Master of Engineering MBA (optional)

HFT Stuttgart’s M.Eng in Smart City Solutions (SCS) is designed for professionals in the fields of architecture, urban design, urban planning, infrastructure or engineering; equipping them to take leading roles in complex international projects.

Attracting experienced postgraduates from around the world, the Master Programme provides you with the knowledge and methods to work in smart city projects with a focus on strategy, concept and project implementation: either self-employed, as a leading consultant for an international company or as a leading architect, urban planner or engineer.

Our flexible, modular structure allows students to study full-time or to combine their studies with part-time work.

Students who are preparing to take up leadership roles in their smart city careers can opt for the double degree and earn an additional MBA from Liverpool John Moores University. This requires spending an additional semester in the United Kingdom.

+49 711 8926 2640 / +49 711 8926 2679
Application deadline

15th May for non-EU & 15th July for EU applicants

Study time

3 semesters full-time / 5 semesters part-time

Study title

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) Optional: M.Eng. MBA

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Study Programme

Urbanism I Buildings I Information

Module 1 Basics of Smart Solutions (6 ECTS)
Module 2 Smart Urbanism (6 ECTS)
Module 3 Smart Building (6 ECTS)
Module 4 Smart Information Modelling (6 ECTS)
Module 9.1 Case Study (6 ECTS)

Semester
1

Infrastructure I Finance I Management

Module 5 Smart Energy & Mobility (6 ECTS)
Module 6 Smart Resources & Resilience (6 ECTS)
Module 7 Smart Sustainable Finance (6 ECTS)
Module 8 Smart Governance, Citizens & Management (6 ECTS)
Module 9.2 Case Study (6 ECTS)

Semester
2

Master Thesis

Module 10 Master Thesis (30 ECTS)

Semester
3
Full-time study

Semester 1,2:      Modules 1 - 9

Teaching days:     Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

German class:      optional on Wednesday afternoon

Semester 3:        Module 10

Teaching days:    Self-study, some Saturdays

Start:                    Mid-September each year

Pick your pace!
Part-time study

Semester 1,2:    Modules 1, 2, 5, 6, 9

Teaching days:  Friday, Saturday, Sunday

German class:    optional on Wednesday afternoon

 

Semster 3, 4:     Modules 3, 4, 7, 8

Teaching days:  Saturday, Sunday, Monday

German class:    optional on Wednesday afternoon

 

Semster 5:         Module 10

Teaching days:   Self-study, some Saturdays

 

Start:                    Mid-September each year

Eligible:                EU-residents

Pick your pace!

Double Degree M.Eng. MBA

Opt for the double degree!

When choosing the M.Eng. MBA Executive Leadership double degree students will attend classes at Liverpool Business School over a period of approximately 4 months, studying alongside MBA students from the UK, all of whom will be experienced leaders and managers. Liverpool Business School offers an MBA that recognises the benefits of peer-to-peer learning, networking and relationship building. With Masterclasses and regular talks from business leaders, as well as an experienced teaching team, the course will transform professional practice and enhance career progression prospects.

Leadership MBA from LJMU, UK

Earn an extra 30 Credit Points (ECTS*) with course work on leadership skills. Spend 4 months studying alongside LJMU's MBA students in the UK, all of whom will be experienced leaders and managers. Write your master thesis under the joint supervision of one professor from LJMU and one from the HFT Stuttgart.

Opt for the double degree!
About Liverpool John Moores University

Liverpool John Moores University was founded in 1992 and is one of the leading research universities in the UK. Its Faculty of Business and Law encourages practical application of theory and knowledge. The first collaborative Double Degree Programme with the HFT Stuttgart began in 2004 and has since produced many successful industry and public administration leaders.

Module information can be viewed directly on LJMU's server: enter follwing address and replaced ModuleCode as stated in the double degree curriculum semester 3 following this syntax: https://proformas.ljmu.ac.uk/ModuleCode.pdf

Spend an additional semester in the UK!

