Technische Universität Berlin

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced technical modules with management-oriented subjects to give an integrated view of contemporary production systems. Teaching emphasises global value chains, digitalisation (Industry 4.0), sustainability, and lean and flexible manufacturing. Students learn both conceptual methods and hands-on tools for planning, optimisation and control of production, logistics and quality systems.

• Core topics: fundamentals of production systems, production planning and control, operations management, manufacturing technologies, and production economics.
• Digital and analytical methods: data-driven production, simulation and modelling, cyber-physical systems, industrial automation and applied production analytics.
• Supply chain and logistics: global logistics, inventory and distribution strategies, supplier network design and resilience of global value chains.
• Quality and sustainability: quality management, reliability engineering, life-cycle thinking and sustainable production practices.
• Project work and labs: practical laboratory sessions, factory planning exercises, and team projects often carried out in cooperation with industry partners.
• Master’s thesis: an independent research or design project that typically addresses a real-world production engineering problem, often in collaboration with a company or research group.

The programme is commonly structured over two years (four semesters) and follows a modular curriculum with a combination of lectures, seminars, practical courses and a final thesis. Students may also select elective modules or minors to deepen knowledge in areas such as advanced materials, robotics, or business and innovation management.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, production engineering, manufacturing technology or a closely related technical discipline. Typical admissions materials include a certified transcript, degree certificate, curriculum vitae and a statement of purpose explaining academic and professional motivation.

Additional requirements and considerations commonly include:

• Academic background: demonstrable coursework in core engineering subjects such as mechanics, manufacturing and mathematics; applicants with non-standard backgrounds may be asked to take preparatory modules.
• Language proficiency: proof of English ability if the applicant’s prior degree was not taught in English (acceptable tests include recognised certificates such as TOEFL or IELTS), and knowledge of German is advantageous but not always required for the programme.
• Professional experience: relevant internships or work experience can strengthen an application but are not always mandatory.
• Supporting documents: letters of recommendation and, for some applicants, a portfolio or examples of project work; admission interviews may be used for selection.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to technical and managerial roles in manufacturing and supply-chain intensive industries. Typical job titles and sectors include:

• Production engineer, process planner or manufacturing systems engineer in automotive, aerospace, electronics and machinery industries.
• Operations manager, plant manager or production planner responsible for coordinating shop-floor activities and continuous improvement programmes.
• Supply chain analyst, logistics manager or procurement specialist in companies managing international supplier networks and distribution.
• Automation and Industry 4.0 specialist, working on digital integration, robotics and smart factory solutions.
• Consultant in operations, production optimisation or sustainability for engineering consultancies and management firms.
• Researcher or PhD candidate in production engineering, manufacturing systems or related interdisciplinary topics.

Why study at Technische Universität Berlin

Technische Universität Berlin offers a strong engineering tradition combined with an urban research environment and close links to industry and research institutes in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. The university provides access to specialised laboratories, testbeds and collaboration opportunities with industrial partners and applied research centres.

Students benefit from an international cohort and interdisciplinary collaborations across faculties, allowing exposure to both technical advances and management perspectives. The programme’s location in Berlin also facilitates networks with startups, established manufacturers and logistics companies, supporting project work, internships and career development.