Production Engineering and Automation
Modern industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by automation, digitalisation, and the growing demand for sustainable value creation. Companies worldwide need engineers who can integrate advanced production technologies with data-driven methods to build resilient, efficient, and flexible systems. This programme equips you with exactly those skills.
You will gain a holistic view of production, integrating the development of production systems with their interaction across the entire product realisation process - from design and industrialisation to ramp-up, quality, and cost efficiency. You will study advanced courses in production engineering, manufacturing processes, automation, robotics, AI/ML and industrial digitalisation, combined with systems thinking and sustainability. A strong emphasis is placed on problem-solving, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing you to lead development projects in international and high-tech environments.
Year one - Advanced foundations in production and automation
In the first year, you will build solid knowledge in advanced production systems, automation, and digital technologies. Courses cover areas such as:
- Manufacturing processes and production development
- Automation and production technology
- Industrial cybersecurity
- Applied industrial automation
- Sustainable production and circular economy
Through lab work, simulations, and project assignments, you will gain a deep understanding of how production systems are designed, developed, and integrated into the wider product realisation process
Year two - Automation integration, AI application, and thesis
In the second year, you will continue to combine theory and practice through advanced projects, often carried out in collaboration with industrial partners. There is also a strong emphasis on machine learning and AI, focusing on how data-driven methods can optimise production, improve predictive maintenance, and enable intelligent decision-making in production systems. You also have opportunities to customise your degree with elective courses, an internship, or a semester abroad at one of JTH's international partner universities.
The final semester is dedicated to a 30-credit master’s thesis, typically conducted together with industrial partners or research projects. This allows you to apply your skills to complex, real-world challenges while developing advanced research and analytical abilities.
The applicant must hold the minimum of a bachelor’s degree (i.e. the equivalent of 180 ECTS credits at an accredited university) with at least 90 credits in Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, Materials Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil or Construction Engineering, Industrial Organization and Economics or equivalent. The bachelor’s degree should comprise a minimum of 15 credits in Mathematics.
Graduates of this programme are well prepared for advanced roles in industry and research. You might work as a production engineer, automation engineer, industrial development specialist, manufacturing consultant, or project manager in global companies. With your expertise, you will be equipped to drive innovation in areas such as smart factories, Industry 4.0, robotics, and sustainable production.
The programme also provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to continue with doctoral studies in production systems, automation, or related fields.
