Automotive Engineering (M. Eng.)

Are you ready to help develop the vehicle of the future?

On the Master’s programme in Automotive Engineering at Ingolstadt University of Technology, you can specialise in one of three areas: integral vehicle safety, simulations in vehicle development, or innovative vehicle structures. Alternatively, you can complete the programme with a broad focus without specialising. You can start the programme in either the winter or summer semester. The Master’s programme can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis.

In the summer semester, you will take the compulsory modules Vehicle Dynamics, Driver Assistance Systems and Innovative Propulsion Systems. You will also choose two specialisation modules and one compulsory elective module. In the winter semester, you will take the compulsory modules Vehicle Electronics and Digitalisation, as well as Vehicle Structure Design. In addition, you will choose two further specialisation modules and two compulsory elective modules.

After completing these two semesters, you will write your Master’s thesis – usually in the third semester for full-time students, and in the fifth semester at the earliest for part-time students.

With a Master’s in Automotive Engineering, you will lay the foundations for challenging roles in vehicle development. A PhD is also an option – opening up many career paths for you.

Degree
Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
Duration
3 semesters (full-time), 6 semesters (part-time)
Start of studies
Summer & Winter
NC
Yes

Accreditation
Yes
Dual Study
Yes
Main teaching language
German

Location
Ingolstadt

In the Master's in Automotive Engineering, students have the opportunity to specialise in one of the following three areas: Integral Vehicle Safety, Simulation in Vehicle Development or Innovative Vehicle Structures. However, a broad course of study without specialisation is also possible.

The degree programme thus lays the foundation for demanding activities in vehicle development and at the same time creates a solid basis for a subsequent doctorate. Our graduates are therefore ideally prepared for their professional future.

You have the option of completing your degree programme either full-time or part-time. In the full-time programme, you complete modules at the TH Ingolstadt in the first two semesters and write your Master's thesis in the third semester. However, if you complete your studies part-time, you will spread the lectures at the university over four semesters and start your Master's thesis in the 5th semester at the earliest.

The compulsory lectures Vehicle Dynamics, Driver Assistance Systems and Innovative Drive Systems take place in the summer semester. In addition, there are two specialisation modules and one compulsory elective module.

In the winter semester, the following compulsory modules are offered at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences: Vehicle Electronics and Digitalisation and Vehicle Structure Design. In addition, there are two specialisation modules and two compulsory elective modules to choose from.

Special features of the degree programme include semester projects in small groups using tools from the vehicle industry, hybrid lectures and examinations during the semester.

Curriculum

Sommersemester

Fahrzeugdynamik
5 ECTS

Vermittelt werden Modellierung und Analyse der Fahrzeuglängs‑, Quer‑ und Vertikaldynamik. Simulationen, MATLAB‑Modelle, Fahrversuche und Messdatenauswertung ermöglichen ein fundiertes Verständnis des Fahrverhaltens und moderner Regelsysteme.

Fahrerassistenzsysteme
5 ECTS

Behandelt werden Aufbau, Funktion und Grenzen moderner Fahrerassistenzsysteme. Inhalte umfassen Sensorik, Aktorik, Sensordatenfusion, Mensch‑Maschine‑Interaktion sowie Systeme von ABS und ESP bis hin zu automatisierten Fahrfunktionen.

Innovative Antriebssysteme
5 ECTS

Überblick über konventionelle und alternative Fahrzeugantriebe. Behandelt werden Verbrennungs‑, Wasserstoff‑ und Brennstoffzellenantriebe, batterieelektrische Systeme, elektrische Maschinen, Leistungselektronik, Regelung sowie Simulation nachhaltiger Antriebskonzepte.

Vertiefungsmodul
5 ECTS

Als Vertiefungsmodule sind wählbar:

Automatisiertes Fahren

DOE / Datenanalyse

Fahrzeugsicherheit

Unfallrekonstruktion

CFD

Höhere FEM

Mehrkörpersysteme

Simulation / Numerische Methoden

Akustik

Betriebsfestigkeit und Bruchmechanik

Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik

Metallische Leichtbauwerkstoffe

Vertiefungsmodul
5 ECTS

Als Vertiefungsmodule sind wählbar:

Automatisiertes Fahren

DOE / Datenanalyse

Fahrzeugsicherheit

Unfallrekonstruktion

CFD

Höhere FEM

Mehrkörpersysteme

Simulation / Numerische Methoden

Akustik

Betriebsfestigkeit und Bruchmechanik

Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik

Metallische Leichtbauwerkstoffe

Wahlpflichtmodul
5 ECTS

Als Wahlpflichtmodule sind wählbar:

