Hybrid Electric Propulsion Technology Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

The international MSc Master's degree programme in Hybrid Electric Propulsion Technology teaches the scientific approaches and techniques that enable graduates to develop technologies aimed at significantly reducing emissions in aviation and other mobility sectors. The degree programme is committed to the goal of internationality and interdisciplinarity.

As part of the programme, students are taught state-of-the-art knowledge about hybrid drive systems in order to prepare them for the expanding industries in the field of next-generation drive technology. In terms of content, the programme focuses on the two main areas of engine technology and electric drive technology as well as interdisciplinary study components that meet the requirements for employment in companies or scientific institutions in both fields.

In the degree programme, students acquire in-depth theoretical and practical engineering knowledge and skills in the fields of aircraft propulsion, electric propulsion technology, aerothermodynamics, combustion science, structural mechanics, design, production and approval procedures as well as life cycle analysis and control engineering. This enables students to work independently and in an interdisciplinary manner on tasks and problem solutions as well as to evaluate work results and processes, including the development of alternative courses of action and interactions with related subject areas.

Graduates of the programme will be able to work in different fields related to sustainable mobility worldwide such as academic and industrial research and development, design and manufacturing industries as well as planning and policy-making organisations.

The MSc Master's degree programme in Hybrid Electric Propulsion Technology offers extensive freedom of choice with recommendations for suitable module combinations to achieve a subject specialisation.

The programme consists of the following:

• compulsory elective modules from the area of subject specialisation (36 CP)
• compulsory elective modules from the area of subject-specific studies from either the major field of engine technology or the major field of electric drive technology (42 CP)
• a study project of the student's own choice (6 CP)
• interdisciplinary studies (6 CP)
• a compulsory internship (12 CP)
• the Master's thesis (18 CP)

If 42 CP from one major field have been completed and passed, this major field will be shown on the Certificate of Completion. A cross-major field selection of modules is possible, but only the major field that has been passed will be listed as such on the Certificate of Completion.

The range of elective modules can be adjusted on a semester-by-semester basis if required, provided that the standard period of study is adhered to.

A compulsory internship of at least eight weeks must be completed as part of the degree programme.

Mobility windows for completing a period of study abroad are available either after the first or after the third semester, depending on the progress of studies and the adherence to the standard curriculum. Students are advised to make use of individual subject-specific study advice on how to organise their stay abroad.

Each student chooses a mentor during their studies. Eligible mentors are assigned to each year group from among the teaching staff. A change of mentor should only take place in justified cases. Within the first three weeks of the first semester, each student draws up a binding individual study plan for their intended further course of study. The study plan and any changes during the course of study must be discussed with the mentor and confirmed by the mentor. The confirmed study plan must then be filed with the Registrar's Office by the end of the first semester at the latest.

A compulsory internship of at least eight weeks must be completed as part of the degree programme. It can also be completed abroad.

Academic admission requirements

• Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree in engineering that grants access to a Master's degree programme in Germany and that is subject-specifically relevant for admission to the Hybrid Electric Propulsion Technology Master's degree programme – preferably in the fields of mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, energy engineering and in related courses of study. With their application, applicants should submit their thesis or comparable publication in English language and have excellent in-depth knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, engineering design, electrical machines and electrical drives, control engineering, physics and thermodynamics.
• Information on the recognition of European and international higher educational qualifications can be found on anabin, which is the database of the German authorities.

Proof of English language skills

• Read more in the information sheet Language Certificate English.
• For applicants from Germany: Generally, the "Abitur" certificate is adequate proof of sufficient English language skills.

Apart from a few degree programmes, education offered at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is without tuition fees. However, the university does charge a semester fee each semester (currently: winter semester 2026/27: 391.80 EUR). This covers costs for student services organisation, the Student Council as well as the semester ticket.

Studies abroad often have different types of expenses from the ones you know from your home country. You are responsible for covering your own living expenses. Accommodation and other essential living expenses will amount to around 780 to 1,000 EUR per month. Of course, this amount depends entirely on individual lifestyle. The following list gives you an idea of some fixed and variable costs that you should take into account for your stay in Germany.

