Master’s Programme contents and qualification profile

Nowadays, automation and robotic systems can be found in almost every area of everyday life and are main drivers for the technical progress. The increasing capability of cost efficient electronics, the progress in sensors, the possibility for wireless real-time communication and the availability of large amount of data and modern algorithms are the basis for the development of completely new solutions for automation and robotic systems. These systems can automatically adapt to changing environments, are resource efficient and avoid waste. Furthermore, they provide a desired optimal behavior within the whole operating range and exhibit the required cognitive features for the automation of complex tasks. These characteristics are frequently labeled “smart” or “intelligent” in many technologies. Modern automation and robotic systems are the foundation of the digital transformation in industry and assist the circular economy and the energy system transformation. Related jobs are found in a multitude of industrial sectors.

The modular concept of the Master’s Programme gives you a large amount of freedom to follow your interests and to specialize in your preferred research area. If you enjoy solving complex problems in automation, mechatronics and robotics and have a high level of motivation, the Master’s Programme automation and robotic systems is perfectly suited for you!

Within this Master’s Programme you will learn to design, analyze and optimize automation, mechatronic and robotic systems, intelligent assistance systems and autonomous/semi-autonomous functions for diverse applications. In addition to the scientific foundations in sensors, actors, mechatronics, control engineering, signal and system theory, physics- and data-based modelling, image processing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and autonomous systems, you will learn how to deal with the synergetic interaction of these components. Major aspects of human-machine interaction, the social implications and ethics as well as environmental safety and sustainability are integrated in the Master’s Programme as well.

Structure of the Master’s Programme

Graphic about the structure of the Master's Programme. More Information can be found in the text below.

Modules of the Master’s Programme:

  • 4 mandatory modules (36 ECTS): The mandatory modules „Automation“, „Mechatronic Systems“, „Foundations of Robotics and Control Engineering“ as well as „Machine Learning“ contain the basis and the common content for all students of the Master’s Programme. They are also designed to align the knowledge of students with a bachelor degree in different fields.
  • 3 selectable modules (27 ECTS): By selecting 3 modules you can specialize your study within the Master’s Programme. You have to select at least 2 modules from module catalogue A (core modules) and a maximum of 1 module from module catalogue B (extension modules).
  • Module selected topics of system and engineering science (18 ECTS): For further specialization of your study, you have to select courses which cover 18 ECTS from a list of courses. These courses can also be selected from modules in catalogue A and B that have not been used in the selectable modules.
  • Electives and Transferable Skills (9 ECTS): The courses in this module can be freely selected from the courses of all approved universities. At least 4,5 ECTS have to be selected in the area of transferable skills.
  • Module Diplomarbeit (Master Thesis) (30 ECTS): This module consists of your master thesis (27 ECTS) and the final exam (3 ECTS)

A detailed description of all modules can be found in TISS (in German).

Basically, students can choose the sequence of the courses freely. However, since the content of certain courses is coordinated, there is a recommended semester schedule for the Master’s Programme.

Subsequently, you can find the recommended semester schedule for students who start the Master’s Programme in winter semester. The recommended schedule for students who start in summer semester can be found in the curriculum in TISS.

1. Semester (winter) 30 ECTS

  • VU Industrial Automation 3,0 ECTS
  • VU Foundations of Robotics 4,5 ECTS
  • VO Control Systems 3,0 ECTS
  • VU Mechatronic Systems 6,0 ECTS
  • VU Machine Vision 4,5 ECTS
  • Courses of selectable modules 6,0 ECTS
  • Electives and Transferable Skills 3,0 ECTS

2. Semester (summer) 30 ECTS

  • VU Responsible Research Practice 3,0 ECTS
  • VU Machine Learning 4,5 ECTS
  • LU Mechatronic Systems Laboratory 3,0 ECTS
  • VU Industrial Communication Technique 3,0 ECTS
  • Courses of selectable modules 9,0 ECTS
  • Courses of module Selected Topics of System and Engineering Science 4,5 ECTS
  • Electives and Transferable Skills 3,0 ECTS

3. Semester (winter) 30 ECTS

  • LU Control Systems 1,5 ECTS
  • Courses of selectable modules 12,0 ECTS
  • Courses of module Selected Topics of System and Engineering Science 13,5 ECTS
  • Electives and Transferable Skills 3,0 ECTS

4. Semester (summer) 30 ECTS

  • Master Thesis 27,0 ECTS
  • Final Exam 3,0 ECTS

Further information about the Programme

The Master’s Programme Automation and Robotic Systems is suited for all students who have received a Bachelor’s degree in a related technical or natural scientific study from an approved university.

The admission for the Master’s Programme is directly possible for students of the following Bachelor's Programmes:

  • TU Wien
    • Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Technical Informatics
    • Technical Physics
    • Technical Mathematics
  • TU Graz
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Information and Computer Engineering
  • JKU Linz
    • Mechatronics

Of course, the admission is possible also for students with a degree from a different bachelor’s programme. TU Wien will check the suitability of the Bachelor’s Programme for the admission. To account for difference, additional course with a maximum of 30 ECTS can be required.

Knowledge of German language according to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is highly recommended. Some courses are offered in English language. Thus, knowledge of English language according to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is highly recommended.

The Master's Programme in Automation and Robotic Systems is characterised by courses with small group sizes and thus a high level of supervision. In addition to a sound education in scientific methods, there is also a special focus on the application of the acquired knowledge in the context of laboratories. This enables you to apply your knowledge to practical and industrially relevant tasks. Within the framework of the diploma thesis, there is also the possibility to research questions from current scientific research projects or industrial cooperations of the participating institutes.

TU Wien and the participating scientists are optimally networked worldwide. This makes it possible for you to complete parts of your studies within the framework of a semester abroad (e.g. in the form of an Erasmus stay). You can find more details on this under "Studying abroad" at the ETIT study service.

Automation is a key technology, which can be found in almost any industrial application. It is further the basis for the design of intelligent components, systems and processes. The combination of the acquired knowledge in system theory, sensors, measurement technology, actors, robotics, electronics, real-time systems, algorithms, control engineering and artificial intelligence enables graduates of the Master’s Programme to design complex mechatronic systems. The Master’s Programme thus qualifies graduates for all jobs that are related to digitalization, automation, mechatronics and robotics. They include job profiles in research and development, the production and distribution, and management. Of course, the Master’s Programme qualifies for a subsequent doctoral programme.

E376 - Institute of Automation and Control, Campus Gußhaus (Gußhausstraße 27-29, 1040 Vienna)