Bern University of Applied Sciences (BUAS), Switzerland
All courses are held in English. A range of elective courses in German is also available/offered. The Master’s thesis may be written in English or German. In consultation with the examiners, a different language can also be agreed upon. A summary in English must always be included.
We recommend that all international students improve their German language skills by attending the German language courses offered by the university. One course can be credited as an elective.
Our winter semester starts on 1 October, and an introductory meeting might be held a few days ahead of this.
15 June for the following winter semester
Due to the visa processing time, it is STRONGLY recommended that non-EU applicants submit their documents at the beginning of the application period on 15 April!
International prospects for your career
Leadership skills and HR management, the definition of a strategy, a solid foundation in financial aspects, performance optimisation in production, the most recent material technologies or production systems engineering with the simulation of equipment: the range covered by wood technology and thus the requirements for engineers are constantly evolving. A wide range of knowledge and skills are expected in managerial positions in the international woodworking industry. This is precisely what the international Master’s programme in Wood Technology offers. It is a collaborative programme offered by the Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (GER) and the Bern University of Applied Sciences (CH).
Both educational institutes are European leaders in the field of timber. One of the particular strengths of this unique degree programme in Europe is the practical training provided on a high scientific level. Applied research is conducted in close collaboration with leading institutes and enterprises. The course is taught in English and can be completed either as a full-time study course (usual programme duration: three semesters) or as a part-time study course (up to six semesters). Part-time study allows the student to engage in parallel professional activities at a company or in a research department at either university.
Career prospects
The graduates are experts who master the latest concepts and technologies in an international woodworking industry. The knowledge and skills acquired during the programme, and also firmly rooted in practical application, will enable the graduates to become valuable assets to businesses in private enterprise, public services or institutes in the timber, machine, software and consulting area.
The graduates will have the skills to enter senior positions in various sectors of activity such as planning, project management, production, technical sales and marketing, distribution, quality control or research and teaching.
Our Master of Science programme is also the ideal basis for PhD studies.
Structure of the programme
Personal development in an international environment, expanding skills related to the most recent technologies and methods in the woodworking industry are at the core of the Master’s degree programme.
The first semester will give the students a solid foundation in the fields of mathematics, sciences, advanced wood-based materials as well as management and leadership skills. Already in the first semesters students choose one or two individual elective courses.
In the second semester, students can choose from a range of different lectures based on their personal preference, for example, Systems Engineering, Special Aspects of Wood Processing, Change Management, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Advanced Wood Processing, Furniture Safety and Testing, as well as Innovation Management and New Product Development or Simulation. The second semester is topped off with some courses on economical aspects and the topics of Energy, Wood Supply and Logistics.
During the third semester, students will write the Master’s thesis. They will be able to prove that they are capable of working in a scientific and solution-oriented manner and capable of applying scientific methods when dealing with complex problems from the field of wood technology and related business areas. Given the close collaboration with industry, it is also possible for students to find topics for their Master's theses outside the university.
Types of courses
Within one semester, students have a mixture of weekly lectures and seminars. Depending on the content, different types of courses are used. The courses of the field “Skills for Management” are interactive seminars, including group work. In the module “Advanced Wood Processing”, we are proud to have a cooperation with a company to offer a practical seminar week to our students. The modules taught by professors of the Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences are mostly held as weekly lectures. Guest lecturers from different universities come to Rosenheim to teach block courses. The detailed description of the individual modules and part modules can be found in the actual curriculum published every semester.
Required credits
The aim is to acquire an average of 30 credit points (CP) per semester for full-time students or an average of 15 credit points per semester for part-time students. During the entire course of study, 90 credit points (CP) must be achieved. A Bachelor's degree with at least 210 ECTS credits is required for beginning the Master's programme. Students who have a primary academic degree that qualifies them for professional employment with less than 210 credits but at least 180 credits have the possibility of acquiring the missing credits during the Master's programme. Details for these regulations can be found in the study and examination regulations. The programme has a modular structure and comprises three semesters for full-time students and four to six semesters if completed on a part-time basis.
German language courses
The German language courses offered by the Language Centre of the university are not directly integrated into the programme structure. We are trying to integrate the timeslots into the schedule.
As a collaborative programme offered by two universities, the Master’s degree in Wood Technology is renowned for its international approach/focus. Thanks to excellent foreign networks and the esteemed reputations of both universities, students have the possibility to study abroad for a semester at a partner university, for example in European neighbouring countries or overseas.
None required
For international students without industrial experience, it is highly recommended that you include an industry internship semester after the two theoretical semesters to gain practical experience. Though this is not an official requirement for completing the Master's programme, it usually provides a very good opportunity to develop a Master's thesis topic with an industrial company.
85 EUR student union fee per semester
Each student needs about 992 EUR per month to cover living expenses, student accommodation, health insurance and other related costs in Rosenheim. We recommend calculating approx. 11,904 EUR per year in total.
