Refinement and Sustainability of Polymer and Composite Products Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences

Tomas Bata University in Zlin (under preparation; the cooperation will officially start in the winter semester 2026/2027)

Courses are taught in English only except for one elective module.

This Master's programme is entirely in English. All lectures (except for one elective module) will be held in English.

The study can be aligned with one's own needs and preferences by choosing between two directions of specialisation:

• Engineering
• Research

In the "Engineering" direction, six elective modules besides six obligatory modules have to be chosen.

In the "Research" direction, a research thesis has to be conducted in which a research topic has to be developed. The funded research has to be performed and published. In addition, two elective modules besides six compulsory modules have to be chosen. 

The entire programme consists of four different module groups:

1. General Principles – Engineering & Research
2. Engineering specialisation 
3. Research specialisation
4. Master's Thesis

The first three module groups consist of lectures and carry 30 credit points each. One specialisation has to be chosen. The module group "Master's Thesis" (duration: six months) includes the Master's thesis itself and a colloquium on the content of the thesis. In total, 90 credit points are to be earned. Added to the 210 credit points attained from a seven-semester Bachelor degree programme, 300 points can be achieved in total, which, in turn, qualifies a Master's programme graduate for PhD programmes.

The obligatory modules with 5 ECTS of the module group "General Principles" are as follows: Advanced Mathematics for Engineers, Research Management Skills and Processes (Research Management, Management Skills and Processes), Advanced Materials Science (Composites, Smart- and Nanomaterials), Advanced Mechanics (Strength of Materials, Dynamics), Coating Technology and Functional Surfaces, Circular Economy and Recycling of Polymers and Composites, and Material and Surface Characterisation of Polymers and Composites (Lecture and Lab).

The elective modules with 5 ECTS of both specialisation directions are as follows: Refinement of Polymer Compounds and Textiles (Lecture and Lab), Chemical Means of the Refinement of Polymer and Composite Products, Colorimetry, Varnishing and Product Cleaning Technology, Fracture Mechanics and Tribology, Refinement of Additively Manufactured Products (Lecture and Lab), "Bewerbungstraining und Präsentationstechniken" (in German), Sustainability Management and Corporate Social Responsibility, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, 3D-CAD and FEM, and one project work per semester.

The research specialisation involves a research thesis with 12 ECTS.

The application for the double degree can be submitted at the end of the first semester. During the double degree study, students will study two semesters in Pirmasens and two semesters in Zlin, Czech Republic. During the fourth semester the Master's thesis will be written.

15 November for the following summer semester
31 May for the following winter semester

The modules place a strong emphasis on the cross-linking of various disciplines taught by specialist professors. The detailed contents of the modules are listed on the university website.
In accordance with the structural requirements for all modules, knowledge acquisition in each and every module is integrated. This integrated knowledge acquisition is practically accomplished in group work, assessment of economic consequences and development of leadership skills.

The university provides industrial contacts and attempts to match the applicant's interests to research work available in-house. The homepage provides further information and contact data about the responsible professor to whom participants' detailed interests/intentions should be communicated.

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Master's theses and internships can be completed at German companies and European universities via Erasmus.

The programme itself offers numerous possibilities for intensive practical academic training and project works, partly in combination with local or regional companies. Depending on personal interests and upon agreement, students can complete an individual R&D module called Project Work with up to 10 ECTS. The Master's thesis is normally performed at a company in or outside the region.

If students are accepted with 180 ECTS from a six-semester Bachelor programme, up to 30 ECTS can be gained by an internship with 5 ECTS per month.

No tuition fees

About 360 EUR, including free regional bus and train transportation

800 EUR per month

Applicants are advised to hold a Bachelor's degree (210 ECTS) with an overall grade/mark well above average (such as "with distinction", "first class", "excellent", "very good" or "good" depending on the grading scale) in

• mechanical, polymer or textile engineering
• chemistry or physics
• or an equivalent qualification.

As grading percentages differ substantially between the various countries and universities, we cannot quote a minimum required value. All applications are evaluated individually and carefully.

Missing credit points can be obtained by recognition of additional Master's modules (e.g. second specialisation direction), additional study abroad modules, work experience after completion of the Bachelor's degree or by successful completion of additional modules at HS Kaiserslautern – University of Applied Sciences. A non-compulsory work experience will be acknowledged in order to enrol students from outside Germany having less than 210 ECTS to reach 210 ECTS with 2.5 ECTS/month up to 30 ECTS.

Admission is limited to a maximum of 30 students per module. Due to varying choices of elective modules, this results in an overall intake of approx. 25 students per year into the programme. Selection is based on four criteria: 1) academic quality, 2) résumé, 3) letter of motivation and 4) linguistic proficiency. Candidates are advised to follow the instructions described in the "Guidelines for Applicants" on our homepage.
We intend to inform non-EU applicants as early as possible in order to facilitate visa applications.

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills at level B2 of CEFR (e.g. TOEIC 785).
 

15 November for the following summer semester
31 May for the following winter semester

STIBET funding for qualified students

Due to the intensive nature of the programme, students have limited time for part-time jobs. Positions as research assistants at the university can sometimes be offered, but they are not guaranteed before enrolment.

The International Office provides assistance in finding a place in a student residence prior to arrival in Pirmasens. Student residences are typically spread over the city. The private market offers further possibilities. Rent is approx. 200 EUR to 300 EUR per month. The rent for a dormitory room is approx. 210 EUR per month.

Offered upon request

Support for international students is provided by tutors. Additionally, this website may be helpful:
https://www.hs-kl.de/fileadmin/international/international-office/io/pdf/How_to_find_accommodation_PS.pdf.

Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences perceives itself as a modern university for applied sciences and design. It offers over 40 different Bachelor's and Master's programmes. More than 6,500 students and around 160 full-time professors learn, teach and carry out research at five departments on four campuses in Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens and Zweibrücken. Numerous partnerships with national and international institutions and enterprises not only guarantee practice-oriented study programmes, but also high academic quality.

The Master's programme "Refinement and Sustainability of Polymer and Composite Products" is offered at Campus Pirmasens, 35 km south of Kaiserslautern. Pirmasens has about 40,000 citizens and is famous for its shoe industry. Campus Pirmasens was founded in 1989 and hosts the Department of Applied Logistics and Polymer Sciences. This campus is the smallest one at the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, with currently 640 students guaranteeing a warm and familial atmosphere. It boasts a high standard of teaching and learning and unique equipment.

Pirmasens, surrounded by forests, is situated on several hills at a height of about 400 metres. It was heavily damaged during World War II and was subsequently rebuilt. The industrialisation of the city started in the early 19th century with the establishment of the shoe industry. Until 1970, Pirmasens was regarded as the centre of the German shoe industry. Since then, other companies in the field of adhesives and plastic processing have been established. With the PFI (Prüf- und Forschungsinstitut Pirmasens e.V.), the Institute for Polymeric Technology West-Palatinate and the campus of the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern, Pirmasens has developed strong research capabilities in recent years.