Human Factors Engineering M. Sc.

Technical systems are becoming increasingly more comprehensive and powerful, and their users more and more heterogeneous. As a result, it is all the more necessary to consistently align technologies with the needs and skills of users. Students in the Master’s degree program Human Factors Engineering learn to design technical systems, products and processes that generate the greatest possible benefit for people.

The role of human factors engineers is to take into account the needs of very different user groups when designing human-technology interfaces, to ensure their acceptance and motivation during use, and to exploit the technological functional scope as effectively as possible. Human factors engineers bring together sometimes competing requirements and contributions from engineering, computer science, psychology, medicine, design, movement and health sciences, and, last but not least, the social sciences, and methodically reconcile them in line with ethical considerations.

This highly interdisciplinary program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop technical systems that support people effectively and efficiently, are easy to use, have no harmful effects, and inspire widespread social acceptance. They do so in the context of globalization, demographic change and the digital transformation.  

Students learn to align requirements from the engineering sciences, informatics, psychology, medicine, design, the movement and health sciences, and the social sciences while always taking their ethical and societal dimensions into account. Here, students may choose their own specialization in the areas of biomechanical human modeling, human-centered systems engineering, or human machine interaction design.

Graduates of the program are experts in human-oriented technology development. They are able to design interfaces between humans and technology and thus living and working environments, industrial products and assistance, information, and communication systems in a way that best meets the needs of different target groups. This makes them highly qualified to work in science and a wide range of industries, particularly in Research & Development.

The following primary areas of potential future employment have been identified along the study specialisations:

Focus on biomechanical human modelling 

• as an expert or manager for anthropometric product design in the fields of health and sports (e.g. for orthopaedics, assistive technologies, wearables, motion sensors, etc.)
• as an expert or manager for the collaboration of people and technical systems in complex application areas (e.g. for human-robot interaction, cooperation or collaboration, workplace analyses, etc.)

Focus on human-machine interaction design

• as an expert or manager for the human-centred design and evaluation of user interfaces of technical products (e.g. in the fields of mobility, information technology, telecommunications, health/pharmaceuticals, for vehicle and aircraft cockpits, medical devices, apps, websites)
• as an expert or manager for researching and analysing user needs and user requirements for future product designs and strategies (e.g. for customer and target group orientation, possible applications and ethics of new technologies, etc.)

Focus on human-centred systems engineering

• as an expert or manager for human factors in the development of complex human-machine systems (e.g. in the fields of mobility, transport, aviation, production, health/pharmaceuticals, etc.)
• as an expert or manager in the areas of workplace design or organisational design with a focus on ergonomic aspects (e.g. for production workplaces, HR management and HR development, safety management, etc.)

The scope of the work to be performed amounts to 120 ECTS, which are modular and are divided into 90 ECTS for modules (consisting of courses such as lectures, tutorials, seminars and internships) and 30 ECTS for the Master's thesis. 42 ECTS must be completed in compulsory modules and at least 30 ECTS in the elective area of "Subject Specialization". In addition, at least 10 ECTS must be completed in the elective area of the "Interdisciplinary Project" and at least 8 ECTS in the elective area "Interdisciplinary Supplement". Each semester should ideally comprise 30 ECTS credits.

In the first year of study, methodological foundations are set in the form of compulsory modules and modules to align the different qualification profiles. These can be extended by modules from the areas of "Subject Specialization" and "Interdisciplinary Supplementation".

There are three areas of specialization to choose from:

• Biomechanical modeling
• Human-machine interaction design
• Human-centered engineering

At least 20 credits must be earned in one specialization, which can be supplemented by 10 credits from another specialization. It is also possible to obtain at least 30 credits in only one specialization.

Students who cannot provide proof of modules in more than three of the specified subject groups at the time of admission must take a module from the elective area "Skills Enhancement", which is recommended by a mentor.

In the second year of study, further modules from the areas of "Specialization" and "Interdisciplinary Supplement" follow, as well as the "Interdisciplinary Project" and the Master's thesis.

The "Interdisciplinary Project" enables students to apply and deepen their knowledge through practice-oriented teamwork on real projects, such as the development, design and conceptualization of school furniture, a cockpit or an exoskeleton. Interdisciplinary collaboration strengthens important skills for the future working environment, including teamwork, project management, documentation and presentation skills.

Module handbook

Suitability for the Master's program in Human Factors Engineering must be demonstrated by:

• a qualified Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Science) acquired at a domestic or foreign university after at least six semesters of study, or an at least equivalent degree in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, human sciences, or design/art,
• In addition, students who have earned at least 140 credits in one of the above-mentioned bachelor's degree programs may be admitted to the master's program upon request. The bachelor's degree certificate must be submitted within one year of the start of the master's program.
• Applicants who have obtained a bachelor's degree abroad must submit a language certificate by the end of the application period.
• Sufficient German language skills and adequate knowledge of English,
• as well as passed module examinations in at least three of the following six subject groups, each with at least 4 credits: Research methodology, mechanics, design, mathematical fundamentals, fundamentals of programming, fundamentals of cognitive science. (As part of the degree program, performance in a fourth of the above subject groups may be required.)

If you do not meet the qualification requirements due to missing credits in three of the subject groups mentioned, we recommend that you attend the relevant lectures during your bachelor's degree program.

