Civil Systems Engineering, M.Sc.

As for every other master’s degree program at TU Berlin, applicants to the Civil Systems Engineering master’s program must possess a first university degree qualifying them for professional work. It has been acquired in a course of study in the subject area of civil engineering, architecture or a subject-related course. The course of study must include at least the following parts:

• at least 12 credit points in the constructive mechanics,
• at least 6 credit points in a design project, and
• at least 6 credit points in the areas of computational design or computer science.

The master’s program is taught in English. Applicants are therefore required to provide proof of English skills at level C1 according to Common European Framework of reference for Languages (CEFR) or an equivalent level. Knowledge of German is useful as some courses/modules are offered in German. However, this is not a condition for admission to studies. 

Applicants are also required to provide:

• two academic letters of reference written by professors of a recognized university,
• a motivation letter in max 2 pages explaining why the offered program is of interest,
• previous academic record such as scientific publications.

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").

The four-semester master’s program is made up of compulsory, compulsory elective, and elective modules, as well as a master’s thesis.

The main focus of the Civil Systems Engineering master’s program is to prepare the next generation of civil systems engineers so that they are able to deal with the continuously increasing complexity of the built environment. To build a basic set of skills, the first year starts with predefined compulsory modules dealing with basic concepts on civil systems modeling, as well as modeling the underlying processes derived from their operation and maintenance. Building upon these basic courses, a list of compulsory elective modules is proposed from which the students can choose various advanced topics. During the second year, the students have the possibility to choose from a list of elective modules and to conduct an independent research project. In the last part of the second year, the students will work on their master’s thesis.

The master’s program consists of modules which combine curriculum content on a specific topic and often include various study and teaching formats such as seminars, lectures, practical tutorials, and projects. Students are required to earn a specific number of credit points and complete certain coursework and assessments in each module.

Compulsory Modules:

• Modeling Civil Engineered Systems
• Multi-Physics approaches for modeling civil systems
• Whole Life Civil Systems Analysis
• Project Systems Engineering (Independent Research Study)

Selected Compulsory Elective Modules:

• Circular Economy for the Built Environment: Principles, Practices and Methods
• Complex Civil Energy Systems Design
• Data Engineering
• Integrated Collaborative Civil Systems Engineering

A current overview of all modules 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.

Questions concerning a specific module can be addressed to the module supervisor or the contact person listed in the module description.

No formal practical work is required, but the department has strong connections to academic and research Institutions, and industry worldwide. This offers the opportunity for students to get in touch with research teams and companies to complement their academic work. During their study period, we offer students the possibility to work on their projects at different companies from a range of different industries and countries. This also gives new opportunities for a future career in Germany and beyond. We also offer a digital workspace to students: our Integrated Collaborative, and Concurrent Engineering (ICE) room, which is equipped with State-of-the art technologies and tools. Students can freely use this room to work on their study projects, have conference calls, meetings, and integrated and collaborative team work.

The program offers the possibility to participate in an exchange program with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in Taipei.

To react to the rising complexity in designing engineered civil systems, this course of study focuses on educating system engineers. In addition to the already well-trained single-disciplinary civil engineers, system engineers are specialists in the management of complex technical design processes making use of the latest digital methods, which make it possible to integrate empirical and theoretical simulation methods across system boundaries into complex infrastructure design processes. For this purpose, students will acquire a deep knowledge of existing digital design methods, such as product modeling, data analysis, multi physical simulation, and life cycle analysis. The research-based approach enables students to develop new innovative methods in practice, and to apply them in design contexts.

Students will have the required skills to manage complex engineering design projects at engineering companies from small enterprises to large international corporations. Students will also be able to work at public asset management organizations. As a particular focus on the study is on research and innovation, students will be, in particular, able to lead industrial, but also academic research and innovation efforts.

Website of the Degree Program

Questions about the degree program: Course Guidance

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