Sustainable Engineering of Infrastructure (SEI) University of Applied Sciences Erfurt

The consecutive Master’s programme is based on a seven-semester Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and it imparts in-depth expertise and practical skills in civil engineering.

The degree course of study is divided into a total of 15 modules. As a rule, each module takes one semester to complete. In accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), credits are allocated to each module in relation to the amount of work involved, with a workload of 30 credits per semester.

During their studies in Sustainable Engineering of Infrastructure, students further develop their knowledge and skills in the drafting, design, dimensioning, construction, inspection and operation of highways, water and wastewater pipelines, municipal watercourses and foundation engineering work. In addition, students will acquire expertise in the area of geodesign, resource planning, materials recycling and damage diagnostics. They will obtain the expertise and skills required to consider the needs of society, the economy and the environment while undertaking and managing projects with a responsible and future-minded outlook. Alongside teaching hard skills and specialist knowledge, another important component of the programme is the development of language and intercultural skills.

The Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt has well-equipped laboratories for building diagnostics, building materials, road construction, foundation engineering and hydraulic engineering as well as a laboratory hall with facilities for building physics and construction technology. The various fields of expertise within the department give students an insight into issues that are both international and relevant to research, thus providing potential topics for Master’s projects and theses.

First Semester (summer semester)
Core Studies

• BIM and Digital Project Management
• Pavement Maintenance
• Numerics
• Construction Economics and International Project Management
• Natural Resources – Depletion and Projection
• Elective Lecture 1

Second Semester (winter semester)
Specialisation

• Geodesign
• Ground Improvement and Piling
• Urban Water Management
• Hydraulic Engineering in Urban Environment
• Urban Infrastructure Diagnostic and Conservation
• Elective Lecture 2

Third Semester (summer semester)

• Communication Techniques / Soft Skills
• Master’s Thesis

From the first to the third semester

• Practical Specialisation

• Particularly motivated students are given the opportunity to do an additional semester, during which they can further their academic work in a research institute or an engineering placement. The Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Erfurt University of Applied Sciences offers students the chance to do their academic placement in a variety of research fields.
• In addition, an engineering placement might be required for students with a 180 credits (ECTS) workload or equivalent Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (check "Academic admission requirements").

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with above-average exam results (equivalent to German grade 2 or better) and a workload of at least 210 credits (ECTS) or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with above-average exam results (equivalent to German grade 2 or better) and a workload of at least 180 credits (ECTS) or equivalent. In this case, the remaining 30 credits can be earned by completing a 16-week engineering placement with an accompanying written report and colloquium prior to writing the Master’s thesis. The remaining credits shall be awarded after successful completion of the colloquium. (The engineering placement can be substituted in whole by a minimum of one year of professional experience as a civil engineer.)
• Grade average of Bachelor’s degree and submission of an exposé on the Bachelor’s thesis comprising a maximum of 7,500 characters (including spaces) for the selection procedure

The semester fee can be broken down as follows:

• 74 EUR Students' Union
• 229.80 EUR semester ticket (public transport all over Germany)
• 3 EUR culture ticket
• 9 EUR student council
• TOTAL: 315.80 EUR

Additional variable: 20 EUR for your student ID card ("Thoska")

Erfurt offers comparatively low living costs compared to larger German cities such as Berlin or Munich. 

International (non-EU) students usually need to prove financial resources via a blocked account (approx. 934 EUR/month). Living costs in Erfurt are generally within or below this amount.

Estimated monthly costs:

• Rent (shared flat/student housing): 250 to 400 EUR
• Food: 200 to 300 EUR
• Health insurance: 130 EUR
• Study materials: 20 to 50 EUR
• Personal expenses: 100 to 150 EUR

Total: approx. 700 to 1,030 EUR per month.

With careful budgeting, students can cover their expenses comfortably within the required financial framework.

Tips to save money:

• Apply early for student dormitory
• Shop at budget supermarkets
• Use student discounts

International students in Erfurt have good opportunities to take on part-time jobs or conduct internships alongside their studies. Typical student jobs include positions in hospitality, retail, logistics, and engineering-related areas.

Some professors within the programme maintain close links with industry partners and may share information on relevant job opportunities. Moreover, the project “Fremde werden Freunde” regularly offers networking events, company visits, and career-oriented activities that can facilitate access to part-time employment.

According to German regulations, non-EU students may work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Important: German language skills are a massive boost to your employability. 

