Applied Polymer Engineering (B.Eng.)
Facts and figures
Degree programme:
Applied Polymer Engineering
Degree:
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
Admission:
No admission restrictions
THWS location:
Würzburg, Campus Röntgenring
Faculty:
Plastics Engineering and Surveying
Duration:
7 semesters standard time to degree
Study mode:
Full-time degree programme
Language:
English
Semester fees:
None (student services fee only (Studierendenwerksbeitrag); approx. EUR 150)
Start of studies:
Winter Semester
(1 October)
Application period:
Annually,
1 April
till
15 June
Contact
Contact personProfessor Dr.-Ing. Marcus Schuck
marcus.schuck[at]thws.de
Academic Advisory Service
studienberatung@thws.de
Degree programme website
Degree programme Applied Polymer Engineering
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Information for internationals
Applied Polymer Engineering (B.Eng.)
Shape the future through innovative materials
Lightweight design, medical technology, or vehicle manufacturing – polymers are an integral part of our everyday lives. They enable energy-efficient mobility, sustainable packaging, and modern medical devices. However, designing and manufacturing polymers requires a great deal of expertise and responsibility. In the bachelor's degree programme Applied Polymer Engineering at THWS you will learn how to use plastics in a targeted manner, optimise their properties, and develop sustainable solutions for industry. Practical lectures and state-of-the-art laboratories optimally prepare you for your career as a polymer and elastomers specialist.
The bachelor's degree programme Applied Polymer Engineering is offered as a TWIN programme. This means that the bachelor's degree programme is offered in English and in German. In the course of your studies, you may complete modules from the German- or English-taught programme to obtain a TWIN certificate.
Reasons to study Applied Polymer Engineering at THWS
Studying at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt opens up doors to a world of innovations and technical challenges. We connect important theory with the required practice, fundamental research with applied engineering, and regional expertise with global perspective. At THWS, you learn to gain new perspectives and contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. During your studies you can attain to additional qualifications (e.g. trainer certificate (Ausbilderschein), language courses).
Advantages of the degree programme:
- International orientation through studies in English and German
- Excellent career perspectives: The industry is urgently looking for specialists with polymer engineering expertise
- Practice-oriented education: You will have access to more than 50 state-of-the-art labs and machines
- You study in small groups and have direct contact with the lecturers
- Future-oriented specialisations like lightweight design, recycling, biopolymers, and innovative production processes prepare you for current and future challenges of the field
- Strong industry cooperations: Benefit from our large network with renowned companies and our alumni association KING with more than 300 members.
- Thanks to numerous partner universities worldwide, you can complete an internship semester abroad and gain valuable intercultural experience
- Part of the Hightech Agenda Bavaria – THWS invests in state-of-the-art technology and labs to create optimal study conditions for our students
- The TWIN programme enables studies in German and English
Three good reasons
Optimal career chances: polymer engineers are in high demand and can expect outstanding salaries.
High practical component: learning through lab courses, projects, and an internship semester completed with leading companies.
Sustainability and future technologies: development of innovative materials for the circular economy and energy-efficient applications.
Study contents
The seven-semester bachelor's degree programme Applied Polymer Engineering (B.Eng.) at THWS offers the ideal combination of engineering fundamentals and practice. In the foundation phase of the programme (1st and 2nd semester), you will develop basic knowledge and skills in natural sciences and engineering which are complemented by lab courses. The main studies (3rd to 7th semester) aim for you to deepen your knowledge in polymer engineering, designing, materials sciences, and sustainability. Knowledge and skills are developed in lectures, lab courses, and the mandatory internship semester. The TWIN programme enables you to study in German and English and thus boost your international career perspectives.
Programme structure
Foundation phase (1st and 2nd semester)
The focus of the foundation phase is placed on engineering and natural science fundamentals required for polymer and elastomer technology. These include subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Mechanics, and Materials Sciences. Initial lab courses allow you to directly put your theoretical knowledge into practice. You will also receive an introduction to the properties and processing of polymers, and to basic engineering methods.
Main studies (3rd and 4th semester)
In this phase, you will deepen your knowledge and skills in polymer-specific disciplines. You will learn about the processing of plastics and elastomers, polymer chemistry, rubber technology, and fibre composite technology. You will also specialise in compounding and extrusion, design with plastics, and polymer analytics. In this phase, you do not only develop theoretical knowledge in lectures but also put your knowledge and skills into practice in our labs. There, students work with modern machines and processes in order to familiarise themselves with production processes of the industry.
Internship semester (5th semester)
The internship semester is an integral part of your studies and offers you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in a company in the polymer or elastomer sector. Whether in the automotive industry, medical technology, or the packaging industry – you will gain valuable insights into industrial practice and make initial contacts for a successful future career start. You may also complete your internship abroad and gain international experience.
Specialisation and final phase (6th and 7th semesters)
In the last two semesters, the focus is placed on specific production techniques, automation, digitalisation, and sustainable recycling processes. You will also work on projects to develop innovative solutions for current challenges in the polymer industry. You complete the degree programme with the bachelor's thesis, for which you work on a practical research project and demonstrate your engineering skills.
