Environmental and Recycling Technology Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences

This Master’s degree programme in Environmental and Recycling Technology promotes the development of sustainable structures, which are of outstanding importance in the context of global developments. In the specialisation area of Recycling Technology, the focus is on sustainable raw material supply through tailored waste management and the promotion of a circular economy. The specialisation area Environmental Technology covers topics in environmental protection (including water, air and soil). In addition, modules in project and sustainability management prepare students to take responsibility in business, science and society.

This interdisciplinary degree programme offers a well-balanced combination of lectures, practice-oriented project work and excursions. Technical, methodological and management-related contents are designed to complement each other effectively to prepare students for their careers. Typical fields of activity include the operation or development of recycling or environmental protection projects in companies, research institutions, engineering consultancies or public administration. Since the sustainability aspects addressed in the programme are relevant across many sectors, graduates have access to a wide range of career paths.

Standard duration of study:

• admission for winter semester: four semesters / 120 ECTS* credits
• admission for summer semester: three semesters / 90 ECTS* credits

Programme start:

• winter semester 2027/2028 (in case you have a Bachelor‘s degree equivalent to 180 ECTS*) from 1 October 2027
• summer semester 2028 (in case you have a Bachelor‘s degree equivalent to 210 ECTS*) from 1 April 2028

* ECTS = European Credit Transfer System

The degree programme includes modules in project management, environmental law, life cycle analysis and specialisations in environmental engineering and recycling technology. Students also write a Master's thesis and work on practice-orientated projects, often in collaboration with industry partners.

To participate in the admission process for the Master's programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A completed Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, waste management or a related field
• A minimum CGPA (cumulative grade point average) of 2.5 (according to the German grading system) or higher
• English language skills at level B2 (see below)
• APS (Academic Achievement Certificate) for applicants who have completed their Bachelor’s degree in India, China or Vietnam

Language requirements: English proficiency at B2 level (CEFR)

• See details below on the accepted language certificates. We also accept a Bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English.

If your Bachelor's degree programme is not explicitly listed in the study regulations, suitability of your degree for the Master's degree programme will be assessed during the application process.

Admission decisions to the winter or summer semester will be made by the university after reviewing your application documents.

328.80 EUR per semester (as of April 2026)

All information about the administrative semester contribution can be found here.

This section provides information to help you orient yourself and an overview of expected costs.

Information about financing can be found here.

International dual career services in collaboration with ESF Project WORT Nord

The aim is to introduce students to WORT Nord, support them through the job application process and develop their employability skills.

You can find general information about accommodation and living in Nordhausen for your orientation here.

In case you want to live in one of the dormitories on the campus, you can get an impression here and find information about how to apply there here.

Located on the edge of the Harz Mountains, in the green centre of Germany, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (HSN) first opened its doors in 1998. Since then, several distinctive study programmes have been created. Sustainable technologies, future-oriented research and socially relevant topics await you as well as classic scientific fields.

You will learn and live on our idyllic campus in a family atmosphere with modern equipment, personal support and a welcoming environment.

The University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen is a young and dynamic university in Thuringia and an attractive location for new innovative courses of study and forms of teaching and learning. The aim is to provide an excellent education rooted in the respective subject area, combined with interdisciplinary seminars and practical and foreign language courses. Therefore, graduates will be ready to succeed in the future labour market.

As a campus university with short walking distances and currently 2,000 students enrolled, close contact between professors and students as well as supervision is guaranteed. Various sports and leisure facilities on campus and in the immediate vicinity offer a lively study environment.

The university has developed into a future-oriented educational institution: the latest technologies, professors with extensive experience in teaching and industry ensure academic education at a high level.

Individuality and the greatest possible scope for creativity are an integral part in your studies.

Studying in Nordhausen — an excellent choice!

1. Young and dynamic university with focus on innovative, future- and practice-oriented studies
2. Close supervision and personal interaction
3. Lecturers and professors with extensive experience in teaching, research and industry
4. Green campus at the centre of Germany
5. Affordable rents and living costs
6. Extracurricular activities, such as field trips, excursions, etc.
7. High demand of academically-skilled graduates in world leading small/medium-sized companies in the region

Nordhausen is located in the north of Thuringia, central Germany, bordering Saxony-Anhalt and Lower Saxony.

Founded in April 972, Nordhausen has 46,000 inhabitants nowadays, which makes it the largest city of northern Thuringia. It is surrounded by the mountain ranges Harz, Kyffhäuser and Hainleite, and the cultural landscape Eichsfeld. In April 1945, more than 70% of the city was destroyed by an Allied attack during the Second World War, and 8,800 people lost their lives.

With the traditional industries of spirits production and tobacco processing, Nordhausen became an important economic region for many years. However, the introduction of market economy led to a profound restructuring of industry. Today, Nordhausen’s industry is characterised not only by a major spirits manufacturer but also by medium-sized craft businesses and service companies.

With the establishment of the University of Applied Sciences in 1997, smaller engineering and development companies followed.