Automotive Engineering (B. Eng.)

Start your career in the fascinating world of automobiles and motorsports with a Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering at TH Ingolstadt! We offer a comprehensive study programme that prepares you for a career in the automotive industry. Learn everything about vehicle development, automotive electronics, vehicle design and much more.

In close cooperation with the two major OEMs and the many globally active supplier companies in the Ingolstadt region, we offer our graduates the best career opportunities - from development to management. The course also lays the first foundations for motorsport, e.g. for a career as an engineer or high-performance vehicle developer.

Two thirds of our Bachelor's graduates go straight into professional life. Alternatively, you can further deepen your knowledge in a Master's programme that builds on the subject matter, such as autonomous driving, car mechatronics, hydrogen mobility, automotive management or similar.

We offer you excellent organisation (e.g. a perfectly coordinated timetable, grades directly after the exam before the semester break) and usually small study groups with an average supervision ratio of 1:30. You also have the opportunity to work in the Schanzer Racing Electric (Formula Student) club or discover new horizons by spending a semester abroad.

Women are very welcome, especially as we offer a mentoring programme and network to make it easier for women to enter the professions! We are committed to gender equality.

The TH Ingolstadt is located in the heart of Bavaria and has excellent transport connections (A9 or ICE) - ideal for studying with fellow students from all over Germany. Find out more now and start your career in the exciting world of automotive engineering!

Degree
Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
Duration
7 Semesters
Start of studies
Winter

Accreditation
Yes
Dual Study
Yes Dual Offers
Language
German
Special/double degree
Double degree with the CDHAW of Tongji-University/Shanghai

The programme has a standard duration of seven semesters, divided into two sections. The first part consists of two theoretical semesters, while the second section is made up of four more technical semesters and a practical semester in industry. From the sixth semester onwards, students can choose from three exciting specialisations: "Electromobility", "Body Design and Vehicle Safety" or "Theory and Mathematical Methods". With the specialisations, each student can set the individual focus that suits their interests and future plans. Digitalisation also plays a major role in the education, for example through the use of virtual simulations such as Matlab, FEM, CFD, etc. In the degree programme, about 1/3 of all study contents are freely selectable! Specialisation in motorbikes, commercial vehicles or motor sports is thus possible. You can find further details on the study contents in the module handbook.

Curriculum

1. Semester

Engineering Mathematics 1

Engineering IT and Digitalisation

Material Science 1

Structural Analysis

Principles of Electrical Engineering and Electronics

Start-up Project

2. Semester

Engineering Mathematics 2

Materials Science 2

Principles of Mechanical Design

Theory of Strength

Thermodynamics 1

Production Techniques

3. Semester

Machine Elements 1

Methods of Product Development and CAD

Dynamics

Finite Elements Method

Thermodynamics 2

Vehicle Engines

4. Semester

Machine Elements 2

Project: Design and Development

Machine Dynamics

Fluid Mechanics

Principles of Automotive Engineering

Measurement and Control Technology

5. Semester

Internship

Practical Seminar

Project and Quality Management

6. Semester

Cost and Investment Management

Project

Driving Dynamics and Simulation

Specialist Elective Module

Focus Area Module 1

Focus Area Module 2

7. Semester

Specialist Elective Module

Seminar: Bachelor‘s Thesis

Bachelor‘s Thesis

Focus Area Module 3

Focus Area Module 4

Quick Info

Admission and application

Application for study place

The programme can be started in the winter semester (NOT in the summer semester).

As the degree programme is not subject to admission restrictions, applications can only be made via the PRIMUSS application portal THI. The big advantage for you at the moment is: If your application documents are complete, you will be admitted immediately!

Application deadlines

Information on the application period, which starts on 2 May, and on the application procedure can be found on the page Application for a Bachelor's Place.

Requirements

The prerequisite for admission to studies at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences is either the general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or the entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences. If you do not have any work experience, you will need to complete eight weeks of preliminary work experience. In this case, please see the information on the preliminary work experience below.

Dual studies or studies with in-depth practical

The dual study programme enables a combination of practical training elements in a company and theoretical training at the university. Either the combined model (study & vocational training) or the study programme with in-depth practice (study and intensive practical phases) can be chosen. The advantage for students is obvious: with a practice-oriented academic education, the transition from study to work is usually smooth. In addition, the student is usually financially compensated by the respective company and, in the best case, is taken on after graduation.

Please inform yourself on our pages on dual studies or on the search for a dual company partner. Depending on the company, it is also possible to switch to a dual programme after starting your studies.

