What is the hybrid format?

MSE is offered in a hybrid format. You can choose to study fully on campus, fully online or in a combination of both. You can take all compulsory and most compulsory elective MSE courses on campus and online. For students that require even more flexibility, MSE offers asynchronous participation in many of its courses. This is possible through a combination of video lectures, interactive digital learning material and recordings of live sessions. We recommend that you watch the MSE hybrid explainer video below to get a better understanding of the concept.

The advancement of digital technology and globalization are reshaping today’s learning and working culture. The demand for flexibility in mobility leads to more remote teamwork in the industry. Here is a list of reasons why MSE is offered as a hybrid programme.

Hybrid offers flexibility in mobility: It is possible for all students to continue taking courses while having an internship abroad during the semester, visiting family in their home country or being on a trip. Students don’t have to apply for a visa to Germany and make travel arrangements if they study fully online.

Hybrid addresses different types of learners: There are many types of learners like visual, auditory, kinesthetic and reading/writing. The hybrid format offers a variety of possibilities to approach learning. Much of the content is available in a way that you can review it anytime.

Hybrid is family-friendly: There are students who want to study space engineering, but don’t have the option to move to Germany. They may have family, a part-time job, or other commitments in their home country. The hybrid programme makes it possible for those students to obtain a space engineering degree.

Hybrid addresses different budgets: The costs of living in Germany are relatively high compared to most other countries. With a regular study duration of two years, the living costs are as high as the tuition fees. This can be a significant financial hurdle. The hybrid format allows students to study from their home countries for as long as they want to.

Hybrid addresses real-world skills: In today’s world, digital tools and remote teamwork are part of daily life in the industry. With the hybrid format, students get adjusted to this working culture in a natural way.

Most of the curriculum and services in MSE are offered for students that participate online. The degree programme can be completed fully online. However, there are some limitations that participants must be aware of.

Cultural programme: MSE offers cultural visits to museums, sports activities, a summer party, a Christmas dinner, and other similar activities throughout the year. Those activities are only offered to students who are physically present at the time.

Excursions: MSE offers occasional excursions to companies, conferences, and fairs. The trips are organized from Berlin to the target destination. Students who study online can only participate in these events if they make their own travel arrangements.

Hands-on activities: MSE offers many project-based activities that students can easily participate in online. This goes for space mission design activities in which digital tools like CAD software and simulation tools are used. In the course “Space Electronics”, the electronics parts are sent to the students so that they can participate in the hands-on activities. In other cases, they use hardware-equivalent simulation tools. There are certain hands-on activities that require physical presence. Students who study online can only select work packages that don’t require physical presence. Typical examples are works related to design, simulation, and programming. The lecturers offer work packages dedicated to students who study online.

Elective courses: Students can take electives outside of the core MSE curriculum. They can be taken at TU Berlin and even other universities in Germany. Students studying online should be aware that most courses at TU Berlin are offered only on campus. The MSE programme offers a variety of electives, and most students complete their studies by taking MSE courses only.

Highly interactive courses: Many courses from module group D (Interdisciplinary) and some project-based courses in other module groups are highly interactive. Lecturers reserve the right to offer their courses either fully on campus or fully online. This is to ensure a high quality of course delivery. This means that you may not be able to take all courses if you study fully online. In any case, the minimum number of required credits to complete the program is offered online. In fact, there are plenty of courses to choose from. Here you can find a list with information on teaching modes of all MSE courses (hybrid, on campus, online).

Networking and opportunities: Berlin has a space industry from which MSE students benefit. Guest lecturers are invited to share insights about their companies. In rare exceptions, they may not agree to lecture recordings for security reasons. Students in Berlin can get in touch with people from the industry during meetups, hackathons, and other small events that happen in Berlin. Many MSE students find an opportunity to do an internship or work part-time in one of the local organizations. Students who study online should be aware that they will have significantly fewer chances to pursue such opportunities. They are therefore encouraged to participate in virtual conferences, search for online jobs, and look for opportunities in their region.

Theses: Students who study online should be aware that many organizations prefer that the candidate writes the thesis on their premises. However, many MSE students also write their theses remotely. It is up to the student to decide what type of thesis he or she wants to pursue. It depends on the individual situation and preference of each student.

Apart from the limitations mentioned above, students can complete their studies fully online. Most importantly, students studying online feel included. They interact naturally and on a regular basis with the programme management, the lecturers, and their classmates.

The tuition fee is the same for both, on-campus and online studies for the entire period of studies.

Students who study fully online must be self-disciplined and self-motivated. They manage their own study pace. Students on campus exchange information about assignments and project work naturally outside the classroom. Students studying online need to actively engage with their classmates and lecturers. Students studying online are encouraged to create hybrid study groups outside class hours. Students should have a stable internet connection and a good microphone.

You can study MSE while working by using asynchronous learning methods, which allow you to learn at your own pace without fixed schedules. Most MSE courses are fully accessible online, allowing you to engage with lecture materials digitally. This includes video lectures, digital assignments, and other online resources.

While each course features weekly live sessions, the structure of remote learning varies depending on the course format.

  • Courses with Video Lectures: Live sessions primarily include ungraded short quizzes and Q&A discussions. Remote students can always ask questions via the forum, contact the lecturer, or join consultation hours.
  • Courses with Live Lectures or Guest Lectures: While lectures take place live, all slides and additional learning materials (e.g., book chapters) are provided. Remote students can still engage through the forum, direct contact with lecturers, or consultation hours.
  • Project-Based Courses: Teams discuss project progress in weekly live sessions. Remote students collaborate with an on-campus team, working on assigned work packages. These teams coordinate their own meetings outside of lecture hours, while on-campus team members represent the group during live sessions.

All remote students must set aside time for online oral exams or project presentations. Lecturers offer considerable flexibility in scheduling exam dates and times.

Prefer to talk?

If you would prefer to talk about any aspects of the MSE study programme, please send us a message or book a Zoom appointment.

Teaching modes of the MSE courses

Here, you can find information on which MSE courses are offered fully online, on campus, in a hybrid format, or available for asynchronous study.