Master of Science in Wood Technology

Overview This international Master’s programme equips engineers for leadership roles across the global wood and timber industries by combining technical depth with management skills. Coursework spans contemporary material technologies and production systems engineering (including equipment simulation), performance optimisation in production, finance, strategy, HR and leadership — reflecting the broad expertise now expected of managers in woodworking and related sectors. The programme is delivered jointly by two leading European timber-focused universities and emphasizes practice-oriented learning supported by applied research in close cooperation with prominent institutes and industry partners. Instruction is in English.

Flexible study modes and applied focus You can study full-time (typically three semesters) or part-time (up to six semesters). The part-time track is designed for students who wish to work concurrently in industry or in a university research group at either partner institution. The programme’s strong practical component and close links to companies and research centres aim to ensure graduates are ready to apply up‑to‑date concepts and technologies immediately in professional settings.

Career prospects Graduates leave with the specialist and managerial skills needed across private industry, public services and research institutions in timber, machinery, software and consulting. Typical career paths include planning, project management, production management, technical sales and marketing, distribution, quality assurance, research and teaching. The degree also provides a solid foundation for those who wish to pursue doctoral studies.

Program facts and requirements (from the original description)

• Language of instruction: English
• Jointly offered by Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and Bern University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
• Study modes: full-time (usual duration: 3 semesters) or part-time (up to 6 semesters)
• Strong emphasis on practical training and applied research in collaboration with leading institutes and companies
• Graduates prepared for senior roles in international woodworking-related industries and suitable as preparation for PhD study

Overview

This Master’s programme is designed to develop professional and personal skills in an international setting while focusing on the latest technologies and methods used across the woodworking industry. The taught portion spans two theoretical semesters that build a rigorous foundation in mathematics, natural sciences and advanced wood‑based materials, alongside training in management and leadership. Elective lectures let you tailor the programme to your interests — examples include Systems Engineering; Special Aspects of Wood Processing; Advanced Wood Processing; Furniture Safety and Testing; Supply Chain and Quality Management; Change Management; Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence; Innovation Management & New Product Development; and Simulation. The second semester adds modules on economic aspects and sector‑specific topics such as Energy, Wood Supply and Logistics.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Core technical modules equip you to understand and work with advanced wood‑based materials and processing technologies.
• Management and “Skills for Management” modules (delivered as interactive seminars with group work) develop leadership, change management and quality/supply chain competencies relevant to industrial settings.
• Electives in AI/ML, simulation and systems engineering provide methodological tools for modelling, optimization and data‑driven decision making in production and product development.
• Modules on innovation, new product development and furniture testing prepare you to bring safe, marketable products from concept to production while taking economic and regulatory considerations into account.
• The programme culminates in a research‑oriented Master’s thesis in the third semester, where you demonstrate the ability to apply scientific methods to solve complex, real‑world problems in wood technology and related business areas. Close collaboration with industry means thesis topics can often be taken on in company settings.

Teaching formats and practical context

Course delivery mixes weekly lectures and seminars with occasional block courses taught by guest lecturers from other universities. Most modules taught by in‑house professors follow a weekly lecture format; “Skills for Management” modules emphasize interactive, group‑based learning. The curriculum is modular and updated each semester — detailed module descriptions are published in the official curriculum. German language classes are available through the university Language Centre; while they are not formally part of the programme structure, the timetable is arranged where possible to accommodate them. Industry links throughout the programme enhance practical relevance and increase opportunities to work on applied thesis projects.

Programme requirements (concise)

• Total ECTS required for the Master’s: 90 CP.
• Full‑time study: typically 3 semesters (aim ~30 CP/semester).
• Part‑time study: typically 4–6 semesters (aim ~15 CP/semester).
• Entry: Bachelor’s degree with at least 210 ECTS credits.
• Applicants with 180–209 ECTS may be admitted but must acquire the missing credits during the Master’s (see study and examination regulations for details).
• Course types: weekly lectures, interactive seminars (Skills for Management), and block courses by guest lecturers.
• Master’s thesis: written in the third semester, demonstrating scientific, solution‑oriented work and application of research methods.
• German language courses: offered by the Language Centre but not formally embedded; scheduling integration is attempted.

Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles across the international woodworking, timber and related industries. Typical sectors include timber and furniture manufacturing, machine and software suppliers, consulting firms, public services and research institutions.

Alumni commonly move into positions such as project and production management, planning, technical sales and marketing, distribution, quality control, or into research and teaching. The MSc also provides a firm foundation for pursuing doctoral studies.