Chemical and Energy Engineering

This Master’s program prepares you to work at the heart of process technology, a sector that represents a large share of industrial production in many developed economies. You will learn to apply physical, chemical and biological methods to transform and process a wide variety of materials — skills that are in demand not only in traditional chemical and energy industries, but also in expanding fields such as biotechnology, medical technology and microelectronics. The course’s English-language delivery attracts students from many countries, creating a multicultural learning environment and lively campus life.

All 22 faculty members of the department contribute to the curriculum, and students have access to modern technical facilities, including advanced optical (laser) measurement equipment and high-performance computing resources. Strong links with industrial partners give the program an application-oriented focus, increasing opportunities for project work, practical training and professional networking that can help launch a career in industry or research.

Key facts & entry pointers

• Taught entirely in English — you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency (check specific requirements with the university)
• Multidisciplinary focus: physical, chemical and biological process engineering applied to materials and energy
• Faculty involvement: all 22 professors in the faculty participate in the program
• Laboratory and computing resources include high-quality optical (laser) measuring instruments and powerful computer technology
• Program emphasis is application-oriented thanks to numerous partnerships with industry
• Always consult the official university website for precise admission criteria, required documents and application deadlines

The programme begins with a set of core lectures that establish a common scientific foundation for incoming students, covering subjects such as fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, chemistry, and mechanical, thermal and chemical process engineering. This initial phase is designed to level the playing field for students from diverse academic and national backgrounds so everyone attains the same baseline competency. Following these fundamentals, the curriculum moves into applied chemical engineering topics where students can tailor their study plan by choosing lectures and tutorials that match their interests.

Hands-on laboratory experience is an important element of the course: students take part in ten practical lab projects that develop experimental techniques and data analysis skills. Example projects include estimating kinetic rate constants, using laser droplet velocimetry, and determining heat transfer coefficients — all aimed at strengthening practical problem-solving abilities. The programme also offers excursions to industrial companies, providing first-hand insight into German engineering practice and opportunities to connect theoretical learning with real-world production environments.

The final, fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis, which serves as the capstone research or design project where students demonstrate independent application of the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the programme. Overall learning outcomes include mastery of key chemical and process engineering principles, practical laboratory competence, the ability to specialise through elective coursework, and experience translating academic work into industry-relevant contexts.

Program components and requirements (concise)

• Core foundational lectures: fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, chemistry, mechanical/thermal/chemical process engineering
• Application-focused modules with elective choices to tailor studies to individual interests
• Ten practical laboratory projects (examples: kinetic rate constant estimation; laser droplet velocimetry; heat transfer coefficient determination)
• Industrial excursions to observe engineering practice and industry operations
• Fourth semester reserved for the Master’s thesis as the programme’s culminating project

Graduates are prepared for roles across the process industries — including traditional chemical and energy companies — as well as in expanding sectors such as biotechnology, medical technology and microelectronics. Typical career paths include process design and optimisation, plant operation and commissioning, R&D, technical consulting and project management. The combination of theoretical foundations, hands-on laboratory training and industry contacts also provides a solid basis for further academic research or doctoral studies.