During the studies (FAQ)

After the first semester, most of your modules (40 CP) are technical elective modules, where you can choose any course from the module catalogue. It is recommended to focus on two to three fields of interest and mainly take the lectures from the respective chairs. With this, you build a strong background in those topics, which will help you find a fitting project or thesis at those chairs.

See also:
Can I take technical elective courses that are not in the module catalogue?

Yes, you can take up to 10 CP of courses outside the module catalogue as long as they are master-level courses that are sufficiently technical and do not strongly overlap with courses in the module catalogue.

In particular, master-level courses from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Process- and Systems Engineering and Faculty of Computer Science often qualify for this criteria.

For each course that is not in the module catalogue, you have to get a confirmation from your subject advisor. For this, send a mail to

After finishing the Non-technical project seminar, you have to do a project at a chair of your choice. Generally, you may ask any chair if there are projects available. However, it is recommended to ask the lecturers of courses that you have taken or are currently taking for projects that fit the topic of the courses.

Most chairs offer positions for research assistants or possibilities for integrated projects for excellent students that distinguished themselves in their respective lectures. If you think this applies to you, you may ask your lecturer if such positions are available.

In order to maximize your chances for a research assistant position or integrated project, it makes sense to plan ahead according to your topics of interest and participate in all lectures of the respective chair. Note, however, that it is still not guaranteed that you will get such a position during your studies.

See also: How do I choose which courses to take?