Non-Destructive Testing (M.Sc.)
Expert knowledge on an international level
With its various methods non-destructive testing is a fundamental component of the quality assurance and control in many areas of the industry today. The step by step courses for examiners offered by the German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) are an established and good basis for operational practice. Increasingly, however, more complete testing strategies have to be developed and implemented. In Germany and many other parts of the world, no adequate academic training has been available for the required engineering personnel. This gap is closed by the university course offered by the Dresden International University (DIU).
The participants of the Master's program "Non-Destructive Testing" acquire sound basic and specialist knowledge in all areas of NDT (you will find further information in the overview of the study contents). Small groups enable efficient and individual learning, supported by sound scientific supervision in theoretical and practical exercises. Students are familiarized with modern equipment that is fundamental to all NDT methods. The practical exercises can take place in several laboratories. An example can be seen in the picture below, where a student is working in one of the laboratories of the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM).
Copyright: BAM
In addition to the scientific qualification, the graduates gain extended international and intercultural experience. The study program also includes a German course before the start of the lectures.
The first two semesters can also be completed online before the internships and thesis pending. Presence is only required during the examination periods in these two semesters.
Successful graduates qualify for a career in a variety of very different companies in the fields of transport, energy (including nuclear energy), chemistry, micro- and nanoelectronics as well as public safety institutions and much more.
The program is tailored for an advanced specialization in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering and leads to promising careers.
Overview of the study contents
Modul 1 - Material Science (6 ETCS)
The micro- and meso-structures of metallic, polymer and composite materials are explained, and the related properties are described. The course delivers a general understanding of metallic, polymeric, and composite materials and the interaction of elastic or electromagnetic waves considered in NDT with the different kinds of materials structure.
Modul 2 - Measurement Techniques (6 ETCS)
The module covers the physical and electrical basics of different measurement technology, techniques and instruments, and the principles of their operation and application. The second part of the module deals with the statistical treatments of measuring results, measuring error, error propagation and reliability.
Modul 3 - Mechanics (6 ETCS)
The module addresses the general understanding of mechanical phenomena to be considered in NDT. This mainly includes the physics of waves in general, sound and vibration based on mechanical waves in the terms of vibration modes, guided waves and acoustic bulk waves as well as the determination of stresses and strains, fatigue and fracture in materials and components. Topics such as damage tolerance design, fatigue, fracture, notches, linear elastic and elastic-plastic material behavior, load sequence analysis and generation, damage accumulation, fatigue life evaluation, crack propagation analysis, multi-axial stress –strain behavior, and much more will be addressed. Hardware aspects will be referred to as well. Students will be able to understand fatigue analysis and evaluation to a level that they are ready to use it along their daily work. It is attempted to generate a broad basic knowledge of the physical fundamentals of the acoustic and electromagnetic methods to be taught in Term 2
Modul 5 - Introduction into NDT & Quality Management (6 ETCS)
The module covers an overview of the different NDT techniques being applied and gives an insight into standardization and certification as well as quality management. The student will understand the fundamentals of the different NDT techniques considered and the role of and need for standardization, certification and quality management processes being involved in NDT as well as the quality management process in general.
Modul 6 - Acoustic Methods (6 ETCS)
The scope of the lectures is to impart complex knowledge about Non Destructive Testing (NDT) of construction elements and materials with the aid of acoustic methods. This also includes to learn, understand and apply advanced methods in ultrasonic testing with special emphasis on phased array and imaging techniques. The lecture contents include ultrasonic excitation, wave propagation in solids, beam focusing and directional intromission of ultrasound and deals with typical principles of ultrasonic transducers and measurement methods. It further includes phased array monitoring techniques including sampling phased array, air coupled ultrasonics, laser ultrasonics, guided waves and various methods of sensor signal imaging. The students are taught to select appropriate measurement methods for practical inspection tasks and design, modify and test adequate measurement set-ups.
Modul 7 - Electromagnetic Methods (6 ETCS)
The module covers the physical and electrical engineering basics of magnetic, electro magnetic, eddy current and microwave magnetic test methods, including hardware and applications. Structure and mode of action of the different micro-magnetic test systems and their application are covered. After participating in this module, students will be in the position to understand the possible applications of electromagnetic test methods and use those for flaw detection and material characterization.
