Additive manufacturing
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Additive manufacturing
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Overview
In a Nutshell
Start of studies winter semester 2025/26.
The degree programme provides you with comprehensive knowledge of modern 3D printing technologies and their applications in industry. You will learn about various additive manufacturing processes in both metal and plastic and acquire skills in materials science, design and process optimisation. One focus is the development of innovative, sustainable solutions in additive manufacturing. Practical projects with industry partners promote practical relevance, while current trends and challenges are addressed.
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Paderborn University or a comparable or equivalent degree from another university.
The degree must have been completed with an overall grade of at least 2.5 (or an equivalent foreign final grade).
Practical work experience
Students can only be enrolled for the Master's degree programme in Additive Manufacturing if they can provide evidence of a total of 6 weeks of practical work experience. Graduates of the Bachelor's degree programme in Mechanical Engineering at Paderborn University do not need to provide proof of any further work experience. Internship periods from other degree programmes already completed will be checked as part of your application.
Language requirements
Please note that international students (before they can start the actual degree programme) must prove that their language skills are sufficient for the chosen degree programme. Accepted tests and specific requirements can be found at the International Office.
All details about deadlines and your next steps can be found on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
International applicants can find all the necessary information on the pages of the International Office and on this page under ‘Contact - Application for international students’.
Please check the admission requirements in advance.
Course of Study
What’s this Course about?
The Master of Additive Manufacturing offers you the opportunity to acquire comprehensive expertise in state-of-the-art 3D printing technologies. Learn to develop innovative, sustainable solutions with an emerging technology and deepen your knowledge of socially relevant insights and perspectives in addition to specialised scientific content.
Why should you choose this Master's programme?
You already have a broad base of knowledge from your undergraduate studies/bachelor's degree, you have the ability to combine scientific and technological knowledge to create innovative solutions - holistic strategic thinking and interdisciplinary cooperation suit you. Then deepen the knowledge and skills you have learnt.
Competences: Deepen your knowledge of materials science, design and process optimisation and become an expert in a sought-after technology.
Collaboration: Work interdisciplinary and benefit from exchanges with fellow students and industry partners.
Sustainability: Learn resource-saving production methods, material selection and construction design for a sustainable future.
Innovation: Use the latest trends and technologies to develop innovative products and processes.
Study Contents
The Master's degree programme in Additive Manufacturing has a standard period of study of four semesters and a total of 120 ECTS. The study programme presented is a recommendation and can be individually adapted, e.g. to incorporate practical phases or stays abroad. The degree programme can also be completed within the standard period of study if it is individually adapted. The degree programme can be started in both the summer and winter semesters.
The degree programme comprises 10 compulsory modules, which must be attended:
Plastics Technologies in Additive Manufacturing
Materials Science of Metals
3D-Metal Printing
Introduction to Additive Manufacturing & Manufacturing Technology
Materials Science of Plastics
Powder Technology
Structure Optimisation
Design Rules for Additive Manufacturing
Product Creation
Standard Software Application Development
In addition, 4 compulsory elective modules must be selected from the following catalogue:
Tooling Technology - Planning, Manufacture, Postprocessing
Design for Additive Manufacturing
3D-Printing of Ceramics
Experimental Methods
Computer Aided Alloy Design
Visualisation and Industry 4.0
Additive Consulting
Rheology
Mechanics of Plastics
Recycling of Plastics
The composition of the compulsory elective modules can be determined by the student. Knowledge from the basic courses can be assumed in the compulsory elective courses. However, passing the basic courses is not a prerequisite for the electives. If basic knowledge is a mandatory requirement in individual modules, this is listed in advance in the corresponding section of the planned degree programme and is therefore valid as a requirement for the entire degree programme.
Exemplary Study Plan
The study plan offers you a good orientation about your required and optional modules. However, the chronological order shown here is only an example and may change due to individual focus areas.
