Sustainable Textiles (MEng) Hof University of Applied Sciences

Courses are held in English.

In the Sustainable Textiles programme, you will gain deeper knowledge about the challenges of the global textile industry today. The programme addresses the quality of renewable and petrochemical based materials, responsible production and environmental production, legal regulation and labour rights. It is about achieving transparency in the complex global value chain in order to create the future textile industry.

During your studies, you will acquire the skills needed to create (more) sustainable processes in textile chemistry, optimise production processes and conduct research on innovative fibres and finishings.

The conditions on our Münchberg campus are ideal. In addition to our Institute for Material Sciences (ifm), we recently opened our brand-new technical centre for textile research. Complemented by our local Fraunhofer Application Center for Textile Fiber Ceramics, Hof University is excellently equipped for applied research.

In addition, Hof University is part of several textile-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. Study excursions to innovative textile tech companies and discussions with experts from research and industry form a vital part of the Master's programme.

With a Master's degree in Sustainable Textiles, you will have excellent career opportunities, both in Germany and worldwide. Study at Hof University and participate in a Master's programme that is unique in Germany!

Typical entry positions include

• Head of quality assurance in textile industry or textile chemistry industry
• Research and development manager
• Quality manager / certification officer
• Technical adviser
• Compliance manager

Our application portal is open during the following application periods:

• 5 November – 30 November for the following summer semester
• 15 April – 31 May for the following winter semester

All modules of the Master's programme in Sustainable Textiles are fully taught in English. During the three semesters with a standard duration, you will study the following modules:

Textile Technology / Textile Chemistry

• Advanced Textile Production
• Advanced Textile Chemistry
• Effect and Process Auxiliaries
• Resource Efficient Application Technologies

Management/ International Law

• Legal Framework and Digitalisation of the Textile Value Chain
• Sustainable Project Management

Sustainability and Renewable Products

• Circular Economy / Certificates and Eco Labels
• Sustainable Functionalisation and Surface Modification of Textiles
• Renewable Products for the Textile Industry (Fibres, Auxiliaries, Dyestuffs)

Electives (choose one)

• Project Simulation
• Sustainable Products for Medical or Hygienic End-Use
• Simulation and Optimisation

Master's thesis

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Our MEng students conduct a practical internship in industry in the third semester (e.g. in a textile production facility, a chemical supplier, or a textile trading company). The Master's thesis is project-based and written in cooperation with the company. Thus, you can immediately apply your scientific knowledge and gain profound professional experience at the same time.

No tuition fees

Administrative fee of approx. 150 EUR per semester

The cost of living in the city of Hof is moderate compared to both other European countries and bigger cities in Germany. On average, living expenses for a student range between 800 and 1,000 EUR per month in total.

The following is an approximate cost calculation of expenditures per month:

• accommodation: 350 to 550 EUR
• mandatory health insurance: about 120 EUR
• food and personal expenditures: at least 350 EUR

• Bachelor's degree or similar in engineering or natural sciences providing sufficient knowledge in textile technology and textile chemistry from an accredited university, at least 210 ECTS or equivalent (depending on home country); minimum grade 2.5 according to the German grading system
• Sufficient knowledge means that you achieved at least 60 credits (or their equivalent) in textile technology and 20 credits in (textile) chemistry during your first degree.
• Applicants with less than 210 credits (ECTS) can be accepted but have to gain the missing credits by attending appropriate modules at Hof University. In this case, please calculate an additional (fourth) semester.

Applicants must be proficient in English. This can be proven with one of the following options:

• TOEFL minimum 90 (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS 6.5 or above (International English Language Testing Systems)

In addition: Basic language skills in German, proven by official test score documents – minimum A1 level according to CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

Our application portal is open during the following application periods:

• 5 November – 30 November for the following summer semester
• 15 April – 31 May for the following winter semester

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The Housing Office supports international students in finding appropriate accommodation.

Rent for a single student room is approx. 350 to 550 EUR. Rent for a private one-room apartment for one tenant or for a couple is more than 550 EUR. We also have a limited number of double rooms for friends that cost about 250 to 320 EUR per person. Beside the rent, there are additional costs for water, energy, broadcast fee, and Internet.

