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
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. The projects should be executed at THI or with a company in Germany. Please note that THI cannot provide any help in finding an appropriate company.
Curriculum
1. Semester
Technology Development & Innovationsmgm.
Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry
Production and Logistics Networks
Scientific Research Seminar
Adv. Manufacturing Techologies
Cost Engineering & Riskmanagement
2. Semester
Production System and Plant Design
Individual Elective
Automation and Equipment Technologies
Group Project
Production Management and Optimisation
Digital Technologies in Engineering
3. Semester
Master´s thesis
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.Please find further information regarding the application process and the admission requirements here. (if you get to a German website, please press the English button "en" in the menue bar again)
The course is also offered as a dual study programme in co-operation with partner companies. Students may spend their semester breaks and entire third semester as interns in the company, before writing their Master´s thesis.
The dual programme structure differs from the regular structure in several areas. Prior to the start, dual students take part in a preparatory course programme including language and orientation modules and becoming familiar with the company, they signed a contract with.
During semester breaks, dual students are interns in their company. The internship could also comprise the entire third semester, followed by the Master's thesis in the fourth.
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.
Total fees are at 42,00 EUR student’s union fee per semester.
General information on scholarship:
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)
Application requirements
Students will have to document considerable experience in the field of automotive production as well as proof of their English skills. The new requirements for the course are:
- The successful completion of a Bachelor´s or "Diplom"-degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics 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
- A successfully passed aptitude test (according to § 4 of Examination Regulations) with following criteria: documented proof of experience in the field of Automotive Production by internship and/or project work/academic papers.
- Proof of sufficient English language skills, documented by an English test (Level B2) all equivalent can be found here (Allgemeine Satzungen - Anerkannte Englischtests B2)
- After the first Semester knowledge of the German language, as certified by the Goethe-Certificate level A1, or by equivalent certification. This certification is not required for the application and of applicants who have completed their university degree in the German language or when the applicant is a citizen of a country where German is spoken as a first language.
The above named requirements may also be changed for the coming application period, so please inform yourself again on our website before you apply.
GRE is not required. The selection of the applicants is based on grades and the results of the aptitude test. However, check the visa regulations. It may be that TOEFL/IELTS is required in order to get a visa.
Language courses in German are offered every semesters and also in semester breaks, to help students improve their language skills.
THI does not run any student housing – neither on-campus nor off-campus – and therefore cannot provide you with accommodation. Below is a link, which helps finding accommodation in Ingolstadt.
Our International office / counselling 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.
All about application, enrollment and examination
Apply online
Application from Nov. 15 to Jan. 15 only!
Academic advisor
Prof. Dr. Bernhard Axmann
Phone: +49 841 9348-3505
Room: A204
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.
SS 2020 Master_APE Course Handbook (pdf)
WS 2020/ 21 Master APE Course Handbook (pdf)
Study and Examination Regulations
Study and examination regulations (SPO) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. For more information please turn to the pages of the legal department.