Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics

The structure of the Master's course reflects our opinion that no one is more able than you to decide what is missing from your profile. That's why the programme does not include any obligatory modules, only elective modules. From the present "menu" of both English- and German-taught modules, applicants individually choose 60 ECTS. The Master's thesis (30 ECTS) completes the Master's programme.

The following English-taught elective modules are currently available:

• Fibre reinforced plastics (10 ECTS)
• Fluid mechanics (10 ECTS)
• Image processing (10 ECTS)
• Numeric methods (10 ECTS)
• Software engineering for embedded systems (10 ECTS)
• Product development: from need to market (10 ECTS)
• Structural durability (10 ECTS)
• System level rapid development in mechatronics (10 ECTS)
• Virtual product development: tools and processes (10 ECTS)
• R&D module (10 ECTS; individual contents; once every semester)
• R&D module (20 or 30 ECTS; individual contents; prerequisite: passed 10 ECTS R&D module; a total of 40 ECTS can be chosen for R&D modules)
• Mobility module (20 or 30 ECTS study abroad; only after completion of 30 ECTS in Kaiserslautern)

The following elective courses are German-taught (the name of the module reflects the language of instruction):

• Automobile Antriebssysteme (10 ECTS)
• Energiesysteme
• Leichtbaukonstruktion und Akustik (10 ECTS)
• Prozessentwicklung (10 ECTS)
• Virtuelle Produktion und Logistik (10 ECTS)
• F&E-Modul (10 ECTS)
• F&E-Modul (20 or 30 ECTS; prerequisite: passed 10 ECTS F&E-Modul; for the F&E-Modul courses a total of 40 ECTS can be chosen)
• Mobilitätsmodul (20 or 30 ECTS)

The course places a strong emphasis on cross-linking various disciplines. This is supported by at least two professors involved in co-teaching, each competent in his or her own field, in the case of each and every module. They look at a topic from different viewpoints and merge them in a diversified module (10 ECTS). This counts for every module.
In accordance with the module overview on our homepage, each module is attributed an allocation number "ME" for mechanical engineering and "MT" for mechatronics. The highest summation of the numbers of all the chosen modules defines the specialisation on the final certificate: either "mechanical engineering" or "mechatronics".
According to the structural requirements for all modules, we have integrated acquisition of knowledge, practical implementation in group work, assessment of economic consequences and development of leadership skills into each and every module. The modules are thus manifold in theme, but identical in structure and learning outcomes.

Educational organisation

The programme has an innovative structure offering maximum flexibility with respect to content and organisation. There are no obligatory courses. Instead, applicants can choose any combination from a "menu" of available modules.
Studies can begin twice a year in either the winter or the summer semester. Each module is offered only once a year. To enable a choice of modules from mainly one semester (summer or winter), the Master's thesis can be started after successful completion of three modules (30 ECTS) and before the other modules are taken.
Upon agreement, every semester can include an R&D module of 10 ECTS. Furthermore, after passing a 10 ECTS R&D module, a 20 or 30 ECTS R&D module can be elected upon agreement (for R&D modules a total of 40 ECTS can be chosen).
Together with the Master's thesis, this means that 70 out of 90 ECTS in this programme can be gained in R&D work. The R&D module can typically be integrated into third-party-funded research work at the university or it can be done at a company. The university does not provide industrial contacts, but it attempts to match the applicant's interests to research work available in-house. The homepage provides further information and contact data about the responsible professor to whom participants' detailed interests/intentions should be communicated.
Depending on personal interests and upon agreement, in the second semester students can take a mobility module (20 or 30 ECTS) at a university abroad. This strengthens cross-cultural competence and foreign language skills. Furthermore, it enables students to acquire specialised in-depth knowledge beyond the scope of our own specialisations. Mobility modules can be taken not only at our partner universities (for list, see homepage at https://www.hs-kl.de/international/international-office/international-office-deutsch/studierende/partnerhochschulen/) but also at any other university in the world (i.e. upon agreement).
Part-time studies are possible, but the programme is not specifically structured for part-time students.

Study abroad unit(s)

Depending on personal interests and upon agreement, in the second semester students can take a mobility module (20 or 30 ECTS) at a university abroad. This strengthens cross-cultural competence and foreign language skills. Furthermore, it enables students to acquire specialised in-depth knowledge beyond the scope of our own specialisations.

Internships

The programme itself offers numerous possibilities for intensive practical academic training and project work, partly in combination with local companies. Depending on personal interests and upon agreement, students can complete an individual R&D module (10 ECTS) within a running research project. Furthermore, after passing a 10 ECTS R&D module and upon agreement, a 20 or 30 ECTS R&D module can be chosen within a running research project (for R&D modules a total of 40 ECTS can be chosen). The Master's thesis is normally performed at a company in or outside the region.