Artificial Intelligence and Automotive Systems

Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry

Integrated Safety and Assistance Systems

Plant and Equipment Design in Hydrogen Technology

Systems Engineering

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten

Wintersemester

Fahrzeugelektronik und Digitalisierung
5 ECTS

Grundlagen moderner Fahrzeugelektronik und Digitalisierung mit Fokus auf Sensorik, Aktorik, Bussysteme, Steuergeräte und vernetzte Fahrzeugfunktionen. Behandelt werden zudem Connected Car, OTA‑Updates, Datenmanagement, Cybersicherheit, Infotainment sowie neue Mobilitäts‑ und Geschäftsmodelle.

Fahrzeugstrukturauslegung
5 ECTS

Auslegung und Berechnung von Fahrzeugstrukturen mit Schwerpunkt auf Leichtbau. Inhalte sind Tragwerksberechnung, Flächentragwerke, Stabilitäts- und Versagensmechanismen, tensorielle Beschreibungen sowie anwendungsnahe Beispiele aus Karosserie‑ und Crashstrukturentwicklung.

Vertiefungsmodul
5 ECTS

Als Vertiefungsmodule sind wählbar:

Automatisiertes Fahren

DOE / Datenanalyse

Fahrzeugsicherheit

Unfallrekonstruktion

CFD

Höhere FEM

Mehrkörpersysteme

Simulation / Numerische Methoden

Akustik

Betriebsfestigkeit und Bruchmechanik

Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik

Metallische Leichtbauwerkstoffe

Vertiefungsmodul
5 ECTS

Als Vertiefungsmodule sind wählbar:

Automatisiertes Fahren

DOE / Datenanalyse

Fahrzeugsicherheit

Unfallrekonstruktion

CFD

Höhere FEM

Mehrkörpersysteme

Simulation / Numerische Methoden

Akustik

Betriebsfestigkeit und Bruchmechanik

Korrosion und Oberflächentechnik

Metallische Leichtbauwerkstoffe

Wahlpflichtmodul
5 ECTS

Als Wahlpflichtmodul sind wählbar:

Artificial Intelligence and Automotive Systems

Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry

Integrated Safety and Assistance Systems

Plant and Equipment Design in Hydrogen Technology

Systems Engineering

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten

Wahlpflichtmodul
5 ECTS

Als Wahlpflichtmodul sind wählbar:

Artificial Intelligence and Automotive Systems

Engineering Processes in Automotive Industry

Integrated Safety and Assistance Systems

Plant and Equipment Design in Hydrogen Technology

Systems Engineering

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten

3. Semester

Masterarbeit
30 ECTS

Eigenständige wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung einer komplexen Problemstellung aus der Fahrzeugtechnik. Die Arbeit umfasst Analyse, Recherche, Entwicklung eines Lösungsansatzes, Umsetzung, Auswertung sowie strukturierte Dokumentation der Ergebnisse.

Quick Info

Application dates
Applications for this degree may be submitted through the online application system.
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 on master application here.

Applies to applications for summer semester 2027 and beyond

With immediate effect, applicants from India must, in addition to the VDP from uni-assist, provide evidence of having passed the Digital Master Test (dMAT):

https://aps-india.de/

in order to obtain an APS certificate relevant for your visa .

Please check whether this applies to you based on your Bachelor's degree:

Programmes requiring dMAT (pdf)

The test costs 150 €. Registration is now open.

Timetable for applications for the 2027 summer semester:

September 15, 2026: deadline registration for dMAT
September 26, 2026: dMAT test date at 10 locations in India
October 12, 2026: certificate available

Full details can be found at: https://aps-india.de/dmat/

Possible if there's a cooperation between the company and THI. Please find further details here.

The course gives graduates a wide range of career options. This master’s degree especially qualifies students for careers in automobile development with manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive industry. Particular importance is also attached to pursuing the theoretical scientific fundamentals in greater depth, enabling students to embark on a doctorate programme or a career in the scientific field.

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Academic advisor

Deputy Women's Representative, Programme director and Academic advisor Automotive Engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manuela Waltz
Phone: +49 841 9348-3530
Room: A232
E-Mail: Manuela.Waltz@thi.de

Module Handbook

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

Module Handbook Master WS 2026_27 (pdf)

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