Mechanical Engineering, MSc

Overview

This English‑taught Master of Science builds on a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and prepares you for advanced roles in a globalised industry. The programme is designed as a strategic partnership between students, partnering universities and industry, so teaching and research are closely linked to real engineering practice. Graduates leave with an internationally recognised MSc and a wide range of career options in product development, systems engineering, materials development and related fields.

Education and industry links

The course emphasises hands‑on, responsible learning: students are encouraged to shape their own study paths and most Master’s theses are completed in cooperation with companies, giving direct work experience and strong industry contacts before graduation. While instruction is in English, basic German language skills are useful when applying for seminar and thesis projects with local firms.

Specialisations

You can specialise in one of two profiles:

• Design and Systems Engineering: focus on product and systems development using modern methods such as model‑driven design, digital twins and intelligent systems, with an emphasis on innovative, socially and environmentally aware engineering solutions.
• Materials Science and Engineering: concentrate on contemporary engineering materials (polymers, composites, metals), study microstructure and mechanical behaviour, and learn to develop novel material solutions for future industry needs.

An "International Design Engineer" exchange option is also offered to broaden international experience.

Entry requirements (concise)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
• Programme language of instruction: English (courses delivered in English)

This intensive 1.5‑year (90 ECTS) Master’s programme is structured over three semesters and can be started in either the summer or winter term. The curriculum builds from broad fundamentals to focused specialisation: the first semester deepens core subjects such as Mechanics of Solids, Engineering Mathematics and Materials Science, while the second semester emphasises specialization in one of two profiles. If you begin in the winter term you will follow the same modules in reverse order (electives first, general courses in the summer). Seminars are scheduled every semester, so alternating the start term does not delay graduation.

You choose one of two specialisation tracks — Design and Systems Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering — and tailor your course mix to match your interests and thesis topic. Each profile includes two compulsory modules plus three additional courses you select from the elective catalogues (normally two technical electives in mechanical engineering and one management elective). The programme includes industry‑oriented classes, research projects and hands‑on thesis work to deepen technical expertise and develop skills needed for leadership roles in engineering.

The final semester is dedicated to a Master’s project, seminar and the Master’s thesis. You may take courses or complete your thesis at partner universities without extending your study period. The “International Design Engineer” partner programme lets you spend one or two semesters at partner institutions in Sweden or Poland, broadening your technical knowledge, personal development and international network. Complementary services include language courses, career development workshops, project weeks and sports; the programme is accredited and follows the international ECTS credit system.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Core modules: Mechanics of Solids, Engineering Mathematics, Materials Science (expanded fundamental knowledge).
• Profile modules: compulsory subjects for Design & Systems Engineering or Materials Science & Engineering plus chosen electives to deepen domain expertise.
• Research and project work: Master’s project and thesis to demonstrate independent research, design and problem‑solving ability.
• Management and transferable skills: elective management courses, seminars and career workshops to prepare for leadership and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• International competence: optional study abroad and partner programmes to enhance intercultural communication, networks and global engineering perspectives.

Curriculum requirements (concise)

• Total workload: 90 ECTS over three semesters (1.5 years).
• Start terms: summer or winter (sequence of semesters reverses for winter starters).
• Semester 1: advanced foundational modules (e.g., Mechanics of Solids, Engineering Mathematics, Materials Science).
• Semester 2: specialisation in one of two profiles (Design & Systems Engineering or Materials Science & Engineering).
• Profile course selection: 2 compulsory modules + 3 electives (typically 2 mechanical‑engineering electives + 1 management elective).
• Semester 3: Master’s project, seminar and Master’s thesis.
• Seminars offered each semester to avoid delays.
• Option to study or write thesis at partner universities (including 1–2 semesters abroad in Sweden or Poland via the International Design Engineer programme).
• Accredited programme using the ECTS credit system.

Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in mechanical engineering industries, especially in product development, design engineering, systems engineering, materials development and R&D. The programme’s strong industry links and the practice-oriented Master’s thesis (often completed within companies) enhance employability in German and international firms.

With specialist training in either design/systems or materials, graduates can pursue roles such as design engineer, systems engineer, materials engineer, project manager or R&D specialist. Basic German (A2) combined with the English instruction increases chances to secure industry placements and positions in German-speaking workplaces; further German study during the programme further strengthens career opportunities in the region.