Automotive Engineering (B. Eng.)

Wie gestaltest Du mit Fahrzeugtechnik die Mobilität der Zukunft?

Launch your career in the diverse world of automotive engineering and mobility – a field in which creative solutions, analytical thinking and social responsibility are equally in demand. On the Bachelor’s degree programme in Automotive Engineering at THI, you can expect to study cutting-edge subjects covering vehicle development, electronics, digitalisation, design, sustainability and safety.

The first two semesters will provide you with a broad foundation in engineering. You will then deepen your knowledge over four subject-specific semesters and gain valuable experience in a company during your work placement semester. From the sixth semester onwards, you will choose a specialisation: electric mobility or body design/vehicle safety.

Close collaboration with leading OEMs and suppliers opens up a wide range of career paths for you – from the development of safe driver assistance systems and sustainable powertrain concepts to project management. The programme also lays the foundations for a career in motorsport or the high-performance sector, should you wish to pursue this path.

Degree
Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
Duration
7 Semesters
Start of studies
Winter

Accreditation
Yes
Dual Study
Yes
Main teaching language
German

Location
Ingolstadt - On-campus study with HyFlex elements from the winter semester 2026/27

The programme has a standard duration of seven semesters, divided into two sections. The first part consists of two theoretical semesters, while the second section is made up of four more technical semesters and a practical semester in industry. From the sixth semester onwards, students can choose from two exciting specialisations: “Electromobility” and “Body Design and Vehicle Safety”. With the specialisations, each student can set the individual focus that suits their interests and future plans. Digitalisation also plays a major role in the education, for example through the use of virtual simulations such as Matlab, FEM, CFD, etc. In the degree programme, about 1/3 of all study contents are freely selectable! Specialisation in motorbikes, commercial vehicles or motor sports is thus possible. You can find further details on the study contents in the module handbook.

Curriculum

1. Semester

Engineering Mathematics 1

This module provides mathematical foundations for engineering applications. Topics include complex numbers, sequences and series, functions, as well as differential and integral calculus in one variable. Ordinary differential equations, solution methods and practical applications complete the course.

Production Techniques
5 ECTS

This module provides an overview of industrial manufacturing processes according to DIN 8580. Topics include primary shaping, forming, cutting with a focus on machining, joining, plastics processing as well as energy consumption, efficiency and sustainability.

Material Science 1
5 ECTS

This module focuses on the structure and properties of metallic materials. Topics include atomic and crystalline structures, effects of temperature and mechanical loads, and iron‑based alloys. Heat treatment, phase diagrams and basic material testing are also introduced.

Structural Analysis
5 ECTS

This module introduces the statics of rigid bodies. Topics include forces and moments, planar and spatial force systems as well as structures and internal forces. Center of gravity calculations and friction are also addressed.

Principles of Electrical Engineering and Electronics
5 ECTS

This module covers basic electrical and electronic principles. Topics include DC and AC circuits, electric and magnetic fields, electrical machines and basic electronic circuits.

Start-up Project
5 ECTS

This module combines project work with fundamentals of business organization. Topics include entrepreneurship, company and production organization, functional roles in project teams as well as product development and human resources.

2. Semester

Engineering Mathematics 2

Building on Engineering Mathematics 1, this module deepens mathematical methods for engineering problems. Topics include power series, matrices and linear mappings as well as multivariable differential and integral calculus. Vector analysis, curves and differential equations with applications are also covered.

Materials Science 2
5 ECTS

This module deepens materials engineering with a focus on materials used in vehicle engineering. It covers steels as well as aluminum and magnesium alloys, including their properties and heat treatment. Polymer and composite materials are also introduced.

Principles of Mechanical Design
5 ECTS

This module teaches fundamental principles of engineering design. Topics include standards for technical drawings, projection and sectional views, dimensioning and tolerances. Machine elements and design for manufacturing are also covered.

Theory of Strength
5 ECTS

This module focuses on stresses and deformations in components under mechanical loads. Topics include tension, compression, bending, torsion, combined loading, buckling and strength verification.

Thermodynamics 1
5 ECTS

This module introduces fundamental thermodynamic principles. Topics include energy and entropy, state changes and the laws of thermodynamics. Cyclic processes, efficiencies and phase changes are also covered.

Engineering IT and Digitalisation
5 ECTS

This module introduces the basics of engineering informatics and digitalization. Topics include data processing, algorithmic thinking and programming using a high‑level language. Practical exercises build confidence in using computers and demonstrate digital tools for engineering applications.

3. Semester

Machine Elements 1

This module covers fundamental machine elements such as screws, springs and welded, adhesive and riveted joints. Couplings, sealing and lubrication are also addressed, focusing on design and sizing.

