Aeronautical Engineering (M. Eng.)

The aviation industry is undergoing the greatest transformation in its history - play an active role in shaping it. Achieving the ambitious goals described in the IATA Technology Roadmap 2050 or in the EU Flightpath 2050 highlights the need for well-trained aviation technology graduates. The industry is characterised above all by the long time scales in the development of aircraft, as well as the great technical complexity of the products. In order to meet these demands, graduates of a Master's programme are sought-after specialists on the labour market. This is because they bring with them extensive theoretical knowledge as well as application experience, which is highly valued by companies.

Degree
Master of Engineering (M. Eng.)
Duration
3 semesters (full-time), 6 semesters (part-time)
Start of studies
Summer & Winter
NC
Yes

Accreditation
Yes
Dual Study
Yes
Language
German

Location
Ingolstadt

In the Master of Aeronautical Engineering, the focus is on deepening and expanding knowledge and skills. This is primarily done through application to real aircraft projects. This is because within the theoretical study semesters, an aircraft is to be created in preliminary design in group work. This includes the design of the aircraft structure (fuselage, wings, tail units), the interior (cabin, cargo hold) and the propulsion systems. In addition, the other systems for operation (flight control, avionics) are also designed. All these steps require in-depth theoretical knowledge, the foundation of which was largely laid in the Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering. In the Master's programme, the important disciplines (aerodynamics, flight control, structure, loads, manufacturing and design) are related to each other and further deepened.

You have the option of completing your degree programme either full-time or part-time. If you study full-time, you will complete modules at the TH Ingolstadt in the first two semesters and write your Master's thesis in the 3rd semester. However, if you complete your studies part-time, you will spread the lectures at the university over four semesters and start your Master's thesis in the 5th semester at the earliest.

The study programme is divided into two study sections (full-time). The first study section comprises two theoretical study semesters with the following components:

Structural physics subjects and design methods: composite materials, higher FME, lightweight construction
Natural science and mathematics subjects: Aerodynamic methods, propulsion technologies, autonomous flying
Interdisciplinary subjects/integration: Aircraft system design, mechatronics
Project: Development, construction and testing of a small aircraft

The second part of the course comprises the final thesis (Master's thesis).

Aerostructural design in the Master's programme

Curriculum

Sommersemester

Verbundwerkstoffe

Simulation/Numerische Methoden

Flugzeugsystementwurf

Mechatronik

Antriebstechnologie

Wahlfach

Wintersemester

Aerodynamische Methoden

Leichtbau

Flugzeugstrukturentwurf

Höhere FEM

Autonomes Fliegen

Wahlfach

3. Semester

Masterarbeit

Quick Info

Application dates
Applications for this degree may be submitted through the online application system from November 15 – Feb. 15 in case of admission for the summer term and May 2 – July 15 in case of admission for the winter term.
Requirements
Admission restrictions are decided for each semester and are usually published in April each year. The average mark required and the waiting time for receiving a place are not decided in advance, but depend on the number of applicants and available capacity.
Please find further information on our Master application pages.

The dual studies programme enables a combination of practical training elements in a company with the theoretical education provided by the university. There is a choice of either the joint model (academic study + vocational training) or the degree course with vocational experience (academic study + intense practical phases). There is an obvious advantage to students here: practically oriented academic study generally enables a particularly smooth transition from university to the world of work. What is more, the student usually receives financial remuneration from the company concerned.

In the joint model, students may start working at the company several months before the start of the first semester, depending on the company concerned. At the start of the course there is an alternation between theory (during the semester) and practical experience (between semesters and during the practical semesters). In order to embark on a dual studies programme, students have to apply to both a company and to THI (be sure to take note of company application deadlines!).

More info on our dual studies-pages, or check dual cooperation partner companies. Even if no partner company is currently active in this degree programme, you are welcome to contact us.

There are career opportunities in all areas of the industry for students who hold a master’s degree in aerospace engineering: in the course of their postgraduate study they will have been able to broaden their insights into development and design, testing and validation techniques, test engineering, aircraft certification, maintenance and repair services, production and assembly as well as avionics and propulsion systems.

As one of the most rapidly developing business regions in Europe, the Ingolstadt area is also home to the aviation industry with companies such as Airbus Group in Manching and Donauwörth, MBDA in Schrobenhausen and numerous regional SMEs. Areas of activity range from working as a project manager or a design engineer to taking on responsibility for aircraft programmes.

Fluent German (C1 level), very good English for literature is a plus.

Contact Student Counselling

All about fees, financing, enrollment and examination

Apply online

Academic advisor

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Uli Burger
Phone: +49 841 9348-4321
Room: A230
E-Mail: Uli.Burger@thi.de

Module Handbook

The module handbook contains information on prerequisites, contents, learning outcomes, ECTS points, duration, work load, literature, references of the offered modules and lectures.

Module Handbook Master LT WS 2024/25 - SPO2017(pdf)

Module Handbook Master LT WS 2024/25 - SPO2024(pdf)

Study and Examination Regulations

Study and examination regulations (SPO) (German only) deal with judicial matters concerning your study course. For more information please turn to the pages of the legal department