Material Science and Resource-efficient Engineering (M. Eng.)

Application for a start of studies in winter term is open until Aug. 31!

What materials will you be using in the industry of tomorrow?

The Master’s programme in Materials Science and Resource-Efficient Engineering at THI offers you the perfect opportunity to develop your technical skills in the fields of materials science and resource efficiency in a targeted manner. Building on your Bachelor’s degree (for example in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Renewable Energies or similar disciplines), you will deepen your expertise in modern materials science. You will also learn to utilise materials in an efficient, innovative and forward-looking manner.

During the programme, you will combine in-depth knowledge of materials engineering and resource efficiency with a range of individual options: whether it’s technical development, hydrogen technology and management, automotive engineering or aerospace engineering – you can set your own personal focus whilst simultaneously deepening your knowledge of mechanical engineering subjects. Great emphasis is also placed on scientific research.

The programme can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Some lectures are offered in a hybrid format and can therefore be attended from any location.

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

You have the option of completing your degree programme either full-time (3 semesters) or part-time (6 semesters). If you study full-time, you will complete modules at the TH Ingolstadt in the first two semesters and write your Master's thesis in the 3rd semester. However, if you complete your studies part-time, you will spread the lectures at the university over four semesters and begin your Master's thesis in the 5th semester at the earliest.

The following six compulsory modules are offered at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences in the summer semester: Composite Materials, Corrosion and Surface Technology, Operational Strength and Fracture Mechanics and Scientific Work. In addition, two individual compulsory elective modules must be completed in this semester.
In the winter semester, the modules Functional Materials and Resource-Efficient Engineering, Materials Technology, Metallic Lightweight Materials, Materials and Failure Analysis and the Long-Term Behaviour of Materials contribute to sharpening the profile. In addition, an individual compulsory elective module must be completed in this semester.
The compulsory elective modules are chosen according to personal interest from the fields of automotive engineering, aeronautical engineering, technical development or hydrogen technology.
Master's thesis

In addition to expert knowledge of classic material concepts (CFRP, aluminium, magnesium, titanium, steel, nickel-based alloys), we teach methods and skills for the development, optimisation and testing of material concepts for future applications:

Materials that are in contact with H2 (permeabilities, embrittlement, …
Materials for electrolysers and fuel cells
Materials for batteries and other energy storage systems (e.g. metal hydride storage systems for H2)
Materials for solar thermal and photovoltaic systems
Materials that are produced in a (more) climate-neutral way (e.g. steels whose pig iron is obtained by H2 reduction, use of renewable raw materials)
Materials in closed material cycles (recyclability)

Our material concepts take into account both traditional manufacturing processes, such as mould casting, powder metallurgy and processes for drawing single crystals, as well as newer processes such as additive manufacturing ("3D printing").

Experience science in the lab

High-End-Rasterelektronenmikroskop

The new scanning electron microscope enables:

High-resolution images
Precise determination of local chemical composition
Detailed crystallographic information

This allows materials and surfaces to be analyzed even more precisely—an enormous benefit for our research and teaching.

"For my doctoral thesis.

...for material characterization of additively manufactured aluminum alloys, the course represents the basic building block. The master's degree in materials engineering is suitable for anyone interested in the production, processing and use of metals and composite materials. The theory taught is practically relevant for simulations and lifetime evaluations of real applications. In my master's thesis, I was able to process much of the knowledge I learned and put it into practice in a component."

Bismuth crystals

In the practical course, we pull bismuth crystals from a melt together with the students of the master's program in WT. The thematic focus is the heterogeneous nucleation during the solidification of metallic melts. If the bismuth oxidizes with the oxygen in the air, colored oxide layers are formed.

THI logo as a test object

After cleaning the surface, a zinc layer is galvanically applied to the THI logos produced in the welding laboratory, which is then passivated. This gives it a better surface appearance and durability. Picture from right to left: welded, galvanized, passivated.

Building a simple battery

In hands-on experiments with Prof. Oberhauser, copper sheets and magnesium are inserted into oranges and these are electrically connected to each other. The current generated in this way causes the LED to light up. Two "battery cells" are connected in series with each orange, so that the voltage required to light up the LED can be generated.

What's THAT - a materials journey through everyday life

In this practical seminar, light is shed on the dark...

For example, the surface structure of normal spaghetti was studied in comparison with spaghetti from the bronze mold.

For imaging the noodles with the SEM, they were covered with a thin, conductive gold layer. The comparative study shows that the surface structure of the noodles from the bronze mold is significantly rougher and more porous than that of the "normal" spaghetti.

With this in mind, Buon Appetito!

Corrosion test

In the lecture Corrosion and Surface Technology, a neutral salt spray test according to DIN ISO 9227 was carried out. The corrosion progress on the aluminum and galvanized steel parts could be inspected and evaluated on a weekly basis. The picture shows a small piece in its initial state next to the tested part.

Electrical sheets

Exploded view of a permanently excited synchronous machine for e-drives and cross-sectional view of a single sheet metal lamina. Macroscopic analysis using digital image correlation and microscopic analysis using electron backscatter diffraction help to improve the fatigue behavior of mechanically highly stressed electrical sheets.

High-End-Rasterelektronenmikroskop
"For my doctoral thesis.
Bismuth crystals
THI logo as a test object
Building a simple battery
What's THAT - a materials journey through everyday life
Corrosion test
Electrical sheets

Lab tests

Casting a highlighter using sand casting
The aim was to get to know aluminum mold casting. This involved making a sand mold and experiencing and reflecting on the reaction of the melt, its properties, solidification and possible resulting casting defects.

Blurry image — Pulling bismuth crystal from the melt
This experiment is about heterogeneous nucleation during the solidification of melts. This is because nucleation is more likely in technical processes than homogeneous nucleation, since it requires less energy.

Curriculum

Sommersemester

Verbundwerkstoffe
5 ECTS

Korrosion- und Oberflächentechnik
5 ECTS

Betriebsfestigkeit und Bruchmechanik
5 ECTS

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten
5 ECTS

Wahlpflichtmodul
5 ECTS

Wintersemester

Funktionswerkstoffe und ressourceneffizientes Engineering
5 ECTS

Werkstofftechnologie
5 ECTS

Langzeitverhalten der Werkstoffe
5 ECTS

Metallische Leichtbauwerkstoffe
5 ECTS

Werkstoff- und Schadensanalytik
5 ECTS

Wahlpflichtmodul
5 ECTS

3. Semester

Masterarbeit
30 ECTS

Independent academic investigation of a complex topic in materials science, ranging from analysis, research and methodology through to the presentation of results and their technical interpretation.

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 our Master application pages.

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/

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.

The postgraduate degree course Material Science in Engineering builds on the basis provided by the bachelor’s degree course Mechanical Engineering as well as related courses such as Automotive Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. The course gives graduates a wide range of career options. 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.

In particular, the course prepares students for careers in related interdisciplinary areas such

Technical development
Materials engineering
Design
Quality assurance
Damage analysis

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Academic advisor

Materials and production engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Oberhauser
Phone: +49 841 9348-4411
Room: A215
E-Mail: Simon.Oberhauser@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 WR 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.