This master's programme was created in 2004 by the Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IfaS) at Trier University of Applied Sciences and is built around three core attributes: innovativeness, interdisciplinarity and internationality. It is a practice-oriented, science-level postgraduate degree that concentrates on international material flow management with a particular emphasis on engineering economics. The programme was developed to address gaps in environmental and sustainability sciences and combines theoretical foundations with applied problem-solving.
Teaching takes place at the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld through face-to-face courses complemented by blended e-learning. The campus operates a zero-emission concept and serves as a living laboratory where students can observe and test sustainable solutions first-hand. The programme places strong emphasis on interdisciplinary and intercultural exchange between faculty and an international student body.
The two-year curriculum provides comprehensive, hands-on training across a wide range of topics, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste and integrated resource management, water and wastewater management, biofuels and sustainable mobility, as well as carbon management and emissions trading. Graduates are internationally sought after and have gone on to careers in the private sector, research, entrepreneurship and public administration. Since 2004, more than 220 graduates from nearly 51 countries have completed this programme.
Two final-degree tracks are offered: Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Engineering (MEng). The MEng is a dual-degree option run in cooperation with partner universities; its application deadlines, admission requirements, start dates, fees, mode of study and course organisation depend on the partner programme chosen—details are provided on the IMAT programme website.
Key facts / requirements
Program structure and options The taught portion of the degree is completed over the first two semesters; after that, students choose between two routes for the third semester. One option is to study abroad at a partner institution, gaining international exposure and academic breadth. The alternative is to undertake a research-oriented internship that directly feeds into the Master’s thesis. In both pathways the programme culminates in a research thesis that must be publicly defended in a formal colloquium before the Master’s degree is awarded.
Key modules and learning outcomes Detailed descriptions of core and elective modules, credit allocations and assessment methods are collected in the programme’s Module Handbook — this is the definitive source for the curriculum. The programme is designed to develop research capability and applied skills: students complete advanced coursework, gain either international academic experience or practical research experience in the field, write an independent Master’s thesis, and demonstrate competence by defending it in a colloquium. These stages together ensure graduates can conduct disciplinary research, communicate results, and apply material-flow management concepts in international and practical contexts.
Where to get more information For a concise curriculum overview see the attached PDF; for the most up-to-date module descriptions, timetables, and partner-university information consult the programme website and the Module Handbook.
Requirements (summary)
This master's programme expects applicants to hold a completed bachelor's degree (or an internationally equivalent qualification) corresponding to 180 ECTS credits. In addition to academic preparation, candidates should bring at least one year of documented professional experience, where the employment level was at least 50% (i.e., half-time or more). Work experience is ideally in a field related to International Material Flow Management, but relevant practical experience from other environmental or resource-management areas will also be considered.
If your degree was earned outside the ECTS system, it will be assessed for equivalence; similarly, you should be prepared to provide documentation of your employment (e.g., employment contracts, employer references) showing duration and working-time percentage. These elements help the admissions team evaluate whether your background meets the programme’s academic and professional expectations.
If you do not meet one or both of the stated requirements, please get in touch with the IMAT Administration Office to discuss your situation and possible alternatives or preparatory steps.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 September 2026
Graduates are prepared for applied and leadership roles across public, private and non-profit sectors focused on sustainable resource and material-flow management. Typical sectors include renewable energy, waste and integrated resource management, water and wastewater services, sustainable mobility, biofuels, and carbon management/emission trading.
Alumni work as corporate managers, entrepreneurs, researchers, consultants and public administrators. The programme’s practical project work, international orientation and industry-relevant skills aim to provide strong employability and international career mobility.