Focus Areas
The focal points and skills taught in the ‘Master of Additive Manufacturing’ can be summarised as follows:
Additive manufacturing techniques
Materials for additive manufacturing
Design specifications (guidelines) for additive manufacturing
Pre- and post-processing techniques
Handling of materials
Software used for additive manufacturing
Embedding additive manufacturing in a profit-orientated economy
Applications for additive manufacturing
Methods in an industrial environment
Scientific way of working
Internship
In a twelve-week industrial internship, which is integrated into the course of study, you will get to know a company ‘from the inside’ and carry out typical engineering activities in a company environment for the first time. This internship will therefore help you to embark on a successful career in industry after graduation.
On the one hand, the specialised internship should give you operational experience in the manufacture of products and the operation of mechanical engineering and/or process engineering systems and, on the other hand, experience in the areas of responsibility and fields of activity of engineers in mechanical engineering and/or process engineering.
Possibilities
Study Abroad
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering maintains partnerships with various foreign universities, including in China, Egypt and the USA. Study visits abroad are possible as part of these co-operations.
Professional Orientation
Cooperations with many different industry partners help to ensure that you have an up-to-date connection to practice during your studies. In addition, the degree programme is characterised by its close proximity to practice. (Laboratory) practicals take place on state-of-the-art machines and test stands, external lecturers from industry are involved in teaching and the topics of student work are never fictitious, but always have a direct link to specific research projects and scientific investigations.
Research
By directly incorporating the latest findings from research projects into teaching, you will always be at the cutting edge of research.
Equipment
15 million euros in third-party funding per year guarantee that you can learn and research at the cutting edge. State-of-the-art machines and measurement technology are at your disposal. In the large machine halls and various laboratories, there are extensive test rigs to simulate a wide variety of interrelationships and investigate them scientifically.
Projects
Thanks to our extensive contacts in all conceivable branches of industry, we are very well networked with industry - also internationally. A large part of our research is directly related to projects from industry and deals with real applications and the associated challenges.
Future Perspectives
After graduation Master ?
Career Opportunities
Typical areas of activity in additive manufacturing are research, development, design, calculation, carrying out tests, project planning, production planning, production control, plant management and engineering services, as well as participation in teams in which specialists from different organisational units and areas of responsibility work together on a specific current task in an interdisciplinary manner.
The fields of activity are used in a wide variety of industries. Examples include
Automotive and vehicle technology
Automation technology
Service or insurance industry
Electronics and information technology
Energy technology
Research organisations
Plastics technology
Mechanical and metal engineering
Medical technology
Food industry
Aerospace technology
Patent system
Product planning
During the course of your studies, questions about career orientation arise from time to time. In events, practical projects and company visits as well as in the job and career portal, you can get to know possible professions and fields of activity and work out your personal interests and strengths.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
PhD
For all graduates with above-average Master's degrees who are interested in and enjoy scientific work, Paderborn University offers numerous and excellent opportunities to gain additional scientific qualifications through a doctorate. You can do your doctorate in engineering or related fields and deal with current research questions in the respective scientific discipline. In the engineering sciences, doctorates are also usually carried out with a practical focus in direct co-operation with industry, so that you can make valuable contacts for your future career. In general, doctoral students are employed as research assistants during this time and also take part in university teaching. The number of over 300 research assistants employed in the participating faculties illustrates the variety of opportunities and programmes on offer.
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
The Faculty of mechanical Engineering provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Get to Know
The right fit?
The Master's programme suits you if...
You are interested in new technology: If you have a passion for modern technologies and innovative manufacturing methods, this degree programme offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in a future-oriented field.
You are creative and like challenges: If you enjoy developing creative solutions and tackling challenges, you will have the opportunity to realise complex designs and create innovative products in additive manufacturing.
Sustainability is important to you: If sustainability and resource conservation are important to you, this degree programme will teach you how additive manufacturing can help reduce material waste and promote environmentally friendly production methods.
You value teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration: If you enjoy working in a team and value the exchange with other disciplines, you will have many opportunities to work with people from different disciplines on this degree programme.
If you value practical experience, this degree programme will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge directly in laboratories and projects. This will help you to be optimally prepared for the demands of industry
You are interested in a career in a dynamic and growing field.
