Mechatronics

The programme is structured across three semesters with a clear focus on aligning students' prior knowledge, delivering specialised mechatronics training, and completing an independent research project. In the first semester, course plans are tailored to each student based on their undergraduate background. This compensatory semester ensures that any gaps in skills or knowledge from differing prior programmes are addressed through individually compiled timetables and modules.

The second semester moves into core mechatronics topics, including robotics, control-system design and hands-on laboratory work. Students also undertake a scientific project in international, interdisciplinary teams; this project is designed to solidify theoretical learning through practical application and to develop intercultural teamwork skills, reflecting the programme’s international emphasis.

The final semester is devoted primarily to the Master’s thesis. Reflecting the programme’s international orientation, international students are expected to complete their thesis in Germany. The thesis must be written in English and publicly presented at the university. Thesis work may be carried out at the university itself, at a partner institution abroad, or—if the project is suitable—within a company or research institute, offering options that can enhance practical experience and employability.

Requirements (programme-specific)

• First-semester curriculum is individualized to level differences from prior degrees.
• Completion of a team-based scientific project in an international group during the second semester.
• Master’s thesis is primarily completed in the third semester.
• International students are expected to undertake their thesis in Germany.
• Thesis must be written in English and publicly presented at the university.
• Thesis placement may be at the university, a partner university abroad, or at a company/research institute if the project allows.

This master's curriculum combines technical depth in mechatronics with practical labs, teamwork and language support to prepare you for engineering roles or research. Before lectures begin there is an intensive German language course (starting in September) which continues throughout the semester with German classes for four hours per week. The taught portion spans two main semesters of lectures and labs, followed by a research-focused third semester for the master's thesis.

In the first semester you build foundational and analytical skills with modules such as Advanced Mathematics for Engineers, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Design and Materials, Electrical Drives, Power Electronics, Process Interface Equipment, and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems. Social competence is addressed through German-as-a-foreign-language classes and an intercultural sensitisation one-day seminar to support integration and teamwork in an international cohort.

The second semester emphasizes control, embedded systems and hands-on implementation: Advanced Control Engineering (ACE) with an associated ACE lab, Embedded Computing, Robotics with a Robotics lab, and a Lab on Process Interface Equipment. You also undertake a Scientific Project and participate in a two-day seminar on Working in International Scientific Project Teams, while continuing German language instruction.

The third semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, where you apply theoretical knowledge, experimental skills and project experience to an independent research or development project. Graduates will be competent in system modelling and simulation, control design, power and drive technologies, embedded implementation and laboratory practice, and will have experience working in international, interdisciplinary teams.

Requirements / curriculum components (concise)

• Intensive German language course starting in September; German classes continue during lecture period (4 hours/week).
• MM1 (first semester): Advanced Mathematics for Engineers; Electrical Drives; Engineering Design and Materials; Engineering Mechanics; Power Electronics; Process Interface Equipment; Simulation of Mechatronic Systems; German as a foreign language; Intercultural Sensitisation (one-day seminar).
• MM2 (second semester): Advanced Control Engineering (ACE) and ACE Lab; Embedded Computing; Robotics and Robotics Lab; Lab on Process Interface Equipment; Scientific Project; Working in International Scientific Project Teams (two-day seminar); German as a foreign language.
• MM3 (third semester): Master's thesis (independent research/development project).

Graduates are prepared for technical and development roles in sectors such as automation, robotics, automotive systems, industrial electronics, and embedded systems. Typical positions include mechatronics engineer, control systems engineer, robotics developer, embedded systems engineer, or roles in research and product development.

The programme's combination of laboratory work, project experience and an independently conducted Master's thesis also provides a solid foundation for candidates who wish to pursue research careers or further academic qualifications, although this is not structured as a combined Master-to-PhD programme.