Global Production Engineering is a full-time, four-semester Master of Science taught entirely in English at Technische Universität Berlin. Established in 1998 and aimed at high-achieving international graduates, the programme brings together a highly diverse cohort (more than 90% of students come from outside Europe) and combines production engineering, management and intercultural communication to prepare students for leadership roles in global industry.
The curriculum is practice-oriented and flexible, with a central emphasis on planning and designing adaptable factories. Coursework covers production planning and control, factory layout design using simulation and virtual tools, global supply chain management and factory operations. Students gain technical skills in manufacturing process and tooling design, logistics and global value creation, plus methodological training in data science and the use of AI for manufacturing problems. Sustainability and social responsibility are integrated throughout: topics include sustainable manufacturing, the circular economy, sustainability strategy development and impact measurement.
The programme also addresses renewable energy production—particularly photovoltaic and wind systems—covering technical aspects alongside finance, legal, management and marketing perspectives. Industry 4.0 tools are taught hands-on (for example CAD and Plant Simulation), and learning is project-based in state-of-the-art facilities such as a makerspace, factory simulation lab, mobile solar and wind labs and 3D printing workshops. Strong links with global manufacturing and energy firms, and an international alumni network cultivated over two decades, support career paths in sectors like automotive, aerospace, electronics, food processing and energy, as well as roles in NGOs, government and R&D worldwide.
Requirements (concise)
Curriculum overview The programme is organised as a flexible, modular curriculum that lets you tailor studies to your career aims while meeting current industry and research needs. You must complete 120 credit points (CP/ECTS) across four semesters. Modules are grouped around core areas such as Production, Engineering Management, Intercultural Communication and a Special Profile; each module typically comprises one to four courses. The catalogue of available modules is regularly updated and published on the programme website so you can plan specialisations that match your interests.
Study progression and contact workload During the first three semesters you complete 90 CP (usually 30 CP per semester) by selecting modules according to your qualification goals, while ensuring you attain the minimum CP required in each module group. Two compulsory courses are part of the programme: an intercultural communication and relations workshop and a scientific working seminar. Each CP follows the ECTS convention (30 hours per CP) — the programme notes an average study workload equivalent to about 37 hours per semester week, covering lectures, exercises, self-study, online meetings, assessments and exam preparation.
Practical training, thesis and specialisations The fourth semester focuses on applied experience and research: you must do an internship of at least nine weeks (12 CP) and write a Master’s thesis (18 CP). By combining modules from the different groups you can pursue recognised specialisations such as Global Manufacturing & Network Planning; Production & Operations Management; Sustainable Manufacturing; or Information & Communication Technology in Manufacturing. Expected learning outcomes include advanced production-engineering competencies, management and operations skills, intercultural teamwork and communication, research and scientific working ability, and hands-on experience through the internship and thesis.
Program requirements (concise)
Admission to this programme requires a solid engineering background, strong academic performance and practical experience. Applicants should hold an engineering bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification from a related field), demonstrate very good grades and be able to prove proficiency in English. In addition, candidates are expected to have at least one year of relevant professional experience; knowledge of German is not required but is considered an advantage.
For international applicants, “equivalent” means a degree that the admissions office recognises as comparable to a Bachelor of Engineering. You will generally need to submit official transcripts, work documentation and certified proof of English ability; while German skills are optional, they can improve your competitiveness for internships, local industry projects and daily life in Germany.
Admission requirements
Winter Semester (International)
31 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in global manufacturing and energy sectors, including positions such as manufacturing engineer, production planner, operations manager, supply chain specialist, and sustainability/renewables manufacturing specialist. The programme’s combination of production engineering, digital tools (Industry 4.0), and sustainability equips alumni to work in automotive, aerospace, electronics, food processing, energy industries as well as in NGOs, government agencies, and R&D institutions.
Strong industry links, project-based training, and the mandatory international internship support international mobility and employability. Alumni typically pursue careers both in their home countries and abroad, taking on roles that require interdisciplinary expertise in production systems, factory planning, and sustainable manufacturing strategies.
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