Background and Motivation

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is one of the most important cross-sectional technologies in modern industry. It enables the evaluation of materials, components and structures being non-invasive, making it indispensable for quality assurance and operational safety in safety-critical sectors such as aerospace, energy supply, automotive and nuclear engineering, and micro- and nanoelectronics to just name a few.

Despite its enormous economic and societal relevance, NDT as an independent academic discipline at a master's level is barely established worldwide. Knowledge and methods have so far been conveyed primarily through industrial practice or dispersed training formats. The NDT M.Sc. programme at the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern addresses this gap directly: it is one of the fewer if not even the unique of comparable master's programmes worldwide, closing a strategically important qualification gap in the global engineering talent market.

The programme was developed with the participation of leading research institutions, industrial companies and international university partners, and is aimed at graduates of engineering and natural science programmes who wish to deepen their expertise in a highly specialised, internationally sought-after field at master's level.

Guiding Concept

The M.Sc. NDT programme combines scientific depth with immediate practical relevance. The guiding concept is: to develop, apply and critically evaluate future inspection and quality assurance methodology based on scientifically sound principles – in interdisciplinary teams, in an international environment, and with the clear objective of permanently improving the safety and reliability of technical structures.

The programme integrates fundamental knowledge in materials science, measurement technology and mechanics with all major NDT method families (i.e. acoustic, electromagnetic, radiological, optical, thermal and microscopy), as well as competencies in scientific work, international collaboration and professional certification.

Distinct Features of the Programme

Interdisciplinarity
NDT is by definition an interdisciplinary field. The curriculum deliberately connects contents from applied physics, materials science, engineering, applied mathematics and computer science / signal processing. This integration allows students to approach NDT problems holistically and solve them beyond disciplinary boundaries.

International orientation
Fully English-language teaching, an international research internship, the possibility of a thesis to be performed anywhere worldwide, and active partnerships universities and industries on a national and international basis make NDT a genuinely international programme. The student cohort reflects this international character.

Flexible study modes
The programme is designed for both full-time study (4 semesters, on-campus in Kaiserslautern) or part-time study (6 semesters, Blended Learning with online phases and on-site components). This enables working professionals to pursue structured further qualification without a full career break.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the M.Sc. Non-Destructive Testing programme are qualified for a wide range of highly skilled positions in safety-critical industries as well as services and scientific institutions:

• Inspection engineers in high-technology companies and engineering consultancies in aerospace, automotive, rail and marine engineering, energy generation, engineering technology (civil, electrical, mechanical, process), mining and earth science, and even food processing.
• Quality assurance and structural integrity specialists in manufacturing companies, infrastructure operating organisations and services
• Research and development at federal agencies (e.g. BAM, BASt, MPA, PTB), major research organizations (i.e. DLR, Fraunhofer, Helmholz, Leibniz) universities and R&D and quality assurance departments of various industries
• Equipment manufacturers and engineering consultancies in the NDT industry (hard- and software development, application consultancy)
• Certification bodies and regulatory authorities (Level III activities: development, qualification and auditing of inspection systems)
• Consulting and project management in safety-critical infrastructure projects (energy supply, construction, offshore)

Preparing graduates for immediate deployment in one of engineering's most sought-after specialist disciplines.

Programme Structure at a Glance

The NDT Master's programme is structured, in its full-time format, across four semesters of 30 ECTS credits each. Each phase pursues a clear didactic function and builds on the preceding one. One ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 30 hours (contact time and self-study combined).

• Phase 1 / Semester 1 – Basic Modules (BM): Interdisciplinary foundations of NDT (30 CP)
• Phase 2 / Semester 2 – Special Modules (SM): NDT testing method families in depth (30 CP)
• Phase 3 / Semester 3 – Practical Modules (PM): Certification + Research Internship (30 CP)
• Phase 4 / Semester 4 – Excellence Module (EM): Master Thesis + Colloquium (30 CP)

Total: 120 CP

Semester 1 – Basic Modules (BM)

Interdisciplinary Foundations for Non-Destructive Testing

The first semester establishes the scientific and methodological foundations for all subsequent stages of the programme. The five Basic Modules cover the core disciplines on which non-destructive testing is built.

• BM 1.1 Materials Science (6 CP): Metallic, polymeric and composite materials; material properties and defect types
• BM 1.2 Measurement Techniques (6 CP): Theoretical foundations of measurement technology; structure of a measurement chain
• BM 1.3 Mechanics (6 CP): Sound and vibration; fatigue and fracture mechanics
• BM 1.4 Numerical Methods & Signal Processing (6 CP): Numerical methods; digital signal processing in NDT
• BM 1.5 Introduction into NDT & Quality Management (6 CP): Overview of all NDT methods; quality assurance and standards (EN ISO 9712, ISO 9001, etc.)

