This Master of Science programme prepares students for international careers centered on the transfer of technical knowledge between developed and emerging economies. It combines management and technology perspectives so graduates understand the methods, processes, technologies and tools used in technology transfer and learn how to manage products and innovations in a global context. The curriculum is especially suited to students with undergraduate degrees in engineering or business, although applicants from other academic backgrounds who are motivated to work in international technology transfer are welcome. Teaching is delivered in English and emphasises both scientific foundations and practical know‑how.
The programme is practice‑oriented: core modules use up‑to‑date communication and collaboration technologies and are taught by lecturers who bring strong academic credentials and real industry experience. This ensures students acquire workplace‑relevant skills and hands‑on understanding. Graduates typically find roles in multinational companies and global manufacturing, where they help manage international projects and technology transfer processes, build collaborative support structures, reduce barriers in emerging and developing markets, open access to new markets and serve as competent local contacts for technology implementation.
Requirements (summary)
This master’s curriculum is practice-focused and taught by faculty who bring direct industry experience into the classroom. Teaching blends presentations, case studies, active discussion, guest lectures and company excursions so that theoretical concepts are consistently linked to real-world practice. In the final semester you complete a Master’s thesis, evaluated according to the university’s academic standards and the quality criteria of the German Conference of Ministers of Education.
The programme covers a broad mix of technical and managerial subjects relevant to technology transfer. Technical modules explore domains such as automotive technologies, smart factories and digitalised production, logistics and mobility, and bioengineering trends. Core technology-transfer instruction includes methods, processes and instruments for transferring innovations between organisations. Management courses address principles of management, product and innovation management, international and project management. Legal and regulatory competencies are developed through modules in international business law and intellectual property rights and licensing. Communication skills and intercultural competence are emphasised via case studies, a Student Consulting Project (SCP) and a scientific research seminar.
Learning outcomes focus on the application of interdisciplinary knowledge to practical technology-transfer challenges: you will learn to assess and manage transfer processes, apply legal/IP frameworks, coordinate cross-border projects, present and defend findings, and conduct independent research leading to a thesis. Language support includes Technical English and Technical German; international students take two German-as-a-foreign-language modules, while German students receive equivalent instruction in English.
Key modules and programme components (requirements and assessments)
To be eligible for this Master's programme you must hold a completed Bachelor's degree (or an internationally recognised equivalent) that was awarded after a study programme of at least six semesters. Degrees issued by universities, technical colleges (Fachhochschulen) in Germany, or comparable institutions abroad are accepted. The final degree grade must be at least "satisfactory."
If your undergraduate qualification uses a different grading system or was awarded outside Germany, the admissions office will assess whether it is equivalent. International applicants should be prepared to submit official transcripts and documentation that explain the grading scale and programme length so equivalence can be determined.
Requirements (concise)
Winter Semester (International)
15 August 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for roles in multinational manufacturing and technology companies that require expertise in transferring and managing technologies across international contexts. Typical positions include technology transfer specialist, international project manager, product or innovation manager, and roles in licensing, intellectual property management, and setting up local support structures in emerging markets.
The programme’s practical focus and company network also support careers in consulting, supply chain and logistics firms, R&D management and international business development. Knowledge of German and the programme’s intercultural training further increase employability for positions involving close collaboration with local partners or operations in Germany and other countries.
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