Biomass TechnologyMaster of Science

Source: https://www.cs.tum.de/en/study/master/biomass-technology Parent: https://www.cs.tum.de/en/

Cultivation of renewable resources | chemical-material use | energetic use | economics

The Master’s Program Biomass Technology is an interdisciplinary master’s program for qualified students with bachelor’s degrees in natural sciences, engineering and life sciences. It offers the possibility of a broad education in the field of biomass production, use and utilization – from the sustainable production of renewable resources to the technological use and utilization of biomass. As this is a Joint Degree Master's program, the studies take place at TUMCS and BOKU (Vienna, Austria).

The term biomass is understood as the material mass of all living organisms (animals, plants, algae, fungi and bacteria) or parts thereof. The interdisciplinary course of studies teaches the basic and scientific content of the relevant chemical-material, material and energy technologies for the processing and utilization of biomass. In addition, economic issues, ecological and sustainability aspects for the production as well as the use and utilization of biomass production are also dealt with.

Interdisciplinary emphasis

Business Management (3/5)

Economics (3/5)

Engineering (3/5)

Material Science (3/5)

Biotechnology (3/5)

Chemistry (3/5)

Consultation

Andrea Dietl, M.Sc.

Program Manager Biomass Technology

Phone: : +49 9421 187-157

Email: : bmt@cs.tum.de

Consultation in Presence

Next session on 2026-03-12

Hours: : Thursdays,\ 09:00–11:00 h

Location: : PG5, 3503.EG.006

Online Consultation

Room currently offline

Hours: : Tuesdays, 10:00–11:00 h

Zoom ID: : 646 356 682 79

Password: : tumcsstuko

Key Data

Standard period of study : 4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits, full-time studies

Graduation : Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Start of Degree Program : Winter and Summer semester

Required Language Proficiency : English

Admission Requirement : The Biomass Technology Master’s program is aimed at qualified students with a university degree in natural sciences, engineering and economics. In the admission procedure (aptitude test), motivation and suitability for the study program are taken into account in addition to the achievements of the bachelor’s degree.

Admission Category : Aptitude Assessment for Bachelor’s Degree Applicants

Semester fees/financing

Semester fees at BOKU Wien : 20.00 Euro (EU students)\ 749.42 Euro (Non-EU students)

[More information on BOKU fees](https://boku.ac.at/studienservices/themen/studienbeitraege-foerderungen/hoehe-des-studienbeitrages)

Student union fees per semester (mandatory for all students) : 82.00 Euro

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them.\ You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Study Structure

The Master's program Biomass Technology (Joint Degree) is conducted at TUMCS and BOKU. This means that at least one semester must be successfully completed at the respective partner university (TUM or BOKU). To complete a successful semester, 30 ECTS credits must be earned. It is recommended to start the studies at TUM and then transfer to BOKU for the following winter semester.

The concept of the program is based on the choice of modules in different areas driven by individual interests and inclinations, allowing students to define themselves within the broad field of biomass technology. The program is divided into a compulsory section (Master's Thesis) and three major elective areas (Category 1 to 3). In each category, modules can be selected individually, tailored to the desired profile.

In Category 1, students must complete 20 ECTS credits. This category covers the fundamental core competencies of the qualification profile.

Category 2 focuses on building a competency profile. No specific emphasis is defined; instead, four out of seven specialization areas are chosen, where modules can be individually selected, resulting in a unique competency profile. In this area, 48 ECTS credits must be earned, with 12 credits in each chosen specialization area.

Category 3 consists of subject-specific and general elective modules, which contribute to profile refinement and personal development.

Competences & Skills

Solving environmental and sustainability problems requires crossing disciplinary boundaries. Sustainability challenges such as climate change or energy supply are transboundary and therefore require international problem-solving strategies, which students of the Master’s program Biomass Technology (Joint Degree) learn to develop. The Master’s program in Biomass Technology is characterized to a high degree by an interdisciplinary approach.

Due to their interdisciplinary knowledge in the field of biomass technology, graduates of the Master’s program are able to plan projects independently and are able to take up a correspondingly oriented professional activity in industry and research. Furthermore, they master mathematical and scientific methods in order to be able to abstract problems. They have acquired a holistic problem-solving competence, e.g. the application of new technologies in the environment of renewable energies, taking into account technical, economic, ecological, social and ethical constraints, in order to be able to work on them successfully.

Specializations are possible in four sub-areas through appropriate module selection, but are not mandatory.

Job Description

A wide range of professional opportunities await graduates of the Biomass Technology master’s degree program as mediators between different areas on the topic of sustainability. There is a demand from energy suppliers, the chemical and processing industries, plant and mechanical engineering, planning and engineering offices, biomass production, environmental protection, public authorities and municipalities, as well as in the fields of consulting, training and research.