Total: 30 CP

Semester 2 – Special Modules (SM)

In-Depth Treatment of the NDT Testing Method Families

The second semester addresses the most important NDT testing method families in a systematic and scientifically rigorous manner. Each module is dedicated to a distinct method family, covering its theoretical foundations and practical testing applications.

• SM 2.1 Acoustic Methods (6 CP): Ultrasonic testing techniques; specific acoustic methods (e.g. TOFD, Phased Array)
• SM 2.2 Electromagnetic Methods (6 CP): Magnetic and magneto-inductive testing methods; eddy current testing
• SM 2.3 Radiological Methods (6 CP): X-ray and computed tomography; diffraction and spectroscopy methods
• SM 2.4 Optical Methods (6 CP): Visual testing, shearography, speckle interferometry, digital image correlation
• SM 2.5 Thermal & Microscopical Methods (6 CP): Infrared thermography; light and electron microscopy in materials testing

Total: 30 CP

Up to two modules of the second semester may be replaced by Specialisation Modules from closely related disciplines. This is subject to application to the Examination Board and enables individual focus areas to be set in accordance with the academic interests or professional background of the student.

Semester 3 – Practical Modules (PM)

Certification and International Research Internship

The third semester combines the acquisition of recognised industrial certifications with independent scientific work in an international research environment.

• PM 3.1 BC-Course & Technological Visit (13 CP): Official DGZfP certification course (Basic Exam, Studies Exam, Final Exam); NDT Technology Visit
• PM 3.2 Research Internship & Scientific Writing (17 CP): 10-week research internship worldwide; Scientific Writing

Total: 30 CP

Semester 4 – Excellence Module (EM)

Master Thesis and Scientific Colloquium

The fourth semester is dedicated entirely to the independent scientific thesis. Students demonstrate their ability to conduct autonomous research at an international level.

• EM 4.1 Master Thesis + Colloquium (30 CP): Master Thesis (6 months, 20 CP) + Final Colloquium (30-minute presentation, 10 CP)

Total: 30 CP

Specialisation Modules

Upon application to the Examination Board, up to two modules of the second semester may be replaced by Specialisation Modules from related academic fields. This option allows students to set individual priorities and tailor the programme to specific academic interests or prior professional experience. Possible areas of specialisation include, among others:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning in NDT
• Structural mechanics and finite element methods
• Sensor technology and embedded systems
• Data analytics and digital twins

Research Internship

The Research Internship is a central element of the third semester and comprises a minimum of 10 consecutive weeks (16 CP). It may be carried out worldwide at recognised research institutions, industrial companies, or partner universities. Possible host organisations include:

• Cooperation partners of the programme (e.g. BAM, Fraunhofer, Airbus, Rohmann, SVTI, Testia, among others)
• Partner universities in Germany and abroad
• Further recognised research institutions or industrial companies worldwide (subject to approval by the Examination Board)

The accompanying Scientific Writing module (1 CP) prepares students for writing academic texts and documenting their research work.

Master Thesis

The Master Thesis (20 CP, 6 months) is completed in the fourth semester and may be carried out worldwide – at Hochschule Kaiserslautern, at a cooperation partner, or at a recognised research institution. Topic areas include:

• Development of theory and experiment for existing and emerging NDT methods, and their application in industry and research
• Numerical methods in NDT (FE analysis, signal processing, imaging, NDE 4.0, AI)
• Application projects at cooperating companies or research institutions
• Standardisation, qualification, and certification of NDT technology

Part-Time Programme (Blended Learning, 6 Semesters)

The programme can be completed entirely on a part-time basis. The part-time model distributes the modules of the full-time programme across six semesters and is designed as a blended learning format, combining on-site sessions with online teaching formats. The schematic course of study in the part-time model:

• PT Semester 1: BM 1.1, BM 1.2, BM 1.3
• PT Semester 2: BM 1.4, BM 1.5 + SM 2.1
• PT Semester 3: SM 2.2, SM 2.3, SM 2.4
• PT Semester 4: SM 2.5 + BC-Course (PM 3.1)
• PT Semester 5: Research Internship & Scientific Writing (PM 3.2)
• PT Semester 6: Master Thesis + Colloquium (EM 4.1)

The exact distribution is agreed individually with the Examination Board.

