Sustainable Water Management and Engineering (M.Eng.)

Program objectives

Climate change and a growing world population are only two of many reasons why the requirements for a sustainable and resilient water management are getting ever more complex. New challenges and qualification requirements arise for engineers who today have to be managers as well.

The new Master’s program Sustainable Water Management and Engineering (M.Eng.) is designed to meet these challenges and to qualify a new generation of engineers. The program focuses on imparting key competences in management and engineering, flanked by sustainability and digitalization. Based on the latest research in these specialist topics, students train their systematic thinking and communication skills.

Fast facts

degree awarded	Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
language of instruction	fully taught in English language
duration	three semesters (including Master thesis)
application periods	Application period for winter semester: for EU applicants: May 1 – July 15 for non-EU applicants: April 15 - May 31 Application period for summer semester for EU applicants: November 15 – January 15 for non-EU applicants: November 5- November 30
application process	Online via our application portal PRIMUSS University entrance certificates from abroad must be assessed by uni-assist before sending them to Hof University.
academic semester	October 1 - March 14 (winter semester) March 15 - September 30 (summer semester)
fees	no tuition fees, just an administrative fee of approx. 100 € per semester

Your benefits

After graduations, you will be able to

identify and analyze current and future challenges in water management,
develop appropriate solutions and
implement and evaluate them in interdisciplinary teams.

In addition, you benefit from

a unique Master's degree at the interface of technology and management
a perfect interdisciplinary toolbox of knowledge and skills of engineering and business know-how
development of your intercultural competence
excellent career perspectives

Career perspectives

After graduation, you have excellent career opportunities for leading positions in the water sector, both in Germany and abroad, e.g.

Management tasks in research and construction in the field of water management
Leading positions in industry, public authorities, and medium-sized companies
Development or research engineer for nature conservation and environmental protection
Planning and consulting work in specialized engineering offices
Activity as an expert and appraiser

Course content

The first and second semester of this Master's program contain ten mandatory modules plus one elective (in total 60 ECTS):

Mandatory modules:

Sustainability Management
International Water and Risk Management
Water and Society
International Water Resources Management
Advanced Water Treatment
Wastewater Discharge and Sewer Network with Structures
Water Quality and Water Cycle
Smart Water
R&D or Industrial Project
New Technologies in the Water Sector

Electives:

Project Simulation
Agile, Traditional and Hybrid Methods in International Project Management
Intercultural Communication
International Human Resource Management
Energy Efficiency in Water Management Systems
German language A2
German language B1

Master thesis and internship

The 3rd semester is dedicated to an internship in a company or at the University and a practical Master's Thesis (30 ECTS). The thesis should be written during the internship and should cover a current topic of the company. The topic selection should prior be discussed and decided with the supervising professor.

Teaching concept

The Master’s program is based on a hands-on, interdisciplinary concept. Current topics like sustainability, water risk management and water resource management are interconnected with classic technologies such as water treatment, sewage disposal and water circulation. Above all, the three dimensions of sustainability are considered: the economic efficiency, social responsibility and ecological compatibility.

Theory and hands-on training are closely connected, e.g. in group projects at partner companies. Study excursions to pioneering water management facilities or to innovative tech companies as well as discussions with experts from research and industry form an important part of the Master’s program.

Perfect connections for your future

Hof University is part of several water-related networks. This is a unique opportunity for our students to establish business contacts with potential employees at an early stage, e.g. for internships and research topics for the Master's thesis.

In addition, we also have an own research institute on campus.

Institute for Water and Energy Management (iwe)

In our Institute for Water and Energy Management (iwe), the issues of water and energy are taken up with an application-oriented focus. The iwe develops innovative and sustainable products and processes, by relying on the expertise of environmental and energy technology, systems and composites, mechanical engineering, digitizing and law. The bundling of know-how results in an interdisciplinary knowledge transfer.

The Cluster of Environmental Technologies Bavaria connects more than 230 companies, research institutions, municipalities and policy-makers from the field of environmental technologies made in Bavaria. Their objective is to develop intelligent and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges regionally and globally. Hof University is part of this network with its broad range of expertise, products and services

The Competence Network Water and Energy bundles know-how in the field of water and wastewater as well as renewable energies with a focus on smart grids. As a member of this regional network, Hof University has excellent business contacts with the associated member institutions.

For an admission in this Master's program, you need to fulfill the following admission criteria:

First degree from a recognized university with at least 210 credits according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) or an equivalent degree in engineering or natural sciences providing sufficient knowledge in environmental engineering, water technology and chemistry
Sufficient knowledge in environmental engineering, water technology and chemistry means at least 5 credits (or their equivalent) were achieved in each of these areas
Applicants with less than 210 credits (ECTS) will be accepted but have to gain the missing credits by either
- doing an internship (at least 20 weeks) as long as no internship was done during the Bachelor’s degree.
- Attending appropriate modules at Hof University (for applicants who already did an internship). For both alternatives, please calculate a fourth (extra) semester.
Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL with a minimum score of 90 or IELTS 6.5 or above or other equivalent language certificate from a recognized institution, not older than three years)
Proof of basic German language skills for applicants from abroad (Certificate for minimum level A1 according to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR))

Admission process

All applications must be submitted via our online application portal PRIMUSS.

If you acquired your university entrance certificate abroad, uni-assist must assess the certificate before you can send it to Hof University. We advise you to send your documents to uni-assist at least 4 weeks before the application deadline at Hof University.

Application period for winter semester:

for EU applicants: May 1 – July 15
for non-EU applicants: April 15 - May 31

Application period for summer semester

for EU applicants: November 15 – January 15
for non-EU applicants: November 5- November 30

Start of study: 15th of March for the summer semester, 1st of October for the winter semester

An admission committee intensively scrutinizes all applications and decides about final admission. Admission letters will be issued in June for winter intake and December for summer semester intake.

If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact admission@hof-university.de.