This Master of Science in Process Engineering trains you in both scientific fundamentals and applied skills needed for careers across the process industries or in academia. Graduates are prepared to work in research and development, maintenance and service, plant planning and design, plant operation or management. The degree also meets the formal and scientific requirements to pursue a PhD. The curriculum places a particular emphasis on digitalisation and Industry 4.0 methods as they apply to the full lifecycle of process plants.
The full‑time programme runs over three semesters (90 credit points). The first two semesters (60 CP) cover core mathematical, scientific and engineering subjects—taught alongside practical courses using current software tools and laboratory experiments. Typical topics include numerical mathematics, digital plant design, advanced instrumentation and automation, process optimisation and simulation, advanced thermodynamics and separation processes, advanced solids processing and reaction engineering, plant engineering, process and plant safety, multi‑physics simulation, materials and corrosion, environmental technologies, bioenergy and plant operation. Non‑technical modules develop skills in project management, asset management and project finance. Small‑group scientific projects, seminars, presentations and written assignments strengthen soft skills and research competence.
The third semester (30 CP) is a research semester culminating in a Master’s thesis. Students complete a research project either at the university or in industry, consolidating their technical and scientific abilities. Instruction is delivered on campus only; there is no online study option.
Requirements (program facts)
This Master of Science in Process Engineering is organized to combine intensive coursework with hands-on, project-based learning. During the first two semesters (totaling 60 credit points) you study in small groups through a mix of compulsory, compulsory-elective and elective modules. Teaching formats include seminars, laboratory practicals and team-based projects, which are designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and applied skills in chemical and process engineering.
The third semester is reserved for the Master's thesis, which can be completed either at the university or in industry. The curriculum emphasizes close supervision and practical training, preparing you to design, optimize and scale chemical processes, run experiments and interpret data, and manage project work in multidisciplinary teams. All teaching is delivered on campus; there is no online-study option.
Key learning outcomes include advanced understanding of process engineering principles, proficiency in laboratory and pilot-scale techniques, the ability to carry out independent research and technical reporting, and readiness for professional roles in industry or further doctoral study.
Program facts and requirements (concise)
You should hold a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in process engineering or a closely related technical discipline. International applicants and those with non-standard credit totals should note additional requirements and processes described below. If you did not earn your Bachelor's degree in an EU country, a GRE is required, and anyone whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.
Students whose Bachelor's degree comprises 180 ECTS (instead of the typical 210 ECTS) will receive provisional enrolment for one semester and must make up the missing 30 ECTS during that first semester. The faculty determines which courses are required; at the end of the semester the faculty informs the Student Registrar’s Office whether the missing credits have been completed. Only students who have successfully acquired the required 30 ECTS may continue in the program.
Requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 November 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles across the process-related industries, including research and development, plant planning and design, operation and maintenance, process safety, automation and project/asset management. The programme’s emphasis on digital tools and simulation also makes alumni attractive to employers implementing Industry 4.0 solutions.
The degree also fulfils the formal and scientific requirements to apply for doctoral programmes, enabling students who wish to remain in academia to progress to PhD research in process engineering and related fields.
SRH University — Heidelberg
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg — Erlangen
Technical University of Darmstadt — Darmstadt
Technische Universität Berlin — Berlin