Automotive Production Engineering (MAPE) Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

The programme aims at providing graduates with the skills required to successfully plan, develop and control production systems in the field of the automotive industry. They are familiar with current manufacturing and engineering technologies and able to expand their professional knowledge.
In particular, graduates should be able to work in an international working environment, dealing successfully with intercultural challenges.

The following modules are part of the curriculum:

1. Advanced manufacturing technologies
2. Engineering processes in automotive industry
3. Production and logistics networks
4. Production system and plant development
5. Cost engineering & risk management
6. Automation and equipment technologies
7. Group projects
8. Scientific research seminar
9. Technology development and management
10. Digital technologies in engineering
11. Electives I-II
12. Master's thesis

The knowledge gained in the Master's programme Automotive Production Engineering is supposed to enable the students to take on skilled specialist and managerial responsibilities in the areas of production planning, plant engineering, and production in the automotive sector (car manufacturers, suppliers, factory outfitters/plant/equipment manufacturers) and make it possible for them to participate in complex projects or to manage such projects.

The standard period of study for the Master's programme amounts to three theoretical semesters, whereby the third semester is used primarily for the completion of the Master's thesis. The programme is offered as a full-time course. Within the range of subjects, students are conveyed an in-depth and detailed theoretical, technical and practical understanding of production systems in the automotive sector. This understanding goes beyond the strategic, planning and operative development processes of these systems with regard to product development.

In the first semester, knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of technology development and innovation management, engineering processes, production and logistics networks, scientific research seminar, advanced manufacturing technologies, and cost engineering and risk management in the automotive industry are conveyed.
The second semester includes the following compulsory modules: production system and plant design, automation and equipment technologies and digital technologies in engineering. In the group project, students practice working on a bigger task as part of a project team and are given the opportunity to try out all project stages.

Additionally, two individual electives (e.g. design, AI, negotiation, entrepreneurship,...) can be selected either in the first or second semester.

The Master's programme concludes with the Master's thesis in the third and last semester. The thesis is complemented by seminars.

There are practical elements in all modules, stressing the application-oriented profile of this Master's programme, e.g. by providing project and thesis topics set by partner companies (especially for the dual programme). Courses provide also practice in university labs, company and fair visits, etc.

Language and culture courses are offered throughout while the university is in session. German students have the opportunity to learn another foreign language.

In the course of the dual study programme, students are advised to do their internships at their respective company during their semester breaks with the option of complementing their practical experience with an entire semester before their Master's theses. The companies are responsible for organising and devising the internship, but they are advised to refer to the curriculum of this programme.

The Master's degree programme offers the opportunity to do an optional internship semester after the two theoretical semesters and before the Master's thesis semester. The students have to find an appropriate internship by themselves. The Career Service offers courses for application training and will assist the students. It is common and recommended to write the Master's thesis within a company as an alternative to write it within the university.
Students of the dual Master's degree programme will complete two internships over semesters one, two and three, adding up to three months. Their Master's thesis is to be written within the company.

Positions for taking part in the dual Master's degree programme are provided independently from the university only by companies – students have to arrange such contracts with a company on their own before the start of the Master's course. Suitable companies can be located in Germany or the students' home countries – students should search for dual programmes on the companies' websites. It is advisable to apply at the students' home location to companies that have their headquarters or other sites in Germany.

Bachelor's degree in production engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, planning or technology, mechatronics, automation technology or equivalent with at least 210 ECTS credits or equivalent degree requirements (a minimum of seven semester at a German university with a workload of 25-30 hours per ECTS).
Also specific experiences in production related topics are required and checked in an aptitude test on the basis of documents provided by the applicant (NO interview). Production experiences can be collected within suitable internships, professional jobs, a Bachelor's thesis and other project work.
Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from a country other than Germany will have to send their documents to uni-assist for preliminary inspection documentation prior to their application at THI. Please allow several weeks for this process.

The Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt can only make a legally binding decision about your eligibility for your desired study programme after reviewing the documents you submit with your application. We can’t provide a definitive assessment or evaluate your chances of acceptance until we have your full application, including your educational history.

Furthermore, it is possible to find out if you’re qualified to study in Germany before applying. Detailed information is available at the following link: www.uni-assist.de/en/tools/check-university-admission.

Additionally, you can find out about the qualification requirements via the study and examination regulations (=Studien- und Prüfungsordnung = SPO). Find these on the following page under the respective statutes: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/university-management/legal-department/.

