Process Engineering

Process Engineering at HAW Hamburg combines advanced engineering education, applied research and strong links to industry. You will study in an international environment and gain in-depth engineering knowledge with a strong focus on real-world applications and the technological challenges shaping the process industries.

The Master's degree programme equips you with the skills to develop, design and optimise safe, efficient and sustainable processes and plants. Its broad and interdisciplinary approach opens up excellent career opportunities in process and plant engineering, plant operation, research and development, project management and technical leadership – both in Germany and internationally.

This Master’s degree course in Process Engineering builds on a previous Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in process engineering, or an undergraduate programme in a field of engineering related to the course. The language of instruction is English, and knowledge of English at the B2 level (see below) is essential.

The Master's degree programme is designed as a full-time, three-semester programme comprising a total of 90 credit points (CP). During the first two semesters (60 CP), you will deepen your knowledge across key areas of modern process and plant engineering. Topics range from digital plant design, automation, process optimisation and advanced simulation to thermodynamics, separation processes, reaction engineering, plant engineering and process safety. Further areas include materials and corrosion, environmental technologies, bioenergy and plant operation. The technical curriculum is complemented by modules in project and asset management and project financing.

A strong focus on practical application is an integral part of the programme. Lectures and seminars are complemented by hands-on laboratory work, experiments and the use of state-of-the-art engineering and simulation software. A scientific project gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge while working in a small team. Project work, presentations and scientific discussions also help you develop your communication, teamwork and research skills.

The third semester (30 CP) is dedicated to your Master's thesis. You will work independently on a research or industry-related engineering topic, either at HAW Hamburg or in collaboration with an industrial partner.

• A Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree in process engineering or in a field of engineering related to the course
• Proof of proficiency in English: 
  Abitur- or Fachhochschulzeugnis (please see the Admissions Policy) or any other certificate demonstrating proficiency in English language B2 or above in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Applicants who do not have a Bachelor's degree qualification from an EU country will need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• International applicants with fewer than 210 ECTS credit points must provide a German language certificate of at least B2 level from a recognised institution accredited by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Submitting additional documents increases your chances of being selected:

• CV
• Proof of relevant professional work experience or scientific achievements (papers, awards, etc.)

Students who completed their schooling outside Germany must have their qualifications checked by uni assist (http://www.uni-assist.de) before applying to HAW Hamburg. When you apply to us, you must submit your ‘preliminary review documentation’ (VPD) from uni assist along with your other documentation. Please be aware that the uni assist assessment process can take six to eight weeks, so you will need to take care of this well before applications close.

Important note for applicants with 180 CPs (ECTS) for courses which require 210 CPs (ECTS) from the first degree: Applicants whose Bachelor's degree consists of 180 credit points (ECTS) must acquire another 30 credit points during the first semester of their studies. The individual department decides which courses and examinations must be completed. Applicants will then be temporarily admitted and enrolled for one term in order to complete the missing 30 credit points. After the end of the first semester, the department will inform the Student Admissions and Registration Office and the Faculty Service Office (Fakultätsservicebüro) whether the missing credit points have been acquired and the student may continue with his or her studies.

Applications for this Master's degree course are submitted online. You do not need to submit hard copies of your application. The online process is activated during the application periods only and it is not possible to apply outside these periods:

• For winter semester 2025/26: 1 April–15 May
• For summer semester 2025: 1 October–15 November

Applicants from non-EU countries: Please have your certificates checked in advance by uni assist and request a VPD (preliminary review documentation) for your application. You must complete the application form at myHAW and upload all the necessary documents there to submit your application.

You can find more information under Applying for a Master's degree course or email master-application( (at) )haw-hamburg (dot) de

International Applicants 
Please have your certificates checked in advance by uni-assist and request a VPD (preliminary review documentation) for your application. You must complete the application form at myHAW and upload all the necessary documents there to submit your application. https://www.uni-assist.de/en/