Methods of Product Development and CAD
5 ECTS

This module teaches systematic approaches to product development, including development phases, functional structures, creativity techniques, concept evaluation and design using the 3D CAD system CATIA.

Dynamics
5 ECTS

This module introduces the fundamentals of dynamics of mechanical systems. Topics include kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies, the momentum equation, work, energy and power. Exercises deepen the formulation and application of equations of motion.

Finite Elements Method
5 ECTS

This module introduces theory and application of the Finite Element Method, covering elastostatics, virtual work, matrix methods and applications in structural mechanics, dynamics and heat transfer.

Thermodynamics 2
5 ECTS

This module covers heat transfer by conduction, convection and radiation, including analytical methods and experimental laboratory exercises.

Vehicle Engines
5 ECTS

This module provides an overview of vehicle propulsion systems in the context of sustainable mobility. Topics include sustainability and climate protection, fundamentals of vehicle drives, combustion engines with sustainable fuels, battery-electric drives, hybridization and fuel cell drives.

4. Semester

Machine Elements 2
5 ECTS

Building on Machine Elements 1, this module covers advanced components such as shafts, bearings, shaft‑hub connections and gear, belt and chain drives.

Project: Design and Development
5 ECTS

This module focuses on a practice-oriented design project carried out in a team. Students work methodically on an engineering design and development task, document the results according to technical standards and present them.

Machine Dynamics
5 ECTS

This module deepens vibration theory for mechanical systems, including free and forced vibrations, multi‑degree‑of‑freedom systems, simulations and experimental lab work.

Fluid Mechanics
5 ECTS

This module provides fundamentals of fluid mechanics, covering properties, conservation equations, internal and external flows, compressible flows, laboratory experiments and simulation insights.

Principles of Automotive Engineering
5 ECTS

This module provides an overview of the structure and function of modern passenger cars. Topics include main vehicle assemblies, driving resistances and vehicle dynamics, drivetrain and chassis, onboard electrical systems and bus systems, type approval, vehicle safety and automated driving.

Measurement and Control Technology
5 ECTS

This module introduces fundamentals of measurement and control engineering. Topics include linear systems in the time and frequency domain, Laplace transform, transfer functions, control loop design, state-space representation, sensors and actuators in vehicle applications, measurement errors and error propagation.

5. Semester

Internship

The internship enables application of theoretical knowledge in an industrial environment and provides practical experience in engineering tasks.

Practical Seminar
2 ECTS

The practical seminar develops career-oriented competences for engineering practice. In a block course, students work on team-based tasks and strengthen social, methodological and personal competences, such as moderation, presentation, conflict management, rhetoric, scientific work and ethics.

Project and Quality Management
4 ECTS

This module introduces fundamentals of project and quality management, covering planning, control and quality assurance of technical projects.

6. Semester

Cost and Investment Management

This module covers business fundamentals of cost and investment management. Topics include external and internal accounting, product costing, cost control and cost reduction in product development, target costing, value analysis and investment appraisal.

Driving Dynamics and Simulation
5 ECTS

This module introduces fundamentals of vehicle dynamics and simulation, covering longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics, vehicle models and analysis of simulation results.

Project
5 ECTS

In this module, students work on an extensive team project involving problem analysis, project methods as well as documentation and presentation of technical results.

Focus Area Module 1
5 ECTS

In the two specialisation areas, ‘Electromobility’ and ‘Bodywork Design & Vehicle Safety’, you must take four specialisation modules. For further information, see the module handbook.

Focus Area Module 2
5 ECTS

In the two specialisation areas, ‘Electromobility’ and ‘Bodywork Design & Vehicle Safety’, you must take four specialisation modules. For further information, see the module handbook.

Specialist Elective Module
5 ECTS

The compulsory elective modules in the specialist subject area can be chosen according to your field of study and personal interests.

7. Semester

Seminar: Bachelor‘s Thesis
3 ECTS

This seminar prepares students methodologically and organizationally for the bachelor’s thesis. Topics include scientific work, literature research, topic selection, coordination with supervisors, structuring, scheduling and preparation of thesis registration.

Bachelor‘s Thesis
12 ECTS

The bachelor’s thesis concludes the degree program. Students independently work on an engineering problem using scientific methods and document the results in a written thesis.

Focus Area Module 3
5 ECTS

In the two specialisation areas, ‘Electromobility’ and ‘Bodywork Design & Vehicle Safety’, you must take four specialisation modules. For further information, see the module handbook.

Focus Area Module 4
5 ECTS

In the two specialisation areas, ‘Electromobility’ and ‘Bodywork Design & Vehicle Safety’, you must take four specialisation modules. For further information, see the module handbook.

