Master Mechatronics & Robotics (M.Eng.)
Mechatronics and robotics are two important key technologies for the upcoming digital revolution in economy and society. They are the basic components of Industry 4.0 and thus play a decisive role in determining the manufacturing and production processes of the digital future.
The Mechatronics & Robotics Master's programme is a modern, modularised, English-taught full time programme with a high proportion of practical engineering training. The courses offered are being offered jointly by the two Faculties of Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences. This cooperation makes it possible to offer students outstanding interdisciplinary learning and study conditions in excellently and modernly equipped laboratories with latest technologies. Students study together in the first two semesters, but are assigned to one of the two specialization subjects electrical or mechanical engineering. The subject assignment takes place at the beginning of the course and should be oriented towards the respective Bachelor's degree and the individual interest of the applicant.
Study Objectives
Students are taught technical and scientific engineering skills and abilities for the holistic development and manufacture of mechatronic products. In particular, the development methodology, for which German engineering is world-famous, is taught both theoretically and practically in special learning units. Special emphasis is placed on the handling of engineering simulation and software tools as well as on the latest rapid manufacturing technologies. The acquired knowledge and skills enable the graduates to take on responsible work in all areas of a modern business enterprise, including research. This also includes the ability to complete a doctorate in engineering at a later date.
Overview
| Type | Full time |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 semester |
| Teaching language: | English |
| Graduation | Master of Engineering |
| ECTS | 90 |
| Enrollment | Winter term |
| Application period | 1st of Febuary – 15th of April |
The Master's program in Mechatronics & Robotics comprises three semesters of full-time study, with the first two held in person. Enrollment takes place annually for the winter semester. During the first two semesters, students complete six courses, each worth 5 ECTS credits (totaling 30 credits per semester). All modules conclude with an end-of-semester examination. The modules are assigned to three subject areas: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and practical engineering work. The mechatronics workshop in the second semester is a particular highlight. The third semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis. The thesis may be completed as part of a practice-oriented project within a company; in this case, students are responsible for selecting the topic and establishing contact with the company. Alternatively, the thesis topic may be assigned by the academic departments.
However, supervision is provided by a professor from the relevant department, in accordance with the student's chosen specialization. The program concludes with a colloquium (oral defense).
Here you can have a virtual tour through some of our laboratories. You can navigate through the labs by using the arrow buttons or by touching the circles on your screen.
We are seeking students with a background in engineering and a strong interest in a specialization in mechatronics and robotics. Our admission requirements are defined in § 5 of the approved study regulation document and contain:
- Applicants need to have a university degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or similar granted for a seven-semester (Bachelor) programme at a recognised university in full time (with an overall workload equivalent to at least 210 ECTS).
- Your (Bachelor) degree needs to be granted with a final grade equal to or better than 2.0 on the German grading scale (grade will be converted by SUAS).
- Your (Bachelor) degree needs to contain a certain minimum workload in the following selected fields, depending on the specialisation to be selected by the applicant:
- All applicants: Higher Mathematics (at least 2 semester modules)
- Applicants seeking to specialise in Mechanical Engineering: Machine Construction and CAD (at least 3 semester modules)
- Applicants seeking to specialise in Electrical Engineering: Circuit Design and Programming (at least 3 semester modules)
- Proof of English language ability: TOEFL IBT 80 or better, or IELTS 6.5 or better. Medium of instruction during undergraduate studies is not sufficient for admission. English native speakers are exempt from this.
Please apply through the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM. To apply you'll need the following documents:
- An officially notarized Copy of your University Degree(s) including Transcript and certified Translation into English or German
- A Proof of Level of English Language
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A Copy of the University Entrance Qualification (highest School Leaving Certificate)
- A Copy of your Birth Certificate or of your Passport
Please note that applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam and China must also enclose a valid APS certificate with their application. Be sure to apply for your APS certificate in your home country in good time.
As an international student, you need a visa and proof of sufficient funds. The visa process can take several months, so we recommend applying for a visa in good time. You can usually make an appointment to apply for a visa before you receive your admission letter. But you will definitely need your admission letter at the appointment. Learn about the specific documents required for your visa application, the required level of financial proof, and the available funding options for your studies in Germany.
Please find more information about Student Visa Germany and Blocked Account.
Career prospects
Career Paths after Graduation
A Master's degree in Mechatronics and Robotics at Hochschule Schmalkalden provides the foundation for a successful career in advanced engineering, research and development (R&D), and strategic leadership positions within the automation industry. Depending on the chosen specializations and elective courses, a wide range of advanced professional fields are open to you. Typical positions for our Master's graduates include:
| Field of Expertise | Typical Job Titles |
|---|---|
| Advanced Robotics & Autonomous Systems | Robotics Architect • Machine Learning Engineer (Robotics) • Autonomous Systems Expert |
| Control Systems & Automation | Lead Automation Engineer • Advanced Control Systems Engineer • SCADA Systems Architect |
| Research, Development & Innovation | Mechatronics R&D Engineer • Technical Innovation Manager • Principal Systems Engineer |
| Technical Management & Leadership | Technical Project Manager • Engineering Team Lead • Director of Automation |
Industries and Top Employers (Selection)
Our alumni data from LinkedIn shows that graduates are exceptionally well-qualified to design complex intelligent systems and lead interdisciplinary engineering teams – joining top-tier automation firms, high-tech research centers, and global automotive leaders.
- Robotics, Automation & Smart Factory: KUKA, ABB, Fanuc, Siemens, Festo, as well as highly specialized automated machinery manufacturers.
- Automotive, Aerospace & E-Mobility: Bosch (Eisenach), Brose Fahrzeugteile, Continental, Opel (Eisenach), Lufthansa Technik, and international tier-1 system suppliers.
- High-Tech, Photonics & Sensor Technology: Carl Zeiss (Jena), Jenoptik (Jena), TE Connectivity (Wutha-Farnroda), and research-driven technology corporations.
- Research Institutes & Engineering Consultancies: Fraunhofer Institutes (e.g., in Thuringia), German Aerospace Center (DLR), and advanced technical consulting firms.