RWTH Aachen University

Master in Railway Systems Engineering

Aachen, Germany 2 years Taught in English Open to international students

Why students choose this program

  • Taught in English
  • No application fee

About Master in Railway Systems Engineering

For Master in Railway Systems Engineering, the application deadline is 1 Mar · 1 Sep.

Railway Systems Engineering is a Master's specialisation within the Transport Engineering and Mobility programme at RWTH Aachen, running across four semesters and available starting in the winter or summer semester. It draws on three engineering disciplines — civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering — to prepare students for the full complexity of modern railway systems. The curriculum covers infrastructure, operations, vehicles, electrical drives, and power supply, treating the railway as one interconnected system rather than a set of separate components. Students can expect coursework spanning railway control systems, track guiding technology, capacity management, rail vehicle technology, power electronics, mechatronic systems, and transportation modelling. A compulsory internship of eight to sixteen weeks in the third semester provides direct exposure to professional practice. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis, with topics including multibody dynamics available among the research options. The programme prepares graduates to work for rolling stock manufacturers, operators, infrastructure managers, and engineering consultancies in both the private and public sectors. Application areas include digitalisation of train operations, driverless systems, energy-optimised driving, predictive maintenance, and track capacity optimisation. This is the only specialisation within the Transport Engineering and Mobility Master's programme at RWTH Aachen that is taught entirely in English, and it is based in Aachen, Germany.

About RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University is one of Germany’s leading technical universities, founded in 1870 and located in the historic city of Aachen. Known for its strengths in engineering, natural sciences and technology, RWTH blends a long tradition of applied research with close industry partnerships and a clear focus on innovation. With over 47,000 students, including more than 13,000 international learners, the university offers a dynamic environment where practical problem solving meets academic rigor.

The university hosts 51 program areas supported by world-class laboratories and collaborative research centers on the RWTH Campus. Students benefit from project-based coursework, internships with local and global companies, and a culture that encourages entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary work. English-taught master’s degrees and comprehensive student services make RWTH accessible to international applicants seeking research-led study and pathways into Europe’s advanced engineering sectors.

Aachen is compact and student-friendly, offering affordable housing options, efficient transit to nearby German and Dutch cities, and a lively cultural scene that balances history and modern student life. RWTH’s international office, career centers and language courses provide practical guidance on visas, funding and settling in, while numerous student associations support networking and integration. Scholarship and tuition information is available online to help plan finances, making RWTH a strong choice for students who value hands-on engineering education and close industry engagement.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

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