Table of Contents
Master's degree 2
Automotive Engineering (MSc) • RWTH Aachen University • Aachen 2
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Master's degree
Automotive Engineering (MSc)
RWTH Aachen University • Aachen
Overview
Degree Master of Science in Automotive Engineering
Teaching language
English
Languages The Automotive Engineering (MSc) degree programme is a Master's programme that is fully taught
in English (100%). All compulsory and elective modules are taught in English.
The Master's thesis can be completed in either German or English.
Full-time / part-time
full-time
Programme duration 3 semesters
Beginning Winter semester
Application deadline The following dates apply for starting our programme on 1 October (winter semester) each year:
Non-EU students (Non-EU/EEA citizens):
4 December – 1 March
EU students (EU/EEA citizens) and international exchange students who are already enrolled as
students at RWTH Aachen University:
7 May – 15 July
Tuition fees per semester in None
EUR
Combined Master's degree / No
PhD programme
Joint degree / double degree No
programme
Description/content The English-taught Automotive Engineering (MSc) Master's programme at RWTH Aachen University
is part of the extensive catalogue of Master's degree programmes in Mechanical Engineering. The
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is among the most acclaimed in the world and one of the largest
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in Europe. Automotive Engineering is an essential part of the different institutes and research
entities. With the Institute for Automotive Engineering celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2022,
education and research in this field have a long tradition. Key infrastructure includes automotive
laboratories for chassis and drivetrain components, a dynamic (hexapod-type) driving simulator,
crash test facilities, climate and semi-anechoic chambers and extensive test tracks (incl.
autonomous driving infrastructure). An insight into our extensive facilities, research activities and
industrial projects can be found at www.ika.rwth-aachen.de.
The English-taught Automotive Engineering (MSc) Master's programme was originally introduced in
2000 and attracts a vast number of applicants each year.
In this programme, students are taught the technological basics and in-depth knowledge of the
conception and the development of passenger cars and commercial vehicles as well as the
conception and the development of motorcycles and off-highway vehicles. This comprises
technical vehicle design with regard to market, legislative, and manufacturing requirements.
Course modules cover all major research and development domains such as chassis, body,
drivetrain, safety, driver assistance systems, thermal management, electronics, connected and
automated driving and others. An extensive focus is on autonomous driving. Graduates will be
proficient in relevant technological areas like vehicle dynamics, energy efficiency, acoustics,
mechatronics, structural fatigue, and durability.
The programme provides in-depth knowledge of industrial design approaches and research topics
with regard to real-world vehicle requirements, market developments, and legislative constraints.
The Master's thesis is usually embedded in a real project on state-of-the-art topics with industrial
partners or different partners in publicly-funded projects (e.g. EU funding).
After graduation, students will enjoy a highly regarded Master's degree with a multitude of possible
opportunities to work in research, industry, consultancies or other sectors. The degree qualifies
students to continue towards a German Dr-Ing degree or continue in PhD degree programmes
around the world.
Current information Covid-19 restrictions at RWTH Aachen University have been eased, and courses are back in lecture
halls. A flexible approach will allow for a seamless return to online courses should the pandemic
worsen again.
Many places will still require proof of "3G" status, i.e. vaccinated (some plus booster), tested or
recovered. For more information, please visit https://www.rki.de/EN/Home/homepage_node.html.
Course Details
Course organisation The programme duration is three semesters, and it consists of two semesters of compulsory and
elective courses. Each semester comprises on average 30 CP (credit points).
A 22-week Master's thesis concludes the programme after the third semester.
The courses are taught in English and usually comprise lectures and corresponding exercises as
well as a written or oral examination. Compulsory subjects amount to 38 CP, and elective course of
22 CP are to be taken within the first two semesters. The Master's thesis itself is weighted at 30 CP.
The students are required to earn a total of 90 CP. Students who have been conditionally accepted
into the programme and must acquire additional CP will have to earn more than 90 CP in order to
make up the credits they were missing at the time of admission (maximum 120 CP).
The final grade is the credit-weighted average of all prior modules, excluding enrolment conditions.
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A Diploma supplement will Yes
be issued
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Integrated internships An industrial internship of 20 weeks must be approved prior to the registration of the Master's
thesis. It can be an internship that was already completed before enrolment.
The approval of the internship does not take place upon application to the programme. A reminder
to obtain the approval will appear in the acceptance letter.
Most students will have permission to pursue internship positions in industry in Germany using
their student visa, provided the internship content is in line with the internship guidelines.
The internship guidelines can be found on the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
(http://www.maschinenbau.rwth-aachen.de). If you have questions regarding the contents of
required internships, please contact the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Internship Office:
praktikantenamt@fb4.rwth-aachen.de.