Module 8 - Radiological Methods (6 ECTS)
- Radiological Basics
- Tomography & Imaging
Modul 9 - Optical Methods (6 ETCS)
The module is targeted at the fundamentals of optics and optoelectronics from a theoretical, numerical and experimental point of view. A major focus will be on applications in electronics. Hardware aspects will also be of significance. Students will be able to understand optoelectronics to a level that they are ready to use it along their daily work.
Module 10 - Thermal & Microscopical Methods (6 ECTS)
- Thermography
- Microscopy
Module 11 - BC-Course
- BC-Course
Module 12 - Research Internship (15 ECTS)
- Research internship
Master's Thesis (30 ETCS)
The module consists of scientific work to be performed at the student’s originating university or upon request by a major research institution such as BAM, Fraunhofer or any others through the lecturers of the course who performed qualified scientific and engineering work with R&D needs in the field of NDT. The topic to be worked on is proposed by the hosting institution and must be approved by the DIU scientific director of the program and must clearly address a scientific challenge in NDT. The topic must be described regarding the title, contents and outcome on no more than two pages clearly addressing the objectives. Results of the master thesis must be summarized in a research report and must be presented in front of an auditorium and an assessment committee at the end of the semester.
Student voices about the NDT programme
Scientific Director

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Leyens
Inhaber der Professur für Werkstofftechnik
Institutsleiter Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoff- und Strahltechnik IWS
Admission requirements
- Master’s / Bachelor’s Degree (4 years or 180 credit points) preferably in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, material sciences , geological science, applied physics as well as related subjects
- Proficiency in English language (level IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT79)
- Practical experience in non-destructive testing (NDT) or even destructive testing is advantageous
Scholarship Information:
- Various kinds of DAAD funding for foreign students, graduates and postdocs as well as on funding offered by other selected organisations.
- IAEA Scholarship up tp 20,000 €: IAEA (Internat. Atomic Energy Agency) has been offering again the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship (MSCF) for which suitable female candidates can apply.
- Since 14th of July, 2023 the IAEA (Internat. Atomic Energy Agency) has been offering again the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship (MSCF) for which suitable female candidates can apply. The aim of the programme is to increase the number of women in the field of nuclear engineering. Selected students will receive a scholarship to pursue master's degrees in nuclear-related programmes at accredited universities. There is also the opportunity to complete an internship of up to 12 months arranged by the IAEA. DIU's NDT master´s programme will be definitely considered for the scholarship, which is an excellent opportunity for young women to become part of our NDT programme, work in an exciting field of application and target towards a professional career at international level.
- Students are awarded up to €20,000 for tuition costs and up to €20,000 for living costs for the master’s programme for the academic years 2023/24 and 2024/2025. Therefore, take a close look at the site and take the chance applying for it. Further information can be found on the following webpage: Homepage der IAEA für das MSCF-Programm.
- The deadline for applications is 30.09.2024. More information: Please contact our Study Advisory Team via mail studyadvisory@di-uni.de
- Germany Scholarship / "Deutschland Stipendium": Students enrolled at Dresden International University are supported by the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship programme. Prerequisites are excellent performance and above-average commitment.
- Apply for the Deutschlandstipendium and secure financial support for your studies.
- Send us a overview regarding your personal situation, professional achievements, grade of the first degree programme and your extracurricular and extra-occupational commitment: studyadvisory@di-uni.de
- Please use the Application form "Deutschland Stipendium".
- Deadline: 19 July 2024
Kompakt
- Degree:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.)
- Place of study:
- Dresden and Online
- Start of study:
- 01. October 2024
- Duration:
- 4 semesters
- Credit points:
- 120 points
- program type:
- full time
- Tuition fee:
- 895 € per month
- FINANCING AVAILABLE
DIU WhatsApp Counselling:
Scan or click on the QR code!
Further information under WhatsApp Student Advisory Service.
flexible learning
The lectures take place for the most part in presence and online. Study materials are made available to students to enable asynchronous self-organized learning. Lecture-free period phases during the summer and Christmas periods.
in-depth expert knowledge
The team of lecturers in the program includes both top-class scientists and experienced practitioners. In this way, well-founded information from science and research is combined with a high degree of practical relevance.
extensive exchange
Participants in this course come from a wide variety of fields and can greatly benefit from diverse learning groups, to expand their horizon. We offer interdisciplinary exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.