HOCHSCHULE REUTLINGEN

Digital Industrial Management and Engineering (DIME) – MSc

International Double Degree for Careers in Research, Development, Innovation, and Future Technologies

The Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program prepares you for challenging roles at the intersection of industrial practice, technological innovation, and research and development. The program specifically prepares students for positions in development departments, innovation-oriented companies, research institutions, and technology departments. In addition, it provides a solid academic foundation for a potential future Ph.D.

  • Focus on Digitalization
    The program emphasizes applied research in the field of “Digitalization in Industry.” Many of our students use AI methods to solve problems within value networks or companies.

  • Study Abroad and Dual Master’s Degrees
    Stand out from the crowd and earn a double degree from Reutlingen University and either Stellenbosch University (South Africa) or Purdue University (USA). Spend one semester at the international partner university and gain valuable international experience.

  • Personalized Study Focus
    Choose your own research topic and work on your research project throughout the entire duration of the program.

Key data

All key data and facts about your degree program at a glance

Duration of study

4 semesters

Place of study

Reutlingen and Stellenbosch (South Africa)
Start in summer and winter semester

or Purdue (USA)
Start in winter semester

Study places

Restricted admission with selection process

Language of instruction

English

Admission requirements

University degree and good
English language skills

Costs

Information about the costs associated with studying can be found here.

All key data

Duration of study

4 semesters including at least 1 mandatory semester abroad

Place of study

Reutlingen and Stellenbosch (South Africa) or Purdue (USA)

Start of studies

Summer and winter semester: Stellenbosch (South Africa)
Winter semester: Purdue University (USA)

Application deadline

January 15 for the summer semester for the double degree with Stellenbosch University, South Africa

July 15 for the winter semester for the double degree with Purdue University, USA, or the double degree with Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Study places

5 in the summer semester
(Stellenbosch)

7 in the winter semester
(5 Stellenbosch / 2 Purdue)

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, you must hold a qualified university degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Production Engineering, or comparable fields of engineering with at least 210 ECTS or an equivalent scope of academic achievement.

Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree comprising 180 ECTS credits may also apply for admission. In addition to the modules specified in the study and examination regulations, they must complete 30 ECTS credits’ worth of coursework and examinations. The selection of the required credits is based on the skills acquired during the Bachelor’s degree and is agreed in a Learning Agreement with the Dean of Studies for the program.

In addition:

  • A passed German language test, if your university degree was not obtained in a German-language program or if German is not your native language. (More information on the required German language proficiency and accepted language certificates can be found at: https://www.reutlingen-university.de/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung/internationale-bewerber/)
  • Proof of English language proficiency at level B2, unless your degree was earned in an English-language program (at least 50%) or if English is your native language.
    • Accepted language tests include TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge Certificate, or equivalent proof of proficiency at the corresponding level.

Special admission requirements for applicants with a first degree from a foreign university:

To find out whether your foreign degree qualifies you for a master’s program in Germany, please consult the Studienkolleg of Konstanz University of Applied Sciences. There you can also find out whether you are eligible for admission to a university in Baden-Württemberg and whether you may need to pass additional examinations beforehand.

The application for recognition of your certificate can be found on the Studienkolleg Konstanz website.

Language of instruction

English

Degree

You will complete this study program with a double degree:

  • Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering from Reutlingen University and
  • Master of Engineering (MEng) in Engineering Management from Stellenbosch University, South Africa
    or
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Technology from Purdue University, USA

ECTS

120

Costs

Information about the costs associated with studying can be found here.

