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.

Type Full time
Duration 3 semester
Graduation Master of Engineering
ECTS 90
Enrollment Winter term
Registration Deadline June 15th
Language of Instruction English

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.

Course of Studies and Contents

The Master's programme Mechatronics & Robotics lasts three semesters of full time studies on site. Matriculation takes place annually in the winter semester. In the first two semesters, students must attend six classroom courses with a workload of 5 ECTS credits each (a total of 30 per semester). All modules are concluded with an examination at the end of the semester. The modules are assigned to three thematic groups: Electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and practical engineering work. During both semesters students work on an engineering project with an individual task. Particularly noteworthy are the two practical workshops in the second semester. The third semester is reserved for the Master's thesis. The Master's thesis is to be processed in a free enterprise with a practical task. Each student is responsible for the topic and the contact to the company. The work is, however, supervised according to the specialization by a professor of the responsible faculties. The study ends with a colloquium (oral defense).

Admission Requirements

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:

• University Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or similar granted for a seven Semester (Bachelor) Programme at a recognised University
• Your (Bachelor) Degree needs to contain a workload of at least 10 ECTS of Mathematics and at least 10 ECTS of Physics and an overall workload of engineering/science subjects of at least 90 ECTS.
• Your (Bachelor) Degree needs to be granted with a Final Grade equal or better 2,5 on the German Grading Scale (Grade will be transferred by SUAS).
• English Language Qualification: E.g. TOEFL IbT Score equal or better 79, Proof of English as Medium of Instruction in Bachelor’s Programme or others

Application for Admission

Application is open from now! Please apply through the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM and afterwards send the following documents by June 15th (arrival to SUAS) latest:

• The Printed Version of the Application Form including filled and signed Annexes
• An Officially certified 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

The application needs to be sent by mail to:

Hochschule Schmalkalden
International Office – Team MERO
Blechhammer
98574 Schmalkalden, Germany

Master of Engineering (ID 277461)

1. Semester

• elective modules winter semester (25 CP)
  • Automation Control (5 CP, W)
  • Development of Mechatronic Systems (5 CP, W)
  • Digital Signal Processing for Engineering Applications (5 CP, W)
  • Drives for Automation Systems (5 CP, W)
  • Optics and LASERs (5 CP, W)
  • Vibration Engineering (5 CP, W)
• Project Work (10 CP)

2. Semester

• elective modules summer semester (15 CP)
  • Communication Systems (5 CP, W)
  • Microelectronics Assembly and Packaging (5 CP, W)
  • Simulation Methods for Mechanical Systems (5 CP, W)
  • Systemtheory (5 CP, W)
• Workshop Mechatronics 1 (5 CP)
• Workshop Mechatronics 2 (5 CP)

3. Semester

• Colloquium Master Thesis (3 CP)
• Master Thesis (30 CP)