Master of Science in Machine and Production Automation Engineering Technology

Machine and Production Automation engineers build the future. You design tomorrow’s production machines and automated production environments. The Bachelor’s programme, on the one hand, focuses on dimensioning mechanical and electrical components, and on mastering automation techniques, on the other. Machines that are efficient and versatile thanks to a combination of electromechanical design and intelligence make for a competitive industry. These moving machines make products or perform tasks in a fast, intelligent and sustainable manner. Interaction among various machines depends on communication. Automation and industrial communication ensure that machines can be integrated into a high-performing production environment. The Master's programme focuses on digital techniques. Our study programme thoroughly integrates the traditional elements of electromechanics and automation with newly emerging digital techniques. The design process is based on virtual models (digital twins). You acquire an in-depth knowledge of data analysis for preventative maintenance (machine learning) and optimization of the machinery (condition monitoring). In addition, you learn more about the specific discipline of production automation. With that knowledge, you will be able to optimize the entire process, from raw materials over production to warehouse storage. You will be able to contribute to a competitive industry.

Our Machine and Production Automation programme is unique in Belgium. Not only do we place great store by exercises and practicals, we also bring you into contact with the professional field through project work and work placement. We offer you the opportunity to embark on a company work placement between your third and fourth year, in the course of which you either work on a clearly defined project of your own, or you contribute to a larger project together with other employees at the company. A company work placement gives a unique insight into how a company works.

The programme consists of three Bachelor’s years (i.e. Engineering Technology), followed by one Master’s year. In the Master’s curriculum, you have a choice of three minors:

• Smart Machines
• Smart Factories
• Smart Technologies

Job opportunities are various and manifold. A considerable number of our graduates ends up in technical, management or commercial positions: as automation engineer, R&D engineer, production and maintenance engineer (wood, textile, plastics, nutrition,...), sales engineer, technical manager, project manager, service engineer, safety manager, or lecturer, ... Various sectors are open to you: machine manufacturing, metal industry, electronics, integrators, the services sector (hospitals, public services, transportation ...). Design offices are also eager to employ our graduates. Other important employers are the government, semi-public institutions (e.g. The Federal Planning Bureau, the Belgian Buildings Agency, ...) and the education sector. A career at a research institute is also among the possibilities. Or maybe you will start your own company?

Be sure to check out these interesting testimonials at ikbenindustrieelingenieur.be (in Dutch).