Overview This English-taught Master of Engineering in the field of Civil Engineering responds to the growing water-related impacts of climate change and pressures from population growth by preparing engineers to manage increasingly complex, resilient and sustainable water systems. The programme combines management and engineering knowledge with an emphasis on sustainability and digitalisation, training students in technical skills, systems thinking and communication so they can handle complex, real-world water challenges. Teaching is grounded in current research on these topics.
Teaching and practical training The course follows a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach that links contemporary themes—sustainability, water risk and resource management—with traditional technologies such as water treatment, sewage disposal and water circulation. The three pillars of sustainability (economic viability, social responsibility and ecological compatibility) are a constant focus. Digital solutions are taught as a cross-cutting technology and students receive practical training in applying AI both for technical problem-solving and everyday engineering tasks (including use of large language model applications).
What you can expect Practical learning is emphasised through group projects with partner companies, study visits to leading water-management facilities and technology providers, and exchanges with researchers and industry experts. Research outputs from the university’s water institute are integrated into teaching, and students have opportunities to undertake project work and theses linked to ongoing research.
After graduation you will be able to:
Additional benefits
Career prospects
This Master's curriculum is split between taught coursework and a hands-on research/industry placement. In the first two semesters students complete 10 compulsory modules plus one elective, together accounting for 60 ECTS. The final (third) semester is reserved for a practical internship—either in industry or at the university’s Institute for Water and Energy Management—and a practice-oriented Master's thesis worth 30 ECTS. The thesis must be produced during the internship, address a current company-related topic, and be agreed in advance with the supervising professor.
Coursework combines technical, managerial and societal perspectives on water systems. Core modules build expertise in advanced water treatment, wastewater conveyance and discharge, and water quality and cycle processes, while also covering emerging areas such as smart water systems and new technologies in the sector. Complementary modules address sustainability, risk management, international water resources governance and the social dimensions of water. Practical and research skills are strengthened through an R&D or industrial project module, preparing students to apply knowledge directly in professional or research environments.
Requirements and key modules
This master’s programme requires a relevant undergraduate degree and specific foundational knowledge in the water and environmental fields. Your first degree must come from a recognised university and carry at least 210 ECTS credits (or be an equivalent qualification) in engineering or the natural sciences. The degree should provide focused background in environmental engineering, water technology and chemistry.
“Sufficient knowledge” in those three areas means you have earned at least five ECTS credits (or an equivalent amount) in each of: environmental engineering, water technology and chemistry. If your Bachelor’s degree contains fewer than 210 ECTS, you must make up the shortfall before or during the master’s programme. There are three routes to do this; two of them require at least six months of practical experience or internship and both internship/module routes normally mean planning for an additional (fourth) semester—so allow extra time and budget accordingly.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
30 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles across the water sector in Germany and internationally. Typical career paths include management positions in research or construction projects, senior roles in industry, public authorities or medium-sized enterprises, and technical positions in nature conservation and environmental protection.
Other opportunities include work as development or research engineers, specialised planning and consulting in engineering offices, and roles as expert evaluators or appraisers. The combination of engineering, management and digital skills supports mobility between industry, public sector and research environments.
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