For a full overview of the practical issues related to living in Hof and our support services for international students, please have a look at the website of our Welcome Service and Housing Office.

The Career Service team at Hof University offers you a wide range of career preparation and orientation services, including workshops, company excursions, and job fairs. We will prepare you for the German labour market by providing you with specific information, counselling, and qualifications. Thus, you will be able to start your individual career as an intern and as a graduate.

We know that adjusting to your new life in Germany is an adventure that is both exciting and challenging. There is no need to be scared – we are here to help you!

At Hof University, we are proud of our warm welcome culture and offer numerous services for our international students. Our team will assist you in all aspects of your stay in Hof. We will help you find the right academic programme and language courses and support you in organising all formalities such as visas, residency, insurance, and banking.

Prior to the start of each semester, we organise an orientation period for our new international students. With the expert assistance from our motivated team, you will smoothly settle into your new personal and academic environment. Additionally, our International Student Network, a group of motivated students, will help you feel at home by organising social activities.

Studying at Hof University – your benefits at a glance

• first-class, practice-oriented education focused on employability
• friendly and open-minded study environment, especially for international students
• extensive personal support for international students from the Welcome Service, International Office, and Career Service
• assistance in finding accommodation in Hof
• orientation week before the start of the studies
• career-building activities, such as intercultural trainings, field trips, and company visits

About Hof University

Founded in 1994, Hof University offers a very attractive study environment with its modern architecture and its state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories. You will receive a first-class, hands-on education here. As a practice-oriented university of applied sciences with integrated internships in all programmes, the employability of our graduates is the main focus of our teaching.

Our ranking in the renowned StudyCheck Internet portal reflects this: in both 2023 and 2024, Hof University was named the most popular university in Germany and continues to receive top marks for its teaching.

We offer more than 40 modern Bachelor's and Master's programmes in business, computer science, and engineering as well as in interdisciplinary and innovative sciences. Students with at least one year of professional experience find exciting further education opportunities completely in the English language at Hof University Graduate School.

Strong practice orientation

All professors have a strong academic background as well as practical experience in industry. Teaching is based on innovative methods aimed at imparting application-oriented knowledge (e.g. projects with industry, site visits, involvement of company representatives). As a result, our graduates are ideally prepared for national and international labour markets.

Intensive personal support

We are known for our friendly study atmosphere. An excellent student-to-lecturer ratio allows for frequent and personal contact between students and professors and an active exchange of ideas. Students receive intensive personal support during their studies and benefit from numerous services, such as orientation sessions, social integration events, and housing support.

The outlook of the university is extremely international, with more than 130 partner universities all over the world. More than 40 percent of students come from abroad, creating a truly multinational atmosphere.

Applied research

The university's six research institutes focus on information systems, biopolymers, materials science, sustainable water systems, hydrogen and energy management, and organisational research. The guiding principles of our research are practice-orientation, internationalisation, and resource efficiency (focusing on indoor climate systems / water).

Students who are interested in starting a business can find advice and support at Einstein1, the digital business incubator on campus of Hof University.

Hof is a medium-sized town located at the top of Bavaria and in the heart of Europe, right in the middle of Berlin, Munich, and Prague. Hof has a population of about 50,000 and is an appealing and safe university town with plenty of leisure activities. To relax and unwind, there are numerous bars, cinemas, an orchestra, a theatre, a landscaped park called Theresienstein, and a beautiful lake – the Untreusee. Hof is also known for the International Hof Film Festival, which is one of the most important German film festivals.

The region around Hof has the second-highest industrial density in all of Europe, mainly specialising in manufacturing machinery and plastic (automobile) parts. The companies are mostly small and medium-sized businesses, the so-called hidden champions, and they provide ample opportunities for internships and entry jobs.

The city of Hof is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is located between the low mountain regions of the Fichtelgebirge and the Franconian Forest on the banks of the Saale River. You will find excellent possibilities for all outdoor sporting activities such as cycling, hiking, climbing, and skiing.