Computational Mechanics

Computational mechanics is a constantly growing field with impact on both science and industry in all areas of engineering. It is concerned with solving mechanical problems on the basis of numerical approximation methods, involving discretization of the underlying equations in both space and time. Nowadays, related skills are indispensable in civil and mechanical engineering, for the design of automobiles and spacecrafts, for developments in biomechanics and micro-electro-mechanical systems. Virtually, all technical disciplines make use of the fast progress in this area.

Computational mechanics brings together highly sophisticated methods of theoretical, applied and structural mechanics as well as computer science, software engineering and applied mathematics. The curriculum of the course encompasses, among others,

• continuum mechanics, structural mechanics and theory of stability
• structural and fluid dynamics
• applied mathematics and functional analysis
• computer science, programming and software engineering
• linear and non-linear finite element methods
• structural and multidisciplinary optimization
• modelling and simulation
• networking, distributed and parallel computing

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Computational Mechanics (PDF)

The first semester gives a solid background in mechanics and programming, which is indispensable for the following semesters.

In the second and third semester the students have to choose 4 mayor subjects in order to specialize in the fields of interest. The elective courses allow the students to gain a wide knowledge in different disciplines such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering or informatics. As most companies in Germany require at least basic language skills, the students also may select a German language course as elective course. The software lab is an interdisciplinary team project (3–6 students) which links the analysis and solution of engineering problems and the development of software components.

The fourth semester is dedicated to the master’s thesis. It can be written either at the chairs involved in Computational Mechanics or in cooperation with industry or other academic partners.

• Module Catalog: Description of course content

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is English.

As a graduate of the Master of Science Program in Computational Mechanics you have developed a portfolio of skills and competences in the field of numerical simulation, modeling of engineering problems for a consequent numerical simulation as well as a profound understanding of mechanical problems. You are able to analyze problems in the field of engineering and transfer them into appropriate numerical models. Via this process you are capable of evaluating the assumptions of the respective models and their limitations, the artifacts which can be created during the modeling and evaluation process as well as the possible expansions of models. You develop and derive new ideas during your work for optimizing engineering processes and are able to assess a range of software tools.

Furthermore, you are capable of applying and evaluating different programming principles, the underlying partial differential equations for various problems and the assumptions for material descriptions and low and high frequency analyses.

As a graduate with a M.Sc. in COME you are able to work in many different areas as you gain a deep understanding in mechanics, programming, modeling and simulation. You can start a career e.g. as software engineer or design, calculation and simulation engineer, respectively.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more  
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Letter of Recommendation from a Professor
• Ranking Certificate (optional)
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA
• Essay

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. 

For a detailed description of the required documents, please visit our application procedure wiki page.

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

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for winter semester: 01.01. – 31.05. 

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (Appendix 2) (PDF 152 KB)

The online application process takes place through our application portal TUMonline

This degree program does not encompass a compulsory internship nor is an internship a requirement for admission. However, it is recommendable, as a rule, to gain practical experience as soon as possible.

• Internship office