International Automotive Engineering

Degree: Master of Engineering

Abbreviation: M.Eng.
Regular Period of Study: 3 semesters
Restricted Admission: yes
Begin of Studies: winter semester and summer semester
Accreditation: yes
Study Fees: -Extra-occupational: no
Language: English

Programme Objectives:
In the field of automotive development strong efforts should be made on national and
international level to adequately prepare students for coping with the technical exigencies of
future automobiles. Engineers with interdisciplinary knowledge in mechanics, electronics and
computer science are particularly wanted. Furthermore, engineers have to be capable of living
and working in a global community.
The degree program "International Automotive Engineering" (IAE) aims to develop a
comprehensive understanding of specific engineering procedures in the field of automotive
development and production and to initiate the students into the process of solving automotive
specific and engineering problems. Courses taught in English and culturally mixed groups help
our students enhance competence in a foreign language and deal successfully with cultural
diversity.

Programme Overview:
The program provides a comprehensive view on the specificity of engineering concepts and
procedures in the field of automotive development and production. It qualifies students for
solving automotive specific and engineering problems.
The program consists of compulsory and mandatory elective modules.
Compulsory modules are:

 Automotive Mechanics
Knowledge about the driving operation e.g. vehicle forces, power transfer, driving conditions,
driving limits
Automotive Mechatronics
Power control, electromagnetic power generation, vehicle sensors and interfaces of control
devices, programming and construction of control devices
Advanced Control Engineering
Knowledge about analogous and digital control systems of a vehicle
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation
Knowledge about the modeling of the technical systems of a vehicle, their mathematical
approach and their tool-based implementation
Product Development and Quality Assurance
Basic knowledge and automotive specific aspects of quality assurance and product development
processes
Product Life Cycle Management
Project
Possibility to work interdisciplinary and in team on new, complex tasks

Mandatory elective subjects enable the development of an individual study profile. From each of
the following catalogues students have to select one module:

Catalogue "Automotive Technology & Manufacturing"

Automotive Design
Competencies in automotive technology and design
Value Optimized Production Processes
Planning and implementation of automotive production lines
Materials and Surface Engineering
Development, characterization and use of materials and coating techniques for automotive
development
Power Train
Design and operation of drive components

 Simulation of Structures
Methods of describing kinematics and dynamics of mechanical and mechatronical systems

Catalogue "Automotive Electronics & Information Technology"

Automotive Electronic Systems Engineering
Specification and development of mechatronical control systems of automobiles
Automotive Electronics
Electrical and electronic principles of power generation and control systems of automobiles
Automotive Communication Systems
Principles of automotive communication between information processing components
Automotive Software Engineering
Application of methods and procedures of developing security-critical software
Active Safety
Function and classification of driver assistance systems and safety systems, their sensor and
sensor data processing

Admission:
Applicants will have to fulfill the following requirements:
A Bachelors degree with final grade good (at least) in Engineering or Computer Engineering
from a German university or an equivalent grade from an equivalent foreign university
Good knowledge of the English language as certified e.g. by the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) with a corresponding score

Contact

Head of IAE
Prof. Dr. Andreas Hagerer
Phone: +49 841 9348-380
Email: andreas.hagerer@thi.de

Organisation of the master programme

1. How is the programme structured?

It is a 3 semester programme with 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). It is designed

to follow after the completion of a 7 semester Bachelor programme (or the equivalent of 210
ECTS). In Germany, Bachelor and Master must sum up to 10 semesters. The master degree
requires at least 300 credit points.
2. In which language is the programme taught?

The programme is taught completely in English.

3. What kind of electives can I choose from?

It is mandatory to choose electives from the fields technology & manufacturing as well as
electronics & information technology.
4. I do not have an electronics background. Can I take the electives which
are purely mechanical?

No. The programme is not a specialization in a specific area of automotive engineering (e.g. in
power train). The objective of the programme is to transfer knowledge of different areas
(mechanics, electronics, production).
5. Is there any change in course modules for winter semester intake and
summer semester intake?

Lectures and courses may differ and change from semester to semester. This depends mainly on
the availability of lecturers and mostly refers to the electives. Compulsory courses will remain
the same each year.
6. How much are the fees and expenses of the master programme?

Totaling fees are at 42,00 EUR students union fee per semester. Tuition fees have been abolished
in Bavaria.
7. How many places of study are available in this programme?

At the moment we offer about 25 places of study in the winter semester and also about 25 places
of study in the summer semester.
8. How many students do apply for admission per intake?

For the winter intake 2013/14 more than 1000 applications reached us, for the summer intake we
received more than 600. Thus, our admission is very competitive.
9. Has the programme been accredited?

The programme has been accredited by ASIIN e.V..

