© Anna Groh

Civil Engineering, M.Sc.

Program overview

The master’s program in Civil Engineering has a focus on research, enabling you to further your existing methodological knowledge and subject expertise with a focus on interdisciplinary methods and techniques. The program will help you to be able to complete independent, scientific, and technical work in the area of civil engineering and will also involve you in current research projects and projects that are relevant to civil engineering practice. For this purpose, TU Berlin has numerous national and international contacts and cooperation programs with universities and research institutions. Courses carried out in cooperation with the construction industry and public construction administration also ensure close ties to practice. The Peter-Behrens-Halle, which is affiliated with the Institute of Civil Engineering, also offers you unique experimental opportunities for tasks in research and development, using experimental methods for their own purpose or in combination with modern simulation methods.

You will deepen your knowledge in several subjects within one or two specializations. During your studies you will be offered 10 specializations: Computing in Civil Engineering, Building Physics, Building Materials and Construction Chemistry, Conceptual and Structual Design, Geotechnical Engineering, Management, Statics and Dynamics, Systems Engineering, Transportation/Infrastructure and Water Engineering. Besides compulsory elective modules to expand the basic knowledge of specific civil engineering subjects, an extensive general elective component is included. You can use the elective component for engaging with the neighboring disciplines of architecture, transportation, environmental studies, social science, and process sciences or for other individual concentrations.

DegreeMaster of Science
Standard period of study 4 semesters
Credit points120
Program start Summer and winter semester
Admission Restricted admission
Language of instruction German

Admission requirements

The formal admission requirement for the consecutive master’s program in Civil Engineering is a first university degree in civil engineering or a closely related subject qualifying the applicant for professional work. When applying, you must also show proof of at least 12 credit points each in mathematics and mechanics and at least 5 credit points in building informatics.

The Civil Engineering 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. This is a prerequisite for admission. Knowledge of English is useful as some courses/modules are offered in English. However, this is not a condition for admission to studies.

You can find more information about the application, admission, and selection procedures in the application and admission regulations of the degree program (see the link "Study and examination regulations").

Program structure

In the master’s program in Civil Engineering, you must complete a total of 120 credit points of coursework, 66 credit points of which is done in the compulsory elective components, 24 credit points in elective modules, and 30 credit points in the master’s thesis. Typically, students choose two concentrations. If the respective concentrations offer the possibility, students can also choose a double concentration in only one area. Within each of the concentrations, one project must be completed (for double concentration, two projects must be completed). The following concentrations are offered: building informatics, building physics and building constructions, building materials and building chemistry, design and construction (solid construction, steel construction, composite structures), geotechnics, management, static and dynamics, system engineering, traffic systems, and water systems (water management and hydro system modeling, urban water management).

The objectives and further structure of the program as well as the examination requirements and details on how the examinations are carried out are set down in the study and examination regulations.

There is a proposed course schedule for the degree program. This is a recommendation for how to complete the degree program within the standard period of study of four semesters. You can find it as an annex to the study and examination regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

Content and modules

The master’s degree program in Civil Engineering consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include 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 in the program 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 content, learning objectives, participation requirements, workload, type of assessment, and much more.

The module catalogue is based on the study and exam regulations. The most current version of the regulations applies to applicants.

To module database

Internships

An internship is not a compulsory component of the program.

Stays abroad

You can generally complete parts of the program abroad, either in the form of study abroad or internships. General information concerning stays abroad is available from the TU Berlin International Office (study abroad) or the Career Service (internships abroad).

Acquired skills

As a graduate of the master’s program, you will have in-depth methodological knowledge and scientific expertise in selected concentrations. You will be able to complete independent, scientific, and technical work and will be involved in current research projects and projects that are relevant to the practice. You will think and work independently; integrate economic, socio-cultural, and environmental compatibility aspects into your decision-making process; and you will be able to solve practical engineering tasks in interdisciplinary and international teams.

After your studies

The program’s focus on research enables you to go into research in a professional capacity, for example as part of a doctorate, or for higher-level professions in civil engineering. Typical employers include: engineering and planning offices, construction companies, manufacturers of building chemicals and materials, project management and consulting firms, facility management companies, software development companies, public institutions, building association organizations, or science and research facilities. 

Further information & downloads

Website of the Degree Program

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance, Student Infotalk (in German) and Alumni Podcast (in German)

Recognition of previously acquired credits: Examination Board

Subject-specific Counseling and Services

Office of Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty

 

General guidance and choosing the right degree program: Academic Advising Service

Application and enrollment: Office of Student Affairs