Course-specific, integrated No
German language courses
Course-specific, integrated No
English language courses
Costs / Funding
Tuition fees per semester in None
EUR
Semester contribution There are no tuition fees at RWTH Aachen University, except for RWTH Academy programmes.
However, every student, including international students, must pay a student body and social
contribution fee, which includes the cost of a semester ticket (state-wide public transport excluding
long-distance trains/buses in North Rhine-Westphalia, plus some buses crossing into Belgium and
the Netherlands). The exact amount varies each year. It is currently approx. 300 EUR per semester.
Costs of living The entire cost of studies and life in Aachen, including rent, insurance, living expenses, etc., is on
average at least 1,100 EUR per month or 13,200 EUR per year. Please find more information about
general costs via the following website: http://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bqmo/lidx/1.
Funding opportunities No
within the university
Requirements / Registration
Academic admission The primary requirement for admission to the three-semester Master's programme in Automotive
requirements Engineering (MSc) is a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering or automotive
engineering (minimum seven semesters). The following content is required (amount/contents as
per RWTH module handbooks):
Mechanik / Mechanics
Maschinengestaltung / Machine Design
CAD-Einführung / Introduction to CAD
Thermodynamik / Thermodynamics
Wärme- und Stoffübertragung / Heat and Mass Transfer
Werkstoffkunde / Material Science
Regelungstechnik / Control Engineering
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Strömungsmechanik / Fluid Mechanics
Mathematik / Mathematics
Fahrzeugtechnik - Längsdynamik / Automotive Engineering – Longitudinal Dynamics
Fahrzeugtechnik - Vertikal- und Querdynamik / Automotive Engineering – Vertical and
Lateral Dynamics
Grundlagen Mobiler Antriebe / Mobile Propulsion Fundamentals
Mechatronische Systeme in der Fahrzeugtechnik / Mechatronic Systems in Automotive
Engineering
Industriepraktikum / Industrial internship (20 weeks as per RWTH regulations – internship
can be taken after enrolment until registration of the Master's thesis)
Lacking or not completely meeting these requirements will result in enrolment conditions, i.e.
mandatory subjects required in addition to the formal curriculum to be completed after enrolment
and prior to the registration to the Master's thesis. Certain limitations apply to the maximum
amount of imposed conditions, and exceeding these will mean that we will not accept you into our
programme. Enrolment conditions will not exceed 30 CP (exceptions apply), and it will probably
mean that the realistic duration to complete the programme extends to four semesters (including
Master's thesis). The decision concerning enrolment conditions is taken by the Examination Board
after careful assessment of each individual application.
There is no minimum GPA requirement, but all prospective applicants are advised that the
programme is very demanding, and coursework and exams are unlike any they may have taken
before.
Mandatory requirements for the application:
1. Tabular resume / CV
2. Copy of transcript of records
A transcript of records with all of the completed semesters is key to the selection process. If
your Bachelor's studies have not yet concluded, the last year’s (i.e. last two semesters)
transcript can submitted later prior to enrolment. It is strongly recommended to include an
overview of the subjects you are taking during your final year.
3. Module descriptions / diploma supplement / module catalogue
An official description of the course contents in your Bachelor's programme provides us
with vital information to assess your fitness for our Master's programme. It forms the basis
for potential enrolment conditions. There is no defined format; please simply use the one
provided by your university. If this information is incomplete, we will be unable to properly
assess your proficiency in the relevant fields. It is likely that it would lead to a rejection –
even if you actually fulfil all requirements.
4. Copy of university completion certificate (degree certificate)
5. Proof of English language skills: Copy of language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
6. Only for non-EU students (non-EU/EEA citizens): Copy of GRE test certificate
Minimum test results: Verbal Reasoning 145, Quantitative Reasoning 160, Analytical Writing
3.
Further documentation/proof of proficiency/assessments can be attached as well, but they are not
mandatory for your application like internship certificate, job references, GATE test, motivation
letter, recommendation letter, etc.
Important: All official documents are required in their original language and translated into
German or English. The correctness of the translation must be notarised by the responsible German
diplomatic or consulate representative in your home country (e.g. at a German Embassy) or through
a registered/certified interpreter or translator. You can upload copies of the notarisations. Please
make sure that any notary stamps etc. are clearly visible and legible.
Language requirements The Automotive Engineering (MSc) Master's programme is an international Master's programme
taught in English. German language proficiency is therefore not a requirement. However, knowing
some German is very helpful in daily life in Aachen, and we recommend taking a dedicated
language course if you have no knowledge of German language at all.
