Englisch 
Deutsch Who this German-taught Logistics master suits — and what you need to get in
This programme fits international professionals who want to upskill for advanced roles in supply chains and operations while studying remotely. Typical profiles include: a supply chain or logistics analyst working full time who wants a research-based Master of Science without pausing their career; a mechanical, industrial or systems engineer moving into plant logistics or production planning; an e-commerce or retail operations supervisor aiming to specialise in internal or external logistics and qualify for management roles.
Admission requirements
Teaching language and study location: the programme is taught in German and based at Friedberg (Technical University of Central Hesse). You study by distance learning with options for working professionals.
- First degree: a recognised Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g. logistics, industrial engineering, business engineering, mechanical or production engineering, business administration with logistics focus). A Master’s entry without a prior university degree is not offered.
- Academic scope: this is a full 120-ECTS master with a standard duration of 4 semesters.
- Admission with foreign qualifications: international degrees can be recognised if they are equivalent to a German Bachelor’s. You normally submit a diploma, transcript, and official translations; further evaluation by a recognition service may be required.
- University entrance certificate (Abitur): for a master’s application your undergraduate degree is decisive; a school-leaving certificate alone does not grant access.
- German language: you need proof of advanced academic German to follow courses and sit exams. Typical proofs accepted in Germany include DSH (usually level 2), TestDaF (e.g. TDN 4 in all parts), telc C1 Hochschule, or a Goethe-Zertifikat at C2. Evidence of language proficiency is required at enrolment.
- Enrolment status: options include full-time, part-time and alongside employment (berufsbegleitend). Details on application deadlines are published per semester.
Personal requirements
Distance learning at master’s level demands consistent self-management. Plan with a realistic weekly workload of 15–25 hours alongside a full-time job at the standard pace; faster tracks require more time. You should be comfortable with quantitative methods (statistics, optimisation), process modelling and using technical documentation in German. What really helps: reliable time blocking, perseverance over multi-week project phases, and the ability to translate theory into your workplace context. Strong written and spoken German (C1) is essential for coursework, forum interaction and exams; solid English helps when reading international research and standards. Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a quiet study space, and the discipline to keep up with reading, assignments and exam preparation on a weekly rhythm.
What will you study in the Logistics (M.Sc.) at the Technical University of Central Hesse?
The programme is taught in German. You need advanced German proficiency (typically C1 level), evidenced by recognised certificates such as TestDaF, DSH or Goethe-Zertifikat C1. The M.Sc. Logistics condenses 120 ECTS into four semesters, including a dedicated thesis semester, and lets you specialise in either internal or external logistics at a public German Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences).
You build a systems view of logistics and supply chains. Typical foundation topics include supply chain design and strategy, quantitative methods for logistics, and operations research. You learn how to map, analyse and optimise end-to-end flows of materials, information and cash.
Operations and production are a second core strand. You work with production planning and control (PPC), location and factory layout planning, and simulation-based optimisation. The emphasis is on applying methods to real production networks, aligning throughput, inventories and service levels.
Management, controlling and IT round out the profile. You engage with logistics controlling and performance management, cost and investment appraisal for logistics systems, and the use of data, ERP and analytics for decision support. Risk, resilience and sustainability considerations are embedded across modules.
Method and project skills are trained through case work and applied assignments. You practise modelling, scenario building and presentation skills, culminating in the Master’s thesis in semester four, where you research and solve a substantial logistics problem—often linked to your employer.
Specialisations (electives): you choose between Internal Logistics (e.g. factory logistics, intralogistics systems, production integration) and External Logistics (e.g. distribution networks, transport and warehousing, third-party logistics). Electives allow you to deepen technical or managerial angles depending on your role.
Note: This is a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a public university of applied sciences. In Germany, many distance programmes are additionally registered with the ZFU, the state authority approving distance-learning courses; where available, a ZFU admission number is listed by the provider. The university’s official programme accreditation is described below.
How does the Logistics distance programme work?
You study largely remotely with structured self-study and online support. Teaching is in German. Materials and communication run via the university’s learning environment, and the programme is scheduled over four semesters with a thesis in the final semester. If you complete your studies fully from abroad and any activities offered to you are online, no visa is required.