Projects

Master Smart City Solutions | Siemensstadt 2.0

Authors:           Achim Von Neefe, Abeo Trotter, Asmita Rawool, Halimeh Abu Ayyash,…

Application procedure & Tuition fees

Admission requirements

  • First university degree that qualifies for a profession
    • Bachelor's, Magister, Diplom or equivalent
    • Suitable majors are construction and infrastructure-related subjects (e.g architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, business administration or management).
    • Comprising at least 210 ECTS*/ full-time study programme of 7 semesters
    • If you have a degree in another discipline the admission committee will decide if SCS is a good fit for you.
    • If you have a first university degree with 6 semesters or 180 ECTS* please check the FAQs below.

                     *ETCS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System

  • Above-average academic grades
     
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the English language
    • TOEFL: 550 points in a paper-based test, 213 points in a computer-based test, 80 points in an internet-based test
    • IELTS test (academic) min. score 6,5
    • Graduates from higher education programs taught in the English language do not need to submit an English Language Certificate.
       
  • At least one year of relevant full-time professional experience after completing your first higher-education degree
  • Academic-style essay (1-2 pages or 600-900 words, for instructions please refer to the essay guideline linked in the download section below)

Application procedure

Application documents

  • Letter of motivation
  • Completed application form
  • CV
  • Certificate(s) of university degree (with English translation)
  • Proof of at least one year of relevant full-time professional experience
  • Academic-style essay (1-2 pages or 600-900 words, for instructions please refer to essay guideline linked in the download section below)
  • English Language Certificate
     

Submission format - Digital submission only

  • PDF documents (compile documents 1 – 7 in one single pdf, or number and name files accordingly)
  • 300 dpi resolution for scanned certificates
  • Please send your application in one PDF-file.
  • English Language Certificate can be submitted after the deadline but no later than 15. July
     

Admission interview
Promising candidates will be invited to a conference call with a professor of the master programme.

  • Time of invitation: 2 weeks after submitting your application
  • Duration of interview: 30 – 45 minutes
  • Content of interview: candidate's motivation, existing skills and experience, ability to converse in English, candidates questions
  • Evaluation criteria (following a questionnare and evaluated on a rating scale): orientation towards topics related to the master programme, international orientation, willingness to perform and take on responsibility.

Submission deadlines

  • 15 May for non-EU applicants, 15 July for EU applicants
  • Candidates are encouraged to apply throughout the year. Qualified applicants are enrolled following the first-come-first-served principle. Once all spots are filled, qualified applicants can defer their studies to the following year.
     

Submission address

  • scs-master(at)hft-stuttgart.de

Tuition Fees

Continuing Education Programme

The Master Programme Smart City Solutions is a so-called Continuing Education Programme. A Continuing Education Programme is a fee-based academic degree programme for which tuition fees are incurred. The following table provides information on tuition fees: 

Full-time
1nd Semester4.000 €
2nd Semester4.000 €
3rd Semester2.000 €
Total10.000 €
Part-time (for EU-citizens only)
1st Semester2.000 €
2nd Semester2.000 €
3rd Semester2.000 €
4th Semester2.000 €
5th Semester2.000 €
Total:10.000€
Optional MBA £ 5,350 | As of summer term 2023, LJMU is responsible for pricing.
Additional costs | Costs which will incur during the programme for full-time and part-time students.
Case Study 500 € approx. for travel costs related to compulsory field trips.

Career prospects

Strategic positions in the emerging Smart City job-market

SCS graduates move to strategic positions in the emerging smart city job-market. Students enrolling at SCS have earned work experience after completing their first university degree. They are looking for exposure to new ideas, methods and knowledge outside their job which enables them to reach the next career level. SCS furnishes them with the cross-sectoral understanding of disciplines like water, energy, mobility, and IT- and data-based solutions. The optional semester at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), UK equips them with additional leadership skills. SCS graduates are sought after by national and international municipalities, real-estate developers, utility providers, architectural design offices, engineering firms and research institutes.

Testimonials

Scholarships at HFT Stuttgart

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available to all students of HFT Stuttgart. Students qualify with an outstanding academic performance, demostrated social commitment and special personal circumstances. Students can apply only after enrolling in the curriculum.

