Global Production Engineering (GPE) Technische Universität Berlin

All courses are taught in English.

The German for Engineers course is offered on request throughout the three semesters of study. Based on your individual level, technical German language skills are taught.

Global Production Engineering (GPE) is a full-time, four-semester Master’s programme offered by Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. Designed for exceptional international graduate students, GPE equips future leaders with a robust portfolio of skills in production engineering, management, and intercultural communication. The programme is taught entirely in English and carries a highly international cohort—over 90% of students come from outside Europe.

Established in 1998, GPE is tailored for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree and with at least one year of professional experience. It offers a flexible and practice-oriented curriculum aimed at preparing manufacturing engineers for the challenges of global industry.

A central focus of the programme is the planning and design of flexible, adaptable factories, with emphasis on advanced production technologies and modern management methods. Key topics include production planning and control, factory layout design through simulation and virtual tools, global supply chain management, and factory operations. Students develop technical expertise in areas such as manufacturing process and tooling design, logistics, and global value creation and gain methodical expertise in data science and the application of AI in manufacturing. Additionally, the curriculum gives students a good understanding of our global challenges and how to approach them from a technological standpoint. Students gain insight into corporate social responsibility, sustainable manufacturing practices, and the circular economy, while also learning how to develop effective sustainability strategies and measure their impact. In line with the global sustainability trends, the GPE programme also features a focus on renewable energy technologies. Students explore the production of solar (photovoltaic) and wind energy systems, delving into not just the technical aspects, but also related fields such as finance, legal frameworks, management, and marketing.

The curriculum places strong emphasis on digital tools essential for Industry 4.0. Students gain hands-on experience with software such as CAD for the systematic development of products and Plant Simulation for strategic production planning and control.

The GPE educational model is rooted in innovation and project-based learning. State-of-the-art laboratories—such as a maker space, factory simulation lab, mobile solar lab, a mobile wind lab, and 3D printing facilities—allow students to apply theory to real-world challenges. Strong partnerships with leading global companies in manufacturing and energy further enhance the learning experience and career prospects.

Over the past two decades, GPE has cultivated a thriving international alumni network. Graduates go on to impactful careers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, food processing, and energy as well as in NGOs, government agencies, and R&D institutions. Whether returning to their home countries or building careers abroad, GPE alumni are shaping the future of global manufacturing.

The programme starts with an introduction week at the beginning of October. Lectures typically start in the second or third week of October. 

The study programme includes three semesters of in-person modules. Depending on the subjects, the modules are split into lectures, exercises, seminars, projects, and lab exercises. Some of the courses include online lectures, especially when students are not able to join the initial sessions.

The deadline for applications for the following winter semester is 31 March. If you miss the deadline, please contact us for further information.

Please note that we only accept online applications to ensure an efficient application process.

For more information, please visit our applications page.

15,500 EUR for the entire study programme (one instalment of 6,200 EUR and three instalments of 3,100 EUR each)

The GPE curriculum is designed in a highly flexible way in order to meet the individual requirements of students.

Students must earn 120 credits over the course of four semesters to be awarded the Master of Science in Global Production Engineering degree. The GPE degree programme is divided into five module groups:

• Production
• Engineering
• Management
• Intercultural Communication
• Special Profile

Each module group is assigned so-called modules. The modules usually consist of one to four courses. The curriculum is constantly reviewed to meet the needs of industry and research.

You will find the modules currently offered within every module group on our website.

During the first three semesters, students must complete modules worth 90 CP (30 CP per semester). Students can choose modules according to their qualification goals, provided that a minimum number of CP is achieved in each module group. Two additional compulsory courses must be attended: a workshop on intercultural communication and relations as well as a scientific working seminar.

Each module corresponds to a certain number of credit points (CP), whose evaluation is based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). For each credit point, a workload of 30 hours is expected, which results in an average workload of 37 hours during each semester week.

The workload includes self-study hours, exercises, online meetings, Q&A sessions, exams, etc.

In the fourth semester, an internship of at least nine weeks must be completed (12 credit points). Towards the end of the programme, a Master's thesis has to be written (18 credit points).

By combining modules appropriately, the degree can lead to the following specialisations:

• Global Manufacturing & Network Planning
• Production & Operations Management
• Sustainable Manufacturing
• Information & Communication Technology in Manufacturing

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Participation in international conferences

A nine-week mandatory internship is to be completed at a location outside the student's home country or cultural background. The internship can be done in a small, medium-sized, or international company. Alternatively, it can be done with a research institute or with a different organisation.

