Global Production Engineering (GPE) Technische Universität Berlin

Global Production Engineering (GPE) is a full-time, four-semester Master's programme at Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. Designed for exceptional international graduate students, GPE equips future leaders with expertise in production engineering, management, and intercultural communication. The programme is taught entirely in English and draws a highly international cohort — over 90% of our students come from outside Europe.

Established in 1998, GPE is tailored for candidates with a Bachelor's degree and at least one year of professional experience. Its flexible, practice-oriented curriculum prepares manufacturing engineers for the challenges of global industry.

A central focus is the planning and design of flexible, adaptable factories, with emphasis on advanced production technologies and modern management methods. Key topics include production planning and control, factory layout design through simulation and virtual tools, global supply chain management, and factory operations. Students develop technical expertise in manufacturing processes, tooling, logistics, and global value creation, alongside methodical skills in data science and AI in manufacturing.

The curriculum also addresses global sustainability challenges. Students gain insight into corporate social responsibility, sustainable manufacturing, and the circular economy, learning to develop effective sustainability strategies and measure their impact. Reflecting global sustainability trends, GPE features a dedicated focus on renewable energy technologies — covering the production of solar and wind energy systems, including related fields such as finance, legal frameworks, management, and marketing.

Digital tools essential for Industry 4.0 are woven throughout the programme. Students gain hands-on experience with CAD for systematic product development and Plant Simulation for strategic production planning and control.

The GPE educational model is rooted in innovation and project-based learning. State-of-the-art facilities — including a maker space, factory simulation lab, mobile solar and wind labs, and 3D printing facilities — allow students to apply theory to real-world challenges. Strong partnerships with leading global companies in manufacturing and energy further enrich the learning experience and career prospects.

Over more than two decades, GPE has cultivated a thriving international alumni network. Graduates pursue impactful careers in automotive, aerospace, electronics, food processing, and energy, as well as in NGOs, government agencies, and R&D institutions. Whether returning home or building careers abroad, GPE alumni are shaping the future of global manufacturing.

The GPE curriculum is designed in a highly flexible way in order to meet the individual requirements of students.

Students must earn 120 credits over the course of four semesters to be awarded the Master of Science in Global Production Engineering degree. The GPE degree programme is divided into five module groups:

• Production
• Engineering
• Management
• Intercultural Communication
• Special Profile

Each module group is assigned so-called modules. The modules usually consist of one to four courses. The curriculum is constantly reviewed to meet the needs of industry and research.

You will find the modules currently offered within every module group on our website.

During the first three semesters, students must complete modules worth 90 CP (30 CP per semester). Students can choose modules according to their qualification goals, provided that a minimum number of CP is achieved in each module group. As students aim for a Master of Science, an additional scientific working seminar must be attended. The seminar does not affect the 90 CP during the study time.

Each module corresponds to a certain number of credit points (CP), whose evaluation is based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). For each credit point, a workload of 30 hours is expected, which results in an average workload of 37 hours during each semester week.

The workload includes self-study hours, exercises, online meetings, Q&A sessions, exams, etc.

In the fourth semester, an internship of at least nine weeks must be completed (12 credit points). Towards the end of the programme, a Master's thesis has to be written (18 credit points).

By combining modules appropriately, the degree can lead to the following specialisations:

• Global Manufacturing & Network Planning
• Production & Operations Management
• Sustainable Manufacturing
• Information & Communication Technology in Manufacturing

Renewables Academy
Fraunhofer IPK
Global Conference on Sustainable Manufacturing

A nine-week mandatory internship is to be completed at a location outside the student's home country or cultural background. The internship can be done in a small, medium-sized, or international company. Alternatively, it can be done with a research institute or with a different organisation.

GPE admission is always open. We prefer applications before 1 April.

Requirements for successful application to the GPE study programme include the following:

• Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent
• Excellent grades
• English proficiency
• At least one year of professional experience
• German knowledge is advantageous

Approx. 350 EUR per semester, which includes a public transport ticket for Berlin and administration fees for TU Berlin

Students should have at least 1,200 EUR per month at their disposal to cover the costs of living in Berlin (room and board, healthcare insurance, books and supplies, etc.).

Once enrolled, working as a student research assistant or tutor at TU Berlin is possible. Students may also apply to be student assistants in the Berlin region at companies such as Siemens, Bombardier, MAN, BMW, etc.

Find information about funding and scholarship opportunities on the TU Berlin Website.

• Individual guidance regarding structuring of course selection
• Visits to fairs, companies, and important industry regions (Hannover Fair, VW, BMW, etc.)
• Application and soft skills trainings
• Collection of internship and job contacts
• Long list of companies, such as Daimler, Rolls Royce, Siemens, BMW, VW, Airbus, Boeing, etc., that already employed a large number of GPE graduates
• Graduate Alumni Partnership network (GAP)

There are several possibilities for finding accommodation in Berlin. Student dormitories as well as single apartments or larger apartments shared with flatmates are popular among German students. Average costs for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment may vary from 350 EUR to 600 EUR per month depending on the size and configuration of the apartment. Utility costs of 50 to 80 EUR are usually not included in the rent. We will support you in renting appropriate accommodation.
Home in Berlin
WG-Gesucht (shared flats in Germany)
Studierendenwerk Berlin

With over 100 institutes and more than 34,000 students, TU Berlin is one of the largest technical universities in Germany. It is renowned for its famous scientists and has a history of great innovation. Today, TU Berlin is at the forefront of research and development. International students from all over the world make up about 30% of the total student population. This is one of the highest proportions of international students of any German technical university.

Berlin is both the capital of Germany and one of 16 federal states. With a population of more than 3.5 million people from 180 different countries, Berlin is Germany's largest city and attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition to the many political institutions, the city is home to many German and international associations, companies and media centres.

The city's greatest natural resource is knowledge. Berlin is home to a research community that is unique in Germany. This "laboratory of ideas" brings together scientists from all over the world to develop the technologies, processes and products of the future. Berlin has three universities, seven technical colleges, four art colleges and more than 60 non-university research institutes. These include the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), the Max Planck Institutes and the Fraunhofer Institutes. More than 190,000 young people study in Berlin, and 50,000 men and women work in science and research in the city. Berlin is an important centre of European culture, politics, media and science. Its economy is based primarily on the service sector and includes a wide range of creative industries, media companies, environmental services and conference centres. It is also a continental hub for air and rail transport. Berlin is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU. Other industries include traffic engineering, optoelectronics, information technology, vehicle manufacturing, healthcare, biomedical engineering and biotechnology. Berlin is also Germany's start-up centre.

Home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and famous personalities, Berlin's urban landscape and historical heritage have made it a popular location for international film productions. The city is renowned for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary art and high quality of life. Berlin has become a global hub for young people and artists attracted by its progressive urban lifestyle.