Monthly costs:

• rent (including utilities): 250 to 450 EUR
• groceries: approx. 160 to 180 EUR
• health insurance, medical fees, medication: approx. 145 EUR
• miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 170 to 220 EUR

Total: 780 to 1,000 EUR

The so-called "Deutschlandticket" included in the semester ticket allows you to travel using all local public means of transportation throughout Germany.

There are job opportunities both in town and on campus. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is high, it is not always easy to find a part-time job and you will need at least basic German skills for many of the available jobs. Students from non-European countries are allowed to work either 120 whole days or 240 half days annually. The 120-day rule is not affected by mandatory internships or student assistance jobs at university. Students from EU member countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can work without restrictions during their studies in Germany.

Studying at BTU is mostly free of (tuition) fees. Because of this, there are only limited scholarship opportunities for international students. The International Relations Office is nonetheless pleased to be able to award a limited number of scholarships to international students already enrolled at BTU. You can find more information on BTU scholarship opportunities on our websites.

The BTU Career Center offers extensive support to international students and graduates, ensuring that students experience a smooth transition into the job market. We help students on their journey to a successful career path by offering seminars, workshops and career advisory services to ensure that students succeed in their job application processes and land great positions.

Our offers include:

• BTU Job Market: online job board for students
• BTU Campus-X-Change and BTU Matching Day: annual job fair and online recruiting event to connect students with employers
• FIT@BTU: a DAAD-funded project that helps students make the transition to a successful career
• Start up your Career in Brandenburg: a project co-financed by the EU and Brandenburg, with the aim of preparing international students for the Brandenburg job market

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is a university with three locations where numerous student dormitories are provided. Students can choose between different room types. The room capacities in our dormitories are limited, thus we recommend to apply as early as you receive your admission letter for an apartment in the dormitories.

In Germany, it is also very common for students to live alone or with friends. If three or more people share an apartment together, this is called a "WG" in German ("Wohngemeinschaft", which means a shared flat). A comprehensive list on student accommodation and housing options at BTU's three locations can be found on our websites, as well as a video about how students live in both Cottbus and Senftenberg.

Located on three campuses and with over 70 study programmes, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg offers a broad spectrum of market-oriented programmes as well as traditional degree programmes.

From the natural sciences and engineering to economics, cultural studies, and even health sciences, BTU offers a wide range of courses. Our 21 study programmes taught exclusively in English are very popular among both German and international students from all over the world.

BTU is partnered with over 220 universities throughout the world, which provides students with a multitude of excellent opportunities to spend part of their time studying or conducting research abroad. Furthermore, in cooperation with our international partner universities, BTU offers a wide range of double degree and joint degree programmes.

Cottbus is located in the northeast of Germany, between the country’s capital, Berlin (100 km), and Dresden (120 km). With a population of approx. 100,000 inhabitants, Cottbus is the second largest city after Potsdam in the federal state of Brandenburg. The Polish border is only approx. 30 km away. The location of Cottbus offers a convenient starting point for trips into the picturesque region of Lower Lusatia. The landscape of Lower Lusatia is characterised by the Spreewald with its small canals and waterways as well as by the Slavonic minority called Sorbs or Wends. Their language, similar to Polish, is still used and spoken in Lower Lusatia. For this reason, many of the road signs and informational boards in Cottbus and the surrounding region are written in both Sorbian and German. 

Cottbus gained importance as a trade centre in the 12th century. Parts of the original city wall from the 14th century as well as the beautiful townhouses around the old market square are proof of the city’s early splendour. Additionally, the city is characterised by buildings from the "Wilhelminian" times of rapid industrial growth in Germany, which occurred towards the end of the 19th century. The city that first rose to prominence with its cloth and linen weaving industry soon evolved into a growing centre of brown coal mining. Today, Cottbus is in the midst of a structural transformation. BTU supports this development with its engagement in the Lausitz Science Park megaproject, which aims to build an appealing innovation landscape.

Senftenberg is the centre of the Lusatia Lake District. Former excavation and mining pits have been flooded in order to create the largest artificial lake system in Europe, with a total of 23 large lakes. The water sports area "Senftenberger See", with its water surface of 1,300 hectares, offers exceptional sailing and surfing opportunities, and it is suitable for all kinds of water sports. Senftenberg has thus become a tourist attraction within the region.