Engineering Cybernetics MSc University of Stuttgart

Cybernetics in a Nutshell: Autonomy, Robotics and More

How do you land a rocket? What does it take to make a robot move like a human?

The Master’s programme in Engineering Cybernetics at the University of Stuttgart equips students to master complex dynamic systems through advanced control, modelling, and optimisation techniques. It bridges theory and application, preparing graduates to innovate in autonomous systems, robotics, and cutting-edge engineering systems.

Cybernetics comes from the Greek word κυβερνήτης for “helmsman”. It was coined by Norbert Wiener to describe a new discipline dedicated to the study of fundamental feedback mechanisms enabling complex behaviours in “the animal and the machine”. Since then, it has been used to denote the study of control, communication and computation problems that underpin today’s autonomous and intelligent technologies.

This study programme develops extensive and broad knowledge through methodologically oriented courses in the core areas of control, system dynamics, and modelling.

A distinguishing feature is the strong emphasis on foundational courses in these areas through in-depth use of mathematical tools. This is complemented by a large choice of specialised courses relevant to the field of autonomy, such as, for example, robotics, biomedical technologies, and transport systems.

Upon completion, you will be competent in the task of abstracting complex problems arising in traditional and modern engineering applications (aerospace, mechanics, and energy systems, just to name a few) and use these abstractions to solve control analysis and design problems using a variety of methods grounded in systems theory, dynamical systems, modelling, simulation, optimisation, and computational methods.

The Engineering Cybernetics Master’s programme comprises four semesters (120 ECTS), which must be completed in accordance with the examination regulations. The programme is divided into several blocks, many of which offer a wide range of options.

Fundamentals: These modules build the theoretical foundation for understanding complex system dynamics and core control concepts, preparing you to develop expertise in advanced control techniques and specialised fields.

Advanced Control and System Analysis: To deepen your knowledge in the core areas of engineering cybernetics, these modules focus on advanced methods for handling non-linear and uncertain systems, as well as optimal control strategies. You will also strengthen your understanding of complex systems and develop your skills in modelling and analysing their behaviour.

Area of Specialisation and Elective: Within the specialisation areas, you can either deepen your methodological expertise or focus on a specific application field of engineering cybernetics. One major and one minor specialisation are selected from a wide range of options, allowing for individual academic focus. In addition, an elective module offers the opportunity to broaden your perspective by exploring subjects from other areas of engineering as well.

Practical study components: To address the necessary and important development of key competencies, two projects have been integrated into the curriculum. In these projects, you work in small groups to solve a practice-oriented task within a set time frame. The focus is not only on applying the theoretical skills acquired but also on developing a structured approach, as well as planning and task distribution within a team. The practical relevance of the subject and the methods learned is further strengthened through a mandatory industrial internship. 

Master's thesis: You will complete your studies with a Master's thesis. This will be closely supervised by the staff of the institute you choose for this purpose.

An industrial internship of a total of at least 12 weeks and a maximum of six months is a compulsory part of the Master's degree in Engineering Cybernetics.

Bachelor of Science in a related field with focus on mathematics, modelling, and systems and control

Approx. 200 EUR per semester

Living expenses amount to about 1,050 EUR per month. Non-EU students will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient finances to cover living expenses for 12 months. EU citizens may apply for state-guaranteed loans during the time of enrolment. 

For more information, see the links on our website.

Please be aware that it may be very challenging to finance your whole studies by working. Non-EU citizens are allowed by law to work for a maximum of 120 days per year. Only students who are employed by the university in one of the institutes or departments ("Studentische/Wissenschaftliche Hilfskräfte") are exempt from this regulation, but other restrictions apply.

For more detailed information, please consult our websites:

• International Students: Financing Your Studies
• Working During Your Studies

Please check our website for financial aid and scholarships:

• https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/study/new-in-stuttgart/finances/international/

• Internships, mentoring and getting on the career ladder 

• Counselling for students | For students | University of Stuttgart (uni-stuttgart.de)

Are more answers needed? Then don't hesitate to get in contact with the incoming service of our International Office by writing an e-mail to:

• incoming@uni-stuttgart.de

Both the campus in Stuttgart-Vaihingen and the campus in the centre of Stuttgart have on-site halls of residence. Dorm rooms (ranging from 320 EUR to 650 EUR per month) are furnished. Some are equipped with a sink, and all have access to a kitchen and sanitary facilities, telephone and Internet. From the campus in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, the city of Stuttgart can be reached by suburban railway within ten minutes.

Intelligent systems to benefit society

The University of Stuttgart is one of the leading technically oriented universities in Germany with global significance. It sees itself as a centre of university-based, non-university, and industrial research. Furthermore, it takes on a role as a guarantor of research-based teaching, focused on quality and holism. The university promotes the transfer of knowledge and technologies to society in all its areas of expertise and competence. The "Stuttgarter Weg" (Stuttgart Way) means an interdisciplinary integration of engineering, natural sciences, humanities, management, economics and social sciences based on the fundamentals of cutting-edge research at a disciplinary level. Our vision is “intelligent systems to benefit society”.

Excellent research and teaching

The University of Stuttgart implements innovative concepts in research and teaching in order to provide knowledge and strategies for a meaningful and sustainable development. It focuses on basic research that is both knowledge-oriented and application-related. To facilitate this research, the university is actively part of regional, national and international research networks.

The university is committed to the principle of unity between research and teaching. Students acquire knowledge, expertise and the power of judgement, in accordance with the guidelines of scientific research and awareness. The university fosters fascination for the sciences, supporting its students and junior researchers at all stages of their careers. It promotes independent thinking and provides an environment for responsible action. In doing so, it educates individuals into becoming exceptional experts who think in an integrative and global manner and act responsibly in the sciences, economics and society.

A powerful region

Founded in 1829, at the beginning of the Industrial Age, the University of Stuttgart continues to prepare the way for innovation within an economically and scientifically powerful region and contributes to the economic success and prosperity of our society. This process combines the requirements of a social and cultural change, which allows for an early and extensive input of social interests in research and design as well as teaching and further education.

Open-mindedness

The University of Stuttgart stands for open-mindedness, individuality and community spirit. It brings together students who are eager to learn, highly motivated employees, outstanding teachers, and excellent researchers, as well as visionary thinkers and inventors. By means of its culture of integration, the university creates and conveys knowledge for shaping the future of our society.

The University of Stuttgart is nestled in one of Europe’s most vibrant industrial regions. This fosters many forms of interdisciplinary collaboration — for instance, in numerous Collaborative Research Centres (also known as CRC or sometimes CRC/TRR) and in application-oriented research assignments. The University of Stuttgart sets up a close relationship and a successful transfer of knowledge and technology between its research institutions and business enterprises in the region and beyond. This very practical orientation benefits research and teaching. At the same time, economic players profit from rapid access to new scientific knowledge and contact to experts in their specialised fields. There are numerous possibilities of collaboration for businesses. Furthermore, the university also maintains a close relationship with non-university research institutions such as the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society, the German Aerospace Centre, and the German Literature Archive Marbach. Thus, the optimal prerequisites for cutting-edge research at the highest level are all to be found in Stuttgart.