Automotive Systems, M.Sc.

As for every other master’s degree program at TU Berlin, applicants to the master’s program in Automotive Systems must possess a first university degree qualifying them for professional work. This degree needs to have been aquired in the subject areas of electrical engineering, computer engineering, vehicle engineering / transport systems or a related degree program.

The exact subject-specific requirements can be found in the program’s regulations for application and admission (information is given in German).

The Automotive Systems master’s program is taught in German. If you are applying with a foreign school-leaving certificate, you must provide proof of German skills at a specific level. Furthermore, applicants must prove they posess English skills at CEFR level B2. Please see here for a list of accepted proofs and certificates.

The necessary documents must be submitted in full by the closing date of the application.

Students on the four-semester Automotive Systems master’s program are required to take compulsory courses and compulsory elective courses selected from the elective course options as well as complete a master’s thesis. The structure of the program as well as the regulations for the selection of modules are laid out in the program’s study and examination regulations.

The compulsory course program is divided into fundamental modules and core modules. The fundamental modules equip you with a knowledge of any basic principles which you may still need to acquire while consolidating the technical knowledge acquired on your bachelor’s program. The content of your bachelor’s degree determines which fundamental modules you need to take on the master’s program.

• Students with a bachelor’s degree in transport systems (vehicle engineering) or computational engineering sciences (focusing on construction and manufacturing) or a closely related degree program are required to take fundamental modules in electrical engineering and computer science.
• Students whose bachelor’s degree is in electrical engineering, computer engineering or computational engineering sciences (focusing on process system technology) or a closely related subject are required to take the vehicle engineering fundamental modules.

All students are required to take the core modules. The program has three areas of specialization you can choose from:

• understanding systems,
• energy management, and
• vehicle mechatronics and driver assistance

The compulsory elective modules enable you to deepen your knowledge of these areas of specialization and are offered by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Transport Systems (automotive and motor engineering).

Modules taken in the elective component provide the opportunity to learn about other issues, such as socially relevant topics, outside your subject area. You can choose from courses offered at TU Berlin as well as other universities with equal status in Germany or abroad. You will write your master’s thesis in the fourth semester. Upon successful completion of the master’s degree, you will be awarded a Master of Science, which is an internationally recognized higher degree qualifying you for your profession.

You can find proposed course schedules in the study and examination regulations. These sample course schedules vary according to whether the program starts in the winter or summer semester as well as your bachelor’s degree. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

The master’s degree program in Automotive Systems is modular in design. A module combines curriculum content relating to a specific topic. A module includes various study and teaching formats such as lectures, practical tutorials, seminars, and practical projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module.

A current overview of all modules for the master’s program in Automotive Systems is available in TU Berlin’s module transfer system (MTS). The MTS also provides an overview of which modules are mandatory for your degree program and which are elective. Detailed module descriptions provide information about the contents of modules, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, types of assessment, etc. The module catalogue is based on the study and examination regulations.

You are not formally required to do an internship either before or during the program, but we would strongly recommend that you do so. An internship enables you to gain an understanding of potential career areas. It also provides you with an opportunity to network with potential employers. However, credits are not awarded for internships completed during the program.

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of a semester abroad or internships. A stay abroad can easily be integrated into the program, though we recommend that you pursue this option in the third semester. You are, however, not required to complete a stay abroad.

General information regarding stays abroad can be obtained from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) and from the Career Service (internships abroad).

For details of subject-specific cooperative projects and general support concerning studying abroad, please contact the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science studying abroad section (currently in German). Staff are available to help you prepare for your stay abroad as well as provide support during your time abroad.

The specialized knowledge you possess as a graduate of the program enables you to contribute to the development of research in this area. This also includes developing an understanding of how your field relates to other scientific disciplines, the capacity to take account of issues of diversity, both in the development of automotive components and in the overall development process, as well as the ability to consider the implications of the application of research.

The Automotive Systems master’s program qualifies you for a managerial position in the automotive industry. Upon completion of the program you will understand how vehicle engineering is planned, programmed and monitored and your capacity to think across disciplines and to work within teams with different areas of expertise will enable you to make an active contribution.

After successful completion of the program, you will receive the internationally recognized academic degree "Master of Science" (M. Sc.).

Graduates of our program enjoy excellent career prospects.

New systems and intelligent systems will have an ever larger role to play in vehicles in the future. As a result, all branches of the automotive industry urgently require additional personnel from the field of systems engineering. Systems engineers are also much sought after in areas such as machine engineering and automation engineering.

On the other hand, your scientific education particularly qualifies you for fields of activity in research and science, both in governmental institutions and in research departments of industry. Those who do not initially decide to enter the world of business directly can pursue further scientific qualification within the framework of a doctorate.

Another tipp: you could start your own business. Berlin is currently home to the most vibrant start-up scene in Europe. There are a number of institutes and facilities within the University offering you the chance to get some inspiration and to support you with setting up your own business. These include the award winning Career Service and the Centre for Entrpreneurship (CfE). The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science additionally has its own representative for business start ups to provide you with practical advice and to put you in touch with a valuable network.

Guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance (German)

General questions: Student Info Services

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs - Graduate Admissions

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board (German)

Study Guide (PDF)