HAN University

What you'll study

This master's develops the systems-level skills needed to design, integrate and validate modern vehicle architectures. Teaching combines modelling and simulation, control and software, hardware integration and experimental testing. Typical areas of study include:

• Systems engineering and architecture — requirements engineering, V-model and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) for multi-domain vehicle systems.
• Vehicle electrification and powertrain systems — hybrid and electric powertrain concepts, battery systems fundamentals, energy management and charging strategies.
• Control systems and embedded software — vehicle dynamics control, power electronics control, ECU software development and real-time implementation.
• Modelling, simulation and validation — multi-body dynamics, 1D/0D powertrain models, co-simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
• Functional safety, reliability and regulations — ISO 26262 basics, safety case development, testing and certification considerations.
• Testing and experimental methods — laboratory and road-test planning, data acquisition, sensor fusion and measurement techniques.
• Project management and innovation — multidisciplinary project work, lifecycle thinking, cost and sustainability considerations in vehicle programmes.

The programme is project-driven: students work on individual and group projects that mirror industry practice, culminating in a substantial independent master project or thesis that typically involves an industrial partner or research group. Practical sessions use the university's labs and test facilities and place emphasis on hands-on validation of concepts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering (for example mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics or a closely related technical discipline). Applicants with substantial relevant professional experience and a demonstrable technical background may also be considered.

• Transcripts demonstrating a solid grounding in mathematics, dynamics, control, thermodynamics or electrical systems.
• A curriculum vitae and a motivation letter outlining why you want to follow the programme and any relevant project or work experience.
• Proof of English proficiency if your previous degree was not taught in English; recognised tests or alternative evidence of academic-level English are required.
• In some cases applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to provide a technical portfolio or reference letters.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that require both broad systems thinking and practical engineering skills. Typical career paths include:

• Automotive systems engineer or integration engineer, responsible for coordinating subsystems within a vehicle programme.
• Powertrain and electrification engineer, working on battery systems, electric drives and hybrid architectures.
• Control and embedded software engineer, developing vehicle control algorithms and ECU software.
• Test and validation engineer, specialising in HIL/SIL, laboratory and on-vehicle testing.
• R&D engineer in OEMs, tier-1 suppliers or specialist engineering consultancies.
• Technical project manager or product specialist, bridging technical and commercial activities in vehicle programmes.
• Further academic research or PhD study in vehicle systems, energy systems or control engineering.

Why study at HAN University

HAN is an applied university with a strong emphasis on hands-on, industry-oriented education. The automotive systems master's builds on collaboration with regional and international companies, giving students opportunities to work on real industrial projects and access to relevant lab facilities and test equipment.

• Practical, project-based learning that mirrors professional engineering practice.
• Close links with industry partners and regional automotive clusters, facilitating internships, thesis projects and networking.
• Experienced teaching staff with applied research and industry backgrounds and access to dedicated labs for vehicle testing and systems integration.
• An international study environment with a focus on translating current industry challenges — such as electrification and functional safety — into applied education.