Material Science and Resource-efficient Engineering (M. Eng.)

The Materials Technology and Resource Efficient Engineering degree programme is aimed at graduates of mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, aeronautical engineering, renewable energies or related degree programmes who wish to acquire additional skills specifically in the field of materials technology, modern technologies and the resource-efficient use of materials.

The Master's degree programme comprises the areas of materials engineering and resource efficiency as well as three compulsory elective modules that students can choose to focus on individually. The individual specialisation can be chosen in the direction of Technical Development, Hydrogen Technology and Economics, Automotive Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering. Students interested in materials are thus given the opportunity to specialise in important mechanical engineering subjects on the one hand and to expand their materials engineering skills on the other.
In this Master's programme, particular emphasis is placed on deepening the theoretical and scientific foundations that will enable students to pursue a doctorate or work in the scientific field after completing their studies. In addition, students can strengthen their analytical expertise, methodological skills and key qualifications

The lecturers impart leadership knowledge and management techniques that enable graduates to work on or manage complex projects.

Some of the lectures on the Master's degree programme are offered in hybrid form and can therefore be attended online and from any location.

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

You have the option of completing your degree programme either full-time (3 semesters) or part-time (6 semesters). 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 begin your Master's thesis in the 5th semester at the earliest.

The following six compulsory modules are offered at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences in the summer semester: Composite Materials, Corrosion and Surface Technology, Operational Strength and Fracture Mechanics and Scientific Work. In addition, two individual compulsory elective modules must be completed in this semester.
In the winter semester, the modules Functional Materials and Resource-Efficient Engineering, Materials Technology, Metallic Lightweight Materials, Materials and Failure Analysis and the Long-Term Behaviour of Materials contribute to sharpening the profile. In addition, an individual compulsory elective module must be completed in this semester.
The compulsory elective modules are chosen according to personal interest from the fields of automotive engineering, aeronautical engineering, technical development or hydrogen technology.
Master's thesis

In addition to expert knowledge of classic material concepts (CFRP, aluminium, magnesium, titanium, steel, nickel-based alloys), we teach methods and skills for the development, optimisation and testing of material concepts for future applications:

Materials that are in contact with H2 (permeabilities, embrittlement, …
Materials for electrolysers and fuel cells
Materials for batteries and other energy storage systems (e.g. metal hydride storage systems for H2)
Materials for solar thermal and photovoltaic systems
Materials that are produced in a (more) climate-neutral way (e.g. steels whose pig iron is obtained by H2 reduction, use of renewable raw materials)
Materials in closed material cycles (recyclability)

Our material concepts take into account both traditional manufacturing processes, such as mould casting, powder metallurgy and processes for drawing single crystals, as well as newer processes such as additive manufacturing ("3D printing").

Experience science in the lab

After my bachelor's...

in general mechanical engineering, I decided to take the master's degree in "Materials Technology in Mechanical Engineering" because it is an excellent postgraduate course. Due to the diverse and practical content, the master serves as extensive preparation for jobs in industry or science. A well-structured schedule makes it possible to work part-time, for example as a student trainee.
Cooperations with numerous regional and national employers facilitate career entry or a doctorate.

"For my doctoral thesis.

...for material characterization of additively manufactured aluminum alloys, the course represents the basic building block. The master's degree in materials engineering is suitable for anyone interested in the production, processing and use of metals and composite materials. The theory taught is practically relevant for simulations and lifetime evaluations of real applications. In my master's thesis, I was able to process much of the knowledge I learned and put it into practice in a component."

Bismuth crystals

In the practical course, we pull bismuth crystals from a melt together with the students of the master's program in WT. The thematic focus is the heterogeneous nucleation during the solidification of metallic melts. If the bismuth oxidizes with the oxygen in the air, colored oxide layers are formed.

THI logo as a test object

After cleaning the surface, a zinc layer is galvanically applied to the THI logos produced in the welding laboratory, which is then passivated. This gives it a better surface appearance and durability. Picture from right to left: welded, galvanized, passivated.

