Digital Industrial Management and Engineering (DIME) – MSc

International Double Degree for Doctorate or R&D Career

The Digital Industrial Management and Engineering program prepares you optimally for roles in research and development, in research institutions, or for pursuing a doctoral degree.

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.

Further features:

In close collaboration with your supervising professor, you will independently work on current research topics in the field of Digital Industrial Management and Engineering from the very beginning.
You will complete your semester abroad either at Stellenbosch University in South Africa or at Purdue University, USA.
After completing the program, you will have extensive knowledge in the areas of sustainability, data science, management science, supply chain management, information and communication technologies, as well as smart factory and logistics in the context of “Industry 4.0.”
You will conduct your research using modern research infrastructure in a real factory environment: Werk150 on the Reutlingen University campus.

Key data
Structure
Application
Contact

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, 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.

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

German and 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 zum Auswahlverfahren

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

As part of the selection process (Step 2), applicants will be asked to submit a short exposé (1–2 pages) via the application portal (also Step 2), in addition to providing various certificates and documents.

In the research-based master's program Digital Industrial Management and Engineering, students work on an individual research project throughout their studies. These projects may fall within areas such as Smart Factory 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 Twin. With Werk150, the ESB Business School's factory at Reutlingen University, equipped with state-of-the-art IoT technologies including automation, 5G, and Industry 4.0 systems, students have access to extensive research infrastructure to support their projects.

Please address the following questions in your exposé:

Please describe your intended research project within the framework of the master's program.
What is the current state of science and technology in relation to your research topic?
What could be a potential research problem and objective, and what would be the desired outcome?
Briefly explain your motivation for choosing this topic and the DIME research master's program.

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!

Jörg Bauer Dipl.-Kfm. (Univ.)

+49 7121 271-3085

Send E-mail

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