Mechatronics
Master's degree, full-time
In the Mechatronics Master’s programme, you will deepen your engineering knowledge and acquire the skills to develop complex mechatronic systems – from sensor technology and mechanics to artificial intelligence. You will analyse, design, calculate, simulate and implement smart technical solutions for products, machinery and industrial processes. Choose modules from areas such as electronics, automation, mechanical engineering or microsystems technology – according to your individual interests.
Whether you aim to work in research and development, industrial plant engineering or automation technology – with a Master’s degree, you will be qualified for responsible technical specialist and leadership roles in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics and information technology. The programme specifically prepares you for your role as a mechatronics engineer and opens up excellent career opportunities both in Germany and abroad.
The Mechatronics programme is designed with flexibility in mind and can be easily combined with professional employment.
Mechatronics programme details
| Name | Mechatronics |
|---|---|
| Level of qualification according to the national and European Qualifications Framework |
Master (2nd cycle) |
| Qualification awarded | Master of Science in Engineering, MSc |
| Field of study according to ISCED-F code | 0714 - Electronics and automation |
| Mode of study | Full-time study, complementary professional activity (minor) possible |
| Length of programme (standard period of study) |
4 semesters |
| Semester dates | 20 hours per week per semester; Tuesday to Friday full day (exceptions reserved), additional attendance days in block weeks. Depending on the choice of specialisation modules from other master's degree programmes also on other weekdays |
| Specialisations |
You can specialize in three of six topics:
Alternatively, a specialisation can be chosen from the Master's degree courses Informatics or Sustainable Energy Systems. |
| Number of credits | 120 ECTS |
| Languages of instruction | German, individual courses in English |
| Mobility window |
Optional: Double Degree Programs |
| Academic calendar | To the academic calendar |
| Examination regulations and grading scale | To the examination regulations and grading scale |
| Study-specific equipment | Automation Lab, Design Lab, Electronic Lab, Mechanical Lab Clean room in the research centre for microtechnology |
| final examination | Final master's examination |
| Cost |
Currently no tuition fees, obligatory ÖH fee |
| Specific admission requirements | Degree of a bachelor's degree in Mechatronics or a comparable degree (the programme director decides on comparability) See admission requirements |
The 120 ECTS credits are distributed over four semesters, including compulsory modules, elective modules, and the master's thesis.
Elective Modules – 2nd to 3rd Semester
You choose from a range of elective modules during your first semester (within the ECTS credits allocated for each semester).
Contextual Studies
You select your contextual studies courses one semester in advance, until you have completed the total of 12 ECTS credits required.
(We recommend registering for 6 ECTS per semester.) ▷ More information
ECTS
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. In line with international standards, 120 ECTS credits must be earned over four semesters.
Course content in detail
CS | Contextual Studies: Selection of 1 or 2 modules totaling 6 ETCS.
General information on contextual studies and how you can choose the subjects in contextual studies can be found here.
ECTS: Credit points based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Consistent with international standarts, 30 ECTS points ca be earned each semester.
Study and work – Yes, it’s possible!
Teaching in the Mechatronics master’s programme generally takes place all day from Wednesday to Friday and is supplemented by fixed block weeks. This schedule creates space for part-time employment alongside your studies - though it is recommended not to work more than two days per week on average.
Some flexibility is required: in exceptional cases, classes may also be scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays or Saturdays.
The programme is particularly compatible with work if your employer actively supports you. This enables you to bring real-world questions from your job into your studies - and apply what you learn directly in the workplace.
Career opportunities after graduation
With a master’s degree in Mechatronics, a wide range of career paths is open to you - both in industry and in research.
In industry, your expertise in technical design, development, or project management is in demand. You’ll contribute to innovative products and help optimise technical processes.
Research also offers exciting opportunities: even during your studies, you can take part in projects at FHV’s research centres. After graduation, attractive prospects await you here as well - whether in applied research, development, or in collaboration with industry partners.
The degree also qualifies you for a doctoral or PhD programme at a technical university.
Mechatronics student stories
Why study Mechatronics at FHV?
- A wide range of future-oriented elective modules
-
Small-group learning: hands-on, personal, and interactive
-
Courses taught in both German and English
-
24/7 access to our state-of-the-art engineering labs
-
Additional opportunities: take part in research projects and gain international experience through our Double Degree programme
-
FHV’s master’s programmes offer an exceptionally interdisciplinary pool of elective modules ▷ Explore Contextual Studies
- The courses have a very close thematic connection to the research centres Microtechnology, Energy and the inter-company research centre Digital Factory Vorarlberg.
-
A high proportion of lecturers come from leading regional companies or renowned international institutions
-
The programme structure supports a balance between work, study, and family life
-
Our strong regional business and alumni network provides valuable opportunities for exchange, insight, and personal growth
-
Access to knowledge shouldn’t be expensive: currently, no tuition fees are charged for this degree programme
Access and application
To be admitted to the Master’s programme in Mechatronics, the following qualifications are required:
-
A completed, relevant bachelor’s or diploma degree in Mechatronics, or
-
A degree from an equivalent bachelor’s programme in a traditional engineering discipline such as Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.
The degree must comprise at least 180 ECTS credits and must have been obtained from a recognised domestic or international post-secondary educational institution. Admission to such an institution must require general university entrance qualifications, and the institution itself must be recognised under the legal regulations of the country in which it is based.
An equivalent degree should include at least the following subject areas:
-
Calculation, design, and optimisation in electrical engineering and electronics (12 ECTS)
-
Calculation, design, and optimisation in mechanical engineering (12 ECTS)
-
Programming (6 ECTS)
The programme director is responsible for assessing the relevance and equivalence of the degree and for making the final admission decision.
Language proficiency:
Applicants must demonstrate B2-level proficiency in both German and English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Further information can be found here.
Admission requirements for international regular students
Applications open from 15 November via our online application portal:
FHV's application periods are structured as follows:
Application Period I: 15 November – 1 March
Apply by 1 March to benefit from an early admission decision.
Application Period II: until 31 May
You can apply for all study programmes regularly until 31 May.
Application Period III: until 31 August
Some programmes may still offer individual places until 31 August.
Important information:
The application deadline for applicants from third countries (non-EU/non-EEA, except Switzerland) is 1 March.
Required documents for your application:
-
Letter of motivation
-
CV in tabular form
-
School leaving certificate (e.g. A-levels, Matura, or equivalent)
-
Passport or national ID card
-
Recent portrait photo
-
Proof of language proficiency
If some certificates or exam results are not yet available at the time of your application, you may submit them later.
Two steps to your desired degree at FHV:
Step 1:
Assessment of your complete application documents, your prior education, and relevant experience.
Step 2:
In a personal interview, we get to know you better – your goals, your motivation, and your reasons for choosing this degree programme.
In parallel to your application at FHV, you also apply to a partner company to secure your training position.
Special Provisions: If you hold a qualification from a higher vocational secondary school (e.g. HTL, HAK), certain courses may be individually credited towards your degree. Details will be discussed with the programme director during a personal consultation.
General regulations on the recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Do you still have questions about the study programme?
For a personal consultation, please contact us directly:
| Monday to Thursday | 08:30 - 11:30 am |
or individual appointment
