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.
The following dates apply for starting our programme on 1 October (winter semester) each year:
Non-EU students (non-EU/EEA citizens):
1 December to 1 March
EU students (EU/EEA citizens) and international exchange students who are already enrolled as students at RWTH Aachen University:
1 May to 15 July
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 in Europe. Automotive Engineering is an essential part of the different institutes and research entities. With the Institute for Automotive Engineering celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2027, 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 (e.g. agricultural vehicles and bots). 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.
Students have the option to join excursions and technical visits that take place each year in the excursion week in May/June following Whitsun. Some elective courses are held by lecturers from industry and also feature dedicated visits to automotive companies.
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.
The student advisory service of the programme (masterprog@ika.rwth-aachen.de) offers dedicated individual support for students and applicants from countries/regions of conflict and/or crisis. All communication remains confidential.