Forms of assessment

Modules are assessed by written and oral exams, in most cases embedded in group project work and presentations during and at the end of the semester. The Master's thesis can be written either in English or in German. The research work involved can be performed at a local company (many contacts available) or at the university.

Course objectives

The primary objective of the programme is to support highly qualified graduates in mechanical engineering, mechatronics or industrial engineering with a specialisation in mechanical engineering whose aim is to deepen engineering fundamentals as well as gain practical experience in implementing them in international groups with other engineers from all over the world. The focus of the programme is on cross-linking multiple engineering disciplines. To make sure graduates can play a decisive role in this effort, the programme places a strong emphasis on the development of "soft" skills.

The Master's programme is specifically tailored to careers in:

• Process and product development
• Project management
• Project planning
• Testing

Furthermore, excellent career opportunities exist within:

• Consulting
• Production
• Procurement
• Sales

Language requirements

Many of the modules (all are elective) are taught in English. Some are taught in German. The language of instruction follows from the module's name. Students with proficiency in both languages have a larger choice of modules.
If courses in German are selected and German is not the native language, applicants must have linguistic proficiency in accordance with at least level B2 of CEFR, TestDaF 3, DSH 1 or equivalent. A proof thereof is mandatory (certificate not older than 24 months).
If courses in English are selected and English is not the native language, applicants should have linguistic proficiency in accordance with at least level B2 of CEFR, TOEIC Listening and Reading 785, TOEIC Speaking and Writing 310, TOEFL iBT 87, TOEFL ITP 543, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. A proof thereof is mandatory (certificate not older than 24 months).
All applicants whose mother tongue is not German must provide proof of German proficiency at level B1 of CEFR or higher (i.e. Goethe certificate or equivalent, certificate not older than 24 months). This also applies if only English-taught modules are chosen.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree (210 ECTS) with an overall grade/mark well above average (such as "with distinction", "excellent" depending on the grading scale) in

• mechanical engineering
• mechatronics
• industrial engineering with a specialisation in mechanical engineering
• or an equivalent qualification

As grading percentages differ substantially between the various countries and universities, we cannot give a minimum required value. All applications are evaluated individually and carefully.
ALL applicants whose mother tongue is not German must provide proof of German proficiency at level B1 of CEFR or higher (i.e. Goethe certificate or equivalent, certificate not older than 24 months). This also applies if only English-taught modules are chosen. For applicants from India, further rules apply; please see: https://www.hs-kl.de/angewandte-ingenieurwissenschaften/studiengaenge/master/mechanical-engineeringmechatronics/application-admission/.
Applicants with a degree of 180 ECTS (six semesters, three years) will require additional courses/credits of in total 30 ECTS before the start of their Master's thesis. These credits can be obtained by recognition of additional Bachelor's modules, additional study-abroad modules, work experience after completion of their Bachelor's degree or by successful completion of additional modules at HS Kaiserslautern - University of Applied Sciences. Please consider that the language of instruction in all our Bachelor's programmes is German. The Examination Board will decide on the contents individually.
Selection is based on four criteria: 1) academic quality, 2) résumé, 3) letter of motivation and 4) linguistic proficiency. Candidates are advised to follow the instructions described in the "Guidelines for Applicants" on our homepage.
Professional experience after obtaining the Bachelor's degree is not formally required (except for applicants holding a degree from a university in India), but it will often strengthen the application.

Enrolment fees

A social fee of currently approx. 220 EUR is charged per semester. The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the greater Kaiserslautern region as well as student union membership (discounts on meals, etc.).

Costs of living

If a visa is required, the immigration authorities require proof of funding of 8,000 EUR for the first 12 months, which is sufficient for living, but at a rather low-budget level. Approx. 750-800 EUR would usually be appropriate to cover personal expenses. Rent is approx. 250-300 EUR.

Job opportunities

Due to the intensive nature of the programme, students have limited time for part-time jobs. Assistantships at the university can sometimes be offered, but they are not guaranteed before enrolment.

Funding opportunities within the university

Five to six scholarships of 3,000 EUR each are granted every year to outstanding incoming and outgoing students from all departments. Applicants should have successfully earned at least 30 ECTS at our university.
http://www.hs-kl.de/international/international-office/international-office-english/students/scholarships/

Arrival support

The International Office provides all information needed for obtaining a visa, finding accommodation and finding your way around. Student guides provide a pick-up service for newcomers and support them with initial administrative procedures (registration, opening of a bank account, etc.).

Services and support for international students

As the intake of this programme is typically approx. 25 students per semester, the university can provide extensive support and welcome services to foreign students. The International Office offers cross-cultural trainings, a number of excursions, advisory and various social activities throughout the year.

Accommodation

Student residences are typically spread over the city. The private market offers further possibilities. Rent is approx. 250-300 EUR per month.