Englisch 
Deutsch Who is the Master’s Degree Programme in Process Engineering Suitable For?
The distance learning programme in Process Engineering (M.Eng.) is aimed at engineers from the fields of mechanical engineering, process engineering, industrial engineering, industrial engineering or chemical engineering who are already working professionally and wish to further qualify specifically for a leadership role in the process industry. The course is practice-oriented and is particularly aimed at professionals employed or aspiring to work in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, paper or textile industries. Participants from related technical disciplines with interfaces to process engineering are also addressed.
What Formal Requirements Apply for Admission?
For admission to the Master’s programme in Process Engineering, you must provide the following evidence:
- A successfully completed, relevant university degree (e.g. mechanical engineering, process engineering, industrial engineering, industrial engineering, plant engineering or comparable subjects) with at least 210 ECTS credits.
- At least one year of relevant professional experience after the first university degree. In the case of dual or part-time study programmes, corresponding activities can be credited.
- Proof of knowledge in Computational Fluid Dynamics and Thermal Process Engineering. If these skills are not present, a corresponding advanced module can be taken.
- For foreign applicants: proof of solid German language skills (at least DSH II or TestDAF 4/5).
Applicants with less than 210 but at least 180 ECTS credits can be admitted subject to conditions. For professionals without a university degree, admission through an aptitude test is possible. Requirements for this are a university entrance qualification (e.g. advanced technical college certificate or a recognised vocational qualification with at least grade 2.5) and at least three years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor Professional qualification (e.g. master craftsman certificate, specialist, state-certified technician) plus one year of appropriate work experience; for Master Professional, the qualification alone suffices.
Personally, you should be able to work in a structured, self-organised manner, possess technical understanding of complex processes and have an interest in interdisciplinary topics. Experience in industrial processes and openness to new developments, for example in the fields of Industry 4.0 or Big Data, are advantageous. For the part-time distance learning course you will need perseverance, time management skills and the willingness to regularly participate in attendance phases and online learning formats.
What content can you expect in the Master's distance learning course in Process Engineering?
In the Master's degree in Process Engineering, you will deepen both professional and interdisciplinary competencies along the entire process chain – from idea generation to plant operation. The focus is on application-oriented training that integrates current challenges such as Industry 4.0, big data in process optimisation, as well as plant safety and maintenance management.
- Core modules: At the beginning, you will deal with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), thermal separation technology and maintenance management – fundamentals for the modelling and control of processes.
- Specialisation modules: In the second and third semesters, the focus shifts to areas such as process development, stochastics, plant safety, as well as technical and non-technical elective modules.
- Technical electives: Here you can choose, for example, between Industry 4.0, safety-oriented automation technology, process optimisation through big data, industrial chemistry, bio-process engineering, electrochemical processes, and practice-oriented projects in companies.
- Non-technical electives: Offers such as controlling, project management and business communication as well as leadership in project teams promote your leadership skills.
- Final phase: In the fourth semester, you write the Master’s thesis with a colloquium, often practice-oriented in cooperation with companies or research institutions.
You will develop analytical skills, expertise in modern technologies and methodological competence for process analysis, optimisation and management. The course combines natural science and engineering questions with business and communication skills.
How is the structure of the part-time distance learning course designed?
The course is designed for four semesters and follows the blended learning principle. It combines independent self-study, virtual learning phases and regular on-campus sessions in Kaiserslautern.
- Self-study: You receive study letters and have access to further teaching materials, exercises and learning software via the learning platform.
- On-campus phases: During the semester, about eight weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) per semester are held with face-to-face sessions. Additionally, there is a one-week block event during the lecture-free period.
- Online components: Virtual learning units enable flexible access to lectures, exercises and exchange with lecturers and fellow students.
- Individual specialisation: Through elective modules, you can tailor your studies to your professional interests and requirements. Practical projects in companies or research projects are possible.
- Start of studies: The course begins annually in the winter semester.
The modular structure and the mix of asynchronous learning content and on-campus phases offer you flexibility to reconcile study and work.
What career prospects are available to you after graduation?
With the Master of Engineering in Process Engineering, you qualify for demanding specialist and leadership positions in various industries.
- Fields of application: Typical industries include the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, food industry, paper and textile industries as well as plant engineering and engineering service providers.
- Professional roles: Graduates work as process engineers, project managers, maintenance managers, plant planners or specialists for digitalisation (Industry 4.0).
- Career paths: The degree opens access to higher civil service and grants the right to pursue a doctorate in the scientific field according to the doctoral regulations.
- Advantages: Process engineering specialists are in demand internationally, especially for senior positions and interface roles between technology, IT and management.
By targeted choice of specialisations and practical project work, the course can be individually tailored to later career goals.
What costs can you expect for the part-time Master’s degree?
The tuition fees amount to €2,650 per semester, a total of €10,600 for the standard period of study of four semesters. For each additional semester from the sixth onwards, a processing fee of €1,000 is charged. In addition, a social contribution of €151.50 per semester and a one-time chip card fee of €8 apply.
- Total costs (without extension): €10,600 + four times €151.50 social contribution + €8 chip card fee
- Cost structure: The fees are payable per semester. One additional semester free of charge is possible.
- Funding options: It is possible to finance part of the costs through further education scholarships, funding programmes or tax deductibility as income-related expenses or business expenses. Support from employers is also possible depending on the individual situation.
The investment in the degree can be amortised in the long term through improved promotion opportunities and the high demand for specialised engineers.
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