TUHH > Studying > Before Studying > Degree Courses > Master's Programs > Computational Engineering

Computational Methods and Machine Learning in Engineering, Master of Science

Computational Methods and Machine Learning in Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics to develop and apply computational models and simulations for solving complex real-world problems. It involves the use of algorithms, numerical methods, and high-performance computing to analyze and optimize physical systems, processes, and designs across various domains such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and biomedical engineering. By replacing or enhancing physical experiments with virtual simulations, computational engineering enables faster, safer, and more cost-effective innovation and decision-making in engineering practice.

Fact sheet

Study Program:	Computational Methods and Machine Learning in Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Study duration:	4 semesters
Credit points according to ECTS:	120
Language:	English
	(free choice of exam language - English or German)
Type of study:	Full-time study
Start of study:	Winter semester (October)
Application period:	January 15 - March 1
	(mandatory pre-check available from December 1 - March 1)
Admission requirements:	See "What are the requirements?"
Dual study program	Yes

What characterizes this study program?

The Computational Methods and Machine Learning in Engineering study program is characterized by its strong interdisciplinary focus, combining core elements of mathematics, computer science, and classical engineering disciplines.

Students develop skills in numerical modeling, simulation techniques, algorithm development, and high-performance computing, enabling them to analyze and solve complex physical problems virtually.

The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations — such as differential equations and numerical analysis— and practical application through programming. A hallmark of the program is its focus on applying computational methods to real-world engineering challenges, preparing graduates for roles in research, development, and industry innovation.

Hamburg is not only a highly dynamic region with excellent growth and career opportunities - it is also a vibrant metropolis with a high quality of life. Culture, sports, the river Elbe with its beach, long nights - Hamburg offers much more than just studying. In addition to the many opportunities for partying, Hamburg is also known for its wide range of cultural activities and the numerous sights that are waiting to be discovered. Hamburg also is an excellent starting point for your journey to other contries within Europe.

How is the program structured?

The program starts on October 1st each year and is organized as a two-year course (four semesters). It includes three semesters of lectures and a project work plus one semesters focusing on the Master’s thesis. The “Master of Science” degree will be awarded upon successful completion. Language of the program is English.
Oral exams are offered optionally in English or German, upon the student’s individual case-by-case choice.

Numerical Simulation

Finite Element Methods
Nonlinear Structural Analysis
High Order FEM
Numerical Algorithms in Structural Mechanics
Innovative CFD Approaches

Math

Matrix Algorithms
Numerical Methods for Ordinary Differential Equations
Solvers for Sparse Linear Systems
Numerical Methods for Partial Differential Equations

Machine Learning

Machine Learning for Physical Systems
Probabilistic Machine Learning
Advanced Machine Learning

Applications

Logistic, Mobility & Infrastructure

Finite element modeling of structures
Computational Structural Dynamics
Modern discretization methods in structural mechanics

Aviation & Maritime Systems

Structural Mechanics of Fibre Reinforced Composites
Computational fluid dynamics II
Technical Acoustics I
Technical Acoustics II

Cyber Physical & Medical Systems

Computational Methods in Bio Mechanics

Advanced Materials & (Bio) Processes

Special Topics on Fluid Mechanics
Applied optimization in energy and process engineering
Computational Fluid Dynamics in Process Engineering
Numerical Simulation and Lagrangian Transport

What job can I take?

Computational Methods and Machine Learning in Engineering is a multidisciplinary field and hence, graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of careers across industries. Some prominent job roles include:

Simulation Engineer – Develops and runs simulations to test designs in fields like aerospace, automotive, or civil engineering, reducing the need for physical prototypes.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer – Specializes in simulating fluid flows, often working in aerospace, automotive, or energy industries.
Structural Analyst – Uses numerical methods to analyze the structural integrity of buildings, vehicles, or machinery.
Software Developer – Designs and develops scientific and engineering software, particularly tools that perform simulations or data analysis.
Machine Learning Engineer – Builds and deploys machine learning models, benefiting from strong programming and mathematical modeling skills.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Specialist – Works on optimizing software to run efficiently on supercomputers, often in research or national labs.
Research Scientist – Conducts academic or industrial research using computational methods to investigate scientific or engineering problems.
These roles exist in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical engineering, energy, defense, tech, and academia. A strong foundation in coding, numerical methods, and domain-specific knowledge makes computational engineering graduates valuable assets in both technical and research-driven environments.

Top 10 employers of TUHH graduates:

Airbus
Lufthansa Technik
NXP
Siemens Gamesa
Tesa
Nordex
Beiersdorf
DLR
Siemens
DNV

[source: Alumni Report 2024]

What are the requirements?

The course is aimed at you as a Bachelor’s graduate in engineering, in particular mechanical engineering, civil engineering, applied math (Technomathematik) or, of course, computational engineering (science). You should have a strong background in mechanics and math, at least basic prgramming skills, but above all, curiosity about numerical simulation that we will present to you and to which we will lead you.

Your native language is German? Welcome to our International Masters program! In our experience, a German university entrance qualification such as Abitur or a German bachelor degree provide you with sufficient immersion to English language contexts for a successful participation in our courses. Throughout this Masters program, all exams can be taken in either language, English or German, upon the student's individual choice. Make benefit from the enhanced career opportunities with an International Masters certificate!

Useful links:

General application guideline and English language requirements
Master of Computational Engineering: program-specific requirement (will be availabe as soon as the requirements have been agreed upon)

How do I apply?

Your application process for starting your studies at TUHH in the winter term - beginning of October of each year - is combined of two steps: 1) a mandatory online preliminary assessment test (pre-check) and 2) the subsequent application. Both steps are conducted online.

Step 1: Online preliminary assessment test (Pre-check)
The online preliminary assessment test (pre-check) is open from December 1st through March 1st. If you pass the pre-check, you are provided with a code that you can use to apply. Based on the data you enter during the pre-check we can confirm whether or not you meet the program-specific requirements as well as language requirements.
If you pass the pre-check you will be provided with a code that you can use to submit your application for the program.

Step 2: Application (only after having passed the pre-check)

With the code you are provided with after having successfully passed the pre-check, you can submit your official application.
The application period runs from January 15th to March 1st.

Useful links:

General application guideline and English language requirements
Master of Computational Engineering: program-specific requirements (will be available as soon as requirements have been agreed upon)
Link to online pre-check (pre-check portal only available during pre-check period December 1st through March 1st)
Link to application platform (application platform is only available during application period January 15th through March 1st)

Apply now

Further questions?

How to start?

Can I study in the dual program?

What are my options to do a PhD?

Can I include a semester abroad?

How do I start my career?

Where can I find the relevant regulations (admission, module handbook, ... )?

Whom can I contact?

How is campus life?

Why Hamburg?

Academic program coordinator and academic advisor

The academic program coordinator Prof. Benedikt Kriegesmann is happy to give you advice regarding structure and academic content of the program Computational Engineering.

The academic program coordinator Prof. Kriegesmann is not available for any kind of questions regarding admission, admission prerequisites, application deadlines, language requirements, necessary documents and certificates, pre-checks or any other administrative topics. Please contact the TUHH Student Service (STUDIS) for your requests in these areas.
Requests of solely administrative nature will not be answered by the academic program coordinator.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Kriegesmann

M-24 Strukturmechanik im Leichtbau

Strukturmechanik im Leichtbau

Eißendorfer Straße 40 (N),

21073 Hamburg

Building N, Room 1088

Phone: +49 40 42878 4857

E-mail: benedikt.kriegesmann(at)tuhh(dot)de

Personal Homepage

The study program is associated with the research field Methods of Research in Science an Engineering.

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