Building a simple battery

In hands-on experiments with Prof. Oberhauser, copper sheets and magnesium are inserted into oranges and these are electrically connected to each other. The current generated in this way causes the LED to light up. Two "battery cells" are connected in series with each orange, so that the voltage required to light up the LED can be generated.

What's THAT - a materials journey through everyday life

In this practical seminar, light is shed on the dark...

For example, the surface structure of normal spaghetti was studied in comparison with spaghetti from the bronze mold.

For imaging the noodles with the SEM, they were covered with a thin, conductive gold layer. The comparative study shows that the surface structure of the noodles from the bronze mold is significantly rougher and more porous than that of the "normal" spaghetti.

With this in mind, Buon Appetito!

Corrosion test

In the lecture Corrosion and Surface Technology, a neutral salt spray test according to DIN ISO 9227 was carried out. The corrosion progress on the aluminum and galvanized steel parts could be inspected and evaluated on a weekly basis. The picture shows a small piece in its initial state next to the tested part.

Electrical sheets

Exploded view of a permanently excited synchronous machine for e-drives and cross-sectional view of a single sheet metal lamina. Macroscopic analysis using digital image correlation and microscopic analysis using electron backscatter diffraction help to improve the fatigue behavior of mechanically highly stressed electrical sheets.

After my bachelor's...
"For my doctoral thesis.
Bismuth crystals
THI logo as a test object
Building a simple battery
What's THAT - a materials journey through everyday life
Corrosion test
Electrical sheets

Lab tests

Casting a highlighter using sand casting
The aim was to get to know aluminum mold casting. This involved making a sand mold and experiencing and reflecting on the reaction of the melt, its properties, solidification and possible resulting casting defects.

Blurry image — Pulling bismuth crystal from the melt
This experiment is about heterogeneous nucleation during the solidification of melts. This is because nucleation is more likely in technical processes than homogeneous nucleation, since it requires less energy.

Curriculum

Sommersemester

Verbundwerkstoffe

Korrosion- und Oberflächentechnik

Betriebsfestigkeit und Bruchmechanik

Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten

Wahlpflichtmodul

Wintersemester

Funktionswerkstoffe und ressourceneffizientes Engineering

Werkstofftechnologie

Langzeitverhalten der Werkstoffe

Metallische Leichtbauwerkstoffe

Werkstoff- und Schadensanalytik

Wahlpflichtmodul

3. Semester

Masterarbeit

Quick Info

Application dates
Applications for this degree may be submitted through the online application system from November 15th in case of admission for the summer term and from May 2nd in case of admission for the winter term.
Requirements
The successful completion of a Bachelor´s or "Diplom"-degree in Engineering or Science, or an equivalent degree at a German university with a minimum of 210 credit points (in conformity with General Examination Regulations) - or - the successful completion of an equivalent degree at a foreign university.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.

The postgraduate degree course Material Science in Engineering builds on the basis provided by the bachelor’s degree course Mechanical Engineering as well as related courses such as Automotive Engineering and Aerospace Engineering. The course gives graduates a wide range of career options. Particular importance is also attached to pursuing the theoretical scientific fundamentals in greater depth, enabling students to embark on a doctorate programme or a career in the scientific field.

In particular, the course prepares students for careers in related interdisciplinary areas such

Technical development
Materials engineering
Design
Quality assurance
Damage analysis

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Academic advisor

Materials and production engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Simon Oberhauser
Phone: +49 841 9348-4411
Room: A127
E-Mail: Simon.Oberhauser@thi.de

Module Handbook

The module handbook (German only) contains information on prerequisites, contents, learning outcomes, ECTS points, duration, work load, literature, references of the offered modules and lectures.
Module Handbook Master WT WS 2024/25 (pdf)

Module Handbook Master WR WS 2024/25 (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.