Thank you for your understanding. You are very welcome to apply, and we will check your application documents.

All students will have to pay a student union fee of 82 EUR per semester.

In addition to tuition fees, students face the following fixed monthly living costs:

- Health insurance: approx. 150 EUR

- Liability insurance: approx. 10 EUR

- Accommodation: approx. 500 to 650 EUR

- Internet and mobile phone: approx. 25 EUR

- Food: approx. 200 to 300 EUR

- German TV/radio fee: approx. 19 EUR

- Public transport (Deutschlandticket 2026): approx. 43 EUR

Beyond these fixed costs, additional expenses will vary depending on individual needs, such as travel to visit family or participation in leisure activities. 

Additionally, don’t forget potential unforeseen costs, such as the need for a new laptop or mobile phone, etc.

Usually, non-EU students are required to provide proof of sufficient financial means with a blocked account for visa purposes. It should contain approx. 992 EUR per month for up to 12 months.

Whether you can work alongside your studies depends on several factors. At the beginning, it is advisable to focus on your studies and adjust to a new academic and cultural environment. Studying abroad can be challenging due to different learning cultures and the need to catch up on course content.

International students are required to take part in a programme preparing them for the German labour market.

A good command of German at least B2 level is essential for employment opportunities. Students are therefore encouraged to invest time in learning German.

After the first year, students may consider taking on a part-time job. Specialist skills are required to work as a student trainee.

Furthermore, non-EU citizens only have a limited work permit in Germany (see Study and work).

There are different scholarship opportunities for enrolled students in Germany. However, it is very important to understand that scholarships are highly competitive, limited in number, and never guaranteed. Students must ensure they can finance their studies independently and should not rely on receiving a scholarship. Most programmes focus on excellent academic performance, personal engagement, or specific qualifications; financial need is often not the main criterion. Some national scholarships also require German language skills (often B2 level).

THI offers its own scholarship opportunities for international students once a year, announced through the university’s communication channels. Deutschlandstipendium, for example, supports high-performing, committed students regardless of their financial situation.

Also, there are several major national foundations with extensive selection processes for which the university provides guidance and support.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt provides a comprehensive range of counselling and career services, including workshops designed to prepare students for the German labour market. These cover key topics such as application training, CV writing and interview skills.

After graduation, our graduates stay connected with the university and their study group through the Alumni Network.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.thi.de/en/university/university-profile/organisation/career-service-student-counselling

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt does not run any student residence halls / dorms. You will have to start looking for accommodation on your own as soon as possible. At least 500 EUR per month should be budgeted for accommodation.

Here are some facts about finding accommodation in Ingolstadt or Neuburg.

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) is an institution that specialises in business and technology and is characterised by innovative study concepts and modern facilities. We are currently training over 8,500 students in more than 75 study programmes in engineering, computer science, business, life sciences and sustainability.
Our students will graduate as sought-after specialists and managers. An extremely dynamic and successful region with a distinctly strong economic structure provides for excellent framework conditions. The relatively small student body guarantees individual guidance, a familial atmosphere, and close cooperation between students and professors.
One of the core features of studying at our university is its orientation towards practical application. Internships and projects, as well as continuous cooperation with regional companies, are fundamental components of every study programme.
The Ingolstadt campus was completed in 1999, and a new tract of buildings opened in 2014. In 2021, the Neuburg campus opened its doors with its Faculty of Sustainable Infrastructure. Modern equipment and facilities create an atmosphere that adds to students' success and enjoyment. Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt is proud of its commitment to offer the highest possible level of quality in research and education. It is possible to explore Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt by visiting the interactive 360° THI campus tour.

The campus is only a short walk from Ingolstadt's appealing old city. The view from the lecture halls is of a castle and other medieval buildings. Ingolstadt lies in the centre of Bavaria, one of the most prosperous German federal states, and it is only an hour by car from the metropolitan areas of Munich and Nuremberg. The opportunities to take part in leisure activities in the area – which is close to the Alps as well as to the beautiful Altmühl valley – are unlimited. With the headquarters of Audi (the international automotive company) and a large number of innovative corporations in the city, Ingolstadt is proud to be one of the strongest economic regions in Germany. Opportunities to participate in sports activities are provided by the university as well as by various amateur and competitive sports clubs. Bavarian charm and the Bavarian way of life – including summer evenings in beer gardens and the diverse cultural events on offer – make daily life in Ingolstadt particularly attractive for students.