10. Is the degree recognized throughout Germany and internationally?

Yes.
11. What do you mean with international regarding the course
International Automotive Engineering?

The adjective international relates to the language of instruction and the composition of the
student group. Our aim is it to prepare our students to collaborate in international teams.
12. Is it possible to spend a semester abroad during the programme?

During your study programme it is only possible to spend a semester abroad for your Master
Thesis. It is not possible to spend a theoretical semester at another university as the programme
is very special and due to special topics of some modules there is no other university which
offers equivalent lecturers.
13. After completing Masters can I do my PhD at your university or any
other university in Germany?

After completion of the master programme you have the opportunity to do a PhD at a university.
Our university of applied sciences cannot directly award PhDs but there may be the opportunity
to do a cooperative programme with us. Generally we can say that other universities in Germany
accept the master degree from our university. In some cases you have to rework some field of
study. But this depends on the faculty of the university where you do your PhD.
Requirements
1. Who is eligible to apply?

You may apply under the following conditions:

Completion of an engineering programme or a programme in computer science at a German
university or a comparable degree from an equivalent foreign university with least 210 credit
points. The overall score has to be significantly above average. Solely the examination
committee decides whether a particular degree or university is equivalent.
Sufficient knowledge of the English language, as certified by a TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language: PB: >530, CB: >197; IB: >71) or equivalent certification (e.g. IELTS > 6.0,
TOEIC > 693).
This certification is not required by applicants who have completed their university degree in
English or when the applicant is a citizen of a country where English is spoken as a first
language.

2. Am I eligible to apply for the programme during the course of my final

semester (during 8th semester)?

Yes. Your degree certificate must be shown at the latest at the day of registration. Evaluation of
the application will be based on the transcript of records.
3. Can I apply with a master from a university with 180 credit points?

Yes, in case you get admission, you must pass additional exams worth 30 credits within one year.
Please be aware that this is a full semester work load and you will need more than 3 semesters to
complete your master degree.
4. I have an aggregate of 60%. Do I have a chance to be admitted to the
programme?

We ask for a 4 year-bachelor degree above average (>68 or >2.8/4 cgpa or 7.0/10 cgpa) in an
engineering discipline (including computer science) with strong background in engineering
mathematics, control engineering and electrical engineering. If one does not fulfil these
requirements, the candidate is disqualified for the further selection process. It may very well be
that we set a higher cut off as the number of applications is much higher than the number of
available places. Therefore, 60% is not sufficient as you will not be admitted to the programme.
5. I do not have an electronics background. Can I take the electives which
are purely mechanical?

No. The programme is not a specialization in a specific area of automotive engineering (e.g. in
power train). The objective of the programme is to transfer knowledge of different areas
(mechanics, electronics, production). There are many students without comprehensive
knowledge in electronics and background in the mechanical field only. In this case you have to
independently acquire the knowledge in this field. Please notice that the trend in automotive
engineering is towards electronics.
6. I have done my bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication
Engineering. Am I eligible for this course?

Yes.
7. Am I required to appear for GRE? Do I need GRE to study at your
university?

GRE (Graduate Records Examination) is not required for admission at Ingolstadt University of
Applied Sciences.
8. What is the requirement of English, i.e. TOEFL or IELTS?

We require sufficient knowledge of the English language, as certified by

a) TOEFL (Test of English As A Foreign Language):
Paper based: 530 points
Computer based: 197 points

Internet based: 71 points

b) IELTS: > 6.0
c) TOEIC: 693 points
d) Proof that your Bachelor programme has been taught in English.
9. Will the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences accept IELTS score
card or must I give TOEFL score card compulsory? In case of IELTS score
card, is it compulsory to send it by IELTS by e-mail or hard copy or an
official notarized copy send with othe

We also accept IELTS instead of TOEFL. Please send a legally attested copy of the IELTS-test
together with your application. If you have not yet received the IELTS score card, you have to
forward it at latest at enrolment.
10. My secondary school and bachelor programme was completely taught
in English. Do I need TOEFL or IELTS?

These certifications are not required of applicants who have completed their secondary school or
university degree in the English language or when the applicant is a citizen of a country where
English is spoken as a first language.
11. When do I have to show the required proof of my English language
skills?

Your language certificate has to be presented latest at enrolment.

12. What is the minimum level of German language I need for the
application for the programme?

You do not need to provide a proof of German language skills for the application. Although the
course is held entirely in English, we ask for knowledge of German at level A1.
If a corresponding certification is available - send the certification as part of your application. If
it is not available, please keep in mind, that you must submit such a certification till end of the
first semester. We offer a language class to obtain the certification.
13. Is there any requirement of giving German language tests like DaF,
DSH, or tests like HEEQ, or any other required tests as described on the
website of your university?

