PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
Master of Science in Lightweight Engineering and Composites
Stade, Germany
MSc
DURATION
3 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Oct 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 7,140 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Plus €208.80 external fees per semester
Key Summary
The Master's degree in "Lightweight Engineering & Composites" is intended for engineers and graduates of mathematics and natural sciences with professional experience, who would like to gain a qualification in the area of composites via the professional development route. The particular focus of the study program is on both carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP, colloquially known as "carbon") and glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP).
A Master's qualification will open up the best possible career prospects, with the CFRP branch of the economy alone being forecast to grow by 10 percent a year. The high demand for specialists in composites is therefore bound to continue to increase in the future.
Your Benefits
- Study program unique in the whole of Europe
- Best possible career prospects in aircraft construction, automotive engineering, machine construction, wind turbine construction, and many other industries
- Professional development study program in block and weekend courses
- Up-to-date content provided by professors with practical experience
- Collaborative partners like Airbus, DLR, and Fraunhofer Institute in the immediate neighborhood of the campus
- Selected management content in the study program
- Individual supervision in small learning groups
- Specialization in the Key Technology Field of CFRP
The University offers the professional development engineering program, leading to a Master of Science (M.Sc.), in "Lightweight Engineering & Composites" at PFH Hansecampus Stade. It is accredited by the Accreditation Agency ASIIN and state-recognized.
Triple-Award Program
The Triple-Award program lasts for three semesters with a total of 90 ECTS. It has been developed with international engineering graduates in mind who are seeking to gain expertise in the exciting field of composites and who have an affinity towards Germany. Its full-time nature and its inclusion of management courses and intensive German language training are designed to give international students the full student experience and to increase their employability in Germany, Europe, and worldwide. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a fully accredited and state-recognized Master of Science degree in Composites, a Management Certificate, and a German Language Certificate.
The heart of the MSc program consists of four 16-day blocks of lectures and workshops/lab sessions, between which you take intensive German language and Management courses. The first two semesters are dedicated to theoretical consolidation of the engineering science content, focusing particularly on the conceptual and structural design of fiber composites, partially/fully automated manufacturing processes, and process optimization. You will also obtain extensive knowledge about designing multi-functional composites and implementing intelligent fiber composite structures. Business Administration content, such as Internal Accounting & Controlling (in the context of a business simulation game), Innovation, and Strategic Management, are also integrated into the first semester. Finally, in the third semester, you will work on your Master's thesis.
Content of the Study Program
- Business Administration
- Design of Multi-Functional Composite Structures
- Sustained Process Optimisation
- Structural Design
- (Partially) Automated Manufacturing Processes
Part-Time Program
Besides the possibility of the Triple-Award program, there is also the part-time program of the Master of Science in Lightweight Engineering & Composites. The part-time program extends over three semesters, carries a total of 60 ECTS, and contains seven modules. The Master of Science consists only of the Lightweight Engineering & Composites blocks. In contrast to the Triple-Award program, there is no Management Certificate and German Language Certificate.
You will complete a total of four block units, each of 16-days' duration, and a weekend course. In addition, blended-learning units accompany the study program. The study content of the four Lightweight Engineering & Composites blocks does not differ from those of the Triple-Award program. The third semester is reserved for the Master's thesis and oral defense. This split ensures that you can optimally coordinate your studies alongside your job.
The Master of Science in Lightweight Engineering & Composites will give you a cross-industry qualification enabling you to undertake management tasks in activities related to fiber composites. It will, for example, open up excellent career prospects in aircraft construction, automotive engineering, machine construction, ship and yacht building, railway vehicle, and wind turbine construction.