Overview
Launched at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in the winter semester of 2019, this English-taught Master’s programme trains students in methods and technologies for healthy, resource-efficient buildings and neighbourhoods. The curriculum covers sustainable energy supply systems and applications across the construction and real estate sectors, and examines the historical development of sustainability, current frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and possible future scenarios. Students learn to adapt these concepts to the specific social, economic and environmental contexts of their home countries.
The course prepares graduates to meet energy‑saving, resource‑saving, evidence‑based and health-related requirements in a range of socio‑cultural and ecological settings. It builds on undergraduate studies (for example architecture, construction engineering, technical building equipment or energy‑efficient construction) and professional experience, expanding technical, analytical and practical skills. The programme runs over four semesters (three semesters of taught modules followed by a semester for the Master’s thesis), which is designed to prepare students for the complex challenges of professional practice. Graduates who entered the Master’s with a Bachelor’s degree totaling 180 ECTS and complete the programme with at least a pass are eligible to enter a doctoral programme.
Practical learning is emphasised: the programme offers regular excursions to leading construction companies—often combined with regional cultural visits—and provides hands‑on training in the HSB lab with technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, indoor environmental quality measurements, drones with thermal cameras and age‑simulation suits. The IT lab supplies professional building performance simulation software. About 80–90% of graduates go on to work successfully as architects or engineers in Germany.
Admission and key requirements
Overview
This Civil Engineering master’s programme is structured over four semesters: three taught semesters followed by a fourth-semester master’s thesis. Upon successful completion students are awarded the Master of Engineering degree. The curriculum combines building science, human-centred design and sustainability with practical tools for simulation, certification and project delivery—preparing graduates to plan, evaluate and improve healthy, energy-efficient buildings and neighbourhoods.
Learning outcomes
Graduates will be able to apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to building-related questions; carry out building performance simulations; design and assess sustainable energy supply solutions; and use standards and green building certification systems. They will develop skills in evidence-based design, environmental hygiene and medicine, and refurbishment/renovation strategies. Additional competencies include international project management, building safety & security, smart building technologies, ambient assisted living/working concepts, and experience in R&D and AI-enabled smart infrastructure. The programme culminates in an independent master’s thesis plus presentation that integrates theory and practice.
Core curriculum (semester-by-semester)
This master’s degree is intended for applicants who already hold a relevant undergraduate qualification in the built environment. You should have completed a bachelor’s-level qualification equivalent to 180 ECTS (the typical three-year Bologna bachelor) in civil engineering, environmental engineering, architecture, or a closely related field. If your degree uses a different credit or grading system, be prepared to provide documentation that demonstrates equivalence.
Admission also requires an entrance assessment made up of a written examination and an interview. This selection stage is used to check your technical grounding, problem-solving skills, and motivation for the programme; be ready to discuss your academic background, relevant coursework or projects, and reasons for applying.
Winter Semester (International)
1 October until 1 December for March entries (summer semester)
Summer Semester (International)
1 December 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
1 December 2026
Graduates are prepared for professional roles in architecture, construction engineering, building services, energy consultancy and real-estate development, with a strong focus on energy-saving, resource-efficient and health-oriented building solutions. Typical positions include architect or engineer in design offices, sustainability or energy efficiency consultant, retrofit/project manager, building performance modeller, and roles in certification and building safety.
The programme's applied labs, industry excursions and R&D project experience also support transitions into research and development or further academic study; approximately 80–90% of graduates have continued to work successfully as architects or engineers in Germany. The degree also permits progression to a doctorate for eligible students (180 ECTS and minimum pass).
Technical University of Munich — München
SRH University — Heidelberg
RWTH Aachen University — Aachen
Clausthal University of Technology — Clausthal-Zellerfeld