Mechatronic technologies and automation are required across many industries, which is why there is a strong demand for skilled professionals. With an MSE in Mechatronics and Automation, you are well prepared for a career in industry.
Factsheet
- Degree
Master of Science FHNW in Engineering MSE- Study mode
- Full-time and Part-time
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Teaching language
- Englisch
- Semester fee
- CHF 750
At a glance
- Develop intelligent systems: Combine mechanics, electronics and software to design and realise mechatronic and automated systems.
- Master complex systems: Analyse, simulate and optimise mechanical and mechatronic systems – from initial idea to validation.
- Specialise individually: Build your own focus in areas such as production technologies, materials, simulation or product development.
Why study this?
With a Master’s degree in Mechatronics and Automation, you develop intelligent systems that integrate mechanics, electronics and software. You work on applications such as robots, autonomous systems or highly automated production systems, contributing to key technologies of Industry 4.0.
After graduating, you take on demanding roles in development, applied research or the operation of complex systems. You model and optimise mechatronic solutions, integrate different technologies into functional overall systems and bring innovations into industrial practice.
The job market offers a wide range of opportunities in fields such as mechanical engineering, automation, robotics, medical technology and high-tech industries. You work on innovative technologies, lead projects and take on responsibility in interdisciplinary teams – both nationally and internationally.
Structure and programme contents
Content
- Automation of production systems using robots, sensors and other mechatronic systems
- Development of mechatronic systems such as manipulators, grippers, mobile robots or medical systems
- Advanced control methods: robust and optimal control, model predictive control, Kalman filtering
- Modelling, analysis, design and implementation of mechatronic and automated systems
- Robotics, measurement and control engineering
- Signal processing, communication, data processing and data security
In the Mechatronics and Automation profile, you deepen your knowledge in key technologies of mechatronic and automated systems and define your individual areas of focus:
Structure
The MSE programme comprises 90 ECTS credits and is clearly structured: you combine solid theoretical foundations with hands-on project work while continuously developing your individual profile. The modular structure allows you to tailor your studies to your professional goals – in close collaboration with experts from academia, industry and research.
Throughout the programme, you learn to think abstractly while acting in an application- and solution-oriented way. You build strong methodological expertise, understand complex interrelationships and solve problems independently. In practice-oriented projects, you deepen your skills and gain valuable professional experience. You develop products and processes using the latest technologies, acquire solid project management skills and understand business contexts. When tackling complex challenges, you make significant analytical, conceptual and technical contributions to innovative solutions – and, thanks to strong communication skills, operate confidently in international environments.
The MSE programme comprises 90 ECTS credits:
- 30 ECTS by completing the central theoretical modules
- 24 ECTS through your area of specialisation (project work and complementary courses)
- 30 ECTS upon successful completion of the Master’s thesis.
- 6 ECTS - Supplementary courses (EVA) – specialised courses outside the core theory modules, tailored to your individual profile
Tailor your Master’s studies to your needs
The core element of the programme is the individual specialisation within a chosen profile. You develop this specialisation through theoretical and practical work at one of the institutes of the FHNW School of Computer Science, supported throughout your studies by a personal advisor.
Through selected theoretical modules as well as practice-oriented research and development projects, you acquire unique, high-level competencies. Carefully chosen theoretical modules further deepen and broaden your expertise.
- You contact the profile coordinator and/or a potential advisor to explore your specialisation options.
- You apply for a place in the programme.
- The MSE Admissions Committee decides on your admission.
- Once admitted, you select theoretical modules from the available offerings together with your advisor.
- Your module selection and the content of your specialisation are defined in the Individual Study Agreement (ISA).
How to proceed:
The MSE profile Mechatronics and Automation is offered at the following institutes
The School of Engineering and Environment FHNW offers the following MSE profiles
Further MSE profiles at FHNW
School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics FHNW
School of Computer Science FHNW
Overview MSE
Admission Requirements and Application
The Master’s programme is designed for Bachelor’s graduates who have achieved very good academic performance during their studies (ECTS grades A or B).
The completed field of study must be related to the competence area of the chosen profile. Holders of an equivalent qualification (e.g. an HTL or University of Applied Sciences diploma) may also be admitted to the programme.
After the application deadline, the documents you submitted with your application will be reviewed, and our Admissions Committee will decide on your acceptance or rejection.
If necessary, an additional admission interview may be arranged.
The MSE programme generally follows directly after completion of a Bachelor’s degree. If you have several years of professional experience after graduation, a more detailed assessment is required.
Organisational matters
How to get started in your studies
Language
Study full-time or part-time
Fees
Dates
Downloads / further Informationen
Contact us
Contact
Application
MSE Profile Mechatronics and AutomationMaster of Science in Engineering MSE
- Date
- 14.9.2026
- Place
- FHNW Campus Brugg-Windisch
- Final application date
- 30.4.2026