This English-language Master’s programme is designed to be tailored to your career goals by choosing one of two specialisations: Engineering or Research. Nearly all courses are delivered in English (one elective—Bewerbungstraining und Präsentationstechniken—is taught in German). You can focus on application and product development through the Engineering track or prepare for academic research and a doctoral pathway via the Research track. Lab work, project modules and elective choices allow you to shape the degree around practical skills or research outputs.
The curriculum is organised into four module groups: General Principles, an Engineering specialisation, a Research specialisation, and the Master’s Thesis. The first three groups are lecture-based and are each worth 30 ECTS. The Master’s Thesis is a six‑month research project that includes a colloquium on the thesis content. The full Master’s programme totals 90 ECTS; when combined with the typical 210 ECTS from a seven‑semester Bachelor’s degree, this yields 300 ECTS in total and meets common German requirements for entry to PhD programmes.
Choosing the Engineering specialisation requires selecting six elective modules in addition to six compulsory modules. The Research specialisation requires a research thesis (where you develop the topic, conduct funded research and publish the results) plus two elective modules alongside the six compulsory modules. Several modules include practical lab components, and elective options cover modern topics such as sustainability, AI and additive manufacturing—useful whether you aim for industry positions or further academic study.
Key programme requirements and module details
The curriculum is built around interdisciplinary modules taught by specialist professors, with a deliberate focus on linking topics across different fields. Detailed module descriptions are available on the university website, and you are encouraged to consult those pages for syllabus-level information and contact details for the responsible academic staff.
Learning is intentionally integrated throughout the program: each module combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students work in teams on real-world problems, learn to evaluate the economic implications of technical decisions, and develop leadership and project-management capabilities. These applied elements ensure that graduates can translate technical know-how into industry-relevant outcomes.
The department also supports connections with industry and seeks to align incoming students’ interests with suitable in-house research projects. Prospective and current students should communicate their specific research intentions to the named professor listed on the program homepage to explore supervision and collaboration opportunities.
Requirements / Next steps
Admission overview
Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree totalling 210 ECTS (or an equivalent qualification) in one of the following areas: mechanical engineering, polymer or textile engineering, chemistry, or physics. A strong overall academic record is expected — typically described as “with distinction”, “first class”, “excellent”, “very good” or “good”, depending on the grading system used in the applicant’s country. Because grading scales vary widely, no single numeric minimum grade can be specified; every application is reviewed individually.
If your prior degree does not already include 210 ECTS, there are several ways to make up missing credits, including recognition of additional Master’s modules (for example a second specialisation), study-abroad modules, relevant work experience after completion of the Bachelor’s, or by successfully completing extra modules at HS Kaiserslautern – University of Applied Sciences. In particular, non-compulsory work experience can be credited for applicants educated outside Germany at a rate of 2.5 ECTS per month, up to a maximum of 30 ECTS.
Places are limited (maximum 30 students per module), so the programme typically admits about 25 new students per year overall. Selection is competitive and based on four factors: academic quality, CV/resumé, motivation letter, and language proficiency. Applicants are advised to follow the detailed “Guidelines for Applicants” on the programme website. Non‑EU applicants will be notified as early as possible to help with visa procedures.
Admission requirements (bullet points)
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 November 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 November 2026
Graduates are prepared for roles in industry and research involving polymer and composite product development, surface and coating technologies, additive manufacturing, testing and material characterisation, and sustainability-driven recycling or circular‑economy positions. The combination of practical project work, company-based theses and specialised electives also suits careers in R&D, product refinement and quality engineering.
Academically, completing this 90 ECTS Master together with a 210 ECTS Bachelor results in 300 ECTS, which meets the typical qualification threshold for admission to PhD programmes, enabling a transition to doctoral research in materials science, polymer engineering or related fields.
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