Who is the Master’s distance learning course in Building Physics and Environmentally Friendly Construction suitable for?
The part-time Master’s programme is specifically aimed at architects and engineers from the construction sector who wish to deepen and update their expertise in the field of building physics and sustainable construction. Graduates of other technical, construction-related or environmental degree programmes who work in planning, site management, refurbishment, or consulting and are seeking a part-time, interdisciplinary continuing education Master’s also belong to the target group.
Which formal admission requirements must you meet?
To be admitted to the Master’s programme “Building Physics and Environmentally Friendly Construction” at the University of Stuttgart, you must fulfil the following conditions:
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree of at least six semesters (i.e. at least 180 ECTS) in civil engineering, architecture or another construction-, technical- or environment-related subject area
- At least one year of relevant professional experience after the first university degree
Personally, you should bring the following prerequisites:
- Strong interest in technical and building physics issues and their application in practice
- Willingness to work interdisciplinarily, since content from technology, architecture, and environmental sciences is combined
- Independent and structured way of working to successfully organise the flexible and location-independent online studies with presence phases
- Willingness to learn new scientific methods for the simulation and evaluation of sustainable construction techniques
Expertise and Skills: What Does the Degree Programme „Building Physics and Environmentally Compatible Construction“ Teach in Detail?
In the Master’s degree programme Building Physics and Environmentally Compatible Construction, you acquire in-depth knowledge of all physical processes that influence the construction and use of buildings. The basic studies focus on topics such as thermal and moisture protection, building and room acoustics, energy efficiency, sustainability, and ecological balance, as well as the fundamentals of climate and building culture. You analyse how building materials, constructions, and technical building equipment interact.
From the second stage of the programme, you can choose one of two specialisations:
- Building Physics: You engage intensively with acoustics, sound insulation, lighting design, fire protection, specialised measurement and calculation tools, as well as the concrete application of building physics knowledge. In projects, you analyse energy and acoustic requirements in new and existing buildings.
- Environmentally Compatible Construction: The focus is on principles of climate- and culture-appropriate construction, participation, climate-adapted planning, simulation techniques, and regional building cultures. Special emphases are the integration of ecological, economic, and socio-cultural aspects in the planning and use of buildings.
Through practice-oriented projects with renowned research institutions – particularly with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics – you develop practical knowledge and the ability to design innovative, sustainable building concepts, renovate existing buildings, and devise technical solutions for different climate regions. Interdisciplinary work and the use of state-of-the-art measurement and simulation tools are integral parts of the curriculum.
Structure and Organisation: How Is the Distance Learning Degree Programme Organised?
The Master’s degree programme is conceived as a part-time distance learning programme over four semesters (standard period of study). The language of instruction is German. The blended-learning format flexibly combines online learning units via the ILIAS learning platform with selected on-site phases.
- Online modules: You deepen the content through self-study with multimedia materials and interactive tasks.
- Face-to-face days: A total of nine presence days per year, organised in three blocks per semester. These partly take place at the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics and offer you laboratory exercises, measurements, and expert exchange.
- Structure: After the common basic studies, you individually choose one of the two specialised fields (building physics or environmentally compatible construction). Both paths include practice-oriented projects and seminars.
The programme is tailored to the needs of working professionals. Thanks to the time- and location-independent learning units, you can complete the majority of the content independently. Examination achievements and project work are completed depending on the module as term papers, online tests, or presentations. The presence phases serve practical training at current research institutions and networking among participants.
New Perspectives: In Which Professional Fields Do Graduates Work?
With the Master’s degree Building Physics and Environmentally Compatible Construction, you possess interdisciplinary expertise that is highly sought after in the construction and real estate industries. Typical fields of activity include:
- Construction planning and site management – analysis, optimisation, and control of sustainable construction projects
- Technical consultancy and building physics – development and implementation of building physics concepts for energy efficiency and damage prevention
- Structural engineering and renovation – support of existing building measures and development of innovative renovation solutions
- Sustainable construction – planning of climate- and culture-appropriate projects, integration of environmental technology into building structures
- Urban planning and environmental technology – application of building physics methods in the urban context and environmental impact assessments
- Preliminary planning and design – collaboration in interdisciplinary planning teams with a focus on sustainable design
Graduates distinguish themselves through their interdisciplinary, practice-oriented know-how and are in particular sought-after professionals in planning offices, engineering firms, public building authorities, the building products industry, as well as research and consultancy institutions.
Tuition Fees: What Costs Should You Expect and How Can You Finance Your Studies?
For the part-time distance learning programme Building Physics and Environmentally Compatible Construction (M.Sc.) at the University of Stuttgart, a total of 17,150 euros in special tuition fees are charged. The costs cover all teaching materials, online accesses, on-site events, and examinations.
It is possible to pay in instalments over the duration of the studies; you can arrange the exact conditions directly with the university. Since the degree programme is continuing education and heavily career-related, many employers offer funding options or cover parts of the fees. Additionally, you can use vocational training support (BAföG for further education), education loans, and possibly tax deductibility as income-related expenses.
Overall, you benefit from a transparently calculable fee model that enables you to pursue academic continuing education at the highest level while maintaining full employment.
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