Program Overview

Master of Science in Production and Operations Management

The Master of Science in Production and Operations Management is a part-time program designed for working professionals. It focuses on efficient and sustainable production and logistics processes, information technology, and human factors. The program enables engineers to analyze, understand, and manage operations of a manufacturing or service organization, especially in a global context.

Program Content & International Lectures

The program covers various topics, including:

• Industry 4.0: Smart factories & digitalization in production (IoT)
• Supply network management and supply chain optimization
• International production & distribution networks
• Virtual Engineering (from CAD Systems to CAx)
• Prescriptive analytics & operations research
• Machine learning & AI
• Autonomous robotics
• Sustainable production & logistics
• Data-driven engineering

Program Structure & Academic Calendar

The program is divided into 5 engineering and 5 management modules of 2 weeks each, over a period of 15 months. The 10 modules are followed by a master thesis written in the company (9 months), often used as an innovation project for the company. The overall duration is approximately 20 months.

Key Facts

• Structure: Part-time (but enrolled as a full-time student)
• Duration: 15 months plus time needed for master's thesis (varies)
• Module abroad in China: one engineering module is held at the KIT China branch in Suzhou in cooperation with the Global Advanced Manufacturing Institute (GAMI)
• Costs: 36,000.00 € (thirty-six thousand Euro) overall
• Language: English
• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 90 ECTS
• Start: Every year in October (flexible schedule possible)
• Application deadline: There is none. We have a rolling application process.
• Admission requirements: First academic degree (e.g., Bachelor, Master or Diploma), at least 2 years professional experience, English language proficiency.

Academic Requirements & Admission Statutes

• University degree in a relevant subject
• Professional experience (at least 1-2 years) & current employment
• English proficiency

Program Directors & Faculties

The program is directed by:

• Prof. Dr.-Ing. Kai Furmans
• Prof. Dr. Stefan Nickel

Economic Sector & Career Perspectives

The program is designed for future engineering executives in production and/or logistics or plant engineering. Typical lines of business may be:

• Manufacturing industry (e.g., automotive, machinery, equipment)
• Process industry
• Logistics suppliers
• Entrepreneurs
• Business successors

Potential job roles include:

• Supply chain manager
• Operations manager
• Distribution manager
• Purchasing manager

KIT Teaching Quality

The HECTOR School offers top-level teaching derived from state-of-the-art research at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Numerous institutes and departments of the KIT are involved in the HECTOR School Master Program Production and Operations Management.