Career Centre

The jobs and careers platform of the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt is maintained in cooperation with JobTeaser for vacancies, recruiting events, work placement listings and final thesis projects. 

To secure a room in a student residence, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible through Studierendenwerk Thüringen. The organisation offers affordable accommodation in several student residences across Erfurt.

Applications are submitted online via the official housing portal: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/application/. We recommend you to apply six months prior to the start of your studies (even if you are not admitted yet).

Further information about available residences can be found here: https://www.stw-thueringen.de/en/housing/residential-homes.html.

Although only founded on 1 October 1991, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt follows long-established traditions of training engineers in the city. With around 1,000 new students annually and approx. 4,200 students, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, one of two universities in the state capital, is a highly attended university in Thuringia. It stands out for its broadly based interdisciplinary range of courses in twelve branches of study.

The original faculties of architecture, civil engineering, horticulture, supply engineering (now service and power engineering), landscape architecture and social welfare (now social studies), were joined by economic science in 1992, by conservation and restoration as well as traffic and transportation in 1994 and 1995, and by applied computer science in 2000. The range of subjects was further supplemented by forestry and ecosystem management in 2007, and urban and spatial planning in 2008.

New Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in civil engineering and applied computer science were introduced for the first time in the winter semester 2000/01, followed by further courses of study. These are designed to meet the demand for modern, practice-oriented training. At the same time, the provision of courses is directed at regional needs and new developments. An example is the in-service Bachelor's degree in childhood education.

Study, teaching, research and academic further education are the essential cornerstones to which the university's autonomous committees, headed up by the Senate, are dedicated. The university maintains strong ties with companies and institutions. Cooperative partnerships link the university with other universities worldwide. Increasing numbers of international students and lecturers are coming to Erfurt, whilst their German counterparts complete placements or study semesters in countries all over the world.

Erfurt – the liveable and lovable capital of Thuringia

Erfurt combines culture, fun and relaxation, whether it's in cabaret, at concerts or on a leisurely stroll between the Merchants' Bridge (Krämerbrücke) and the cathedral. Erfurt is also about finding new job opportunities and fulfilling your professional dreams.

Tradition inspires innovation

In Erfurt, young people have a wide range of opportunities to lead their lives according to the motto "tradition inspires innovation". Once, Martin Luther appreciated the advantages of the University of Erfurt, and today, about 5,500 young people study there, for example in the university's core subjects of "Education" and "Religion". Furthermore, there are approximately 4,700 students at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, who combine theory and practical work in their studies.

While you're studying hard, don't neglect your free time

There's a lot to see and do in the state capital, which, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, is the largest city in the Free State of Thuringia and is considered to be one of the most attractive cities in Germany. Hundreds of years ago, Erfurt was already an important traffic junction. In the Middle Ages, two important trade routes crossed here, the Via Regia and the Nuremberg Geleitsstraße, which helped Erfurt gain in importance and wealth. The city, first mentioned in 742, still owes much of its attraction and radiance to its historic trade in woad, a plant that was used to dye fabrics blue.

Shop, savour and stroll

With an attractive mix of small stores, which also offer typical regional specialities and handicrafts, and the large, cross-regional shopping malls, the state capital has something for everyone. This is especially true of Erfurt's food scene, which has many other delicacies to surprise you besides the indispensable Thuringian dumplings and bratwurst. The rich variety of restaurants with local specialities and foreign cuisine is a treat for body and soul. And if you decide to go for an evening stroll, you can still experience the unique vibrancy of the city even at a late hour. That's when Erfurt's bars awaken, welcoming tourists, students and residents alike.

Erfurt – home to professional and amateur sports

In Erfurt there are hardly any limits to the cultural and sporting activities on offer. Various sports facilities offer a wide range of possibilities for competitive and recreational athletes. For example, you can go ice skating in the Gunda-Niemann-Stirnemann-Halle, where important national and international competitions are also held.

Top athletes from all over the world also appreciate the excellent training conditions at the Olympic base in Erfurt - with its ice sports centre, Steigerwald stadium (home to famous football club Rot-Weiss Erfurt) and Andreasried cycling track. In the numerous sports clubs, amateur athletes will have no trouble finding opportunities to train. Erfurt's many parks are also popular as places to exercise and relax. Whether surfing on the Erfurt lakes or cycling on the long-distance cycle paths, everyone can be active in Erfurt.

If you are ready to explore the heart of Germany, you will discover Erfurt, a city where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, a place where the quality of life is second to none.