Sustainable Energy and Processes Technical University of Munich

Sustainable industries depend on a sustainable energy supply and sustainable extraction and processing of resources. Therefore, students of the English-taught Master’s degree programme in Sustainable Energy and Processes (MSc) at the TUM  Straubing campus learn to develop and implement ecologically responsible and economically viable processes, structures, and products based on process engineering.

The degree programme aims to provide in-depth expertise in mechanical, chemical, and thermal process engineering, bioprocess engineering, energy process engineering, and materials science. Students deal with questions of thermodynamics and energy, fluid mechanics and separation, solids and separation processes, chemical and biological processes, materials science, information technology and digitisation, as well as economics and ecology. They learn to combine the principles of renewable energies with the technologies and methods for efficient and environmentally friendly processing of resources and materials to develop, implement, and operate energy systems and processes based on sustainable sources and to optimise and modify existing processes that consume fewer resources and generate less waste in the most sustainable way possible. Examples include the provision of energy from biomass, plants for the capture of CO2, energy storage, bioprocess engineering in the pharmaceutical and food industries, plants for the production of fuels from alternative carbon sources, plants for the reduction of emissions, for the treatment of wastewater, and for the production of a wide range of raw materials.

Graduates are experts in energy and process engineering with a focus on developing and implementing processes that meet both the economic and ecological requirements of resource-saving, profitable, and competitive industrial production. Therefore, they are excellently qualified for responsible positions in industrial companies in a wide range of sectors as well as for continuing their scientific work within the framework of a doctoral dissertation.

For a comprehensive description of the programme, please refer to the degree programme documentation:

Degree programme documentation for the Master’s programme in Sustainable Energy and Processes (PDF, German)

The Sustainable Energy and Processes degree programme focuses on energy and process engineering, which is closely linked to the area of resources and materials in their processing and production. As the technological aspects of processes are based on scientific principles, these are required as a basis in some cases. Some selected fundamentals, such as thermodynamics and chemical aspects, are dealt with in greater depth in some modules. The economic aspects required for engineers are also taken into account.

1. 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

2. Technical Elective Courses (43 CP)

Students can deepen their specialised skills in the technical elective courses, depending on their inclination and personal goals. The catalogue of technical elective courses includes modules from the following areas:

• 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

3. General Elective Courses (3 CP)

Free to choose from all modules at TUM

4. Master's Thesis (30 CP)

In the fourth semester, students usually write the Master's thesis, which is based on detailed practical work on an experimental problem. The basis for this is mainly laid in the third semester through the following modules:

• Energy and Process Engineering Project – Focus on project work and teamwork
• Energy and Process Research Lab – Hands-on experience with pilot-scale facilities
• Research Internship – Guided scientific work within research projects

These acquired skills can be effectively applied and further developed in the Master's thesis.

“Sustainable Energy and Processes” is aimed at qualified students with a university degree in the fields of technology of biogenic resources, energy engineering, bio or chemical process engineering, environmental engineering or comparable programmes.

Aptitude Assessment for Master’s Degree Applicants

For more information, refer to: https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

https://www.community.tum.de/en/career-service/