Scholarship types: 

  • Germany Scholarship / Deutschlandstipendium
    • 3,600 € per year paid in monthly instalments of 300 € over a period of 12 months.
  • University foundation / Studienstiftung der HFT Stuttgart
    • 1,500 € per year paid in two instalments of 750 over a period of 2 semesters.

 

In addition to the HFT Stuttgart scholarships other organisations e.g. DAAD offer attractive scholarships for which you can apply prior to arriving in Germany.

Contact

Image Name and position Email and phone Room
 Academic Staff +49 711 8926 2640 8/3,28
 Secretary +49 711 8926 2679 8/3.28
 Professor / Dean of Studies +49 711 8926 2818 8/3.26

FAQ & Downloads

Application

SCS is a multidisciplinary programme. Applicants from a broad spectrum of disciplines are accepted.  A first university degree qualifying for a profession (Bachelor, Magister, Diplom or equivalent) in architecture, construction, infrastructure, economics and geosciences or other planning-related disciplines in the subject areas of the smart city is ideal. The university degree comprises at least 210 credit points or equivalents to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which corresponds to a full-time study programme of 7 semesters. In the case of degrees from other disciplines, an examination is carried out by the selection committee on a case-by-case basis (see next question).

You must complete additional coursework worth 30 ECTS during the Master Programme. Suitable modules are selected in consultation with the Programme Director. The 30 ECTS must be completed before the Master Thesis registration (after 2 semesters of full-time studies or 4 semesters of part-time studies).

Above-average academic degrees are expected, meaning you performed above the average of your class. Proven commitment to social causes or achievements in your subject-related professional career may offset average or below-average grades. Please state this in your motivation letter.

Demonstrated knowledge of English language is a prerequisite. HFT accepts:

TOEFL

  • 550 points (paper-based test)
  • 213 points (computer-based test)
  • 80 points (internet-based test) 

The official TOEFL report can be sent directly through the Educational Testing Service (institution code: 8514).

IELTS Academic  min. score 6,5

Applicants whose language of instruction is stated to be English in their leaving certificate from school, university or college, can proof their knowledge of English if the graduation certificate states so. 

No. Candidates of all ages are welcome to apply.  HFT supports life-long learning and a diverse student body.

Yes. We only accept applications submitted by e-mail.

You may provide certified copies of your documents once you arrive in Stuttgart after being admitted.

Yes. The master programme a non-consecutive continous education programme, You need to provide proof of at least one year of relevant professional experience gained after you finished your first univeristy degree (Bachelor, Magister, Diplom or equivalent). The proof will be in the form of a certificate of employment or letter from your employer or employers if your experience was gained at different jobs.

No. As of March 2023 you application review and the interview will be free of charge. You also do not need to pay a reservation fee. HFT Stuttgart reserves the right to change this policy.

Studying

Full-time study:

Semester 1 and 2: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Semester 3 (Master Thesis) own arrangement, some Saturdays

Part-time study:

Semester 1 and 2: Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Semester 3 and 4: Saturday, Sunday, Monday

Semester 5 (Master Thesis) own arrangement, some Saturdays

  • 2 week Christmas break (last week of December and first week of January)
  • no lectures in spring from second week of February till second week of March
  • no lectures in summer from second week of July till second week of September 

 

 

Yes. We encourage our students to work during their studies. However, you need to reserve at least one day per week for completing homework in addition to the teaching days.

If you are an EU citizen: You may continue your employment at a reduce number of workdays.

Students from non-EU countries are only permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year (voluntary internships included), Those who wish to work longer require permission from the Federal Employment Agency and the Alien Registration Office. Obtaining permission depends on the labour market in one’s place of residence.

If you are a non-EU Citizen: The employment regulations for international students apply. Please check the DAAD-Homepage.

There are several options. Please check the German Federal Ministry of the Interior.

The M.Eng. you will earn is worth 90 credit points (ECTS). The optional M.Eng. MBA is worth 120 credit points (ECTS). Please compare with the admission requirements of the PhD programme you are interested to enrol in.

The quality of the Master Programme Smart City Solution is certified by the academic accreditation agency ASIIN e.V. (Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Mathematics).

The ASIIN certification seal was last issued in 2018 and is valid until September 2023.

