Mobility Systems Engineering & Management (MSc, Executive) at HECTOR School Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

The Master's programme is a part-time study programme offered at HECTOR School, the Technology Business School of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). It is specially designed for engineering professionals with approximately three years of work experience.

Internationalisation and mobility are key factors of the Master's programme, as the automotive sector operates internationally. Therefore, part of the programme is an exchange module with ESADE, a globally renowned business school in Barcelona, Spain.

The academic calendar for the programme starts annually in October. It consists of 10 intensive modules, each with a duration of 10 days. The Master's programme concludes with a Master's thesis and a Master of Science degree awarded by KIT.

Preparatory Courses:

For applicants who hold an academic degree outside of the required fields but have several years of relevant professional experience, we offer a preparatory course. The exact dates are available upon request.

Engineering Modules (EM)*:

EM 1: Processes, Methods, and Tools of Systems Engineering

• Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
• Modelling and Simulation
• Process Models and Associated Assessments
• Case Study in Embedded Systems Development
• Big Data Management
• Introduction Concept Study

EM 2: Systems Design

• Control Systems Development
• Embedded Systems Computer Architecture
• Electronic Systems Synthesis incl. Case Study
• Future Vehicle Concept Study

EM 5: Systems Integration and Validation

• Quality Assurance
• Testing Automotive Systems
• Case Study in Testing Automotive Systems
• Model-Based Systems Engineering & Data-Driven Development for Automotive Systems

Specialisation in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems):
EM 3: Functions of ADAS

• Driver Assistance Systems & Auto Control Systems
• Driveability
• Traffic Engineering & Control
• Car-to-X Communication

EM 4: Components and Technology of ADAS

• Automotive EMC Technology
• Automotive Lighting
• Mobile Perception Systems
• IT Safety & Security
• Hands-On Training: Platooning

Specialisation in E-Mobility:
EM 3: Political and Technical Framework

• Requirements, Solutions and Challenges of E-Mobility
• Case Study
• CO2 Balances: Well to Wheel
• Transportation Markets & Policy
• Energy Distribution & Management, Noise, Vibration and Harshness for E-Mobility

EM 4: Components and Technology

• Electric Drive Trains
• Power Electronics
• Energy Conversion
• Energy Output
• Energy Storage: Batteries & Fuel Cell / H2 Storage

Management Modules (MM)*:

MM 1: Marketing & Information

MM 2: Finance & Value

MM 3: Decisions & Risk

MM 4: Innovation & Projects

MM 5: Strategy & People

*may be subject to change

University qualification:
First academic degree: Bachelor's, Master's, German "Diplom", etc. (university, university of applied sciences, cooperative state university) in a relevant subject, such as engineering, natural sciences, information science or economics. Other degrees may be accepted in exceptional cases.

Professional experience:
Depending on the level of the first degree (210 or 180 ECTS points)

• A minimum of one or two years of practical experience in the specific field of the course is required.
• Three years of work experience are recommended.
• References are required as evidence.

For further details, please see: HECTOR School – Admission Requirements.

Approx. 150 EUR per semester

Approx. 1,000 EUR per month

Tips on finding a job and how to apply in Germany are available. Find more information on the services webpage: HECTOR School – Services.

The HECTOR School is integrated in the campus of the International Department of the KIT with its own campus accommodation, which is available to all students of the International Department upon request.

For further information, see the website: HECTOR School – Accommodation.

Being “The Research University in the Helmholtz Association”, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for society and the environment. Its objective is to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. To this end, KIT employees cooperate across a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its students for responsible roles in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programmes. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the eleven German universities of excellence.

As the only German university of excellence with a national large-scale research sector, KIT offers excellent study conditions. Nowhere else are the opportunities to become directly involved in research better. The spirit of KIT, one of the biggest scientific institutions in Europe, where long university tradition is combined with programme-oriented cutting-edge research, is that all researchers get involved in teaching and that all students participate in thrilling research projects at an early stage of their studies. Graduates of KIT are among the most sought-after young talents. KIT understands the application of scientific findings as a basic principle. According to the QS Graduate Employability Ranking 2022, KIT is the best university in Germany, the tenth-best in Europe, and in the top 46 worldwide. The ranking focuses on the preparation of university graduates for the labour market.

The large KIT campus is located in the city centre of Karlsruhe, and it borders the Hardtwald Forest, a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll. The proximity to Alsace and the mild climate of the Rhine River give the Baden metropolis an almost Mediterranean flair in the summer.

Founded in 1715, Karlsruhe is the second-largest city in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. It is also known as the "Residence of Justice", being the seat of Germany's two supreme courts (the Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Supreme Court).

Karlsruhe is located in south-western Germany, and it has about 300,000 residents. Its central location within Europe offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and connectivity. Situated at the crossroads of major transportation networks, students have easy access to neighbouring cities like Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg as well as popular European destinations such as Paris and Zurich. This accessibility opens doors to potential career opportunities and internships within multinational companies and research institutions.

Moreover, Karlsruhe's cultural scene is as diverse as it is enriching. Home to world-class museums, theatres, and galleries, the city offers a plethora of cultural experiences to suit every taste. From the iconic Karlsruhe Palace and the State Art Gallery to the avant-garde ZKM Center for Art and Media, students can immerse themselves in history, art, and innovation. The city's vibrant music and theatre scene ensures a wealth of performances and events to enjoy.

The local economy is based on a well-developed structure of medium-sized businesses, particularly in forward-reaching technologies such as computer science, multimedia, control systems, energy technology, and environmental science as well as nanotechnology. Several major companies, among them Bosch, Siemens, Daimler AG, and Michelin, have production facilities in the region. Major research and development institutions (e.g. Fraunhofer Institute, Intel research campus) are part of the reason why the innovative potential of this city and region is well known worldwide.