Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)Automotive Systems
Modern vehicles are complex technical systems which rely on the close interplay between their software, electronics, sensors and mechanical systems. As you study, you learn how to understand such systems and play a part in developing them: you write computer programmes, analyse data, network components and test functions in simulations and on real systems.
You thus gain hands-on experience of the technologies that are indispensable in modern vehicles – from automated driving and networked vehicles through to artificial intelligence.
The degree programme brings together computer science, electrical engineering and automotive engineering. Software is a key component of the course content. You learn to write computer programmes and engage with software engineering, embedded systems, data processing and networked systems.
This is supplemented by input on the fundamental aspects of engineering that you need to develop modern automotive systems, such as maths, electrical engineering, control engineering and automotive engineering.
You apply the theoretical knowledge you have gained in practical laboratory work and projects. As part of the automated driving component, you can get involved with the driverless team of our formula student racing team, try out functions on a private road complex or test them in the driving simulator, for example. In the elective modules, you can choose you own specialisations, for example automated driving or networked automotive services.
A degree in automotive systems qualifies you to work at the interface between software, electronics and automotive engineering. Typical tasks could be to:
develop software for control units and automotive systems
integrate electronic and networked system
simulate, test and ensure functionality
analyse vehicle and sensor data.
You are thus well qualified to undertake a wide range of technical development tasks relating to modern vehicles. Many of these skills are also in demand in other pioneering sectors in which software, electronics and physical systems interact, for example in automation systems or robotics.
Or if you prefer, you can gain more in-depth knowledge by completing a post-graduate Master’s degree.
These career opportunities await you
With your degree in vehicle systems, you have the best job prospects:
Development of electronic and software-intensive Automotive Systems (automated driving, vehicle networking and electric driving)
Trials and testing in virtually simulated environments and in the vehicle
Check the requirements Do you have a university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur/Fachhochschulreife), a school leaving qualification from a country other than Germany, or a vocational qualification? If you do, you have already fulfilled the first requirement.
Apply to enrol When you have uploaded all your documents and certificates by the deadline specified and paid the mandatory fees and subscriptions, you must confirm your details and submit them to us. This automatically submits your enrolment application. You are then enrolled for the upcoming semester at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. You will receive an email welcoming you to Esslingen and providing you with some initial information.
Are you interested in modern vehicles and would like to understand how their software, electronics and technical systems interact? Do you enjoy solving technical problems and want to know not only that something works, but how and why it works?
If you do, you already meet some of the most important criteria for this degree programme. Maths and computer programming play a key role here. You don’t need any previous knowledge of computer programming but you do need to be interested and prepared to persevere and get to grips with the topic.
I decided to study Automotive Systems because mobility is currently facing a major change. Electromobility, autonomous and connected driving are the big topics that will occupy us in the future. And here, at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, we are optimally prepared for this. The special thing about our degree programme is that you can find your personal orientation in the 4th and 6th semesters in mandatory elective modules.
Vincent Gerber, student of the Automotive Systems degree programmee
