Production Engineering and Automation (master)

## About the programme Modern industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by automation, digitalisation, and the growing demand for sustainable value creation. Companies worldwide need engineers who can integrate advanced production technologies with data-driven methods to build resilient, efficient, and flexible systems. This programme equips you with exactly those skills. You will gain a holistic view of production, integrating the development of production systems with their interaction across the entire product realisation process - from design and industrialisation to ramp-up, quality, and cost efficiency. You will study advanced courses in production engineering, manufacturing processes, automation, robotics, AI/ML and industrial digitalisation, combined with systems thinking and sustainability. A strong emphasis is placed on problem-solving, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing you to lead development projects in international and high-tech environments. ### Year one - Advanced foundations in production and automation In the first year, you will build solid knowledge in advanced production systems, automation, and digital technologies. Courses cover areas such as: - Manufacturing processes and production development - Automation and production technology - Industrial cybersecurity - Applied industrial automation - Sustainable production and circular economy Through lab work, simulations, and project assignments, you will gain a deep understanding of how production systems are designed, developed, and integrated into the wider product realisation process ### Year two - Automation integration, AI application, and thesis In the second year, you will continue to combine theory and practice through advanced projects, often carried out in collaboration with industrial partners. There is also a strong emphasis on machine learning and AI, focusing on how data-driven methods can optimise production, improve predictive maintenance, and enable intelligent decision-making in production systems. You also have opportunities to customise your degree with elective courses, an internship, or a semester abroad at one of JTH's international partner universities. The final semester is dedicated to a 30-credit master’s thesis, typically conducted together with industrial partners or research projects. This allows you to apply your skills to complex, real-world challenges while developing advanced research and analytical abilities. ### What you will learn Throughout the programme, you will gain the ability to: - Design, analyse, and optimise production systems with a holistic and sustainable perspective. - Integrate automation, robotics, and digital tools into manufacturing processes. - Integrate machine learning and AI techniques to collect, analyse and optimise complex production data, identify patterns, and create intelligent decision-making processes to automate different aspects of production - Collaborate across organisational functions to ensure smooth product industrialisation and ramp up. - Lead interdisciplinary projects in close cooperation with industry. ### Your future career Graduates of this programme are well prepared for advanced roles in industry and research. You might work as a production engineer, automation engineer, industrial development specialist, manufacturing consultant, or project manager in global companies. With your expertise, you will be equipped to drive innovation in areas such as smart factories, Industry 4.0, robotics, and sustainable production. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for those who wish to continue with doctoral studies in production systems, automation, or related fields.