Specialist Elective Module
5 ECTS

The compulsory elective modules in the specialist subject area can be chosen according to your field of study and personal interests.

Quick Info

Application for study place

The programme can be started in the winter semester (NOT in the summer semester).

As the degree programme is not subject to admission restrictions, applications can only be made via the PRIMUSS application portal THI. The big advantage for you at the moment is: If your application documents are complete, you will be admitted immediately!

Application deadlines

Information on the application period and on the application procedure can be found on the page Application for a Bachelor's Place.

Requirements

The prerequisite for admission to studies at Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences is either the general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or the entrance qualification for studies at universities of applied sciences. If you do not have any work experience, you will need to complete eight weeks of preliminary work experience. In this case, please see the information on the preliminary work experience below.

From the 2026/27 winter semester onwards, HyFlex will initially be introduced in the first semester of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Automotive Engineering and subsequently rolled out on a semester-by-semester basis to other suitable lectures in higher semesters.

Many lectures can then be attended either in person or live online. In-person attendance remains the norm. Practical sessions, tutorials, computer lab sessions and examinations will continue to take place in person. Depending on the teaching approach, live broadcasts may be supplemented or replaced by pre-recorded lecture or teaching videos.

The dual study programme enables a combination of practical training elements in a company and theoretical training at the university. Either the combined model (study & vocational training) or the study programme with in-depth practice (study and intensive practical phases) can be chosen. The advantage for students is obvious: with a practice-oriented academic education, the transition from study to work is usually smooth. In addition, the student is usually financially compensated by the respective company and, in the best case, is taken on after graduation.

Please inform yourself on our pages on dual studies or on the search for a dual company partner. Depending on the company, it is also possible to switch to a dual programme after starting your studies.

As a future automotive engineer, you will find a job in the automotive industry in particular. As a graduate, you will be able to use the engineering tools you have acquired to take on qualified specialist and management tasks in business and administration.

A degree in automotive engineering will later be rewarded with the most lucrative starting salaries in the engineering field. More on starting salaries and salary development can be found at: www.absolventa.de/jobs/channel/fahrzeugtechnik/thema/gehalt

Students are required to complete a total of eight weeks of preliminary practice. This can be completed before the start of the degree programme and during the lecture-free period. The entire eight weeks must be completed by the beginning of the fourth semester at the latest.

Upon request, we will let you know where our students have successfully completed their preliminary practice in the past.

General information on scholarship:

Financing your study programme might be a big challenge for you. On our homepage you find different opportunities of financing your academic studies at our university. Link:

Financial assistance

Please note that financial aid programmes are mostly not open to foreign students. For scholarships for students from abroad you may have a look here:

https://www.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/12359-finding-scholarships/
Public funding (BAföG) is only available to Germans and to EU citizens if they have spent a considerable part of their education in Germany. The university awards a scholarship called Deutschlandstipendium once a year which cannot fully cover living expenses. Additionally we have limited funds and support some international students for a maximum of one semester. Please do not actively approach the International Office on scholarships, once a year a call for application automatically reaches all international students.

Third party scholarship:

If you are an applicant from abroad, you may qualify for a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): www.daad.de
If you are a German students we recommend to research for suitable scholarships on www.mystipendium.de
Please note that we cannot offer any guidance or support concerning scholarship applications.

We recommend that single students budget at least 700-900 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, health insurance, stay, books, semester contribution)

International – and interested in studying here in Ingolstadt? Our International Office will support you with any issues on application, accomodation and more

Our professors are distinguished by the fact that they all have several years of experience in industry and you will therefore learn from proven experts.

FAQs

You'll need to prove C1-level German skills for this course. Please note that the Bachelor programme is taught in German only and that you'll be expected to have a thorough understanding of technical terms and extensive skills in spoken and written German also.

Please see the Infoblatt Vorpraxis (German only) or contact us at studienangelegenheiten@thi.de for details.

studienangelegenheiten@thi.de will help you with having your exams and achievements recognised.

Contact options for prospective students

Apply online

Academic advisor

Programme director and Academic advisor Automotive Engineering (Bachelor)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Konrad Költzsch
Phone: +49 841 9348-7900
Room: A215
E-Mail: Konrad.Koeltzsch@thi.de

More contact options

Study Ambassador Automotive Engineering
Simon Dömer

Student Ambassador Automotive Engineering
Azra Alcin

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 (German language only).

Module Handbook Bachelor FT WS 2026_27 (pdf)

Subject-specific elective modules SoSe 2026 (pdf)

Praktisches Studiensemester (pdf)
Important information on internships and a practical seminar

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.