Examination System

• Each module is concluded with an individual examination; the form of assessment (written examination, oral examination, term paper, report, etc.) is specified in the respective module handbook
• The certification course module (PM 3.1) comprises, in the case of the DGZfP BC-Course, three separate examinations (Basic Exam, Studies Exam, Final Exam)
• The Research Internship (PM 3.2) is assessed by means of an internship report and a meeting with the supervising professor
• The Master Thesis is assessed by two examiners; the Colloquium takes place before an examination committee
• All examinations are taken in the English language

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the M.Sc. Non-Destructive Testing programme, the following requirements must be met:

1. Higher Education Degree

• A relevant qualifying higher education degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS credits in one of the following fields or a related area:
  • Engineering science (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, civil, process, geotechnical, systems incl. mechatronics etc.)
  • Natural sciences (physics, chemistry, materials, etc.)
  • Computer science and informatics
  • Comparable technical or scientific disciplines (i.e. applied mathematics)

2. Professional Experience

• At least 1 year of relevant professional experience post first higher education degree graduation in a field of activity relevant to NDT (e.g. quality assurance, inspection technology, research and development, manufacturing, design and analytics)

3. Language Proficiency

• English language proficiency at a minimum level of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale, evidenced by one of the following certificates (issued within the last 24 months):
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum 87 points
  • IELTS: minimum 6.0
  • TOEIC Listening & Reading: minimum 785 points
  • Cambridge B2 First (FCE) or higher
  • Equivalent recognised certificates
  • Native speakers of English are exempted from the certificate requirement.
• German language skills at a minimum level of A2 on the CEFR scale (required for all applicants regardless of native language, as the campus is located in Germany)

4. Subject-Specific Competence Evidence

The following content competencies must be evidenced through academic records (module certificates, transcripts) or equivalent documentation (minimum: 15 ECTS in mathematical/scientific fundamentals):

• Mathematical and scientific fundamentals (mathematics, statistics, physics; minimum 15 ECTS)
• Physics (at least one in-depth module related to waves, optics or electromagnetism is of advantage)
• Computer science / programming (basic skills, minimum one module; e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++)
• Engineering fundamentals (e.g. mechanics, design, measurement technology)

5. Aptitude Assessment (Exception)

Applicants who do not hold a higher education degree but possess a university entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung, HZB) and at least 3 years of relevant professional experience may undergo an aptitude assessment. The assessment comprises a specialist interview with the Examination Board and, where applicable, written tasks. Admission is at the discretion of the Examination Board.

Application Process

1. Online application via the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern application portal
2. International applicants (without a German educational qualification) apply via uni-assist e.V. – preliminary document review
3. Documents to be submitted:
   • Completed online application form
   • Copy of a valid photo ID
   • Certified copies of all higher education degrees and transcripts (with translation into German or English if required)
   • Current CV/résumé (tabular format, in English)
   • Proof of professional experience (employment reference, certificate of employment, etc.)
   • English language certificate (B2 or higher, issued within the last 24 months)
   • German language certificate (A2 or higher), unless German is your native language
   • Letter of motivation (in English, max. 1 page): explaining motivation for application, professional experience and goals
   • Where applicable, evidence of subject-specific competencies (module overviews, certificates, etc.)

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted for the winter semester only. A summer semester entry is not available.

Admission Procedure and Aptitude Assessment

After receipt of the complete application documents, the Examination Board reviews the formal and subject-specific suitability of applicants. The following steps may be taken:

1. Formal review: Completeness of documents, fulfilment of minimum requirements
2. Subject-specific aptitude review: Assessment of degree, professional experience and subject-specific competencies
3. Aptitude interview (if required): In cases of uncertainty, a personal or video-based interview with the Examination Board may take place
4. Admission decision: Written notification in June/July

The programme has a limited number of places available. Admission is based on suitability; ranking of applicants is possible if places are oversubscribed.

Tuition Fees

The programme is designed as an advanced training master's programme and is therefore subject to tuition fees:

Note: Tuition fees are charged in addition to the standard semester fees at University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern. Current standard semester fees are … €/semester.

Information on scholarships and other funding opportunities is available from the Programme Director or the International Office.

Application and Contact

Further information and the application link will be published on the official programme page of the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern in good time before the application portal opens.

Application portal:www.hs-kl.de (section: Application / Master's Studies)
International application via uni-assist:www.uni-assist.de

Questions about the application and programme:

Prof. Peter Starke
Programme Director M.Sc. Non-Destructive Testing
Chair of the Examination Board

E-mail: peter.starke(at)hs-kl(dot)de
Phone: +49 (0) 631 3724 2389

Key Dates

Application and Admission Deadlines

Semester Dates (Winter Semester, Full-Time Study)

Contact for questions about dates and deadlines:

Prof. Peter Starke | peter.starke(at)hs-kl(dot)de | +49 (0) 631 3724 2389
University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern | Department of Applied Engineering Sciences (AING)