Master´s Program Aerospace Engineering

Concept und Structure

The concept and structure of the research-oriented Master's programme are geared to the demands of business and science on university graduates in this subject area. They take into account specific challenges and specialised knowledge required to understand the development and operation of aerospace systems. The Master's programme in Aerospace Engineering comprises modules totalling 120 ECTS credits. It is designed as an intensive course of study over five trimesters or 1 ¾ years.

Deeper mathematical/logical and physical knowledge forms the basis for a further and deeper understanding of tasks in the aeronautical and space technology field. The two essential compulsory modules Mathematical Methods in Aerospace and Advanced Engineering Mechanics are derived from this claim.
Modern aerospace engineering covers a very broad field of knowledge, which cannot be fully represented in the required depth and breadth even in a Master's programme. Depending on the perspective on an aeronautical or space system, different areas of expertise are decisive for the understanding, development and operation of such systems. This basic idea is reflected in the structure of the Master's programme and the definition of focal points in the programme.

The main areas of study are open to students:

• Aerothermodynamics
• Drives
• Autonomous systems
• Construction methods and materials
• CAE Methods
• Flight guidance systems
• Aerospace systems technology
• Space technology
• Control engineering
• Space Exploitation

Students of the Master's programme can choose from these specialisations.

The major areas of study are assigned compulsory modules which are essential for their understanding. These compulsory modules comprise 37-41 ECTS, depending on the focus chosen. The differences result from subject-specific requirements and differences in the available basic knowledge to the subject area.

The development of competence is supplemented by courses which have to be taken as elective subjects. These comprise between 15 and 26 ECTS, again depending on subject-specific requirements. The elective modules are to be understood as a recommendation to supplement a specialisation. The student has the possibility to deviate from these recommendations and to choose from the complete offer of the modules offered by the faculty.

If the student decides to recommend the compulsory elective modules recommended for a specialisation, the specialisation is confirmed in the certificate. In the other case, students receive a certificate without the entry of a specialisation. At the student's request, the focus may not be entered in the certificate.

The compulsory courses also include an internship with 5 ECTS. In this course, students will use selected examples to learn how scientific theories can be verified and evaluated using experimental methods and procedures. It is recommended to the students to choose the practical course suitable to their field of study. In order to ensure that the content requirements are available across all focal points, this takes place in the last master trimester.

Objectives and conditions

Students of the Master of Aerospace Engineering should enjoy working analytically from a scientific point of view. They must not be afraid of contact with technology in general and computer and information technology in particular. In addition, a successful engineer is characterized by logical thinking, good three-dimensional imagination and an analytical approach.

The consecutive Master's programme in Aerospace Engineering is based on the Qualifications Framework for German Higher Education Qualifications, according to which graduates of a Master's programme are expected to

• have demonstrated knowledge and understanding that builds on and deepens the knowledge usually associated with the Bachelor's level, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often in a research context
• apply their knowledge and understanding and their problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar contexts within broad (or multidisciplinary) contexts in the field of study
• have the ability to integrate knowledge, deal with complexity and formulate assessments on the basis of incomplete or limited information, which nevertheless take into account the social and ethical responsibility associated with the application of knowledge and understanding
• communicate clearly and unambiguously their or his conclusions and the knowledge and principles on which they are based, both to experts and laypersons
• have learning strategies that enable them to continue most of their studies in a self-determined and autonomous manner

Job profiles

Graduates of the Master's programme in Aerospace Engineering have all the knowledge they need to be able to take on corresponding tasks immediately upon entry into the free economy or after only a short training period. It will be easy for them to get involved in the technical and scientific environment of modern companies. They can be used in a wide variety of applications, e.g.:

• in the national and international aerospace industry
• for operators of aircraft (airlines)
• in air traffic control (e.g. DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung)
• in responsible federal authorities (e.g. Federal Aviation Authority (LBA), Federal Office for Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU), Federal Ministries of Transport and Defence, Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement including its military technology departments)
• in European authorities (e.g. European Space Agency ESA, European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation EUROCONTROL)

In the scientific field, graduates find a broad field of activity at universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions (e.g. German Aerospace Center DLR, institutes of the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft FhG). Graduates of the aerospace engineering course can also be employed outside the actual aerospace industry, for example in the branches of industry such as automotive and rail vehicle construction, ship technology and general mechanical engineering. Wind energy and medical technology companies can also be considered. Software, system and consulting companies also offer suitable jobs.