For international students from non-EU countries:
Proof of financial resources / blocked account: With a blocked account, you can provide evidence that you have adequate financial resources during the visa application process. The presumed annual requirement that must be paid into the blocked account when applying for a visa amounts to 11,904 EUR. Please see the information from the Federal Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/visabestimmungen-node/sperrkonto-seite.
If you did not obtain your first/undergraduate degree at a German institution, you will need a valid VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) from uni-assist. Uni-assist is then going to review your documents to determine if they match the admission requirements for a Master's degree programme. Please make sure to apply for a Master VPD (for a Master's degree programme)!
You can apply at uni-assist all year round: Register with uni-assist. Upload your university leaving certificates. Apply to TH Rosenheim with your valid VPD. Your VPD is valid for one year.
Here you can find further information regarding the admission requirements, step-by-step instructions and a checklist for the application process.
If you are not sure whether you fulfil the admission requirements, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you!
In order to apply for the programme, you will need a language level of German A2 and English B2 according to the CEFR.
The following German language tests are recognised:
Applicants whose native language is German are exempt from providing proof of sufficient German language skills.
The following English language tests are recognised:
Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from providing proof of sufficient English language skills.
For access to the online study material, to participate in online sessions and to write assignments, it is necessary to have a laptop including headset and an internet connection. Several programmes are provided for students. The university has its own Moodle platform.
15 June for the following winter semester
Due to the visa processing time, it is STRONGLY recommended that non-EU applicants submit their documents at the beginning of the application period on 15 April!
A limited number of student jobs are available at TH Rosenheim (e.g. for lab work, research projects or other support functions). Students can find part-time jobs at regional companies or in Munich, which is a 35-minute train ride from Rosenheim. Basic knowledge of the German language significantly improves your chances of getting a student job.
Online job market at TH Rosenheim
You will find job postings on the internal online job market at TH Rosenheim.
Bavaria-wide job exchange
You will also find interesting job offers at: https://jobboerse.th-rosenheim.de/index.php/en.
More helpful tips
Our website also provides practical advice about working in Bavaria, Germany: https://www.th-rosenheim.de/en/international/incomings/general-information/working-in-bavaria.
Munich Student Union halls of residence
Fall out of bed and into your lecture hall – thanks to the Munich Student Union, this is possible for students in Rosenheim. The student service provider runs two halls of residence here with a total of 345 spaces. Student rooms for international students are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room rates are around 300 EUR per month. However, room reservations can only be made after being admitted to your degree programme in Rosenheim. Information for students looking for accommodation can be found at: http://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/accommodation.
Private rooms
Further information regarding accommodation in Rosenheim and Burghausen is available at: www.th-rosenheim.de/housing.
Applying for jobs and starting your career:
The Career Centre provides students and graduates with information and advice on applying for jobs, career planning and starting out in the world of work.
Workshops for international students, e.g.:
International students who need assistance with writing applications have the chance to arrange individual appointments in English and German.
Services for international students
TH Rosenheim offers a variety of services, such as German language courses, language tandems and student tutors who assist with everyday university life, to ensure that international students feel at home in Rosenheim. To find out more, please have a look at https://www.th-rosenheim.de/welcome.
Facebook for international students
Are you interested in meeting international students in Rosenheim? Join us on Facebook!
International Student Committee (StuPa)
Meet with interesting people from different cultures, exchange intercultural experiences or simply meet new people and have fun.
Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim): To study at Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences (TH Rosenheim) is to study in one of Germany’s most beautiful and economically attractive regions. With its high-quality and wide-ranging selection of degree programmes, excellent studying conditions, close links with industry and research, and a strong practical connection, our university offers a promising outlook – for studying, leisure time and careers. To help international students feel at home, the university offers a variety of services, such as German language courses and tutors assisting with everyday university life.
Five USPs for studying at TH Rosenheim:
Studying in Rosenheim
Rosenheim is located in the south-eastern part of the German state of Bavaria. Situated in between the three larger cities of Munich, Salzburg and Innsbruck, it is the centre of a prospering economic region with a population of about 100,000 inhabitants. The Bavarian capital of Munich is only 30 minutes away by train and offers a lot of very attractive companies and job opportunities.
Studying at the Rosenheim campus means studying in beautiful surroundings in one of the most attractive regions in Germany – particularly in terms of quality of life and recreational activities. The Rosenheim campus is located in the city centre, just a 20-minute walk from the main station, and even has its own train stop. Art, tradition and culture can be found everywhere in Rosenheim.
If you like nature and outdoor activities, you are just a stone's throw from the mountains and lakes where you can go hiking, swimming, sailing, skiing and much more. Chill out at the beach bar on Lake Chiemsee and enjoy beautiful sunsets on top of Germany's highest mountains.
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