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Aalen University’s master’s students are highly satisfied with the study conditions, particularly in the areas of digital learning elements and research orientation. Photo: © Aalen University | Jan Walford

The Centre for Higher Education Development (CHE) has published its latest results for master’s degree programs. At Aalen University, the master’s programs offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science achieved top-ranking positions in nine out of ten evaluation categories. The ranking assesses master’s programs across Germany on the basis of quantitative indicators as well as evaluations provided by students.

Students at Aalen University report a very high level of satisfaction with their study conditions. In the categories of overall study situation, range of courses offered, program organization, academic support by teaching staff, support during studies, digital teaching elements, research orientation, practical orientation of teaching, and transition to master’s studies, the degree programs of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science ranked in the top group.

Professor Dr Markus Merkel, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, expressed his delight at the outstanding results: “Through our practice-oriented teaching approach, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and innovative projects, we impart highly qualified specialist knowledge at an excellent level. This particularly benefits our research-focused master’s program ‘Advanced Materials and Manufacturing’, which offers attractive research and development projects. We also operate at a very high international level, as reflected in the continuous expansion of our English-taught degree programs.”

The strong research profile of Aalen University, which is regarded by students as a major asset, is clearly reflected in the results. In the field of Materials Engineering / Materials Science, students particularly highlighted the strong research orientation in the CHE ranking. Numerous research projects conducted by professors actively involve students, offering them the opportunity to participate directly in research activities.

Application-oriented content — such as digital product development, machine learning, battery technology, renewable energy systems, laser-based materials processing, additive manufacturing, AI-based emotion recognition, and innovative surface, drive and robotics technologies — is taught through laboratory work and project-based learning. In addition, sustainable materials, recyclable plastics and lightweight construction are key focal points of both research and teaching.

The modern technical infrastructure provides ideal conditions for innovative study and research projects, hands-on learning experiences, and team-oriented work. In addition, the new right for Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW) in Baden-Württemberg to award doctoral degrees — an initiative significantly shaped by Aalen University — opens up new perspectives for talented early-career researchers.

Aalen University also performs significantly above the average of all higher education institutions in the area of digital teaching elements. “In recent years, we have developed many innovative teaching and learning formats. Artificial intelligence is now entering higher education teaching and is opening up previously unimaginable possibilities,” says University President Professor Dr. Harald Riegel. It is essential, he adds, to remain at the forefront of developments and to prepare students as effectively as possible for their professional futures through modern, forward-looking higher education teaching. “We are therefore all the more pleased that this commitment is recognized by our students.”

Information: An overview of the full range of degree programs offered by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science can be found here. The results of the CHE Ranking are available here with immediate effect.