Please understand that we cannot provide any information in advance regarding the recognition of individual modules. You are welcome to enter your academic achievements when applying for the above-mentioned degree program and submit them via the portal. The selection committee will review your achievements and decide on their recognition.

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Curricular Analysis
• Curriculum (e.g. module description)
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Letter of Motivation (optional)
• Passport
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) by uni-assist - for international applicants only

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.

Please consider the specific requirements for documents for application and enrollment at TUM.

• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (authentic document)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)
• Higher Education Entrance Qualification (authentic document)
• Transcript of Records (authentic document)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.

Please consider the specific requirements for documents for application and enrollment at TUM.

At the beginning of the semester, an introductory event will be held in person for new students. Information will be announced in good time.

The Fit for TUM Service Fair (for first-year students) is expected to take place in virtual form at the beginning of October.

Online events for international first-year students (regular students):

• Lecture series on the topic of housing
  No registration required. The maximum number of participants is 300.
• TUM First Steps Infosessions cover topics such as enrollment, health insurance, finding accommodation, financing, and KVR (District Administration Office in Munich). Advance registration is required to participate. The maximum number of participants is 1,000.
• TUM Housing Website
• TUM Buddy Programme

The scope of the required coursework is 120 credits, which are earned in modules and divided into 90 credits for modules (consisting of courses such as lectures, exercises, and internships) and 30 credits for the master's thesis. Students should earn 30 credits each semester.

Students must earn 42 credits in compulsory modules. In the compulsory elective modules area, 30 credits must be earned for subject specialization (20 CP) and competence expansion (10 CP), as well as at least 10 credits from the interdisciplinary project area and at least 8 credits from the interdisciplinary supplement elective area.

Important: At least one compulsory elective module (Appendix 1, FPSO) must be successfully completed by the end of the second semester.

Module Handbook 

Detailed information on dates relating to the semester structure, deadlines, lecture times, semester breaks, public holidays, and student council meetings.

The general study regulations (APSO) stipulate certain milestones that you must achieve in the corresponding semesters. The following list summarizes the required number of credits that you must have earned after each semester, starting with the third semester:

• at least 30 credits after 3 semesters
• at least 60 credits after 4 semesters
• at least 90 credits after 5 semesters
• at least 120 credits after 6 semesters

This effectively limits the maximum duration of study to 6 semesters. Please also note that you must pass at least one elective module by the end of the second semester.

Module handbook from 2024/25
Degree program documentation

Check TUMonline regularly for exam dates, especially shortly before the exam, to see if there have been any changes.

Please register for all courses you are taking in the semester (including projects/submission of seminar papers, etc.). This is the only way to ensure that your exam results are entered.

Late registration for exams is only possible in exceptional cases.

Information on examination matters

Application form for withdrawal from an exam

Compensation for disadvantages

The Examination Board is responsible for all matters relating to examinations, from applications for a place at the university and the aptitude assessment procedure to the entire administration of grades and examinations during the course of study. It meets once per semester. Applications to the examination board should be sent to mschfe(at)ed.tum.de.

Recognition of credits can be requested for parts of a degree program completed outside TUM. The prerequisite for the recognition of credits not earned at TUM is their equivalence. Guidelines on how to carry out this process and an application form can be found here. 

• Application form for recognition of credits
• Guide to the recognition of achievements

You can only apply for recognition of credits after you have enrolled. You can only submit one application, and it must be done within your first year of study.

Diploma Supplement

In the TUM Diploma Supplement, students can have their academic record officially documented, along with individual additional activities such as stays abroad or special projects.
Application for inclusion of individual activities in the Diploma Supplement

The elective “Interdisciplinary Project” area provides practical application of the knowledge acquired and an introduction to independent interdisciplinary scientific work. Here, interdisciplinary teams of students work together on a specific problem. This could involve, for example, the development, design, and conceptualization of school furniture (tables and chairs for students), the design of an exoskeleton for manual load handling in a manufacturing industry, or the design of a cockpit (e.g., vehicle, aircraft, etc.). The project serves as preparation for a typical future working environment.

Modules which might be recognised

During your Master's degree at TUM, you have the opportunity to study abroad for up to two semesters. For this purpose, it is advisable to take modules from the areas of "Specialization" or "Interdisciplinary Project" abroad. Other coursework completed abroad can also be recognized, as long as there are no significant differences to the modules offered in the degree program. The Master's thesis can also be completed at an international research institution.

Study visits abroad are possible, for example, via ERASMUS, with university cooperation partners of chairs, via TUMexchange and EuroTeQ and as internships.

Information on applying for a leave of absence can be found on the relevant TUM page.

Please note that the application for a leave of absence must be submitted no later than the start of the lecture period of the semester in which you wish to take the leave of absence.

The master's thesis is usually completed in the fourth semester after successfully passing all module examinations. It is an independent academic paper on a topic in the field of human factors engineering and is supervised by an examiner from one of the schools participating in the program.

• TUM School of Engineering and Design
• TUM School of Medicine and Health
• TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology

The master's thesis can be started after successfully completing all module examinations (90 credits) – at the earliest after achieving at least 60 credits.

Guidelines for the master's thesis and master's examination

The thesis can be written abroad, but must be supervised by an examiner from TUM. Regular contact must be ensured—this must be agreed upon in advance.

The administrative process takes place in the ED portal at portal.ed.tum.de. There you can clearly view all information and submit the written thesis digitally.

Please also see: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/graduation/theses/formalities