Aeronautics, Master of Science

The focus of the "Aeronautics" degree program is on learning the ability to think and solve problems in aeronautical engineering from a systems engineering and cross-systems perspective. The study program considers the aspects of modern air transport systems, the design of aircraft as well as the evaluation of the required technologies on the overall system level. Furthermore, the focus is on the development, analysis and testing of aircraft and cabin systems. The degree program can be customized through a variety of engineering and non-engineering electives. In the Systems Engineering Development Project (SEP), students work in teams on current research projects and can apply their specialist knowledge in practice.

Fact sheet

Study program Aeronautics
Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Study duration: 4 semesters
Credit points according to ECTS: 120
Language: German/English
Type of study: Full-time study
Start of study: Winter semester (October) or summer semester (April)
Application period: June 1st – July 15th and December 1st – January 15th
Admission requirements: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or comparable
Admission restriction: Yes
Dual studies possible: Yes

What characterizes this study program?

The master's degree program "Aeronautics" teaches competencies and skills in systems engineering using the example of the aircraft. Systems engineering focuses on the systematic and holistic approach to the design of complex systems in general. This ability to think and solve problems in a systems engineering and cross-systems manner is particularly needed in the design of aircraft systems as well as the evaluation of the required technologies at the overall system level and is underpinned at TUHH with competencies and expertise in aeronautical engineering.
The proximity to the aviation industry (Airbus and suppliers) and the aviation research cluster in Finkenwerder are very clear advantages of Hamburg as a place to study.

Study program objectives, competencies and skills:

  • Learning of theoretical fundamentals and methods of systems engineering as well as application areas of the sub-areas of aircraft systems engineering.
  • Application of knowledge of theoretical fundamentals and specific methods of systems engineering to complex problems
  • Analysis of typical, complex problems from aircraft systems engineering (e.g. design of landing gear or high-lift systems) and implementation of suitable solution methods.
  • Documentation of adopted solution methods in a comprehensible, structured and verifiable form.
  • Dealing with unusual, incomplete and competing specifications and developing optimal solutions at system level or selecting from existing solution variants.
  • Independent processing of research questions using suitable existing methods, development of new methods, documentation of the solution path taken and presentation to a knowledgeable audience.

How is the program structured?

The master's program "Aeronautics" is divided into the areas of core qualification, elective area and master's thesis. The core qualification area is heard by all students together and comprises 60LP. This area includes the core topics Aircraft Systems, Aircraft Cabin Systems, Systems Engineering, Aircraft Design and Flight Physics, and the Systems Engineering Development Project. In the 30LP elective area, students can individually design their course of study from a catalog of elective modules. The program ends with the completion of a master's thesis.

All compulsory modules of the core qualification are heard in the first two semesters of the study. The third semester contains only elective modules, which makes it easier for students to plan a stay abroad in this semester.

What job can I take?

Aeronautic engineers work primarily on the development of new aircraft and aircraft systems at aircraft manufacturers as well as suppliers. Due to the broad systems engineering training approach, it has become apparent that graduates of the program are in demand not only in the aviation industry, but also in research and other branches of industry with correspondingly complex problems. For example, the training provides an equally solid foundation for the development of wind turbines, automobiles, agricultural machinery, hydraulic systems and other industries.

What are the requirements?

The degree program "Aeronautics" prepares you for solving problems that require holistic, cross-system thinking and focuses on aeronautical engineering. However, such problems do not only arise in aviation, but also in many other branches of industry. A special interest in aerospace topics is therefore beneficial, but not mandatory.

The master's program builds on a fundamentally oriented bachelor's program such as mechanical engineering or similar. Accordingly, a basic knowledge of mathematics, mechanics and thermodynamics is required. In addition, engineering fundamentals in the areas of design theory, electrical engineering, computer science and control engineering should be brought along.

You must also meet the specific requirements for the master's program!

How do I apply?

You can apply annually for the winter semester in the period from June 1st to July 15th and for the summer semester in the period from December 1st to January 15th. For this you need a Bachelor's degree and sufficiently good German language skills (level B2.2). We conduct an online application procedure.

 

Further questions?

How to start?

To make it easier for you to start your studies at the TUHH, you will find various offers here:

  •     New@TUHH provides you with information on starting your studies, registration at the library and at the computer center.
  •     The Student Counseling Center offers an orientation session for incoming students of the German-language master's programs
Can I include a semester abroad?