Teaching language and language proof
The programme is delivered in German. You should plan to present a high-level German certificate (commonly TestDaF, DSH or Goethe C1) during admission and to follow lectures, assignments and exams in German.
Learning format and study materials
The distance format combines self-paced study with digital support. You work with study letters (Lehrbriefe), lecture notes and assignments, and access resources and announcements through the university platform. As a Fachhochschule, the Technical University of Central Hesse emphasises applied learning with practice-oriented tasks and case studies.
Exams and where you take them
Assessment typically includes written exams, graded assignments, presentations and the Master’s thesis. Details and schedules are defined in the study and examination regulations and the current study plan. Check these documents each semester to see which assessments are online or on fixed dates.
Any on-site sessions in Germany
Distance programmes at public universities may schedule selected activities on specific dates. If an on-site date is listed in your semester plan, it will be organised by the department in Germany. Always review the semester plan early to align travel with work obligations.
Workload, time models and time zones
The degree awards 120 ECTS over 4 semesters. In the European system, 30 ECTS per semester correspond to roughly 750–900 hours of student work, which averages to about 20–25 hours per week during teaching periods alongside your job. If live online sessions are scheduled, they follow Central European Time (CET/CEST).
Regulatory note: Many German distance degrees carry an approval by the ZFU (state authority for distance learning). Where applicable, the ZFU admission number is stated in the official course information.
What does the Logistics (M.Sc.) cost?
The programme lists tuition of €1,800 per semester over the standard duration of four semesters, giving a guide total of €7,200 for the degree. That spreads to a predictable budget if you plan by semester. If you extend beyond the standard duration, check the current rules for continuation or administrative fees before you decide on a slower pace.
International students usually pay by bank transfer in euros from abroad; allow for your bank’s transfer fees and exchange rates. Besides tuition, factor in incidental costs such as learning materials you might print, and—if any on-site dates are scheduled for your cohort—travel and accommodation in Germany.
What careers and recognition does the Logistics course offer?
You graduate with a Master of Science (M.Sc.) worth 120 ECTS under the Bologna framework. The programme is programme-accredited by AQAS (an EQAR-listed European quality assurance agency) from 01/04/2020 to 31/03/2028. As a public German university, the Technical University of Central Hesse is state-recognised. For employers abroad, this signals a standardised, internationally comparable Master’s awarded within the European Higher Education Area.
Typical roles include:
- Supply Chain Manager or Logistics Manager in manufacturing, retail or e-commerce
- Operations or Plant Manager with responsibility for PPC, warehousing and distribution
- Logistics Engineer or Industrial Engineer focused on intralogistics and factory layout
- Consultant in logistics optimisation, S&OP, network design or digital logistics
- Transport and distribution planner with 3PLs and carriers
Career development depends on your previous degree and work history. The applied orientation of a Fachhochschule Master supports advancement into project leadership and middle management; with several years of experience, senior roles in supply chain design, procurement logistics or operations excellence become accessible.
Who is the Logistics (M.Sc.) right for – and who not?
This distance Master suits working professionals in logistics, operations or industrial engineering who want an applied, German-taught degree they can complete largely alongside a job. It also fits career changers with a technical or business background aiming to pivot into supply chain roles.
- You want a European Master’s with 120 ECTS that is recognised internationally.
- You are comfortable studying and taking exams in German and can document C1-level proficiency.
- You prefer applied learning at a university of applied sciences with case work and clear industry relevance.
- You work full-time and need a structured distance format over four semesters, including a thesis.
- You seek specialisation in internal or external logistics to target your next role.
There are also clear cases where this programme will not meet your needs. Read these carefully if you plan to study entirely from abroad or require English-language teaching and assessment.
- You need an English-taught Master; this programme is delivered in German and requires advanced German for study and exams.
- You cannot provide recognised German C1 proof (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, Goethe C1) for admission and academic work.
- You require guaranteed 100% online assessments from outside Germany; assessment formats and any on-site dates are set per semester and may not align with that constraint.
- You are looking for a short 60–90 ECTS Master; this degree is a full 120 ECTS programme with a four-semester workload.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Logistics? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Technical University of Central Hesse or the editorial team will answer you.