The quality is also determined by the success that graduates achieve in their profession.

Some scholarships ask for a minimum number of Credit Points (CP) in the area of design/projects. At Smart City Solutions it is possible to earn a maximum of 35 CP out of the total 90 CP with (architectural/ urban) design projects. In accordance with the Dean of Studies and lecturers respectively, the student can opt to fulfil the course requirements with architectural/urban design in Module 10.3 “Master Thesis Project” (23 CP) and Module 9 “Case Study” (12 CP). In order for you to do so, your first academic degree (B. Sc.) and/or your professional experience need to be in the field of architectural design to be able to complete the task in the given time. If you plan to opt for design projects, please include samples of your design in the application documents and mention it in your motivation letter and in the admission interview.

SCS is a countinuous degree for professionals and therefore provices subjects related to smart city solutions.Therefore it does not have its own lecturers for German language.

HFT offers German couses with the third party provider VESPA.  In the third week of September and in February the German language basic course (at a discounted fee for HFT students) will take place. If you have not taken German lessons before, make sure not to miss it as you will have to provide proof of attending a basic German Course by the start of the second semester as per SCS Admission Statute.

During the semester, German courses are offered every Wednesday afternoon for different levels. Availabiltiy is limited so make sure to register early

No, a compulsory internship (Pflichtpraktikum) is not part of the SCS curriculum for two reasons: (1) The programme is targeting mid-career level professionals with one year of relevant professional experience after completing their first degree, ideally more. Thus, work experience is a prerequisite for enrolling in the programme, not a new skill the programme teaches. (2) In Germany, companies hosting students for compulsory are not required to pay them, as they are considered to render a service to students by contributing to their education. It would not be conductive to professionals in a further education programme like SCS to work under such a condition. Students are encouraged to find vorluntary internships during their studies or continue to work for their existing employer at reduced hours.

Tuition and Payments

The tuition fee for the entire programme is 10,000 € for both full-time and part-time students. Tuition fees will be paid in two instalments per semester.
The finance department will send you payment requests with the exact amounts and payment deadlines required.

All fees, costs or expenses that are not tuition fees, such as:

- Any registration, enrolment, or other fees charged by either HFT, any of its affiliates, and/or any government agency in connection with your studies:

  • Student ID Card:  15 € (10 € deposit and a 5 € credit balance)
  • Student Services: ca. 200 € (per semester)
  • Costs for mandatory field-trips: 500 €

- Costs depending upon your individual life-style:

  • Health insurance (mandatory, depends on citizenship and age, see below under "Questions about LIVING"
  • Room, housing, meals, living expenses, travel, supplies, computer or IT equipment;
  • Cost of the semester public transportation ticket: 206 € (per semester)
  • Printing costs (your coursework)
  • Late-fees for registration and returning library books if applicable.
  • Costs to attend recommended but extra-curricular events like the Smart City Expo and Conference in Barcelona or other trade fares and conferences.

Most German scholarships (DAAD, etc.) only cover travel and living expenses. Should you apply for a scholarship or already hold a scholarship that covers the tuition, please make sure this will be the case. In the past we had applicants who found out only after successfully completing the application process to Smart City Solutions that their scholarships does not cover the tuition fee and had to cancel. Another substantial financial position, scholarships may not cover is the deposit in the "Blocked Account" (see below).

At the time of visa application, some non-EU students will be required to open a "blocked account" and transfer about 11,208 EURO (as of Nov. 2022) to proof their financial liquidity during their stay in Germany. This is not a fee. The money remains yours and can be withdrawn later. However, you need to prepare to transfer this sum. You also will not be able to touch the money for the time the blocked account is active. If you are a scholarship holder, please make sure whether the scholarship covers the "blocked account" deposit. Since this payment is not levied by the school, HFT cannot assist with matters concerning the "blocked account".

Some German consulates/embassies (e.g. in India) require proof of funds equivalent to the tuition fees for the first two semesters. This can be either of the following:

            (a) Confirmation of payment issued by the university OR
            (b) proof of education loan OR
            (c) unblocked deposit added to your blocked account (i.e. deposited in addition to the 11,208 EURO mentioned above).

https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/germany/visa/blocked-account-germany/#:~:text=A%20German%20blocked%20account%20is,the%20student%27s%20arrival%20in%20Germany.

