University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU)
The language of instruction for this programme is usually English. This means that most of the modules are offered in English. However, some courses may be taught in German. The language of instruction for each module is detailed in the module overview.
Overexploitation of fossil resources, the climate crisis, or marine littering – biomass technologies are indispensable for solving the ecological problems of the present and future, as they can be used, for example, to develop renewable energy sources or degradable plastics. Students of the English-taught Master's degree programme in Biomass Technology (MSc) learn to develop, analyse, and implement sustainable strategies for biomass utilisation.
The joint degree programme at the TUM Straubing campus and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna has a strong interdisciplinary focus. It includes biotechnology, bioeconomy, materials science, and process engineering subjects. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of the cultivation, use, and processing of biogenic raw materials and waste products for energy generation or the production of alternative materials. They learn to evaluate production scenarios from an ecological and economic perspective and develop an extensive understanding of material and energy flows and their environmental impact. In doing so, they acquire holistic problem-solving skills and learn to consider not only the technical and economic but also the ecological, social, and ethical dimensions of the development and application of biomass technologies.
Graduates of the programme understand how to secure the energy supply with the help of existing and newly tapped resources while simultaneously strengthening sustainability in forestry and agriculture. They are able to develop new markets, applications, and technologies, taking into account ecological, economic, and political aspects. As experts in biomass technologies, they are just as ideally qualified to work in business as they are in politics, administration, or science.
For a comprehensive description of the programme, please refer to the degree programme documentation:
Degree programme documentation for the Master’s programme in Biomass Technology (PDF, German)
The concept of the programme is based on the choice of modules in different areas driven by individual interests and inclinations, allowing students to define themselves within the broad field of biomass technology. The programme is divided into a compulsory section (Master's Thesis) and three major elective areas (Category 1 to 3). In each category, modules can be selected individually, tailored to the desired profile.
In Category 1, students must complete 20 ECTS credits. This category covers the fundamental core competencies of the qualification profile.
Category 2 focuses on building a competency profile. No specific emphasis is defined; instead, four out of seven specialisation areas are chosen, where modules can be individually selected, resulting in a unique competency profile. In this area, 48 ECTS credits must be earned, with 12 credits in each chosen specialisation area.
Category 3 consists of subject-specific and general elective modules, which contribute to profile refinement and personal development.
The Master's programme in Biomass Technology (joint degree) is conducted at TUMCS and BOKU. This means that at least one semester must be successfully completed at the respective partner university (TUM or BOKU). To complete a successful semester, 30 ECTS credits must be earned. It is recommended to start the studies at TUM and then transfer to BOKU for the following winter semester.
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.
Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. The aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a programme. In this procedure, the TUM school determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its Master’s degree programme.
In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your Bachelor’s programme, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are immediately admitted, rejected, or invited to an admissions interview.
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