Digital Engineering

Digital Engineering at the University of Magdeburg is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary master's program designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop, analyze, and implement innovative digital solutions across various engineering disciplines. The program focuses on the integration of digital technologies such as data analytics, automation, cyber-physical systems, and artificial intelligence into traditional engineering fields, fostering the development of smart, sustainable, and efficient systems. Students will gain comprehensive expertise in areas including digital modeling, simulation, embedded systems, and software development, preparing them to meet the challenges of modern industry and research environments. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience through laboratory work, projects, and collaborations with industry partners, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. The program also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, effective communication, and critical thinking, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in digital transformation initiatives. With a strong foundation in both engineering principles and digital technologies, graduates of Digital Engineering will be capable of designing innovative solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and sustainability in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and more. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, expert faculty, and international academic environment provide an ideal setting for students to develop their talents and engage in groundbreaking research. Overall, the MSc in Digital Engineering offers a comprehensive education that bridges traditional engineering disciplines with the digital innovations shaping the future of technology and industry worldwide.

Educational organisation

Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, take informatics-related modules in the first semester (18 CP) and complete their education in engineering with one or two modules (6 CP). Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree in an informatics-related degree programme, take modules in engineering subjects in the first semester (18 CP) and complete their informatics education with one module (6 CP).
Following this first semester, students receive specific education in topics which cross the frontier between engineering and computer science. These topics are grouped into four categories:

• Human factors: the main focus is on key skills, and human and psychological factors in engineering activities. This will be realised by concentrating on ergonomics and labour psychology.
• Interdisciplinary team project: the aim of this "small" project, apart from gaining knowledge in the complementary science, is mainly to build up key competences for interdisciplinary work on conterminal topics, which will be achieved by students working in teams supervised by two teaching staff members from the areas of engineering and informatics.
• Methods of DE: the aim here is to procure professional knowledge of current technological developments as they appear through the use of technologies such as virtual and expanded reality, integrated product development, etc.
• Methods of informatics: methodical knowledge in development and input of current informatics technologies will be imparted.

In the third semester, specialised lectures will be offered on certain domains of application (e.g. process engineering, logistics, mechatronics, power engineering, medical engineering, etc.), on the one hand, and on technological domains (e.g. visualisation technology, interaction, interoperability, security, reliability, etc.), on the other hand. At the same time, students will be integrated into a digital engineering project, in which they can participate in current research projects offered by cooperating chairs, making use of resources made available by partners in industry-related research, such as the Virtual Development and Training Centre (VDTC). Apart from consolidating their professional competences, students will be introduced to academic work, e.g. by having the opportunity to collaborate on scientific publications or to participate in scientific events.

Master's thesis: The scientific thesis will be written on a current topic in digital engineering. Ideally, it can build on the research work performed in the third semester.

Internships

All students will participate in a digital engineering project. Here, they will be integrated into
current research projects offered by cooperating chairs, making use of resources made available by partners in industry-related research, such as the Virtual Development and Training Centre (VDTC).
Apart from consolidating their professional competences, students will be introduced to academic work, e.g., by having the opportunity to collaborate on scientific publications or to participate in scientific events.

Forms of assessment

Assessment is based on participation in several module examinations and interdisciplinary team projects as well as the Master's thesis.
The Master's thesis will be written on a current topic in digital engineering.

Course objectives

A digital engineer is an engineer who, in addition to well-founded technical knowledge, has acquired specialist knowledge in informatics. Digital engineers are sought after in many areas of employment, from large automotive manufacturers to technology enterprises such as Bosch and Siemens to specialised service providers for software.

Occupational fields for digital engineers:

• Technical product development and management
• Computer-based engineering
• Production design and planning
• Techniques of software co-design
• Human-centred systems
• Research and advanced development

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their German or English skills:

• SH-2
• TestDaF 4/4/4/4
• TOEFL (paper-based 527 or computer-based 197 or Internet-based 71)
• IELTS (minimum score 6.0)
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) minimum "B"
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) minimum "C"

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

See: http://www.digi-eng.de

General admission requirements and information on the application procedure for international students can be found at: http://www.ovgu.de/unimagdeburg/en/International/Incomings/Applicants.html
Deadlines to be found at: http://www.ovgu.de/en/education/content/Application_deadlines-lang-en.html

Enrolment fees

Currently 94.50 EUR per semester
The semester fee covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive a semester ticket for free use of public transport, student discounts in the campus cafeteria, etc.

Costs of living

A minimum of 700 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, costs of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

Within the framework of project work carried out with our partners, students frequently have the opportunity to take up part-time jobs.

Arrival support

Before arrival, a welcome package with relevant information will be sent to prospective students. There is a pick-up service if desired. Please inform the student group IKUS (http://www.ikus.ovgu.de) of your arrival in advance. IKUS will meet you at the station in Magdeburg.
Furthermore, there is a "Welcome & Orientation Week" at the beginning of the semester.

Services and support for international students

The International Office and the programme coordinators assist students in any way possible. To integrate new students into the university and into the student community, both the university and the faculty offer a "Welcome & Orientation Week" right before studies start in October. The university offers German language courses and lots of social and cultural events organised by the IKUS or by other student initiatives at the faculty or on campus.

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 220-350 EUR per room (approx. 12-35 square meters), depending on size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation request can be found here: http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/accommodation/accommodation-request/.
The Student Union assists all new students in finding adequate accommodation, either on or off campus. Private accommodation is available on the Magdeburg accommodation market. However, fully furnished units are in relatively short supply.