A stay abroad is possible as part of the study program. Due to the fact that all compulsory modules of the core qualification are heard in the first two semesters of the study, the third semester contains only elective modules, which makes it easier for the students to plan a stay abroad in this semester.

Can I study in the dual program?

 

Yes, you can! All Master of Science degree programs at the TU Hamburg can be studied dual. Since 2003, the Technical University of Hamburg has also offered its Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in a dual study variant in cooperation with more than 50 cooperating companies.

The study concept combines complete university studies with professional practice in the engineering field. The students are employed by one of our cooperating companies and, as cohorts across study programs, represent the entire spectrum of engineering sciences.

The program is rounded off by seminars on the development of social skills, so that graduates can face the challenges of the working world in a responsible manner.

You can find more information about the dual study program at the TU Hamburg here: https://dual.tuhh.de/  

 

What are my options to do a PhD?

The institutes involved in the program each offer the opportunity to pursue a doctorate. The Institute of Aircraft Systems Technology (FST, www.tuhh.de/fst) focuses on the development of new aircraft systems as such, overall system design and the evaluation of new technologies for aircraft systems. The Institute for Aircraft Cabin Systems (FKS, www.tuhh.de/fks) focuses on research and development of systems needed to equip the aircraft cabin. The Institute for Air Transport Systems (ILT, www.tuhh.de/ilt) primarily looks at the air transport system with the aim of making it ecological and sustainable without neglecting economic aspects.

How is campus life?

The TU Hamburg is one of the youngest universities in Germany. On the clearly arranged and cozy campus you will quickly get to know your new fellow students and in spring and summer numerous seating areas and green spaces invite you to linger together in the fresh air. In an almost familiar atmosphere, we celebrate our summer festival every year in June, where our TU's own beer brewing group "Campusperle" also offers its creations. Of course, you can also get involved in our numerous AGs, which also organize regular events, e.g. screenings of the cinema AG, concerts of SingING or SymphonING. Of particular interest to Data Science students are also the HULKs, who regularly participate in international robot soccer championships, for example.

If you decide to study at TUHH, you also decide to study in Hamburg, the metropolis on the Elbe, Germany's second largest city and certainly its most beautiful. Hamburg combines urbanity and maritime life and is also Germany's greenest city with over a million inhabitants. You will never get bored here: rowing on the canals during the day or jogging in the city park, sunset on the Elbe, a concert in the Elbphilharmonie or a pub night on the Schanze and the fish market at dawn. Here you will find everything for the adventurous, but also numerous quiet places to pause. Together with your fellow students, you will certainly explore Hamburg and its treasures quickly and get to know your new favorite place.

How do I start my career?

Career Center and Alumni Network TU&You

The TUHH Career Center supports students and graduates in the transition from university to work. The services offered include company contact fairs, the TUHH-PraxisPlus internship program for prospective TUHH master's students, case study workshops and job application training. The alumni network TU&YOU offers the opportunity to make contact with former TU members while still a student through a variety of events such as research afternoons, homecoming events and anniversaries.

www.tuhh.de/tuhh/uni/service/career-center.html

www.tuandyou.de

Where can I find the relevant regulations?

All modalities for admission to the Master's program are regulated in the Statutes on Studies.

The framework conditions for examinations at TUHH are defined by the General Study and Examination Regulations (ASPO) and the Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations (FSPO). The Module Handbook describes the concrete design of the modules provided for in the curriculum and their learning objectives. They also provide information on content, recommended prior knowledge and literature for preparation.

All regulations relevant to the study program, the module manual and study plans can be found here.

Whom can I contact?

If you have any questions about your studies, you can always contact the Central Student Advisory Service or the head of the study program and the advisors!

Program coordinator

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Thielecke
M-7 Flugzeug-Systemtechnik
  • Institutsleiter
Office Hours
nach Vereinbarung
Neßpriel 5,
21129 Hamburg
Building NP5, Room 1.012
Phone: +49 40 42878 8201

Program advisor

Konstantin Krall
M-7 Flugzeug-Systemtechnik
  • Flugsteuerung und Betätigungssysteme
Neßpriel 5,
21129 Hamburg
Building NP5, Room 1.023
Phone: +49 40 42878 8217

The study program is thematically located in the research field Aviation & Maritime Systems.

The study program is accredited.