The objective of the study programme is for students to gain a detailed understanding of how foods are processed as well as imparting leadership skills that will allow them to take over managerial positions in the food industry. Besides the existing demand for highly qualified specialists in the industry, the master’s degree also qualifies students for the area of research and development.
Structure: The Innovation module block (semester 1 and 2) covers innovation management as well as product, process and packaging development. In the Process Engineering module block (semester 1) students develop targeted solutions to important problems from process engineering subareas. The Leadership module block (semester 1 and 2) conveys the necessary technical knowledge and social skills for taking on leadership tasks in the food industry. In the Special technologies module block (semester 2) the master’s students cover selected aspects of plant- and animal-based foods as well as fish. The critical examination of current developments is used as the basic framework for all modules. The study programme ends with the master’s thesis (semester 3), which should preferably be completed with external partners from the food industry and food research.
Experts in the food industry
The food industry is one of the largest employers in Germany. This is reflected in the steadily increasing demand for more highly qualified graduates in this area, especially for developing innovative products and processes. The food industry is driven by a number of trends that require innovative change and further development in the product range of foods. Sustainability, regionality, superfoods and health are just a few of the buzzwords that have become very important in recent years. This is one of the reasons why the master's programme in Food Technology focuses on the topic of 'product innovation'. In this context, the master's students engage in the practice-based development of completely innovative foodstuffs with novel techno-functional properties. The in-depth study programme in engineering combined with training in the necessary leadership skills equips the graduates to successfully navigate a medium-sized company or even one of the many well-known global players into the future. In addition, the master's students benefit from the outstanding economic role the food industry plays in the Bremen region and especially at the Bremerhaven location, particularly as a centre for fish processing.
Why choose this programme
Focus on innovation
Application-oriented studies at a high academic level in a modern, well-equipped study environmentExcellent prospects after graduation
Increasing demand for qualified management personnelHigh practical relevance
Support from private industry in the vicinity of the university
Your future in the food industry
Activities, research and professional profile
The study programme is geared towards the education of food technologists for management positions in the food industry, which has been a stable and forward-looking sector for a long time. The specialisations on offer will suitably equip you for your work in the food industry. Tasks include the areas of product and process development, project and department management, development of new technologies, use of new raw materials, planning, project management and logistics, as well as the supply and production of ingredients. As a graduate, you will be qualified as both a specialist and a manager to perform comprehensive tasks at middle and higher management level. In addition, you can use your knowledge in other industrial sectors, such as animal feed technology or biotechnology, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and instrumentation and control engineering. Food technologists are also needed in professional associations and testing institutions. It is also possible to work in the field of applied research and development.
Facts about the study programme
Degree of Studies
Master of EngineeringStudy Form
Full-time studyTerm of Admission
admission-freeTerm of Admission
Summer semesterMain Course Language
GermanStandard Period of Study
3 Semester
Unlock your potential
The Master of Food Technology includes:
• three semesters of full-time study with a high level of practical relevance
• Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) degree
• language of instruction: German (75 %) and English (25 %)
• offer of practical project work in industry or research.
• proof of an undergraduate professional qualification (bachelor's degree or equivalent) required.
The first two semesters of the programme are divided into four module blocks. Three of them cover the topics of innovation, leadership and special technologies. The fourth block, process engineering, can be exchanged for modules from, for example, the master's programme in Biotechnology or the master's programme in Process Engineering and Energy Technology. Other exchange options can be discussed in advance with the student advisory service.
Programme overview
The study programme is a scientific engineering programme that imparts a detailed theoretical understanding as well as practical skills based on previously acquired knowledge about food technology issues. The programme has large practical component, which can also be completed in the form of project work in industry or research. In addition, the master’s degree programme allows students to select modules to expand on their own personal interests and skills. The Process Engineering module block can be exchanged with module blocks from other master’s study programmes upon application to the examination board.
Admission and application
The prerequisites for admission to the consecutive Food Technology (Lebensmitteltechnologie) master’s degree are:
1. Evidence of an equivalent German grade of 2.7 or better in an initial professional degree (bachelor’s degree or diploma from a university (of applied sciences) or comparable foreign university) with a technological and/or natural science and/or food science background in the subject of food technology, food industry, ecotrophology, food chemistry or a related technology subject with course and exam results totalling at least 210 credit points (CP) based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) or equivalent results based on the relevant national grading system.
Applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree programme over six semesters with 180 credit points must provide evidence of an additional 30 credit points. The acquisition of an additional 30 credit points is possible. Please see the admission regulations for further details.
2. Evidence of English language skills at level B1 or higher of the European Reference Framework for Languages, verified by a certificate, study abroad in English during a previous study programme, English as the native tongue or evidence of professional activities in an English-speaking region for at least one year.
Applicants who have not obtained their university entrance qualification at a German-speaking institution and were not taught in German in the preceding study programme must demonstrate that they have the necessary German language skills (C1) to successfully participate in the courses.
A letter of motivation must be enclosed with the application.
Further details are provided in the admission regulations.
The study programme admits students in the summer and winter semester every year. The application deadline for the winter semester is 15 August, while the deadline for the summer semester is 15 February. Please apply online through our ecampus application portal where you can upload all the necessary documents.
The Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences is a member of UNI-ASSIST (Application Services for International Students). Prospective students who have gained their university entrance qualification or bachelor’s degree outside the European Union (EU) can therefore submit their application directly to UNI-ASSIST. To ensure adequate processing time, the application for the summer semester should be submitted to UNI-ASSIST by 31 December. Following a successful review, this is forwarded on to the Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences. UNI-ASSIST charges applicants a fee to process the application (www.uni-assist.de).
You can find further information on the application procedure on the Registration and Examination Office’s website.
Students can find out more about the study programme in advance at various information events.
Learn more about the study programme
Food technology