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Automotive Production Engineering

Automotive Production Engineering

Would you like to understand how modern vehicles are manufactured – and play an active role in shaping these processes? If so, the Master’s in Automotive Production Engineering provides you with the ideal foundation. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of production systems in the automotive sector and their strategic, planning and operational development. You will explore modern manufacturing technologies, engineering processes, production strategies and the latest digital technologies for business process automation, and learn to combine technical solutions with economic and organisational requirements.

Practical projects form a central part of the programme: in the research seminar during the first semester and the group project in the second, you will tackle real-world industrial challenges and use scientific methods to develop well-founded solutions. At the same time, you’ll forge international contacts and prepare yourself for global working environments. The Master’s programme qualifies you for specialist and managerial roles in production, factory planning and technology development – and paves the way for a PhD.

Apply now
Degree
Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
Duration
3 Semester
Start of studies
Summer
Main teaching language
English
Admission restricted
Yes
Type of degree program
Full-time
ECTS
90
Accreditation
Yes

Application period for the summer semester 2027: Oct. 15, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027

Curriculum Automotive Production Engineering

Presentation of curriculums
Semester
1st Semester
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Individual Elective

Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry

<p>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.</p>

Production and Logistics Networks

<p>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.</p>

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

<p>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.</p>

Cost Engineering & Riskmanagement

<p>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.</p>

Scientific Research Seminar

<p>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.</p>

Individual Elective

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Individual Elective

Automation and Equipment Technologies

<p>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.</p>

Technology Development & Innovation management

<p>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.</p>

Digital Technologies in Engineering

<p>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.</p>

Production System & Plant Design

<p>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.</p>

Group Project

<p>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.</p>

Individual Elective

  1. 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.

Master´s thesis

<p>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.</p>

Curriculum Automotive Production Engineering — Overview of all semesters and modules
1. Semester
  • Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry
  • Production and Logistics Networks
  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
  • Cost Engineering & Riskmanagement
  • Scientific Research Seminar
  • Individual Elective
2. Semester
  • Automation and Equipment Technologies
  • Technology Development & Innovation management
  • Digital Technologies in Engineering
  • Production System & Plant Design
  • Group Project
  • Individual Elective
3. Semester
  • Master´s thesis

Interesting Facts

  1. Urgent info for Master applicants from India!

    With immediate effect, applicants from India holding bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Engineering, Commerce / Accounting / Finance / Economics, or Business / Management must, in addition to the VDP from uni-assist, provide evidence of having taken the Digital Master Test (dMAT) aps-india.de/dmat/ in order to obtain an APS certificate or a visa. The test costs €150. Please check whether this applies to you based on your Bachelor’s degree. THI does not answer any questions regarding the test procedure or its impact on an offer of admission from our university!

  2. International citizenship from outside the EU/EEC

    THI charges tuition fees of 800 euros per semester (for Bachelor’s programmes). We are committed to providing our students with the best possible conditions to develop their skills and personalities for the working world of the future. At our International Welcome Centre, you will find excellent services and support. Our degree programmes offer the best possible study conditions. 

  3. From the moment you’re admitted to your degree programme right through to the end of your studies, we’ll be there to support you with a wide range of services and resources, from language courses and induction events to information on finding accommodation and questions about life in Germany. 

    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.

  4. Important Notice on Application Agencies

    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 via agencies for application purposes and only sends emails from @thi.de. THI will never ask for money before you receive your letter of admission. If you require 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.

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. 

 

Questions

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.

People

Academic director

Automotive Production Engineering

Would you like to understand how modern vehicles are manufactured – and play an active role in shaping these processes? If so, the Master’s in Automotive Production Engineering provides you with the ideal foundation. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of production systems in the automotive sector and their strategic, planning and operational development. You will explore modern manufacturing technologies, engineering processes, production strategies and the latest digital technologies for business process automation, and learn to combine technical solutions with economic and organisational requirements.

Practical projects form a central part of the programme: in the research seminar during the first semester and the group project in the second, you will tackle real-world industrial challenges and use scientific methods to develop well-founded solutions. At the same time, you’ll forge international contacts and prepare yourself for global working environments. The Master’s programme qualifies you for specialist and managerial roles in production, factory planning and technology development – and paves the way for a PhD.

Apply now
Degree
Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
Duration
3 Semester
Start of studies
Summer
Main teaching language
English
Admission restricted
Yes
Type of degree program
Full-time
ECTS
90
Accreditation
Yes

Application period for the summer semester 2027: Oct. 15, 2026 to Jan. 15, 2027

Curriculum Automotive Production Engineering

Presentation of curriculums
Semester
1st Semester
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Individual Elective

Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry

<p>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.</p>

Production and Logistics Networks

<p>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.</p>

Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

<p>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.</p>

Cost Engineering & Riskmanagement

<p>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.</p>

Scientific Research Seminar

<p>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.</p>

Individual Elective

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. Individual Elective

Automation and Equipment Technologies

<p>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.</p>

Technology Development & Innovation management

<p>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.</p>

Digital Technologies in Engineering

<p>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.</p>

Production System & Plant Design

<p>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.</p>

Group Project

<p>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.</p>

Individual Elective

  1. 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.

Master´s thesis

<p>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.</p>

Curriculum Automotive Production Engineering — Overview of all semesters and modules
1. Semester
  • Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry
  • Production and Logistics Networks
  • Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
  • Cost Engineering & Riskmanagement
  • Scientific Research Seminar
  • Individual Elective
2. Semester
  • Automation and Equipment Technologies
  • Technology Development & Innovation management
  • Digital Technologies in Engineering
  • Production System & Plant Design
  • Group Project
  • Individual Elective
3. Semester
  • Master´s thesis

Interesting Facts

  1. Urgent info for Master applicants from India!

    With immediate effect, applicants from India holding bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Engineering, Commerce / Accounting / Finance / Economics, or Business / Management must, in addition to the VDP from uni-assist, provide evidence of having taken the Digital Master Test (dMAT) aps-india.de/dmat/ in order to obtain an APS certificate or a visa. The test costs €150. Please check whether this applies to you based on your Bachelor’s degree. THI does not answer any questions regarding the test procedure or its impact on an offer of admission from our university!

  2. International citizenship from outside the EU/EEC

    THI charges tuition fees of 800 euros per semester (for Bachelor’s programmes). We are committed to providing our students with the best possible conditions to develop their skills and personalities for the working world of the future. At our International Welcome Centre, you will find excellent services and support. Our degree programmes offer the best possible study conditions. 

  3. From the moment you’re admitted to your degree programme right through to the end of your studies, we’ll be there to support you with a wide range of services and resources, from language courses and induction events to information on finding accommodation and questions about life in Germany. 

    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.

  4. Important Notice on Application Agencies

    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 via agencies for application purposes and only sends emails from @thi.de. THI will never ask for money before you receive your letter of admission. If you require 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.

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. 

 

Questions

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about applications, admission, enrolment, student finance, accommodation or other general topics? If so, please use our contact form and select the relevant topic. This will ensure your enquiry is sent directly to the relevant contact person(s) and can be answered quickly and effectively.

People

Academic director

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