This Master's programme concentrates on the technologies and systems used to produce safe drinking water from both fresh and saline sources, treat domestic and industrial wastewater, and harness water as a zero‑emission energy carrier. It also addresses broader sustainability challenges such as efficient water-resource management, measures to mitigate climate change impacts, and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
The curriculum gives you an international perspective on water engineering issues and trains you to develop sustainable, technically sound solutions to environmental problems. Practical, simulation‑based work is integrated into the programme to help you model water‑related processes and evaluate intervention strategies under realistic conditions.
Alongside the technical coursework, the programme includes study of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks and cultivates managerial skills and intercultural competence—preparing you to work on multidisciplinary teams and to engage with policy, industry and community stakeholders on water challenges.
Key focus areas and skills
This master’s curriculum is offered in flexible formats to accommodate students with different academic backgrounds. Engineering graduates can enter the standard track directly and complete 90 credit points (CP) over 18 months. Alternatively, after one year of study they may opt to add an integrated internship; this extends the programme to 24 months and raises the total to 120 CP. Graduates from non-engineering fields must first complete a technical preliminary semester before joining the main programme, resulting in a 24-month course totaling 120 CP.
The preliminary technical semester is structured into four modules grouped as two blocks. Technical Essentials I covers Mathematics for Engineers I & II, Materials Science I, and Mechanics. Technical Essentials II includes Constructive Design, Electrical Engineering, Production Engineering, Materials Science II, plus a language component. Passing these preliminary modules is required to progress into the regular master’s curriculum.
Key module areas give you a solid engineering foundation—advanced mathematics, materials, mechanics and design, plus electrical and production engineering—so you are prepared for the specialised water-technology coursework that follows. Choosing the optional internship adds practical, workplace-focused experience to the academic programme and is integrated after the first year. For administrative details, exact module sequences and language of instruction, consult the programme office or the official course information.
Entry and progression requirements (summary)
You must hold a formal university degree in engineering to be considered for admission. Acceptable qualifications include a Bachelor's degree, a "Diplom," or a Master's degree in an engineering discipline. Graduates from the Department of Engineering are eligible for direct entry into the programme. If your background is in a non-engineering field, you can still qualify by completing a technical preliminary course that provides the necessary engineering foundation.
Winter Semester (International)
There areno application deadlines, so you can apply at any time until all of the places in the programme have been filled.
Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles in the water sector, including utilities, water treatment and desalination companies, environmental engineering firms, consulting practices, and public agencies responsible for water resources and infrastructure. The programme’s blend of technical expertise, sustainability focus and legal/managerial training suits positions in project engineering, system design, environmental compliance, and operational management.
Given increasing pressures from climate change, urbanisation and ageing infrastructure, demand for professionals who can design resilient, energy-efficient and sustainable water systems is rising. Alumni may also pursue research or doctoral studies in water technology and related environmental fields, or work for NGOs and international organisations on water security and ecosystem protection projects.
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg — Erlangen
Technical University of Darmstadt — Darmstadt
Technische Universität Berlin — Berlin
Technical University of Munich — München