Degree programme Electrical Transportation Systems (Master) accredited

Important information

Please note that not all information is translated. Please refer to the german version for missing information.

Admission requirements

In order to be accepted into the programme, you must have obtained a recognised degree or a qualification that is recognised in Germany in the fields of electrical engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering, or a university degree in a programme with a similar area of specialisation, from a or state/state-approved university of cooperative education. The Examination Board decides if degrees are recognised as equally valid.

German language requirements

International applicants and German applicants with foreign school leaving certificate please find information here: language requirements.

Application hints and tips

The course is being offered for the first time. If you wish to apply and begin your studies in the winter semester of 2019/2020, you may only apply and enrol for the 1st, 2nd or 3rd semesters. To begin in the following summer semester 2020, you many only apply and enrol for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th semesters.

General information for the degree programme

Are you interested in modern mobility, traffic and vehicles that run on electricity? Do you have a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics or in a similar subject area? Then we would like to invite you to complete your master’s in Electrical Transportation Systems!

The qualification for a research-related career or a leading position in technical or technical-economic electrical transportation systems is the objective of the master’s programme.

Upon graduation, you will have gathered knowledge of the structure, function and application of electrically operated transport systems that spans all modes of transportation. The subsystems of energy supply and vehicles with their main components are examined as well as the special features and challenges of mobile applications.

Contribute to sustainable mobility concepts and logistics chains as part of the transportation revolution!

Study contents

By completing the compulsory modules Fundamentals of Electrical Transportation Systems, Electric Railways, Particular Problems and Interfaces, you will be familiar with the structure and function of electrical transportation systems as well as with the theoretical fundamentals of the energy supply and vehicle subsystems and their main components. You will have knowledge of the methodical procedure for the selection and scalability of equipment while considering the necessary constraints as well as the basics of diagnostics. The lectures are supplemented by in-depth and application-oriented exercise courses, internships and self-study. In addition, an in-depth, multi-unit practical laboratory course on the topics of vehicles and infrastructure to deepen the theoretical basic knowledge is offered. The practical laboratory course is concluded with a term paper. Further focal points are energy management and operating strategies in mobile and stationary systems as well as the diagnosis of mechatronic vehicle systems. There, the electrification of the powertrain in motor vehicles, the basics of energy management as well as the characterisation of electrical storage systems in stationary and mobile application are closely studied. You will be able to examine the effects of new technologies, such as energy storage devices or charging systems, regarding their technical, ecological and social relevance and usefulness. After completing the modules, you will be able to assess the impact of electrical transportation systems on people and the environment. You will also be aware of how technical and operational solutions enable efficient, resource-saving and thus environmentally friendly transport with electric transportation systems.

In the modules electronics, information systems, project management and the practical project, the main focus is on technical subsystems of electric vehicles. You will gain knowledge about communication systems, power converter circuits and power electronic components in infrastructure and vehicles as well as expertise on the implementation of methods for the application-related selection of appropriate systems considering the technical constraints. Knowledge on the functionality of information systems with stationary, mobile and wireless data transmission as well as control systems forms the basis or essential addition to the course.

The second important pillar of this range of topics is the importance of qualified project management and its methods and procedures in vehicle and plant construction. After having completed the modules, you will be familiar with the applicable standards, procedures and methods in project management for transportation systems. For this purpose, you will prepare a term paper on a transportation-specific topic using the aforementioned knowledge and will present the results of the project in a presentation. Particular attention will be paid to the persons involved in the project with regard to teamwork, qualification requirements and project communication.

The compulsory elective modules for acquiring in-depth knowledge and qualifications may be chosen according to one's own preference and they primarily focus on topics relating to special applications of electrical transportation systems (local electrical public transportation systems) as well as specialised lectures on individual subsystems of vehicles and infrastructure (overhead contact lines, traction motors, converters and control systems, traffic sensors). In particular, the constraints for the design and implementation of the subsystems and the corresponding planning and evaluation methods are explained (traction mechanics). As an interface between design and the subsequent operation of electrical traffic infrastructure, simulation systems are presented, taking into account their procedures and methods (simulation systems, technology and procedures of digital, adaptive and intelligent systems). By applying to the examination committee, modules can also be selected from other courses of study.

The modules are supplemented with exercises, excursions and internships, with the aim of expanding the professional competencies provided in the lectures and by making this knowledge practically relevant. All modules share one common characteristic: they do not only focus on the specifics of the respective areas, but also discuss research and development approaches.

Professional field

Possible occupational fields:
- Infrastructure technology, energy technology, energy supply technology
- Railway and automotive industry
- Renewable energy systems
- Public transport companies, railway companies
- Traffic departments of city, municipal, state and federal authorities
- Public authorities, institutions with tasks in planning and operating electrical transport systems on rails and roads
- Regulatory agencies
- Companies for planning, carrying out projects and consulting
- Project management
- Higher education institutions/universities in teaching and research
- Research institutes