This English-language master's programme (MEng / Master of Arts) in Industrial Engineering examines the major sustainability challenges facing the global textile sector today. You will study the properties of both renewable and petrochemical-based materials, responsible and environmentally minded production practices, applicable legal frameworks and labour-rights issues, and strategies to increase transparency across complex international supply chains. The goal is to equip you to help shape a more sustainable future textile industry.
During the course you will develop practical and research skills to design and implement more sustainable textile processes—particularly in textile chemistry—optimise manufacturing workflows, and investigate new fibres and finishing techniques. Teaching and applied research take place on the Münchberg campus, supported by the Institute for Material Sciences, a new technical centre for textile research, and the nearby Fraunhofer Application Center for Textile Fiber Ceramics. These facilities provide strong infrastructure for hands-on projects and industry-focused experimentation.
The university’s membership in several textile-related networks creates early opportunities to build professional contacts, secure internships, and identify research topics for your Master’s thesis. Study excursions to innovative textile technology companies and regular exchanges with academic and industry experts are integral parts of the programme. Graduates can expect strong career prospects in Germany and internationally, benefiting from a curriculum that combines technical, regulatory and sustainability perspectives.
Typical entry positions include
Overview This English-taught Master's curriculum runs over a standard period of three semesters and combines technical, chemical and managerial perspectives to prepare you for sustainability-focused roles in the textile industry. Coursework covers core textile science and production, sustainable material and process development, and the legal, digital and management aspects of contemporary textile value chains. The programme concludes with a Master’s thesis allowing you to apply learned concepts to a substantial research or development project.
Key learning outcomes include mastery of textile technology and chemistry, ability to design resource-efficient and renewable-product solutions, competence in sustainable surface functionalisation, and familiarity with circular-economy concepts, eco-labels and certification systems. You will also develop practical skills in sustainable project management, legal and digital frameworks for the textile sector, and simulation/optimisation methods that support product and process innovation.
Core modules and requirements
Additional note The full curriculum is provided in English and a downloadable PDF of the programme details is available for applicants.
To qualify for this master’s program you need a completed bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) in engineering or the natural sciences from an accredited university. Your previous studies must include focused coursework in textile technology and textile chemistry, and you must meet the program’s credit and grade thresholds. International applicants should note that ECTS equivalence is determined based on their home-country system.
“Sufficient knowledge” is defined by specific credit requirements from your first degree: at least 60 credits in textile technology and 20 credits in (textile) chemistry. Applicants who do not hold the full 210 ECTS can still be admitted on the condition that they make up the missing credits by taking appropriate modules at Hof University — in such cases you should plan for an additional (fourth) semester.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
30 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
30 November 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles across the textile and related chemical industries. Typical entry positions include head of quality assurance, research and development manager, quality manager or certification officer, technical adviser and compliance manager. The programme’s strong industry connections and project‑based thesis help students gain direct workplace experience and contacts that support employability in Germany and internationally.
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