Aircraft and Vehicle Informatics (B. Sc.)

Modern automobiles and aircraft would be unthinkable without information technology: it controls airbags, intelligent chassis and anti-lock brake systems as well as flight control and flight navigation systems.

The degree course in Aircraft and Vehicle Informatics provides precisely the qualification required for this technology: based on examples, case studies, internships and project work, it is geared consistently towards typical applications in automotive and aviation development.
This is not a course on autopilot, but one that takes students directly to the interfaces between electronics and information technology on the one hand and aircraft/cars on the other. The core study phase is geared towards typical applications in software development in the automotive field and in avionics (aircraft, helicopters, drones). When it comes to specialising, students choose either the automotive field or avionics.

Degree
Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.)
Duration
7 Semester
Start of studies
Winter

Accreditation
ASIIN
Dual Study
Yes Dual Offers
Language
German

In the first two semesters, the bachelor’s degree course Aircraft and Vehicle Informatics introduces students to the fundamentals of information technology such as programming, software engineering, computer architecture and operating systems. Building on this, the course then goes on to cover topics such as microcomputer technology, embedded systems, real-time systems and safety-critical systems. In parallel lectures and seminars, the two areas of automotive and avionics focus on applications and specific skills that are typical of either automobiles/motorcycles (automotive) or aircraft/helicopters/drones (avionics).
In all elements of the course, THI lecturers always ensure teaching is heavily geared towards practical applications.
An extensive catalogue of optional compulsory subjects such as robotics, mobile communication and cryptology allows students to explore these more specialised areas in greater depth.
The course is modular in structure, with a module comprising one or more subjects. The individual subjects are examined at the end of the relevant semester. Students are awarded credit points to measure their academic progress. Credit points can also be acquired at partner universities abroad.

Structure

First study phase

The core study phase comprises two theory semesters. Since the core study phase is closely dovetailed with the degree course in Computer Science, students can switch between these degree courses during this phase.

Second study phase

The second stage comprises four theoretical semesters and one practical semester (generally the fifth), comprising in-depth study of a number of subjects. When it comes to specialising, students choose either the automotive field or avionics. The fifth semester is a practical semester.
The second stage of the degree programme concludes with the bachelor's thesis.

Curriculum

1. Semester

Fundamentals in Mathematics 1

Fundamentals in Programming 1

Introduction to Computer Science 1

Automotive Systems / Aircraft Systems

Introductory Project

English

2. Semester

Fundamentals in Mathematics 2

Fundamentals in Programming 2

Introduction to Computer Science 2

Software Development Methods

Automotive / Aircraft Communication Systems

3. Semester

Applied Mathematics

Computer Networks

Software Management

Software Design and Database Systems

Integration Platform for Automotive Functions

4. Semester

Distributed Systems Architecture

Intelligent Autonomous Systems

Real-Time Systems

Model-based Software Development

Cyber Security

Subject-specific Seminar

Preparatory Seminar for the Internship

5. Semester

Internship

Wrap-Up Seminar of the Internship

Information and Media Competence

6. Semester

Cloud Architectures and Services

Project Management

Operational Safety

Practical Class on Automotive Function Development / Practical Class on Flight Guidance

Automotive- /Avionics-Project

Fundamentals of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship

7. Semester

Subject-specific Elective Courses

Seminar for the Bachelor's Thesis

Bachelor's Thesis

Quick Info

Admission and application

Applying for a degree course
Students may only begin their degree in the winter semester.
Registration dates
Applications for this degree may be submitted through the online application system from 2 May to end of July (deadlines may vary, please see our Bachelor application site for details).
Admission requirements
To gain admission to the programme, applicants need one of the following qualifications for university entrance:
- Abitur (European Baccalaureate, A-Levels, High School Diploma)
- Fachhochschulreife (Vocational Baccalaureate)
- Fachgebundene Hochschulreife (Specialised A-Level)
The following link provides specific information about the application process for admission to the degree programme.

Admission requirements for international students
If you wish to study at a German University, you need a so-called Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB), or higher education entrance qualification. This is a secondary school-leaving certificate that corresponds to the German Abitur and entitles you to study.
Students from abroad must apply for admission from the university of their choice. For your application, you will require for a Bachelor's degree:
- a school-leaving certificate (also known as "university entrance qualification", e.g. High School Diploma, Matura, A-Levels, Bachillerato, Atestat, baccalauréat)
  or
- proof that you have passed the university entrance examination (if required in your home country)
(Source: German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD, July 2016)

Dual studies or studies with in-depth practical

The dual studies programme enables a combination of practical training elements in a company with the theoretical education provided by the university. There is a choice of either the joint model (academic study + vocational training) or the degree course with vocational experience (academic study + intense practical phases). There is an obvious advantage to students here: practically oriented academic study generally enables a particularly smooth transition from university to the world of work. What is more, the student usually receives financial remuneration from the company concerned.

In the joint model, students may start working at the company several months before the start of the first semester, depending on the company concerned. At the start of the course there is an alternation between theory (during the semester) and practical experience (between semesters and during the practical semesters). In order to embark on a dual studies programme, students have to apply to both a company and to THI (be sure to take note of company application deadlines!).

More info on our dual studies-pages, or check dual cooperation partner companies. Even if no partner company is currently active in this degree programme, you are welcome to contact us.

Job profiles

Students can embark on careers in software development for commercial or military aircraft and flight devices, in multimedia technology or in the field of man-machine interfaces.

Request more information

Contact Student counselling

All about application, enrollment and examination

Apply online

Programme director and Academic advisor

Vice dean Faculty of Computer Science
Prof. Dr. Andreas Frey
Phone: +49 841 9348-2330
Room: B005
E-Mail: Andreas.Frey@thi.de

Module Handbook

The module handbook contains information on prerequisites, contents, learning outcomes, ECTS points, duration, work load, literature, references of the offered modules and lectures.

Modulhandbuch
(Stand WS 2018/19)
(German only) (pdf)

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.