Biomass Technology (MSc)

Overview

Biomass technologies offer practical solutions to pressing environmental challenges such as the depletion of fossil fuels, climate change, and pollution. This English‑taught Master's program trains students to design, evaluate, and implement sustainable approaches for using biomass—ranging from renewable energy production to biodegradable materials—by combining scientific understanding with practical application.

Program focus and learning outcomes

Offered as a joint degree between the TUM Straubing campus and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, the curriculum is strongly interdisciplinary. Core topics include biotechnology, bioeconomy, materials science, and process engineering. You will gain detailed knowledge about the cultivation, conversion and processing of biogenic raw materials and wastes for energy or alternative material production, learn to assess production pathways from ecological and economic perspectives, and develop a systems-level understanding of material and energy flows and their environmental impacts.

Career relevance

The program emphasizes holistic problem‑solving and the ability to weigh technical, economic, ecological, social, and ethical considerations when developing biomass solutions. Graduates are equipped to contribute to securing energy supplies from existing and new resources while promoting sustainability in sectors like forestry and agriculture, and are prepared for roles in industry, policy and administration, or academic research.

Admissions / requirements

• See the official degree programme documentation (PDF, German) for the complete list of admission prerequisites and application details.
• As this is a joint degree, consult the regulations and admissions information provided by both partner institutions.
• Contact the programme or admissions office for guidance on international application procedures and required documents.

This programme is designed to give you flexibility to shape your studies around your interests within the wide field of biomass technology. Rather than a fixed set of courses, the curriculum is organised so you can combine core training, focused specialisations and elective options to build a profile that matches your career goals. All students also complete a compulsory Master’s thesis, which provides the opportunity to carry out independent research or an applied project.

The taught part is split into three module categories. Category 1 delivers the programme’s fundamental, discipline-specific competencies and requires 20 ECTS of study in core modules. Category 2 is the main specialisation block: you choose four out of seven available specialisation areas and take modules totalling 48 ECTS, with 12 ECTS earned in each chosen area, allowing you to develop a distinctive technical skillset. Category 3 contains subject-related and general electives for refining your technical profile and supporting personal or professional development.

Learning outcomes from this structure include solid grounding in the core principles of biomass technology, targeted expertise in multiple specialised areas selected by you, and broader competencies gained through electives (such as interdisciplinary understanding or transferable skills). The Master’s thesis demonstrates your ability to conduct independent, advanced work in the field and to integrate knowledge from core and specialised modules into a focused research or application-oriented project.

Requirements (concise)

• Compulsory: Master’s thesis (final research/project component)
• Category 1: 20 ECTS — core modules covering the programme’s fundamental competencies
• Category 2: 48 ECTS total — choose 4 of 7 specialisation areas; complete 12 ECTS in each chosen area
• Category 3: Subject-specific and general elective modules for profile refinement and personal development

Graduates are prepared for technical and strategic roles across industry, public administration and research. Typical career paths include process and product development in bio-based industries, R&D positions in biomass conversion and materials, sustainability and bioeconomy consulting, and roles in policy development or administration related to renewable resources and circular economy.

The programme’s interdisciplinary and applied training also supports entrepreneurship and innovation in new markets for bio-based products, as well as academic careers (PhD) in related fields.