Who benefits from the Master’s distance learning course in Industrial Engineering?

This distance learning course is aimed at professionals from economic or engineering fields who wish to expand their skills at the interface of technology and management. The programme is particularly suitable for you if you want to take on leadership responsibilities or pursue activities in project management, digital transformation, or innovation management. Due to its flexible structure, the offer also appeals to career changers with technical or economic backgrounds who are interested in complex, interdisciplinary tasks.

What formal requirements must you meet?

To be admitted to the Master’s degree programme in Industrial Engineering (M.Eng.) at Hochschule Fresenius as a distance learner, the following admission requirements apply:

• Completed first degree (Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with at least 180 ECTS credits
• The first degree must be in the field of economics or engineering
• If the first degree does not have a relevant focus, additional modules or proof may be required (e.g. in business administration, engineering or certain key qualifications)
• Alternatively, application via so-called “professional qualification” with at least two years of relevant work experience plus an aptitude test is possible
• In all cases, a letter of motivation may be requested; in individual cases, an admission interview is envisaged
• Further individual requirements such as additional qualifications or proof of English skills (e.g. B2 level) may have to be submitted depending on the profile

Personally, you should bring the following qualities and prior knowledge to the Master’s course:

• Interest in interdisciplinary topics from business, technology and digitalisation
• Basic knowledge in business administration and/or engineering, for example from first degree or work experience
• Analytical and problem-solving thinking
• Independent working style as well as pronounced self-organisation
• Teamwork skills and communication strengths in virtual collaboration
• Willingness to acquire new digital tools and methods
• Resilience to reconcile work, study and possibly family (recommended: approximately 26 hours of work per week)

What content can you expect in the part-time distance learning programme in Industrial Engineering (M.Eng.)?

In the Master's degree programme Industrial Engineering at Hochschule Fresenius, you will develop interdisciplinary competencies at the interface of technology, economics, and management. Upon completion, you will be able to analyse technical, scientific, and economic challenges holistically and develop innovative solutions. The curriculum focuses on the following topics and skills:

• Technology and Management: You will deal with innovation processes, technology development, as well as relevant aspects of quality and project management.
• Digital Transformation: Topics such as the Industrial Internet and the digital transformation of companies are on the syllabus, along with their impact on business models and operational processes.
• Empirical Research: You will learn to apply scientific work and empirical research methods – for example, within project work and empirical research projects.
• Interdisciplinary Management: Modules on international and intercultural management, controlling, and accounting prepare you for leadership roles.
• Individual Specialisation: You choose your focus areas from four elective fields:
  • Production and Logistics
  • Product and Innovation
  • Business and Marketing
  • Industrial Engineering Management
• Practice-oriented Project Work: You will work on realistic case studies and complex problems in self-organised team and individual work, supported by award-winning digital tools such as the project “AiJAX for Distance Learning”.
• Master’s Thesis: At the end of your studies, you will produce a scientific master's thesis in which you independently address a current topic at the interface of technology and economics.

The study content is closely aligned with current industry developments and the requirements for modern leaders. In addition to specialised knowledge, you will acquire practice-relevant key skills such as analytical thinking, project management, communication, and personnel management.

What is the process and structure of your distance learning programme?

The part-time distance learning Master of Engineering is designed to be flexible and can be completed individually over 4, 6 or 8 semesters (corresponding to 24, 36 or 48 months). The curriculum comprises 120 ECTS and follows the structure below:

• Start at any time: You can begin your studies monthly.
• Online study materials: You learn using digital “Studymags”, video lectures, e-books, and interactive exercises on the online learning platform studynet. Printed materials are available as an optional extra.
• Learning format: The programme is modular and based on self-organised learning. You determine your learning pace, the order of modules, and exam dates within defined deadlines.
• Personal support: At the start, you will receive your personal study coach and can access virtual consultations, forums, and webinars at any time. Lecturers are available via digital channels.
• Mandatory and elective modules: At the beginning, you attend basic modules in economics or technology, depending on your prior qualifications. Later, you choose two elective compulsory modules and a project-oriented assignment from your chosen specialisation.
• Practice-oriented exam formats: Exams preferably take place online (e.g. assignments, open-book exams, presentations, online tests) – classic on-site exams are kept to a minimum.
• Occasional attendance dates: Optional two-day seminars (total of 24 teaching hours) are offered at locations such as Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, or Munich. Additionally, online tutorials and webinars can be attended.
• International options: You can participate in free online certificates and masterclasses offered by the partner Arizona State University® (ASU®).

The programme is designed for maximum flexibility: a model change (e.g. from 24 to 48 months) is possible during your studies. On request, you can extend your studies free of charge for up to 12 months. All modules have a structured study plan that supports your self-organisation.

What career opportunities open up after the Master’s in Industrial Engineering?

With the Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering (M.Eng.), you open the door to demanding leadership and expert positions in industry, services, and consulting. Typical career prospects include:

• Work at the interface between technology and business: You are in demand in production, logistics, or innovation departments of industrial companies.
• Project management: You lead cross-departmental projects, steer transformation processes (e.g. digitisation initiatives), or are responsible for process optimisations.
• Consulting and advisory services: You work as a management consultant for technical operational optimisation, digitalisation, or change management.
• Leadership roles in an international environment: Your expertise in intercultural management and international certificates qualify you for international companies and markets.
• Personnel and organisational development: You support organisations in innovation initiatives and strategy processes.
• Subject specialisation: Depending on your choice of modules, you can specialise in production management, logistics, innovation, marketing, or industrial engineering.

Industrial engineers are sought-after generalists with leadership qualities. With this degree, you are flexibly employable and benefit from long-term good career advancement opportunities in various industries.

What costs should you expect and how can you finance your studies?

The tuition fees for the part-time distance learning programme Industrial Engineering (M.Eng.) at Hochschule Fresenius vary depending on the chosen study duration:

• 24 months: €525/month (with discount from €467.25/month)
• 36 months: €395/month (with discount from €351.55/month)
• 48 months: €315/month (with discount from €280.35/month)

The total costs amount to €11,880 regularly but can be reduced depending on promotional discounts (e.g. “START11”). The tuition fees include the following services:

• Access to the digital learning platform studynet and all materials
• Personal support from study coaches and lecturers
• Online library, e-books, studymags, and digital additional offers
• All exam fees as well as issuance of the final certificate
• Participation in online certificates of ASU®

Additional costs may optionally arise for:

• Travel to optional on-site seminars or to any required examination venues
• Printed Studymags (optional, digital version always free of charge)
• Personal technical equipment (PC, internet access, possibly camera/headset for online exams)

There are various options for financing:

• Installment payment of tuition fees
• Funding through scholarships (e.g. Deutschlandstipendium)
• Education loans, e.g. from KfW or banks
• Support from employers (e.g. training budget)
• Tax deductibility of tuition fees (as income-related expenses/business expenses) if professionally relevant

The student advisory service at Hochschule Fresenius provides individual advice on suitable financing models and supports the selection of the optimal fee and payment option.