Digital Industrial Management and Engineering (DIME) – MSc
International Double Degree for Careers in Research, Development, Innovation, and Future Technologies
With the Master’s in Digital Industrial Management and Engineering (DIME), you will earn two internationally recognised qualifications: a Master of Science from Reutlingen University and a degree from a renowned partner university in the USA (Purdue University) or South Africa (Stellenbosch University). A semester abroad is an integral part of the programme.
DIME is a research-oriented Master’s programme at the interface of industrial practice, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. From the very start, you will work independently on your own research project in a real factory environment, Werk150 on the Reutlingen campus, equipped with state-of-the-art technology in the fields of logistics and production.
The programme is aimed at graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics or the natural sciences who want more than a traditional Master’s: fewer lectures, but more individuality, personal responsibility, international experience and innovation.
What you can expect at DIME:
A dual degree from Reutlingen University and a leading international university
Your own research project on topics such as AI, smart factories, Industry 4.0 or the circular economy
State-of-the-art facilities at Werk150 on the Reutlingen University campus
A semester abroad at Stellenbosch University in South Africa or Purdue University in the USA
Small group sizes and close supervision by professors
Ideal conditions for going on to do a PhD or pursuing a management career in industry
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
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.
And after graduation?
As a graduate of the Digital Industrial Management and Engineering programme, you will be ideally prepared for challenging roles in industry and in research and development within an international context, or for going on to do a PhD.
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