The Master's programme offers an exciting and dynamic opportunity to shape your career in a promising and innovative field.
Study Start and Orientation
Orientation Days
To make the best of your start at the University of Paderborn we offer the Orientation Days (also called "O-Phase"), which takes place before the lecture period starts. Here, you will get the necessary support to be able to orient yourself at the University and in your studies. Take the time to participate actively in the offered events to have all the necessary tools for a good start into your studies!
Campus life
In addition to study-related content, Paderborn University offers you a lot more: for those eager to learn, for those seeking exchange and for all those who want to think outside the box. Learn and improve your language skills at the Center for Language Studies and brush up on your software skills with the courses offered by doIT. The servicecenter-medien offers special media workstations where you can let off steam creatively, and the university sports program ranges from American football to Zumba. Get involved with the university radio station L'UniCo or the university newspaper universal and become part of one of the many project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular theater program at our Studionbühne, slams and readings, Big Band and university choir are just a few examples of our diverse cultural offerings. A special highlight is our AStA summer festival: up to 15,000 people make the pilgrimage every year to what is probably Germany's largest outdoor campus festival and enjoy the summer party atmosphere with numerous local student bands as well as well-known headliners on various stages.
Campus
Almost all of Uni Paderborn's buildings are located on campus. There are green meadows to relax in and plenty of places to eat and drink: Mensa Academica and Mensa Forum, the Grill|Café and Café Bona Vista. Everything is within easy walking distance. Our library is also centrally located and is a great place to study thanks to its good opening hours.
Accommodation
Living in accomodations close to campus is possible: The Studierendenwerk Paderborn offers you places in halls of residence directly on campus or in the immediate vicinity. But you will also find what you are looking for on the usual accommodation portals: Both in the immediate vicinity of the university and city center, as well as in the individual Paderborn districts.
Costs and financing
Everyday student life offers you plenty of opportunities to work alongside your studies. However, BAf?G or a scholarship are also options that you can use to cover your costs.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every concern. For example, our advisory and service facilities are available to answer your questions about academic work, career orientation and goal setting, funding opportunities and many other concerns.
Our university is an open-minded university that also takes a clear stance on gender and diversity. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender- and family-friendly work and study culture for many years. This includes support for a better balance between studying and family life as well as support for students with health impairments.
Any questions?
Chat with us
The right contact for every concern
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
You are in the right place with the following concerns
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Student Service Office of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Student Service Office of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Internship Office Mechanical Engineering
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Information and advice on organizing the internship
- Recognition of completed internships
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- How do I apply as an international student? Which prerequisites do I have to bring?
- What opportunities do I have to go abroad during my studies?
- Where can I get information about studying abroad (application deadlines and procedures, internships, scholarships)?
Student Council Mechanical Engineering
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- What is the degree course about?
- What does everyday study life look like? What does a weekly schedule look like?
- How do students like their studies?
- What social activities and opportunities are there in addition to studying?
- What specializations do students recommend?
- How does the orientation phase for first semester students work?
Registrar’s Office
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Information and advice on application, admission and enrolment matters
- Processing of applications for change of degree programme, change of subject, leave of absence, exmatriculation, secondary enrolment
- Registration for the qualifying examination
- Health insurance matters
- Re-registration matters
Examination Office
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Counselling on examination-related questions of the study programme
- Processing of admissions and registrations for examinations with limited repeatability
- Processing withdrawals from examinations due to illness
- Recording examination results
- Administration of study performance accounts, certificates of grades and module assignments
- Transfers to the current version of the examination regulations
- Issuing certificates, diplomas, diploma supplements and transcripts of records
- Issuing duplicates and certificates to internal and external university administrative offices
- Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
You are in the right place with the following concerns
- Advice on all questions related to studying
- Procurement and rental of aids
- Barrier-free campus tours
- Provision of information on the barrier-free campus
- Advice on compensating for disadvantages
FamilienServiceBüro
You are in the right place with the following concerns
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.