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Universität Duisburg-Essen
PhD German + English Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Doctorate

About the Program

Mechanical and plant engineering is one of the largest and most future-proof high-tech sectors in Germany. By combining mechanical engineering with electrical engineering, measurement and control engineering and information technology, new products and processes are constantly being developed. The Master's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering is divided into seven specialisations, each with a different focus. The General Mechanical Engineering specialisation offers a broad, traditional education in mechanical engineering. In addition to a sound technical basis, the curriculum includes elective options that allow students to individually design their own profiles. The Mechatronics specialisation combines traditional mechanical engineering with electrical engineering and information technology. Students learn the basics of developing and manufacturing mechatronic systems in which mechanical, electrical and electronic components are integrated in innovative modules. Global markets and value chains require new and efficient material flows. In the Production and Logistics specialisation, students acquire methods and techniques for planning, developing and controlling production and logistics processes in supply chains. The programme combines technical aspects with organisational and economic requirements and prepares students for interdisciplinary activities. In view of the global climate problem and scarcity of resources, energy and environmental technology plays a key role. The specialisation qualifies students for the development of resource-saving systems and technologies to reduce environmental pollution in soil, water and air. Maritime systems are among the most complex large-scale structures and facilities built by humans. What these systems have in common is that, on the one hand, they contain a high degree of specific, closely interlinked, complex subsystems and need to be operated with a high degree of efficiency, but on the other hand, they have to cope with the harsh environmental conditions at sea. The Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems specialisation addresses the need for highly qualified engineers. The solid foundation of general mechanical engineering is enhanced by industry-specific knowledge in the field of ship and offshore technology. The Maritime Systems Safety specialisation addresses issues relating to the safety of maritime systems. Building on a Bachelor's degree in engineering, specific content of safety-relevant areas of ship and offshore technology as well as knowledge of risk assessment, functional safety, diagnosis of systems, system reliability, control engineering, and process control technology are taught. The Turbomachinery specialisation focuses on the physical relationships of energy conversion in the form of shaft power, e.g. for power generation and the conveyance of media. In addition to product development using the latest manufacturing methods, this also includes the thermodynamic, aerodynamic and rotor-dynamic design of turbomachinery with the aid of current development and research tools.
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Mechanical and plant engineering is one of the largest and most future-proof high-tech sectors in Germany. By combining mechanical engineering with electrical engineering, measurement and control engineering and information technology, new products and processes are constantly being developed. The Master's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering is divided into seven specialisations, each with a different focus. The General Mechanical Engineering specialisation offers a broad, traditional education in mechanical engineering. In addition to a sound technical basis, the curriculum includes elective options that allow students to individually design their own profiles. The Mechatronics specialisation combines traditional mechanical engineering with electrical engineering and information technology. Students learn the basics of developing and manufacturing mechatronic systems in which mechanical, electrical and electronic components are integrated in innovative modules. Global markets and value chains require new and efficient material flows. In the Production and Logistics specialisation, students acquire methods and techniques for planning, developing and controlling production and logistics processes in supply chains. The programme combines technical aspects with organisational and economic requirements and prepares students for interdisciplinary activities. In view of the global climate problem and scarcity of resources, energy and environmental technology plays a key role. The specialisation qualifies students for the development of resource-saving systems and technologies to reduce environmental pollution in soil, water and air. Maritime systems are among the most complex large-scale structures and facilities built by humans. What these systems have in common is that, on the one hand, they contain a high degree of specific, closely interlinked, complex subsystems and need to be operated with a high degree of efficiency, but on the other hand, they have to cope with the harsh environmental conditions at sea. The Sustainable and Autonomous Maritime Systems specialisation addresses the need for highly qualified engineers. The solid foundation of general mechanical engineering is enhanced by industry-specific knowledge in the field of ship and offshore technology. The Maritime Systems Safety specialisation addresses issues relating to the safety of maritime systems. Building on a Bachelor's degree in engineering, specific content of safety-relevant areas of ship and offshore technology as well as knowledge of risk assessment, functional safety, diagnosis of systems, system reliability, control engineering, and process control technology are taught. The Turbomachinery specialisation focuses on the physical relationships of energy conversion in the form of shaft power, e.g. for power generation and the conveyance of media. In addition to product development using the latest manufacturing methods, this also includes the thermodynamic, aerodynamic and rotor-dynamic design of turbomachinery with the aid of current development and research tools.

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Mechanical Engineering

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Mechanical Engineering at Universität Duisburg-Essen

Is Mechanical Engineering at Universität Duisburg-Essen taught in German or English?

This PhD programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Mechanical Engineering programme cost?

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Mechanical Engineering at Universität Duisburg-Essen?

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Mechanical Engineering?

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Universität Duisburg-Essen — directly or via uni-assist?

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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