The following language tests are accepted as proof of English language skills:
Test of English as Foreign Language/TOEFL, Internet-based test IBT test score: 90
IELTS Test score: 5.5
Cambridge Test – Certificate of Advanced English CAE
First Certificate in English (FCE), grade: B
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A certificate, certifying English skills at the B2 level of the Common European Frame of
Reference for Languages, CEFR –This certificate can be a German "Abitur" certificate, where
it is clear that a student completed English until the end of Qualification Phase 1 – that is
grade 11 for the G8 "Abitur", otherwise grade 12 – and completed the subject with at least
sufficient performance.
Placement test of the RWTH Aachen Language Centre at the B2 level, that is MK 7
Important Information: Applicants who are already enrolled as students at RWTH Aachen
may only obtain and use this language certificate.
Applicants who have completed an educational qualification (secondary or higher level degree) in
the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia are exempt from the requirement to
provide evidence of English language proficiency.
A mere participation in an English-language academic or study programme in one of the countries
listed above (e.g. during an exchange year etc.) does not replace the language test requirement.
Studies in an English-language study programme in a country other than one of the countries
above is not sufficient! Language tests from other universities are not accepted either, nor are
certificates and test results from other tests.
Application deadline The following dates apply for starting our programme on 1 October (winter semester) each year:
Non-EU students (Non-EU/EEA citizens):
4 December – 1 March
EU students (EU/EEA citizens) and international exchange students who are already enrolled as
students at RWTH Aachen University:
7 May – 15 July
Submit application to Applications can only be submitted through the RWTHonline application tool. Do not use any other
means to apply. We strongly advise against using agencies and/or organisations that falsely
promise a higher chance of acceptance.
Services
Possibility of finding part- International students may take up work in the private sector during the semester or in the
time employment semester break for up to four months without having obtained a work permit. Students thus may
work full time for 120 days or part time (up to four hours per day) for 240 days. This regulation is
also stated on the residence permit.
During the semester, students are allowed to take up jobs with working hours of up to 19 hours a
week. During the semester break, students may work full time but only for a maximum of 13
consecutive weeks. To give an example: A student takes up a job at a restaurant. She or he is
scheduled to work for 19 hours per week. According to the regulation stated above, the student is
allowed to work for 48 weeks of the year. The student's employer is advised to register the number
of days that the student has worked in order to avoid difficulties with the Immigration Office.
Student assistants are more flexible with regard to working hours since the aforementioned
regulation does not apply. As a student assistant - the so-called "HiWi" – you are allowed to work
up to 19 hours per week throughout the year. These HiWi positions are very sought-after and
difficult to obtain, especially if placed in very popular institutes.
Please find more information about financial matters and work opportunities on the following
website: http://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bqmp/lidx/1.
Accommodation Unlike in other countries, you are not automatically assigned a place to live when you come to
Germany to study. You must independently look for housing and independently apply for a room in
a dorm.
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RWTH Aachen University does not own or manage any dorms and thus cannot provide nor
guarantee housing. The staff at the International Office can only provide you with information
about providers and give you an overview of different options. Here are a few tips to prepare you
for apartment hunting in Aachen:
1. Begin your search for housing at least three months before you come. Use the numerous
addresses and information on our webpages. When searching for an apartment, you can
apply to both the private apartment market or to the Studierendenwerk dorms.
2. In order to increase your chances of finding a room or an apartment, it is important that you
are flexible about the location and take the outer districts of Aachen and surrounding cities
into consideration. Please note that if you are not a citizen of the EU, the conditions of your
visa may not allow you to live outside of Germany.
3. Reserve a room early on for your first few days or weeks in Aachen – for example, in a hostel
or guesthouse. That way, you can be sure that you have short-term housing and can
continue to look for permanent housing once you are here.
The availability and demand of the housing market often determine whether you find a private
apartment, a shared flat, or a room in a student dorm. Your search can take longer than you expect.
You aren't alone though; almost all new students at RWTH are in the same situation. Start your
search early and don't be shy about asking for help.
Career advisory service A dedicated course advisory service is available to all students. The advisers in charge are
themselves engineers in Automotive Engineering with extensive experience to support any arising
academic and career planning queries.
Specific career advisory support and counselling for female students is provided by a team of
experts at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering as well as across the university.
Specific specialist or non-
Welcome event
specialist support for
Buddy programme
international students and
Visa matters
doctoral candidates
Specialist counselling
Support programmes for Support with many formalities is provided by theInternational Office.
international students
RWTH Aachen University is a diverse university. It offers extensive support in all matters of gender,
diversity and equal opportunities. These include advisory experts and a range of dedicated events
in German and English.
Its LGBTQ+ community is also well organised. Denominational student unions as well as unions and
clubs relating to different national and cultural backgrounds are equally available.
