Ein Student und eine Studentin prüfen Daten mit einem Tablet vorne in einem Auto.

Automotive Systems Engineering

Master of Engineering

Advance your expertise in mechanics, electronics, and informatics with our Master’s in Automotive Systems Engineering – shaping the future of mobility.

Application Info

Key Information

enrol until:
January 15 & July 15
enrol until:
The programme is open to all applicants with a bachelor's degree grade of 2.5 or better.
Start:
Summer semester & Winter semester
Start:
Lectures begin in mid-March for the summer semester / at the end of September for the winter semester.
Location:
Heilbronn TechCampus
Location:
Max-Planck-Str. 39, 74081 Heilbronn
Study form:
Full-time
Study form:
Traditional full-time course on campus.
Degree:
Master of Engineering
Degree:
Master of Engineering
3 Semester:
90 ECTS
3 Semester:
1.5 years standard period of study
Tuition fee:
1500 €
Tuition fee:
Concerns students form non-EU/EEA countries only
Language:
German / English
Language:
The language of instruction is English for the Research programme profile. The other profiles do have lectures in German.

Programme Overview

The Master's programme in Automotive Systems Engineering combines the various disciplines of mechanics, electronics and computer science with a focus on automotive systems. You will deepen your expertise in selected specialisations. We teach methodological skills for the systematic and creative solution of challenging technical problems in the automotive industry. These include automated driving and the development of new drive and vehicle concepts. In addition to the Engineering programme profile, the Master's programme in Automotive Systems Engineering is also available with a focus in Research, Development Management or International. 

Programme Profiles

The degree programme can be completed with one of four different course profiles:


​Programme Profile 'Engineering'

You will automatically be assigned to this profile after enrollment. See below for the course of study.


Programme Profile 'Development Management'

In the Development Management programme profile you will study economics and business administration subjects in addition to your engineering education. You can apply with a letter of motivation to the Programme Dean for the Development Management programme profile from the time you are admitted to the programme until the end of the third week after the start of lectures.


Programme Profile 'International'

You can choose the International programme profile if you complete at least 20 ECTS credits at a university abroad. You will not work on a master's project in this profile. It is also possible to obtain a double degree with a foreign university. 


Programme Profile 'Research'

Would you like to work intensively on an interesting and current research project and publish your results?  We can support you here! The Research programme profile gives you the opportunity to do just that. It is also possible to obtain a double degree with a foreign university. This course profile can be studied in English!


As part of the 'International' and 'Research' programme profiles, it is possible to obtain a double degree in collaboration with UTHM in Malaysia. Upon successful completion of your studies, you will then hold both a German and a Malaysian master's degree. For further information on the double degree, please contact Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uwe Gleiter (uwe.gleiter@hs-heilbronn.de).

Career and Perspectives

After completing your studies, you can expect excellent career and job prospects: With the degree of Master of Engineering in Automotive Systems Engineering you are well prepared to solve current and future development problems of a regionally and globally active industry. The pathway to a PhD is also open to you. 

Programme Structure - e.g. Profile 'Engineering'

  • 1st Semester
  • 2nd Semester
  • 3rd Semester
  • Study Abroad
  • Documents
  • Statistical Methods
  • Selected Topics of Mathematics
  • Engineering Project 


Elective subjects (selection):

  • Autonomous systems: Deep learning 
  • Autonomous systems: Path planning and control 
  • Autonomous systems: Perception and situation understanding 
  • Advanced Suspension Systems
  • Industrial Processes in Materials Engineering
  • Lightweight Car Body Engineering
  • Optical Sensors
  • Numerical Methods and Optimization
  • Design of Experiments


You will be able to practically apply this knowledge in your engineering project. Small teams of students tackle work on specific tasks from the industry. The tasks can be of a constructive, experimental or theoretical nature. 

The wide range of elective subjects (see module handbook) and the option to take elective subjects of other faculties or universities (including from abroad) will provide you with a well-rounded professional profile.

Requirements and Application

Before applying to Heilbronn University, non-German Bachelor degrees need to be declared equivalent to a German first degree. Therefore, please fill in the below form "Application for Recognition of Certificate" as well as the necessary documents also mentioned below, or an equivalent certificate issued by Studienkolleg Konstanz or UniAssist.

Please note: Requirements of the Bachelor's degree for admission to the master's programme are

  • a grade of 2.5 or better (German grading scale)
  • 210 ECTS credits (see page 10 in the ECTS User's Guide for more information) - at least, however, 180 ECTS (conditions for acceptance do apply)
  • comparable first degree with a predominant engineering component of at least 50%. 
  • for studies in German at least level B2
  • for studies in English (research profile) at least level B2


The entry requirements in German also apply to Incomings (Erasmus+, Global, Freemover). However, we also offer and recommend appr. 30 ECTS lectures in English language that you can attend.

Application for Recognition of Certificate

Please fill in this form
In addition to the filled in form, please submit the following documents
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Bachelor's certificate and transcript of records in German or English 
  • Proof of your English language skills
  • Proof of your German language skills, if applicable
  • APS certificate, if applicable
via e-mail to :

Studying at HHN

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Testimonial

Sarah Harst

"We deal with current industry topics such as driver assistance and alternative drive concepts. The range of elective courses is diverse and offers scope for individual specialization. Interdisciplinary projects with students from other technical degree programmess focus on finding solutions and teamwork."

Sarah Harst
Master Automotive Systems Engineering