I have got offers from both the programs. However, I am confused between choosing the two. Below are some of my main assessments from speaking to respective alumni and present students:
- TU Munich: MSc in Computational Mechanics (COME)
- Program Link: https://www.ed.tum.de/en/ed/studies/degree-programs/computational-mechanics-m-sc/
- Perspectives:
- Financials: Significant tuition fee (€6,000 per semester) and high cost of living in Munich.
- Curriculum: Highly specialized in Computational Mechanics from the first two semesters (FEM, Fluid Dynamics, Continuum Mechanics). There may be some content overlap with my Bachelor's curriculum.
- Career: Proximity to BMW, Audi, and Siemens offers better part-time job opportunities in the automotive and mechanical sectors.
- RWTH Aachen: MSc in Simulation Sciences
- Program Link: https://www.mss.rwth-aachen.de/cms/mss/studium/studium/masterstudiengaenge/~bfaych/sisc-masterprogramm/
- Perspectives:
- Financials: No tuition fees and a more affordable cost of living.
- Curriculum: Broad core courses in the first year (Numerical methods for PDEs, HPC, Data Analytics). This offers flexibility to pivot toward Computer Science or Applied Maths, though specialization in solids or fluids is limited until the third semester.
- Career: More research-oriented. While industrial part-time jobs are very limited in Aachen, research assistantships at the university are relatively easily available.
My primary dilemma is weighing the high tuition costs at TUM against the depth of specialization in Computational Mechanics available at RWTH Aachen.
I am currently slightly inclined towards the Sim. Sciences program but fear that I might not be able to completely specialize in mechanics with only 5 to 6 electives to take. And yes, I am not sure about whether to pursue solids or fluids, so that adds an extra layer of confusion :(