The RWTH sports centre is available to all members of the university and offers a range of activities.
Furthermore, student support in Mechanical Engineering is guaranteed by over 60 distinguished
professors (chairs), 150 adjunct professors/lecturers and over 1,000 full-time engineering
researchers (most with teaching roles).
RWTH Aachen University
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Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika) at RWTH Aachen University, programme coordinator of "Automotive
Engineering (MSc)"
© B. Gnörich / ika / RWTH Aachen University
Thinking the Future
The Excellence Initiative of the German federal and state governments provided a huge boost to the further development of RWTH Aachen
University. The institutional strategy on which the successful Excellence Initiative application was based has, in the meantime, been
expanded to form a long-term strategy to strengthen all the areas of the university and enhance their profiles. In the process, it has gained
great momentum, an example of which can be seen in the extensive building activities.
Visible evidence of this is the RWTH Aachen Campus, which is being developed in close cooperation with industry and which is to form one
of the largest research campuses in Europe. Students and employees of RWTH Aachen will benefit equally from these developments and
are expressly invited to get involved in shaping the individual initiatives.
The many stimulating ideas already have an impact on the whole urban region of Aachen and the entire tri-border area of Germany,
Belgium and the Netherlands. An innovative knowledge community is evolving, which is closely networked with some of the world’s
leading research and industry partners.
RWTH Aachen is a major driving force behind this development. And Aachen, as a liveable and lovable city at the crossroads of three
cultures, provides an ideal environment for this creative process of development.
RWTH Graduates in High Demand
With its 260 institutes in nine faculties, RWTH Aachen is among the leading European scientific and research institutions. Its 45,377 students
in 157 courses of study were registered for the winter semester of 2017/18, including 9,651 international students from 131 countries.
Teaching at RWTH Aachen is first and foremost application-oriented. Its graduates are therefore sought-after as junior executives and
leaders in business and industry.
National rankings (DE) and international assessments attest to the RWTH graduates’ marked ability to handle complex tasks, to solve
problems constructively by using teamwork and to take on leadership roles. It is therefore not surprising that many board members of
German corporate groups studied at RWTH Aachen.
University location
Many new products and processes originate in Aachen. In the research laboratories and testing facilities of RWTH, for example, the first all-
metal aircraft was developed, as was the diesel soot filter. This is where the first wind tunnel stood and the first particle accelerator.
This trend-setting innovative capacity and the practical technology transfer to the economic world have a long history in Aachen, the city of
science. The first German Technology Development Center opened here in 1982. With its business start-ups and the approximately 32,000
jobs that were created as a result, Aachen has become the city with the highest density of university spin-offs and engineering offices in
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Germany.
Science has defined the structural change from a mining area to a technology region and today it is the most important economic factor.
More than 50,000 people study and teach at the four universities and colleges in the Aachen region. Because of the academic expertise here,
Forschungszentrum Jülich and numerous research centres of international corporate groups have been established in and around Aachen,
making the urban region a Silicon Valley at the heart of Europe.
Aachen, known as an “Europastadt” (city of Europe), is Germany’s westernmost major city at whose city borders three nations with three
languages converge. It is the centre of a dynamic, cross-border knowledge region, and it stands for world-class university education in
natural sciences and engineering.
International RWTH students from various countries, along with the close contacts the university has with many registered alumni, give the
scientific centre of Aachen an international atmosphere.
Teaching and research are also reflected in the image of the city. Thanks to the students and their diverse cultural life, the tradition-rich
city of Aachen has a lively and young appearance, particularly in the student quarter of Pontviertel. Its proximity to the Eifel and the
Ardennes as well as to Maastricht and Brussels with their linguistic and cultural distinctiveness give the city that lies in the shadow of
Charlemagne’s palace chapel a particular charm. According to a study by the Prognos consultancy, anyone who has been here once keeps
coming back...
Contact
RWTH Aachen University
Institute for Automotive Engineering (ika)
Dr-Ing Bruno Gnörich
Steinbachstr. 7
52074 Aachen
masterprog@ika.rwth-aachen.de
Course website: https://www.ika.rwth-aachen.de/en/education/students/automotive-engineering-msc.html
https://www.facebook.com/RWTH.ika/
https://twitter.com/ika_RWTH
https://de.linkedin.com/company/institut-f-r-kraftfahrwesen-aachen-ika-
https://www.instagram.com/rwthaachenuniversity/?hl=de
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1JYszBEw9BgHDJ_tSSUfDQ
Last update 20.10.2022 11:58:57
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International Programmes in Germany - Database
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liability for the correctness of the data contained in the "International Programmes in Germany" and “Language and Short Courses in
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