Job profiles

As a future automotive engineer, you will find a job in the automotive industry in particular. As a graduate, you will be able to use the engineering tools you have acquired to take on qualified specialist and management tasks in business and administration.

A degree in automotive engineering will later be rewarded with the most lucrative starting salaries in the engineering field. More on starting salaries and salary development can be found at: www.absolventa.de/jobs/channel/fahrzeugtechnik/thema/gehalt

Internship

Students are required to complete a total of eight weeks of preliminary practice. This can be completed before the start of the degree programme and during the lecture-free period. The entire eight weeks must be completed by the beginning of the fourth semester at the latest.

Upon request, we will let you know where our students have successfully completed their preliminary practice in the past.

Financing

No general tuition fees - Student’s union contribution per semester only.

General information on scholarship:

Financing your study programme might be a big challenge for you. On our homepage you find different opportunities of financing your academic studies at our university. Link:

Financial assistance

Please note that financial aid programmes are mostly not open to foreign students. For scholarships for students from abroad you may have a look here:

https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/12359-finding-scholarships/
Public funding (BAföG) is only available to Germans and to EU citizens if they have spent a considerable part of their education in Germany. The university awards a scholarship called Deutschlandstipendium once a year which cannot fully cover living expenses. Additionally we have limited funds and support some international students for a maximum of one semester. Please do not actively approach the International Office on scholarships, once a year a call for application automatically reaches all international students.

Third party scholarship:

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)

International

International – and interested in studying here in Ingolstadt? Our International Office will support you with any issues on application, accomodation and more

Our cooperation in the CDHAW-program enables us to offer a double degree with the Tongji-University in Shanghai.

Lecturers

Our professors are distinguished by the fact that they all have several years of experience in industry and you will therefore learn from proven experts.

FAQs

Which German language skills are required?

You'll need to prove C1-level German skills for this course. Please note that the Bachelor programme is taught in German only and that you'll be expected to have a thorough understanding of technical terms and extensive skills in spoken and written German also.

I have working experience already. How will that be recognised in my application?

Please see the Infoblatt Vorpraxis (German only) or contact us at studienangelegenheiten@thi.de for details.

You have started an identical study programme elesewhere but would like to join THI in an advanced semester?

studienangelegenheiten@thi.de will help you with having your exams and achievements recognised.

Testimonials

Sarah Schwegler , 5. Fachsemester

Prior education for studies: Dual education, mathematics major.

Why did you decide to study at the THI?

"I decided to study at the THI because it offers an ideal combination of theory and practice. In one of the specialisations, special emphasis is placed on the subject of car bodies and design, including the practical courses in the wind tunnel, which is very important for me as a student of automotive engineering. Through the cooperation with two OEMs, I have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into practice and deepen my knowledge. In addition, THI has a beautiful campus and a good reputation, which played a role in my decision. I am convinced that I can learn everything I need here to be successful in my career."

Marnie Ellmaurer , 5. Fachsemester

Previous education for studies: Dual training as a motor vehicle mechatronics technician, FOS (technology).

Why did you decide to study at the THI?

"I decided to study at the THI because it was offered as a partner university in connection with my dual studies at Audi AG. The THI offers me many opportunities for further education, such as practical laboratory experience as well as recreational events like university sports. In addition, the university places great emphasis on digitalisation and modern teaching, which enables me to follow lectures effectively. I am convinced that THI is the best choice for me to achieve my goal in automotive engineering."

Florian, Schuster , 7. Fachsemester

Pre-education for studies: Advanced technical college entrance qualification at the BOS Ingolstadt.

Why did you decide to study at the THI?

"I decided to study at the THI because it is close to my parents' home in Baar-Ebenhausen (about 10 km south of Ingolstadt) and therefore offers low living costs."

Why would you recommend studying at the THI?

"The THI offers a wealth of opportunities to further your education, through competent professors who are always available for questions and suggestions, as well as a variety of programmes after the lectures."

Why did you decide to study automotive engineering?

"I changed my major from mechanical engineering to automotive engineering because I am increasingly fascinated by the interplay of technology and design in the automotive sector."

Contact Student Counselling

All about application, enrollment and examination

Apply online

Academic advisor

Programme director and Academic advisor Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Konrad Költzsch
Phone: +49 841 9348-7900
Room: A215
E-Mail: Konrad.Koeltzsch@thi.de

More Contact Options

Study Ambassador
Tanja Eyßelein

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 (German language only).

Module Handbook Bachelor FT WS 2023 (pdf)

Praktisches Studiensemester (pdf)
Important information on internships and a practical seminar

Study and Examination Regulations

Study and examination regulations (SPO) (German only) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. For more information please turn to the pages of the legal department.