No. The master programme is a non-consecutive programme, requiring one year of work experience and is subject to tuition fees. Hence, the programme is exempt from this regulation.
You only have to pay the fees mentioned under tuition fees.

No. SCS is a non-consecutive master programme. Hence, the acceptance into the Erasmus / DAAD scholarship programme does not waive the tuition fee.

If you are a refugee from Ukraine, please get in touch with scs.master(at)hft-stuttgart.de. The University of Applied Sciences Stuttgart and a number of companies have indicated their eagerness to sponsor tuition and living expenses.

Living in Stuttgart

You will need around 850 € per month to cover your living expenses as of 2020.

The prices for food, accommodation, bills, clothes, and entertainment are in line with the EU average. Your monthly rent will be your largest expense.
For further information please contact the International Student Office (ISO).

 

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. It is not possible to enroll at a German University without health insurance. Up to the age of 30 years you qualify for a public health insurance.
If you are older than 30 years, the International Student Office (ISO) will help you to find a private health insurance.

EU citizens:

Students from EU countries usually get an International Health Insurance Card (EHIC - European Health Insurance Card) in their home country, which is also recognized in Germany (also by doctors). With this certificate, please register with another public health insurance company.

Non-EU citizens:

Students from non-EU countries need to apply for an insurance once they are in Germany.

These are two examples of public insurances. On their websites, you will find an indication of the monthly fee.

The International Student Office (ISO) is the first point of contact for international students. The ISO assists with visa related questions and updates an FAQ list on topics like finding a dormitory and assigns German students as buddies to supports international students.

The ISO arranges weekly coffee breaks, regular events, and trips to bring international students closer to the German culture.

The most common types of student residences:

  1. Student dorms, managed by Studierendenwerk-Stuttgart (https://www.studierendenwerk-stuttgart.de/) or VSSW (https://www.vssw.de/en/). These are single rooms with shared kitchen, living room and bathroom facilities. Buildings are located at several locations. Register early to avoid the waiting list. Monthly rent (including utilities) can be around 287-340 Euros. A deposit of 400 Euros will be returned after moving out.
  2. Apartments owned by private landlords, either rented by student cohabitations that select their flatmates, or entire apartments. Both are advertised online. Furnished rooms or apartments are rare in Germany. Beware of fantastically low prices as they may be scams.

Commuting time:

Student dorms are located all over the city of Stuttgart. They can all be reached easily by public transportation Verkehrsverbund Stuttgart (VVS). Our students spend an average of 20 to 40 minutes to arrive at HFT.

Cost of transportation:

For about 206 € the city of Stuttgart offers a student ticket valid for 6 months which can be used on all buses and subways across the Stuttgart Region. Alternatively, the student ID card entitles you to use public transport is free of charge from 6 p.m. till 6 a.m. on weekdays, and all-day on weekends and public holidays.

The latest information about the Corona regulations and hygiene concept at HFT can be found under Corona Update.

Information about the current situation in Stuttgart can be found on the website of the Municipality of Stuttgart.

We recommend you arrive in Germany during the first half of September. September 1st is the date that will be stated on your matriculation certificate. You will need this certificate to convert your visa status issued upon entering Germany to a student resident status, to open a German bank account, to buy student health insurance and to obtain your student ID. Your matriculation number and student ID also give you access to your HFT e-mail, the student canteen, the library and e-library, the university buildings and lecture rooms, moodle, etc.

In the third week of September the German language basic course (at a discounted fee for HFT students) will take place. If you have not taken German lessons before, make sure not to miss it as you will have to provide proof of attending a basic German Course by the start of the second semester as per SCS Admission Statute.

Accreditation

Accreditation
The quality of the master programme is assured through external accreditation conducted by the renowned academic accreditation agency ASIIN e.V. (Accreditation Agency for Study Programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Mathematics). The ASIIN certification seal was acquired in 2018 and is valid until September 2024. The autenticity of the accreditiation is stated in the on the ASIIN website

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