Sustainable Energy and Processes

This English‑taught Master’s programme at TUM’s Straubing campus trains students to design and operate processes and systems that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable. Grounded in process engineering, the course emphasises sustainable energy supply and resource‑efficient processing, preparing you to develop technologies and workflows that reduce resource use and waste while maintaining industrial competitiveness.

The curriculum provides in‑depth training across mechanical, chemical and thermal process engineering, bioprocess and energy process engineering, and materials science. You will study thermodynamics and energy systems, fluid mechanics and separation technologies, solids handling, chemical and biological process design, materials, plus information technology and digitisation, and the economic and ecological aspects of process design. The programme teaches how to combine renewable‑energy principles with practical processing methods to build, optimise and operate energy systems and plants based on sustainable feedstocks.

Examples of practical applications covered include energy from biomass, CO2 capture facilities, energy storage solutions, bioprocesses used in pharmaceutical and food production, plants producing fuels from alternative carbon sources, emission‑reduction technologies, wastewater treatment, and the manufacture of various raw materials. Graduates leave as specialists in energy and process engineering, qualified for responsible roles in a broad range of industrial sectors or for continuing into doctoral research.

For full, authoritative details about curriculum structure and formal entry criteria, consult the programme documentation (degree programme documentation for the Master’s programme in Sustainable Energy and Processes — PDF, German).

Requirements / key facts

• Language of instruction: English (English‑taught Master’s programme)
• Campus: TUM Straubing (Straubing campus, Germany)
• Degree awarded: Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Energy and Processes
• Core academic areas: mechanical, chemical and thermal process engineering; bioprocess engineering; energy process engineering; materials science; plus IT/digitisation, economics and ecology
• Career paths: industry roles with responsibility for resource‑efficient production, and eligibility to pursue doctoral studies
• For detailed admission requirements and application procedures, refer to the official programme documentation (PDF, German)

Overview

This master's curriculum centres on energy and process engineering with a strong link to the processing and production of resources and materials. Teaching balances fundamental scientific principles (for example, technical thermodynamics and chemical aspects) with applied engineering topics so you gain both theoretical depth and practical know‑how. Economic and systems perspectives are also integrated to prepare graduates for real‑world decision making in industry and research.

Program structure and learning outcomes

The course combines required core modules, a broad selection of technical electives, a small number of general electives, and a research‑based master's thesis. Core modules establish essential process‑engineering skills (fluid separation, downstream processing, bioprocess design, energy balancing) while elective tracks let you specialise in areas such as chemical/biological processes, energy technologies, materials processing, or sustainability and economics. Substantial hands‑on work is built into project and laboratory modules and a research internship; these prepare you to carry out the experimental, teamwork and scientific tasks required for the master's thesis, which is typically completed in the fourth semester.

Program requirements (credit points = CP)

• Compulsory modules — 44 CP

  • Conceptual Design of Fluid Separation
  • Mechanical Processing of Biogenic Materials
  • Energy and Process Engineering Project
  • Advanced Downstream Processing
  • Conceptual Design of Bioprocesses
  • Energy and Economics
  • Technical Thermodynamics and Balancing
  • Energy Process Engineering

• Technical elective courses — 43 CP
  Electives allow subject specialisation; sample modules include:

  • Chemical and biological process engineering (Processes): Production of Renewable Fuels; Electrobiotechnology; Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation; Modelling and Optimisation of Energy Systems and Processes; Catalysis
  • Energy Technology (Energy): Geothermal Energy Systems; Wind Power; Biogas Technology; Energy Efficient Buildings
  • Material Process Technology (Material): Sustainable Energy Materials; Corrosion and Surface Technology; Renewable Utilisation
  • Sustainability and Economics: Principles of Life Cycle Assessment; Principles of Economics; Introduction to Management of Renewable Resources

• General elective courses — 3 CP

  • Free choice from the university’s module catalogue

• Master's thesis — 30 CP

  • Normally written in the fourth semester and based on detailed experimental work. Preparation comes primarily from third‑semester modules such as:
    • Energy and Process Engineering Project (project work, teamwork)
    • Energy and Process Research Lab (pilot‑scale, hands‑on experience)
    • Research Internship (guided scientific work in research projects)

Key learning outcomes you can expect: advanced competence in process and energy engineering design, practical experience with pilot‑scale facilities and experiments, the ability to analyse economic and sustainability aspects of energy processes, and the skills to plan and carry out a substantial independent research project.

Graduates are prepared for responsible roles in industrial companies across a wide range of sectors where energy and resource-efficient process design is critical — for example as process engineers, energy systems engineers, R&D or plant design specialists, and sustainability or process optimisation managers. The programme’s practical training and project experience also suit careers in consulting, technology supply and start-ups focused on clean-energy and resource technologies.

For those pursuing academia, the degree provides the technical and research foundation to continue with doctoral studies and research careers in energy and process engineering.