Specialisations
During your studies, you will specialise in specific areas of polymer and elastomer technology. Our core elective modules (FWPM) allow you to tailor the programme to your individual interests.
The focus areas of the degree programme include:
- Polymer processing technology
- Sustainability and recycling
- Fibre composite technology
- Rubber technology
- Polymer analysis and testing
- Digital production processes in polymer engineering
- AI in polymer processing
Students can also choose from our general elective modules (AWPM). These enable you to specialise further.
Practice-orientation
Studies at THWS are characterised by a high degree of practice-orientation and the internship semester. Depending on the chosen degree programme, the internship semester is scheduled for the 5th or 6th semester. The internship semester offers you the chance to complete an internship with a company of your choice and gain insights into the professional world. That way you can apply the theoretical and practical knowledge developed during your studies in the work environment you are most interested in.
Why are studies at THWS particularly practice-oriented?
- Exercise courses and practice projects
- Getting to know and applying new technologies
- Internship semester as an integral part of studies
- Professors with extensive experience in the industry and economy
- Cooperation with companies and industry partners, also internationally
- Possibility of completing your final thesis in cooperation with a company
International practice
By the way: You also have the opportunity to complete your internship semester abroad. That way, you do not only develop intercultural competence but also boost your language skills and your career perspectives on the international job market.
Career and perspectives
Polymers and elastomers are indispensable materials in almost all branches of industry – from medical technology and the automotive industry to aerospace. Polymer and elastomer engineers develop innovative solutions that make products lighter, more durable, and more sustainable. They improve resource-friendly production processes, optimise material properties, and help reduce the burden on the environment through recycling and new material technologies. With their expertise, they make a decisive contribution to the further development of modern technologies and a sustainable future.
The numerous professional fields include:
- Mechanical and apparatus engineering
- Car manufacturing and shipbuilding
- Aerospace and space engineering
- Medical engineering
- Packaging industry
- Environmental technology and recycling
- Sports and leisure equipment industry
- Electrical engineering and electronics
- Building and infrastructure
- Polymer analytics and quality assurance
- Research and development
Gaining international experience
THWS places a strong focus on internationality. Our TWIN programmes, i.e. degree programmes identical in content that are offered in German and English, are unique throughout Germany. We thus promote your international and intercultural experiences and optimally prepare you for a globalised job market. THWS strongly supports international student exchange programmes and internships abroad, Our University has over 200 partner universities around the world.
Why are studies at THWS particularly international?
- Studying & internships abroad
- More than 200 partner universities in Europe and around the world
- International projects & field trips abroad
- Visiting lectures together with exchange students & held by guest lecturers
- Support by THWS & financial support
- TWIN programme unique in Germany
5 reasons for going abroad as a student
- Improving language knowledge and intercultural competence
- Getting to know new teaching and studying methods
- Establishing an international network
- Enhancing your independence and flexibility
- Increasing of career perspectives on the global working market
Is Applied Polymer Engineering the right degree programme for you?
Are you interested in technology, materials, and sustainable production? Then, this degree programme is the ideal fit for you. It is aimed at analytical thinkers with a good understanding of mathematics, physics, and chemistry who enjoy putting theory into practice. Thanks to the close integration of theory and practice, you will learn how to develop innovative materials and optimise resource-saving manufacturing processes. The degree programme is also ideal if you want to improve your English language skills and study in an international environment in order to open up global career prospects. If you want to help shape the future of polymer engineering, our degree programme constitutes the perfect foundation.
Admission requirements
Requirement for admission to the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt is a valid general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (fachgebundene Hochschulreife), an advanced technical college certificate (Fachhochschulreife), a general/subject-specific entrance qualification for qualified professionals, or a comparable qualification from abroad (HZB, university entrance qualification).
Please also see the language entrance requirements.
Your interests and abilities
- Strong interest in technology: You are curious about the chemical and physical properties of polymers and elastomers.
- Problem-solving skills: You enjoy developing practical solutions for material technology issues.
- Mathematical competence: Ability to mathematically analyse and calculate material behaviour.
- Teamwork: You are able to effectively communicate and work in interdisciplinary teams.
- Hands-on mentality: You are passionate about working in the lab and conducting experiments involving different materials and tools.
Application
Apply from 1 April to 15 June via our application portal to start your studies in the upcoming summer semester.
For some degree programmes, the deadline of the application period may be extended. This information will be made known at short notice.
You have already completed study achievements and thus want to apply for a higher semester? Contact our Department of Student Affairs.
Do you have unanswered questions?
You can contact the programme advisor, i.e. a professor of the field of study you are interested in and can ask them your questions.
During the THWS Taster Sessions, you can attend a variety of lectures in the degree programme of your choice and get valuable first impressions of life on campus.
Get informed
Looking for more information? For the most important information on studying at THWS, check out the overview.