Civil Engineering (MSc) Technical University of Munich

The language of instruction for this programme is German or English. Depending on the focus area you choose, you can study in German, English or both languages. To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student academic adviser of this programme.    

The Master's programme in Civil Engineering deepens knowledge of the discipline and its methods acquired during the Bachelor's programme in Civil Engineering or a related programme. Central to the Master's programme is the individual's choice of specialisation, which can be tailored through a range of in-depth elective courses. These include:

• Construction
• Structural mechanics
• Structural physics
• Construction process management
• Construction maintenance
• Computation in engineering
• Energy-efficient and sustainable planning and construction
• Foundation engineering, soil mechanics, rock mechanics and tunnel construction
• Wooden structures
• Real estate development
• Concrete structures
• Metal structures
• Hydromechanics
• Urban water and waste management
• Statics
• Transportation technologies and transportation planning
• Transportation engineering
• Hydraulic engineering and water management
• Materials

Given the considerable flexibility in terms of content, students have the opportunity to showcase their interests and abilities in an individual academic profile. Furthermore, the in-depth elective courses are well-suited to the professional profiles of civil engineers. 

For a comprehensive description of the programme, please refer to the degree programme documentation:

• Degree programme documentation for the Master's programme in Civil Engineering (PDF, German)

The title of Master of Science can be acquired after four semesters. The programme concludes with a Master's thesis focused on one of the chosen specialisations. Various double degree programmes, the ATHENS programme and further options enable a high degree of international mobility among students.

• Overview degree programme structure

Application Period

Winter semester: 1 April to 31 May
Summer semester: 1 November to 15 January

Please refer to the following website for more information on tuition fees at TUM: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition.

The Master's degree programme in civil engineering consists of four semesters, in the course of which 120 ECTS credits have to be earned. The Master's thesis accounts for 30 of these credits.

The programme offers both German and English modules. The language of the course depends on the module. Students are free in their choice of modules and usually choose based on their interests and goals rather than the language of the module. Students do not have to choose one language for all of their courses. However, depending on which modules they choose, students can study in only German or English or combine the languages. 

Civil engineering is a very broad field, which is reflected in the range of courses offered. In order to do this justice, 22 fields of specialisation are offered. Students create their individual course profile by choosing four fields of specialisation. The fourth field of specialisation can be replaced with an individual specialisation. 

The specialisation can, for example, be in architecture, mechanical engineering or even IT. It can also be used to complement the other three fields of specialisation with further useful civil engineering modules.

In order to provide students with the best possible support during their studies, one of the fields of specialisation is chosen as their major subject. The supervisor for this field takes on a mentor role, supporting and advising the students in particular when it comes to choosing the right fields of specialisation. However, this mentor not only makes sure that the course contents match the occupational profile but also, for example, that the selected courses and modules are suitable for a stay abroad and that they match the students' professional visions. This is particularly important when choosing a specialisation as in this case compulsory and elective modules have to be approved by the mentor.

Every field of specialisation is made up of compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory modules are reflected in the compulsory module catalogue, which accounts for 12 credits. This catalogue guarantees that the basic knowledge in the field of specialisation is acquired. This basic knowledge can be expanded upon with elective modules in the field. The elective modules chosen in each field of specialisation have to add up to at least six credits in order to ensure that in-depth expertise is gained in addition to basic knowledge. For the specialisation, compulsory modules have to account for 12 ECTS credits and elective modules for nine credits.

In addition to the ECTS credits obtained in the elective modules in the fields of specialisation, students need to acquire 12 credits from the entire catalogue of civil engineering elective modules. Students who have chosen an interdisciplinary specialisation only need to acquire nine credits. This gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in other fields of civil engineering that are not part of the fields of specialisation and to acquire skills that go beyond the field of civil engineering. In order to guarantee the general education component in civil engineering, six credits are to be selected from the overall TUM course offer. Students often choose language courses that contribute to their ability to communicate, especially in an international context.

6,000 EUR

Please refer to the following website for more information on tuition fees at TUM: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition.

For more information, refer to: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees.

In order to cover personal expenses while studying in Munich, we recommend a budget of at least 1,000 EUR per month.

Please refer to the following page for more information: https://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/international/international-students-in-munich/in-preparation/cost-of-living/.

Application for the Master's programme in Civil Engineering is open to candidates with a Bachelor's degree obtained at a domestic or foreign university after at least six semesters of study in the area(s) of Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or equivalent engineering disciplines.

Applicants who haven't received their Bachelor's degree upon the application deadline but expect to receive it prior to enrolment at TUM are also eligible to apply.

You need sufficient German or English language skills if you wish to apply for this programme. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognised certificates and other ways to prove your language skills.

Application Period

Winter semester: 1 April to 31 May
Summer semester: 1 November to 15 January

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

There are various opportunities as teaching assistants and research assistants at the university. Munich is also an excellent place to find internships at companies.

Please refer to the following page for more details: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/jobs-and-internships.

It’s not easy to find a place to live in Munich – but it’s not impossible either! The Technical University of Munich (TUM) supports students and staff in their search for accommodation by providing personal advice, in-house listings and useful information to ensure that you can quickly find a place to call your own.

For more information, see: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/living-and-working/accommodations.