Admission requirements


A university degree with at least 210 ECTS credits or equivalent in the fields of natural sciences, economics, and engineering in the following disciplines or comparable areas. The selection committee will decide on comparable disciplines:

  • Applied computer science
  • Drive technology
  • Automation technology
  • Biomedical sciences
  • Biotechnology
  • Bioprocess engineering
  • Business engineering
  • Computer science
  • Engineering
  • Vehicle engineering
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Circular economy
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Materials technology
  • Mechatronics
  • Medical informatics
  • Medical technical informatics
  • Medical technology
  • Human-computer systems
  • Sustainability management
  • Sustainable technologies
  • Production engineering
  • Product Management
  • Resource Efficiency
  • Robotics
  • Sustainable Engineering
  • Technical Business Administration
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental Protection
  • Environmental Technology
  • Process Engineering
  • Business Informatics
  • Industrial Engineering

 

Applicants who have a bachelor's degree with 180 ECTS credits may also apply for admission. In addition to the modules specified in the study and examination regulations, they must earn 30 ECTS credits in coursework and examinations. The selection of the required credits is based on the skills acquired in the bachelor's program and is agreed upon in a learning agreement with the dean of studies for the program.

 

Additionally:

  • Proven English language skills at qualification level B2, unless the university degree was obtained in an English-language program (at least 50%) or the applicant's native language is English.
  • TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge Certificate or equivalent language certificates at the appropriate level are recognized as language tests.

Special admission requirements for applicants with a first degree from a foreign university:

You can find out whether your foreign degree qualifies you for a master's program in Germany at the Studienkolleg (preparatory college) of the University of Konstanz. There you can also find out whether you can be admitted to a university in Baden-Württemberg or which exams you may need to pass beforehand.

You can also find the application for certificate recognition on the website of the Studienkolleg Konstanz.
 

Study and Research Internationally

In the Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program, you will independently work on current research topics from the very beginning and deepen your knowledge through lectures and seminars.
 

Structure and content

In the Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program, you will explore questions such as:

  • How do I address real-world problems using scientific methods and develop suitable solutions?
  • How do I integrate existing solutions and findings into my research work?
  • How do I critically evaluate and defend research results?
  • How do I take responsibility for research and development projects and their outcomes?
  • How do I present and communicate complex research topics clearly, even to non-experts?
  • What competencies and skills do I need to work in a culturally diverse environment?
  • How do I successfully apply my competencies and skills in developing and implementing solutions in an international work environment?

Of the four total semesters in your Master of Science in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program, you will complete three at NXT in Reutlingen. The second semester is mandatory abroad at one of our partner universities: either Stellenbosch University in South Africa or Purdue University in the USA. Lectures, research projects, and seminars are conducted in parallel.

One Master's, two degrees

Degrees awarded with the Double Degree from Stellenbosch University:

Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering from Reutlingen University
and
Master of Engineering (MEng) in Engineering Management from Stellenbosch University, South Africa

Degrees awarded with the Double Degree from Purdue University:

Master of Science (MSc) in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering from Reutlingen University
and
Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering Technology from Purdue University, USA

Your application process

1.

Read the admission requirements and the details of the selection procedure carefully.

2.

Fill out the application form.

Apply now

3.

If you are accepted, accept the place offered.

4.

Welcome to the Faculty of Sustainability and Technology!

Details of the selection process

In the MSc Digital Industrial Management and Engineering (DIME) program, study places are awarded based on the outcome of a selection procedure.

Only applicants who meet the admission requirements and submit a complete and timely application in accordance with the General Admission Regulations of Reutlingen University are eligible to participate in the selection process.

 

Application Deadlines:

Winter semester: July 15, DIME Double Degree Reutlingen University & Purdue University, USA

Summer semester: January 15, DIME Double Degree Reutlingen University & Stellenbosch University, South Africa

 

Step 1: Application documents including „letter of motivation and essay“

During the selection process, applicants are asked to submit various certificates and documents, as well as to a „letter of motivation and essay“ (1-2 pages) to the application portal. You can download the template of the letter of motivation and essay (1 pdf) at the application portal within your application process.

In the research-based master's program Digital Industrial Management and Engineering, students work on their own research project in areas such as smart factories and logistics, work system design, advanced industrial engineering, smart maintenance, digital logistics system planning, international production networks, sustainable production, circular economy, human-machine collaboration, digital production planning, digital shop floor management, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, or digital twins. The Werk150, the factory of the Faculty NXT - Sustainability and Technology (NXT), is equipped with modern IoT technology such as automation, 5G and Industry 4.0 systems, providing students with a wide-ranging research infrastructure to carry out their research project.

