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    M.Sc. Resource-efficient building

    The whole variety of building – Ecological. Sustainable. Inspiring.

Experts in the planning, consulting and implementation of resource-efficient construction projects with a focus on wood

Resource-efficient building (Master of Science)

The building industry is a key driver of modern economies. The qualitative performance of the industry depends crucially on the environmentally friendly handling and efficient use of sustainable building materials.

As a natural raw material, wood offers enormous potential thanks to its technical properties and exemplary eco-balance.

The Master's degree programme is aimed at graduates of the Bachelor's degree programmes in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Timber Industry and Renewable Energies who wish to acquire comprehensive qualifications and skills in the field of resource-efficient planning of buildings.

Sustainability and resource efficiency are key qualifications for future-proof construction.

We impart sound knowledge and skills based on:

› professional and didactic excellence, 
› value-creation orientated thinking and action, 
› practice-orientated teaching and research, 
› personal support

and in constant dialogue with students, companies and industry.

 

  • Modernes Holzhaus
  • Detailaufnahme des EXPO-Holzdach
  • Industrieroboter im Einsatz
  • Studierende in der Vorlesung
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At a Glance
Ausgezeichnet Logo Hochschule für Forstwirtschaft Rottenburg Logo UNESCO-2014 Hochschule für Forstwirtschaft Rottenburg
Admission Status

The program currently has no admission restrictions.

Target Group

Graduates of bachelor’s programs in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Wood Science, Renewable Energies, and related disciplines.

Duration of Studies

4 semesters

Start

Admission is in the winter semester. Application deadline: 15 July Deadline for submitting final degree certificates: 15 December

Degree Awarded

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Language of Instruction

German

Practical Orientation

We ensure a practice oriented education through application focused teaching and close collaboration with renowned partners from industry and business.

Project Phases

The program includes course specific ad hoc projects as well as a three month practical phase in the 3rd semester, during which students work in a construction related company of their choice outside the university.

Additional Qualifications

A selection of attractive additional certifications allows students to sharpen their individual profile, such as: • DGNB Registered Professional • Building Energy Consultant training • “Tischler Schreiner Machine Certificate” (woodworking machinery qualification)

After Graduation

Graduates of our master’s program are recognized experts in the planning, consulting, and implementation of resource efficient construction projects with a focus on timber. They are characterized by strong technical expertise, creative thinking, and the ability to develop and implement feasible solutions for healthy and ecological building. As highly qualified specialists and leaders, they have diverse career opportunities.

Study programme

The four-semester programme is divided into 13 modules, a practical project lasting several months, and the final Master's thesis.

1st semester moreless

The first semester consists of modules 1 to 4.

MODULE 1 BUILDING MATERIALS SCIENCE AND MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

Teaching content:

  • Aspects of resource efficiency
  • Environmental and construction products law
  • Building material science and material development

MODULE 2 BUILDING PHYSICS AND ENERGY SYSTEMS

Teaching content:

  • Heat/moisture protection
  • Sound insulation
  • Fire protection
  • Energy systems

MODULE 3 Sustainable building construction I: Building Design

Teaching content:

  • Architecture
  • Ecological building design

MODULE 4 Dimensioning in Timber Engineering

Teaching content:

  • Structural analysis
  • Structural timber engineering
  • Structural design in building construction

2nd semester moreless

The second semester consists of modules 5 to 8.

MODULE 5 Business Management and Marketing

Teaching content:

  • Cost Management
  • Methods of Business Management
  • Marketing

MODULE 6 Construction Operations and Planning Management

Teaching content:

  • Construction Operations
  • Building Information Modeling (BIM)

MODULE 7 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY CONCEPTS

Teaching content:

  • Technical building equipment
  • Energy concepts / EnEV

MODULE 8 Sustainable building construction II: Structural engineering

Teaching content:

  • Structural design
  • Dimensioning of construction details
  • Resource-efficient Construction
  • Hybrid construction

3rd semester moreless

The third semester consists of modules 9 to 12.

MODULE 9 Practical project

Teaching content:

  • Research methods and design
  • Scientific work

MODULE 10 Climate-friendly building and living

Teaching content:

  • Healthy Living and Interior Design
  • Climate-friendly urban planning

MODULE 11 Life-cycle analysis and circular economy

Teaching content:

  • Life Cycle Assessment
  • Quality Management and Process Design

MODULE 12 Research Methods and Design

Teaching content:

  • Research Methods and Design
  • Scientific Work

4th semester moreless

The fourth semester is reserved for writing the Master's thesis. The professor supervising the thesis provides support in the completion of the thesis. Methodology and results are documented and presented in a written paper.

MODULE 13 MASTER THESIS

Teaching content:

  • Master thesis  
Study Content
  • Building materials and material development
  • Building physics and sustainable energy concepts
  • Design and creative work
  • Structural timber engineering
  • Resource‑efficient construction and spatial planning
  • Ecological building design
  • Healthy living environments and interior design
  • Renewable raw materials
  • Life cycle assessment and environmental analysis
  • Cost management and marketing
  • Intercultural communication
  • Process analysis and quality assurance
  • Project management and Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • Research methods and design
  • Profile‑enhancing additional qualifications
Career Fields

Graduates of our master’s program are recognized experts in planning, consulting, and implementing resource efficient construction projects with a focus on timber. They combine technical expertise with creativity and the ability to develop practical solutions for healthy and ecological building.
Potential employers include:

  • Architecture and engineering firms
  • Timber construction companies
  • Wood based materials and insulation industries
  • Associations and ministries
  • Prefabricated housing industry
  • Public sector institutions
  • Management consulting firms
How to Apply
Additional Information

Further information about the M.Sc. Resource efficient Building program can be found here.