German tests are not compulsory as the programme is taught in English.

14. I have completed Basic Deutsch course A1 level from Goethe Institute.
Is A1 level sufficient to be eligible for course?

We dont ask for a course in German for admission to the master programme in order to get
admission. In case of admission you must have certified knowledge of German at level A1 till
the end of the first semester. German classes to achieve the certification are offered.

If you have completed level A1 now, submit the corresponding certification.

Applying for admission

1. When can I apply for the programme?

You can apply twice a year, either for the summer intake or the winter intake.
Application period for the winter intake: May 2 July 15 (start of programme: October 1)
Application period for the summer intake: November 15 January 15 (start of programme:
March 15)
2. Can I apply between May 2 and July 15 also for the intake in the
following summer term?

No. Within one application period you can only apply for the coming term. You cannot keep our
offer on hold for a later intake.
3. How do I apply?

To apply for the programme the following steps are necessary:

1. Please fill out our online application form (only accessible during the respective application
periods): http://www.thi.de/en/studies/application/master-application.html
2. Please print out the application form, sign it and send it along with your certified copies of
your certificates to
Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt
Esplanade 10
D-85049 Ingolstadt
Germany
Do not submit any passport photographs! Do not submit any reference letters! They will not be
taken into consideration. Same applies to working experience.
Please consider that July 15th and January 15th are deadlines. Applications in hardcopy have to
reach the university latest on this day. If you send your documents with an express mail service
please take into account that the university is closed on weekends and your package cannot be
received by a member of staff. Incomplete applications or applications that are received after the
application deadline cannot be considered for admission.
4. Which documents do I need for application?

Please add the following certificates to your application:

- Certification of university successful diploma or bachelor degree

- Transcripts of records / mark sheet

- Certification of English knowledge TOEFL (at least 71 points) or IELTS (at least 6.0 score)
- Curriculum vitae
- Statement (letter of motivation)
5. Is it sufficient if I send notarized copies of the following documents?

- Bachelor certification of university - Bachelor of Engineering Degree Certificate

- Transcript of records - Consolidated Marksheet, Individual Semester Marksheets, Provisional
Certificate & Course Completion Certificate
- Certification of English knowledge TOEFL or IELTS Marksheet
No - these copies must be attested by German embassy/consulate.
6. Is attestation from a notary acceptable or do I have to attest my
documents from higher education commission ?

Your documents have to be legally attested by the German consulate/embassy.

7. What do you mean with transcript of records? (Definition)

In the European ECTS system, transcripts are called Transcript of Records (ToR), and are used to
document the performance of a student over a certain period of time by listing the course units or
modules taken, the credits gained, and the grades awarded. The Transcript of Records or mark
sheet provides a standard format for recording all study activities carried out by students. It is an
essential tool for academic recognition.
8. When do I have to present the transcript of records?

The transcript of records has to be sent with your application to the university.
9. Will the university accept the Official Transcript signed by College
Registrar, mentioning the Grading system (marks and class) etc. issued by
the college where I completed my Bachelor instead of University
Transcript?

Yes.
10. My college is completely unaware of the Transcript Evaluation form as
prescribed in the documents required by the Technische Hochschule
Ingolstadt.

No problem we accept the transcript of your university.

11. If I am applying to the Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences for

more than one master programme, will I have to send two separate
packets of application documents including IELTS score card or is it
enough with one set of supporting application d

If you apply for more than one study programme you have to send an application form for each
study programme and a complete set of documents for every programme that you would like to
apply for. So, if you apply for two programmes we do not only need two applications forms, but
also two transcripts of records etc.
12. I will not have my degree probably until July 15 / January 15 - would
that be a problem?

You have to show your degree latest at enrolment. So this is not a problem.
13. Are recommendation letters helpful for my application?

No. Please do not send any recommendation letters to the university as they will not be taken
into consideration.
14. In my 'Letter of Motivation' I have quoted various Technical Papers,
Projects and Rewards which I received. To prove myself as genuine, I
thought enclosing those certificates. Could I really do that or does it have
any effect on evaluation of my appli

Yes, if there are doubts concerning the eligibility of students these documents will be taken into
consideration.
15. Do I receive an acknowledgment of receipt for my application?

After submitting the online application, you can check the status of your application online:
https://www1.primuss.de/cgi/StatusBewerbung/index.pl
16. After completing the application procedure, by which date will I know
the outcome of the selection process?

At the end of January (applications for summer semester) or the end of July (applications for
winter semester), the applicants will be informed by email about admission or rejection.
Admission letters in hardcopy are sent by regular mail around this time. Therefore, it may take
some time till applicants receive the admission letter.
17. How are successful candidates selected?

