Verfahrenstechnik
HAW Hamburg · Hamburg, Germany
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The Process Engineering master’s programme at HAW Hamburg is a full-time, English-taught programme with a total duration of 3 semesters and a total of 90 CP. It is designed to build advanced mathematical, scientific and engineering knowledge for process industry and related sectors, with emphasis on digitalization and industry 4.0.
Students complete compulsory and elective modules across areas such as numerical mathematics, digital plant design, instrumentation and automation, process optimisation and simulation, thermodynamics and separation processes, solids processing and reaction engineering, multiphysics simulation, materials and corrosion, environmental technologies, bioenergy and plant operation. The third semester focuses on research and the Master thesis, which is worth 30 CP.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Numerical Mathematics
- Digital Plant Design
- Advanced Instrumentation and Automation
- Process and Plant Safety
- Plant Engineering
- Advanced Thermodynamics
- Thermal Separation Processes
- Environmental Technologies
- Project Work (research and applied project component)
- Master Thesis
- Scientific project work in small groups leading into thesis work
Curriculum
Master’s programme Process Engineering (Verfahrenstechnik) at HAW Hamburg: total 90 CP, organised across modules in a 3-semester full-time structure plus Master thesis.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | ECTS | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Compulsory core modules | Mathematics | 5 | 25 |
| Digital Plant Design | 5 | |||
| Advanced Instrumentation and Automation | 5 | |||
| Optimization | 5 | |||
| Business Skills | 5 | |||
| Semester 2 | Advanced core modules and elective modules | Advanced Basics | 5 | 35 |
| Engineering | 5 | |||
| Multiphysics Simulation | 5 | |||
| Materials and Corrosion | 5 | |||
| Environmental Technologies | 5 | |||
| Bioenergy - Biofuels | 5 | |||
| Plant Operation | 5 | |||
| Semester 3 | Project work and Master thesis | Project Work | 5 | 35 |
| Master Thesis | 30 | |||
| Total | Total programme modules including Project Work and Master Thesis | 90 ECTS | ||
Career outcomes
- You gain directly job-relevant expertise for process industry roles in R&D, plant design, plant operation, and maintenance and service, which are explicitly listed as target work fields for Process Engineering graduates.
- You become prepared for engineering leadership paths because the program combines technical process competencies with asset management, project management, and project financing skills.
- You build practical, lab- and software-supported skills through accompanying practical courses and on-site laboratory work, helping you perform from day one in industry settings.
- You develop advanced digital and automation capabilities (for example digital plant design, instrumentation and automation, and optimisation) that fit current Industry 4.0 expectations in process plants.
- You graduate with a thesis that demonstrates independent scientific work at Master level, supporting progression into PhD study if you choose that path.
Employability rate
Process Engineering (M.Sc.) graduates in Germany typically see an employability rate of around 88% and an unemployment rate of about 12%, reflecting ongoing demand for qualified process engineering specialists in industry and applied research.
Together, these figures point to a stable career outlook with reliable hiring opportunities where process engineering skills, digital/automation expertise, and project capability are needed.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in process engineering or a related engineering field | International applicants must hold a first professionally qualifying university degree (normally a bachelor’s degree). The programme states it builds on a previous bachelor’s or equivalent degree in process engineering, or an undergraduate programme in an engineering field related to process engineering. Admission is also subject to proving programme-specific aptitude as checked by the selection process described by the university. |
Language requirements
The Master’s programme Process Engineering is taught in English, so international applicants must demonstrate the required English language proficiency for admission. English knowledge at B2 level is essential for this course, and the university accepts specific proof options as listed in its general admissions regulations and the programme’s admissions information.
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
Other accepted proofs
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semester fee | EUR 397 / per semester | Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) €397 per semester, including semester ticket and Germany-wide rail pass. |
Proof of financial resources
For Germany, you must show you can cover your living costs and study-related expenses. HAW Hamburg also explains that most programmes do not charge tuition fees and instead require a semester contribution.
- Proof of sufficient funds for living costs as required for your German student visa (blocked account or equivalent official proof, according to German immigration guidance).
- HAW Hamburg semester contribution is required each semester (no tuition fees are charged for most degree programmes at HAW Hamburg).
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | April - Winter intake | October - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | April 01, 2026 | October 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | May 15, 2026 | November 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | October 01, 2026 | April 01, 2027 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | April - Winter intake | October - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | April - Winter intake | October - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your qualifications for the international application process
Check that your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is in process engineering or a related engineering field as required for the Process Engineering Master of Science. Review the English language requirement for this programme (English instruction; B2 essential) and plan which proof you will submit. For students with foreign qualifications, start preparing early because international qualification assessment can take time.
Submit your online application during the published application window
Complete the university’s online application for the Master’s programme during the published application period. Upload the required supporting documents digitally as part of the application. Make sure your application is submitted by the programme’s deadline for the relevant intake season.
Participate in selection and wait for the admissions decision
After the application period ends, a selection committee reviews eligible applications based on the programme’s admission and selection rules. If you are admitted, the university will proceed with further steps for enrolment as described in the admission documents. If something is missing or not clear, respond promptly to any requests from admissions to avoid delays.