 

Please address the following questions in your „motivation letter and essay“:

1.    Please describe your desired research project within the framework of the master's program.

2.    What is the state of the art in technology and science in relation to your research project?

3.    What would be a possible problem and objective of your research project, and what would be a desired outcome?

4.    Please briefly describe your motivation for the topic and the DIME research master's program.

 

Step 2: Admission interview

A preliminary selection process is carried out to limit the number of participants in the admission interview.

The admission interview lasts 30 minutes and is conducted as a one-on-one conversation in person or online. It consists of a 10-minute mandatory presentation on the preferred research topic within the master's program, followed by an interview to assess the applicant's suitability and motivation for the program. It is conducted in English.

We are looking forward to your application

Applications for the summer term can be submitted until 15 January, and applications for the winter term until 15 July! 

Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions about the DIME Master’s programme

Yes. Applicants with a 180-ECTS Bachelor’s degree may be admitted. In this case, they must complete an additional 30 ECTS credits, the composition of which will be set out in an individual Learning Agreement with the Dean of Studies.

The DIME is open to a wide range of degrees in engineering, business and the natural sciences. These include industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, mechatronics, automation engineering, sustainability management and many others. The selection committee decides on comparable fields of study.

Yes, the language of instruction is entirely English. If your bachelor’s degree was not predominantly taught in English and English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of a B2 language level (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate).

Yes. The semester abroad in the second semester is compulsory and an integral part of the degree programme. It takes place at Purdue University (USA) or Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and forms the basis for your double degree.

That depends on your goals. If you’d like to work in research and development, digitalisation projects or in a leadership role within industry, the DIME programme offers clear added value: an international double degree, your own research project, experience abroad and significantly better starting salary prospects. The Student Advisory Service will be happy to help you with your decision.

The application deadline for the summer semester is 15 January (double degree with Stellenbosch University, South Africa). For the winter semester, the deadline is 15 July (double degree with Purdue University, USA, or Stellenbosch University, South Africa).

The selection process consists of two stages: first, you submit your application documents, including a personal statement and an essay. Those who pass the initial screening will be invited to a 30-minute interview, either in person or online, in English. During the interview, you will present your proposed research topic and explain your motivation. 

Get to know us

Experience NXT at study information days, fairs, and virtual info sessions. Learn everything you need to know about student life and the MSc Operations Management program.

 

See schedule

Questions?

Your personal student advisor will be happy to help you!

 

Dipl.-Kfm. (Univ.) Jörg Bauer

 

+49 7121/271-3085

And after graduation?

As a graduate of the Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program, you will be well prepared for demanding roles in industry, research and development in an international context, or for pursuing a doctoral degree.

Your qualification profile

Graduates of the program have expertise in digitalization and engineering management as well as soft skills such as teamwork, intercultural competence, (leadership) responsibility, and the ability to take action. They can communicate complex relationships and get to the heart of the matter.

Typical industries

As a graduate of the Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program, your knowledge and skills will be in demand at both German and international companies and organizations. Innovative companies, consulting firms, and research institutions are often the employers of our graduates.

Possible business areas

Whether it's sustainable technology projects, digital global logistics system planning, designing smart factories and logistics, designing international production networks, business and production process optimization, or international management—a wide range of fields is open to you.

Doctorate

Your dual degree in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering with leading universities also offers you the best conditions for an academic career and a doctorate in the fields of digitalization, sustainability, or operations management.

Design most of your own curriculum? Conduct research on current digitalization topics? Spend a semester abroad in South Africa or the USA? Earn two master’s degrees – one from the School of Sustainability and Technology and one from a partner university? Work with modern research infrastructure in your own factory? That’s only possible in DIME!

 

Prof. Dr.techn. Dipl.-Ing. Daniel Palm,

Program Director, MSc Digital Industrial Management and Engineering

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