Process Safety and Environmental Engineering

The Master’s program in Process Safety and Environmental Engineering at the University of Magdeburg is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex challenges in process safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development within industrial contexts. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from chemical engineering, environmental sciences, risk management, and safety engineering to prepare graduates for responsible roles in industry, research, and regulation. Throughout the course of study, students will explore advanced topics such as hazard assessment, risk analysis, process optimization, environmental impact assessment, pollution control technologies, and sustainable process design. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application through laboratory work, simulations, and project-based learning, fostering an integrated approach to problem-solving. Students will learn how to identify potential hazards associated with chemical processes, develop safety protocols, and implement environmental management systems that comply with international standards. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas like process safety management, environmental technology, and sustainable engineering practices, enabling students to tailor their education to their career goals. The University of Magdeburg’s strong links with industry partners provide students with internships, project collaborations, and networking opportunities that enhance employability and real-world experience. Graduates of this Master’s program are well-equipped to contribute to the development of safer, more sustainable processing industries, and are prepared for roles such as process safety engineer, environmental consultant, risk analyst, or regulatory advisor. The program emphasizes innovation, responsible engineering practices, and lifelong learning, aligning with the global push toward sustainable industrial development and environmental stewardship. Overall, the Master’s in Process Safety and Environmental Engineering at the University of Magdeburg offers a rigorous and comprehensive education that addresses current and future industrial safety and environmental challenges, making it an excellent choice for motivated students aiming to make impactful contributions to society and the environment.

Educational organisation

Core modules on the topics of engineering fundamentals, chemical reaction engineering, hazardous properties of materials, technical risk and risk assessment, environmental engineering, and process safety provide students from different countries and backgrounds with a fundamental understanding of process safety and environmental engineering. Each student creates his or her own study programme with elective courses from the module catalogue. In the third and final semester, the completion of a Master's thesis further deepens the student's expertise in a topic of choice and demonstrates that the student is qualified to work independently on academic topics.

Course objectives

The economical usage of energy resources, safe production and handling of materials, and the protection of the environment are gaining importance worldwide. Safety and environmental protection are indispensable elements of any industrial activity. The Master's programme Process Safety and Environmental Engineering educates experts for industry as well as for authorities, research organisations, and higher education. Graduates from the programme are versed in the natural scientific fundamentals of technical processes, especially those related to safety and environment. They can think and act holistically in the assessment of safety and environmental concerns and their prevention and mitigation.
The study programme prepares students for careers in industry, business, management, or for doctoral studies. Graduates analyse processes based on advanced methods and models and develop new products, methods, and system solutions for safety and environment-related challenges.

Language requirements

Adequate English language skills must be demonstrated through:

• TOEFL test (550 points paper-based, 213 points computer-based, or 80 points Internet-based)
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), minimum score: C
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE), minimum score: B
• IELTS test overall band score 6.0

Academic requirements

Applicants must have obtained a Bachelor's degree (210 credit points, EQF 6) in:

• chemical engineering,
• process engineering,
• energy engineering,

or a related field.

Enrolment fees

Currently 94.50 EUR per semester
The semester fee covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive a semester ticket for free use of public transport, student discounts in the campus cafeteria, etc.

Costs of living

A minimum of 700 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, costs of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses.

Job opportunities

Due to the compact nature of this Master's programme, outside employment during studies is not recommended. Foreign students with a residence permit for study purposes are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. A limited number of student research assistant (HiWi) positions are available through the university. German language knowledge is usually required for off-campus positions.

Funding opportunities within the university

Scholarships cannot be provided for new students. The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results.
http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/finances/

Arrival support

Before arrival, a welcome package with relevant information will be sent to incoming students. There is a pick-up service if desired. Please inform the student group IKUS (http://www.ikus.ovgu.de) of your arrival in advance. IKUS will meet you at the station in Magdeburg. There is also a "Welcome and Orientation Week" at the beginning of the semester.

Services and support for international students

The International Office and the programme coordinators assist students in any way possible. To integrate new students into the university and into the student community, both the university and the faculty offer a "Welcome & Orientation Week" right before studies start in October. The university offers German language courses and lots of social and cultural events organised by IKUS or by other student initiatives within the faculty or on campus.

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk" (Student Union) Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 220-350 EUR per room (approx. 12-35 square meters), depending on size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation request can be found here: http://www.studentenwerk-magdeburg.de/en/accommodation/accommodation-request/.
The Student Union assists all new students in finding adequate accommodation, either on or off campus. Private accommodation is available on the Magdeburg accommodation market. However, fully furnished units are in relatively short supply.