3,875 EUR

15,500 EUR for the entire study programme (one instalment of 6,200 EUR and three instalments of 3,100 EUR each)

Approx. 350 EUR per semester, which includes a public transport ticket for Berlin and administration fees for TU Berlin

Students should have at least 1,200 EUR per month at their disposal to cover the costs of living in Berlin (room and board, healthcare insurance, books and supplies, etc.).

Requirements for successful application to the GPE study programme include the following:

• Bachelor of Engineering degree or equivalent
• Excellent grades
• English proficiency
• At least one year of professional experience
• German knowledge is advantageous

• If you are a citizen of a country where the national language is English, please select “mother tongue” as a qualification of the language. Citizenship has to be verified by passport.
• If you have studied and completed your BSc in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, your Bachelor's degree will be accepted as proof of your English language ability.
• If this is not the case, the following tests/results will be accepted: TOEFL® iBT ≥ 87; TOEFL® ITP ≥ 543 Silver; Cambridge Exams ≥ B2 First (min. B); IELTS Academic ≥ 6.5; UNIcert® ≥ Level II; PTE Academic ≥ 65; DAAD ZEMS language assessment ≥ B2 (in all competence areas); ZEMS English-LV³ ≥ B2.2 (successfully completed with ECTS); Oxford Test of English ≥ B2.2 (min. 126 points) in all competence areas
  In general, tests should not have been taken more than twelve months prior to your application.
• English as a medium of instruction is not sufficient proof.
• German language skills are an advantage, but they are not essential.

The deadline for applications for the following winter semester is 31 March. If you miss the deadline, please contact us for further information.

Please note that we only accept online applications to ensure an efficient application process.

For more information, please visit our applications page.

Find information about funding and scholarship opportunities on the TU Berlin Website.

Once matriculated, working as a student research assistant or tutor at TU Berlin is possible. Students may also apply to be student assistants in the Berlin region at companies such as Siemens, Bombardier, MAN, BMW, etc.

There are several possibilities for finding accommodation in Berlin. Student dormitories as well as single apartments or larger apartments shared with flatmates are popular among German students. Average costs for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment may vary from 350 EUR to 600 EUR per month depending on the size and configuration of the apartment. Utility costs of 50 to 80 EUR are usually not included in the rent. We will support you in renting appropriate accommodation.
Home in Berlin
Studierendenwerk Berlin

• Individual guidance regarding structuring of course selection
• Visits to fairs, companies, and important industry regions (Hannover Fair, VW, BMW, etc.)
• Application and soft skills trainings
• Collection of internship and job contacts
• Long list of companies, such as Daimler, Rolls Royce, Siemens, BMW, VW, Airbus, Boeing, etc., that already employed a large number of GPE graduates
• Graduate Alumni Partnership network (GAP)

With over 100 institutes and more than 35,500 students, TU Berlin is one of the largest technical universities in Germany. It is renowned for its famous scientists and has a history of great innovation. Today, TU Berlin is at the forefront of research and development. International students from all over the world make up about 27% of the total student population. This is one of the highest proportions of international students of any German technical university.

Berlin is both the capital of Germany and one of 16 federal states. With a population of more than 3.5 million people from 180 different countries, Berlin is Germany's largest city and attracts visitors from all over the world. In addition to the many political institutions, the city is home to many German and international associations, companies and media centres.

The city's greatest natural resource is knowledge. Berlin is home to a research community that is unique in Germany. This "laboratory of ideas" brings together scientists from all over the world to develop the technologies, processes and products of the future. Berlin has three universities, seven technical colleges, four art colleges and more than 60 non-university research institutes. These include the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BBAW), the Max Planck Institutes and the Fraunhofer Institutes. More than 190,000 young people study in Berlin, and 50,000 men and women work in science and research in the city. Berlin is an important centre of European culture, politics, media and science. Its economy is based primarily on the service sector and includes a wide range of creative industries, media companies, environmental services and conference centres. It is also a continental hub for air and rail transport. Berlin is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU. Other industries include traffic engineering, optoelectronics, information technology, vehicle manufacturing, healthcare, biomedical engineering and biotechnology. Berlin is also Germany's start-up centre.

Home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and famous personalities, Berlin's urban landscape and historical heritage have made it a popular location for international film productions. The city is renowned for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary art and high quality of life. Berlin has become a global hub for young people and artists attracted by its progressive urban lifestyle.