The Master's degree course Automotive Production Engineering aims at giving a deep and detailed theoretical, technical and practical understanding of production systems in the automotive environment and their strategic, planning, and operational development processes in conjunction with the product development.
Automotive Production Engineering (M. Eng.)
Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
3 Semester
Summer
Yes
Yes
English
Contents
Regarding manufacturing technologies, engineering processes and production strategies, the applicant is familiar with the current level of knowledge and is able to expand his/her knowledge base independently in the complex field of production. The knowledge acquired in the Masters Automotive Production Engineering enables graduates to deal with qualified specialist and management tasks in the field of production, factory planning or technology development. They might as well aim at continuing to do a doctorate.
In addition to ex-cathedra teaching, the programme includes both an Scientific Research Seminar (former Individual Project) in the 1st semester and a Group Project in the 2nd semester, having 5 ECTS each. This project works are always a full semester time activity. Under the supervision of a university senior lecturer the student will be introduced to industrial problems and scientific working methods.
1. Semester
Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry
Covers integrated product and process development in the automotive industry. Students gain insight into simultaneous engineering, prototyping, pilot production, lean development, and project management within large-scale industrial environments.
Production and Logistics Networks
Examines global production and logistics networks in the automotive sector. Students learn to design supply chains, evaluate logistics strategies, optimize sourcing and distribution concepts, and apply performance indicators in networked production systems.
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
Introduces state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing, laser processes, battery production, and fiber-reinforced materials. Students analyze technological advantages, industry trends, and future applications in automotive production.
Cost Engineering & Riskmanagement
Provides methods and tools for cost engineering and risk management across product development and production. Students learn to evaluate cost drivers, assess technological risks, and integrate economic and technical decision-making in complex engineering projects.
Scientific Research Seminar
Introduces scientific working methods through individual research projects. Students independently analyze a technical topic, apply academic methods, document results, and strengthen research, communication, and time-management skills.
Individual Elective
2. Semester
Automation and Equipment Technologies
Introduces automation systems, robotics, and equipment technologies used in automotive manufacturing. Students analyze automation levels, system components, planning methods, and the integration of equipment into production systems.
Technology Development & Innovation management
This module focuses on strategies, methods, and tools for managing innovation and technology development. Students learn to apply foresight, business model design, and intellectual property strategies to systematically drive innovation in engineering-intensive industries.
Digital Technologies in Engineering
Explores digital tools supporting product and production development. Topics include PLM/PDM systems, CAx technologies, digital factories, and simulation methods. Students learn to apply digital models for planning, analysis, and optimization.
Production System & Plant Design
Focuses on the design and optimization of production systems and factories. Topics include lean production, flow optimization, ergonomics, shopfloor management, and Industry 4.0 concepts applied to automotive manufacturing.
Group Project
A team-based project addressing a complex, real-world task in automotive production engineering. Students apply technical, managerial, and methodological skills while strengthening teamwork, communication, leadership, and project management competencies.
Individual Elective
3. Semester
Master´s thesis
The final academic project, focusing on a complex problem in automotive production engineering. Students apply scientific methods independently, often in cooperation with industry, and demonstrate advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Quick Info
Application dates
Applications for this degree may be submitted through the online application system from November 15th-January 15th for the summer term.
Requirements
The successful completion of a Bachelor´s or "Diplom"-degree in Engineering or Science, or an equivalent degree at a German university with a minimum of 210 credit points (in conformity with General Examination Regulations) - or - the successful completion of an equivalent degree at a foreign university. Admission restrictions are decided for each semester and are usually published in April each year. The average mark required and the waiting time for receiving a place are not decided in advance, but depend on the number of applicants and available capacity.
Important Information for Applicants from Third Countries
Please take note of our Statutes for International Orientation and Selection Procedures
Link to Procedural elements for the Master Automotive Production Engineering (pdf)
For applicants from third countries, the selection process includes an assessment based on their bachelor's degree. In addition, a curriculum analysis is carried out (specifically: academic work/project work in the first degree as an engineer). Practical experience is also evaluated in the selection process.
Graduates would be suited for following job profiles:
- production planner
- plant and operating resource planner
- plant developer
- production engineer
- planning and production management or technology developer.
For German and EU citizens, as well as other interested parties with German university entrance qualifications under certain conditions, studying at THI is free of charge; only a semester fee payable to the Erlangen-Nuremberg Student Services Association is required.
Applicants from outside the EU/EEA should note the following
Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt intends to charge tuition fees of 1.200 euros per semester (Master studies) from the summer semester 2026 onwards. At THI, we are committed to offering our students the best possible conditions to develop their skills and personalities for the professional world of the future. In our International Welcome Center you will find excellent services and support.
Please note: No service fees for exchange students, visiting students, participants of summer school!
For in-depth information, please follow the link to our International Welcome Center-Website on Service fees.
If you have any questions, please go to Contact for prospective students
Third party scholarship
A wide range of support options in the form of scholarships are available to students at THI.
- If you are an applicant from abroad, you may qualify for a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): www.daad.de
- If you are a German students we recommend to research for suitable scholarships on www.mystipendium.de
- Please note that we cannot offer any guidance or support concerning scholarship applications.
We recommend that single students budget at least 700-900 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, health insurance, stay, books, semester contribution)
To prepare for your semester abroad or to learn another foreign language alongside your studies, you can take language courses at THI's own Language Center (Sprachenzentrum). The language courses are taught only by native speakers and offered at different levels. All courses are free of charge for our students. For more information please see https://www.thi.de/studium/sprachenzentrum.
THI does not run any student housing – neither on-campus nor off-campus – and therefore cannot provide you with accommodation. Here you can find more information on finding accommodation: Accomodation in Ingolstadt.
Our International Office is established especially for the international academic programs. The International Office provides an all-round service to help you with all necessary prearrangements for the organization of your study and everyday life in Ingolstadt.
THI is currently receiving an increasing amount of information about fraudulent activities in connection with student applications to THI, particularly from abroad. It is therefore important that you are aware of the following:
- THI does not work with agencies. Please apply directly to THI via the uni-assist application portal for international applicants.
- THI never asks for money for application purposes via agencies.
- THI only sends emails from @thi.de.
- THI never asks for money before you receive your letter of admission. If you need a VPD from uni-assist, you must pay a processing fee to uni-assist. However, uni-assist only checks certain documents and does not grant admission to THI.
Please use the contact forms for any issues/organisational matters with your application, visa and more:Contact options for prospective students
Apply online
Application from Nov. 15 to Jan. 15 only!
Please contact the academic director for specific programme-oriented questions only!
Academic director

Prof. Dr. Bernhard Axmann
Phone: +49 841 9348-3505
Room: N108
E-Mail: Bernhard.Axmann@thi.de
Module Handbook
The module handbook is the guide to all modules of the degree programme. It contains information on prerequisites, contents, learning outcomes, ECTS points, duration, work load, literature and references.
Module handbook electives
Study and Examination Regulations
Study and examination regulations (SPO) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. Please turn to the pages of the legal department for Statutes of this course.
For any questions on requirements, exams regulations and more, please turn to the Service Center Study Affairs.



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