars. The first covers digital business and technologies with modules such as Software Engineering, Digital Factory & Digital Engineering, Modern Manufacturing Technologies, and Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. The second builds core management capabilities through subjects like International Management, Management Accounting, Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship, and Cost Engineering & International Supply-Chain-Management. The third pillar is the international orientation: teaching is in English, the student body is globally diverse, and the programme prepares graduates to implement solutions and lead projects across borders and cultures.

International students are encouraged to learn German to improve access to the local job market, where there is strong demand for qualified graduates. To support this, online German language courses are provided throughout the degree with the goal of reaching at least A2 level or higher during study.

Requirements / key facts

• Language of instruction: English
• Open to both German and international students
• Curriculum covers the full value chain: procurement, R&D, production, sales & marketing
• Core technology modules: Software Engineering; Digital Factory & Digital Engineering; Modern Manufacturing Technologies; Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
• Core management modules: International Management; Management Accounting; Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship; Cost Engineering & International Supply-Chain-Management
• Emphasis areas: digitalisation, IoT, Industry 4.0, software-driven products, and business model transformation
• German language support: online courses provided to help students reach A2 level or higher; learning German is recommended to enhance access to the German job market
• Career note: high demand for qualified graduates in Germany

Program structure

The MSc is a four-semester programme that builds on prior practical experience: it assumes that the three basic modules typically taught in the first semester can be credited if you already hold equivalent professional experience. Over the course of the first three semesters you will complete three modules per semester, each block designed to combine engineering fundamentals with management perspectives. The programme emphasizes compact, practice-oriented learning and progressive skill development across semesters.

On-site kickoff events & thesis

Each of the first three semesters begins with an on-site kickoff event held in varying, easily reachable locations. These sessions (recommended but not mandatory) are led by the semester’s professors, who present course plans, form student teams, and assign initial tasks — they also offer an early opportunity to meet classmates face-to-face and establish collaborative working relationships. The fourth semester is devoted to an individually supervised Master’s thesis. Under a professor’s guidance you will pursue a topic that can be theoretical or directly connected to industrial practice, demonstrating your ability to tackle complex engineering-management challenges.

Key modules & learning outcomes

• Core structure: three foundational modules (first semester, assumed transferable if covered by prior practical experience) followed by three modules each in semesters 2 and 3.
• On-site kickoffs: introduce course plans, form project teams, and initiate semester assignments to foster collaboration and real-world problem framing.
• Master’s thesis: independent, supervised research or applied project during semester 4, allowing demonstration of both analytical and practical problem-solving skills.

Learning outcomes you can expect

• Integrated engineering and management knowledge applicable to global industrial contexts.
• Practical, project-based experience gained through team assignments and semester projects.
• Improved collaboration, communication, and cross-cultural teamwork from on-site and group activities.
• Research competence and the ability to develop, execute, and present a Master’s-level thesis addressing theoretical questions or concrete industry problems.

Programme requirements (concise)

• Recognition of the three basic first-semester modules is assumed if covered by prior practical experience.
• Completion of nine taught modules across semesters 1–3 (three per semester).
• Participation in on-site kickoff events is recommended (not mandatory).
• Successful completion of a supervised Master’s thesis in semester 4 (topic may be theoretical or industry-focused).

Graduates are prepared for roles that bridge technology and management, such as digital transformation specialist, product or project manager in manufacturing and tech firms, supply‑chain or operations manager, and consultant for Industry 4.0 initiatives. The programme’s combination of technical modules and management training equips students to lead cross‑functional teams and implement digital solutions across global value chains.

Because the curriculum targets current industry trends—IoT, data analytics, smart manufacturing and software‑centric products—alumni can expect opportunities in manufacturing, automotive, logistics, retail tech, software companies and management consulting. The integrated German language support further strengthens prospects for positions in Germany.