Chemical engineering focuses on all processes that change the composition, type or properties of materials through mechanical, thermal, chemical or biological means. It underpins the production of a huge range of everyday and high-tech products — for example, the electronic materials used in phones, tablets and computers; plastics, paints, coatings and foams; and foods, stimulants and pharmaceuticals derived from natural feedstocks. These examples illustrate how broadly chemical engineering is applied across industries.
The field also plays a central role in addressing major societal challenges. Chemical engineering processes are used to produce future energy carriers such as hydrogen, to capture, store or convert carbon dioxide into chemicals, fuels and materials, and to treat and recycle municipal and industrial waste, wastewater and exhaust gases. Because of this breadth, graduates contribute directly to delivering a healthy environment, secure energy supplies, essential chemicals and safe food.
This Master's programme builds on prior undergraduate training and advances students’ scientific and engineering expertise; it does not cover basic scientific, engineering or undergraduate chemical engineering fundamentals. Applicants are therefore expected to arrive with the relevant bachelor‑level knowledge already in place. The programme is taught in English, so international students should ensure they meet the programme’s language expectations.
Requirements (concise)
Overview
This English‑taught Master's runs over four semesters and is aimed at international graduates who want to advance their careers in industry or academia—particularly in Germany. The curriculum requires 120 credit points (CP) in total and culminates in a 30‑CP Master's thesis. The programme is built to prepare graduates for responsible roles within German companies and research institutions; it does not cover Bachelor‑level science, engineering or chemical‑engineering fundamentals, so incoming students are expected to already possess those basics.
Key modules and learning outcomes
Ten compulsory modules (55 CP) form the backbone of the degree and focus on the skills and knowledge needed for professional practice in Germany. These mandatory elements include:
Electives give you flexibility to specialise or broaden your expertise: you can concentrate most elective credits in a single area of chemical engineering or mix modules across disciplines depending on career goals. The 30‑CP thesis provides a sustained research or development project that demonstrates your ability to conduct independent, Master’s‑level work.
Programme structure — concise requirements
A completed Bachelor's degree — or an equivalent qualification — in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry or a closely related subject is required. Applicants holding degrees from other study programs with comparable content may also be considered.
If your undergraduate qualification was obtained outside the host country, ensure it is recognized as equivalent by the programme or admissions office; applicants with related engineering or chemistry backgrounds should check with admissions to confirm eligibility.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for responsible positions in industry and research, particularly in sectors such as materials and electronics, plastics and coatings, food and pharmaceuticals, energy carriers (e.g. hydrogen) and environmental technologies (CO2 capture, waste and wastewater treatment). Typical roles include process engineer, R&D engineer, plant operation and optimisation specialist, product development engineer, or consultant for sustainable process technologies.
The programme’s mix of advanced theory, practical pilot-plant experience and company-focused modules also provides a strong foundation for pursuing doctoral research in chemical engineering or related engineering sciences.
SRH University — Heidelberg
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg — Erlangen
Technical University of Darmstadt — Darmstadt
Technische Universität Berlin — Berlin