The grade is the main criterion. Your grades have to be above average (>68 or >2.8/4 cgpa or
7.0/10 cgpa). A first selection is done based on the grade. Then we select according to relevant
subjects. We ask for a solid background in engineering mathematics, electrical engineering and
esp. in control engineering.

18. When do I have to register/enroll?

Enrollment will be possible after admission and has to be finalized within the first month of the
programme at the very latest.

Financial support/scholarships
1. Is there any financial support from the university that I can rely on
during my education?

Public funding (BAfG) is only available to Germans or to EU citizens if they have spent a
considerate amount of their education in Germany. The university awards a scholarship called
Deutschlandstipendium once a year which cannot fully cover living expenses. Additionally we
have limited funds and support some international students for a maximum of one semester.
Please do not actively approach the International Office on scholarships, once a year a call for
application automatically reaches all international students.
2. Are there any third party scholarships available? Can you assist for
scholarship? What is the application procedure and deadline for the same?

If you are an applicant from abroad, you may qualify for a scholarship from the German
Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): www.daad.de
If you are a German students we recommend to research for fitting scholarships on
www.mystipendium.de.

Please note that we cannot offer any guidance or support concerning scholarship applications.
3. How much are the fees and expenses of the master programme?

Totaling fees are at 42,00 EUR students union fee per semester. Tuition fees have been abolished
in Bavaria.

ccomodation/living in Germany
1. How high are living expenses in Ingolstadt?

Approx. 800 Euro per month.

Please be aware that international students with a visa underlie restrictions concerning the
amount of working hours in part-time jobs besides the study programme.
2. Do you offer accommodation for foreign students? Do I have to apply for
it?

The Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences does not run any student housing neither oncampus nor off-campus and therefore cannot provide you with accommodation. This means for

the first couple of weeks you might have to stay at the youth hostel or bed-and-breakfasts. You
may find some helpful information here. Please be aware that we cannot support you
in searching for accommodation. It is not easy to find accommodation in Ingolstadt so please be
prepared that it will take you some time to find something.
3. Which health insurance do I need?

All students in Germany are required to have adequate health insurance cover (statutory or
private). This insurance must include the following services: Medical and dental treatment,
treatment with medication, hospital treatment, medical services for rehabilitation and services for
pregnancy and birth.

! Travel health insurance is not adequate!

Students from EU countries and Switzerland insured with national health insurance have
adequate insurance cover with a National Insurance Card or EU E111 certificate.
All other students are obliged to take out student health insurance. This can be arranged after
arrival in Germany on the enrolment date. Insurance amounts to around 78 per person per
month (as of 2013).

Please find here a few links of providers of health insurances:

Techniker Krankenkasse: http://www.tk.de/tk/tk/english/145048 (English)
AOK Krankenkasse: http://www.aok4you.de/studium.html
DAK Krankenkasse: http://www.dak.de/
More information on health insurance in Germany can be found at the DAAD website:
http://www.daad.de/en/index.html

Labour Market
1. Where can I find general information on working in Germany?

DAAD describes many important things to care about if you would like to work in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/deutschland/in-deutschland/arbeit/en/

If you are interested in the opportunities for engineers you may find the following link helpful:
http://www.vdi.eu/

2. Do you work with any of the automotive companies such as AUDI, BMW
Group, VW Group and Mercedes Benz? Do you have projects with them?
Can I easily find a placement in one of them through your university?

Ingolstadt University is networking with a number of big, small, and medium sized companies
which use our Career Service events and online job database to advertise vacancies.
Furthermore, we offer a variety of services to assist students in planning their careers.
PIN Placements International Student supports IAE students in finding a placement and the
Career Service offers a range of services to facilitate entering the job market after graduation.
3. How are the opportunities of getting a job after completion of
programme?

Since the economic situation changes fast we do not make specific statements concerning job
opportunities after completing our study programme, except one. There are jobs offered to our
master students in Germany. The university is not tied up with a specific company.
In general, Germany is faced with a skills shortage especially in the fields of engineering and
related areas. Combined with the increasing expansion in international markets companies in
Germany are noticed to recruit more and more internationally. The benefits are obvious:
international graduates offer specific skills and knowledge about their countries, languages and
cultures that help developing into new markets and dealing with overseas customers and
suppliers. Furthermore, the specific background of international students and graduates supports
new ideas and broadens the outlook of the whole team. Nevertheless it is important and often a
condition of employment to provide at least basic German language skills. Therefore we
recommend a German language course although the skills are not obligatory for the admission at
the university.
The job profiles in the field of engineering include entry positions in the areas research and
development, production, purchasing, marketing and sales, supply chain management and similar
fields. Job offers can be found in the online job database of the university. For further
information please have a look on the website of our Career Service.