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PLG_CONTENT_COURSEINFO_DEGREE
Master's degree
Start of studies
Summer and winter semesters
PLG_CONTENT_COURSEINFO_DURATION
3 semesters
Admission mode
Special conditions
Study location
Giessen
PLG_CONTENT_COURSEINFO_LANGUAGE
DE

The Master's program in Civil Engineering offers in-depth specialization and advanced studies for graduates of a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields. The program is practically oriented and imparts a broad range of skills required for specialist and management positions in the construction industry, planning offices, or public administration.

A special feature is the close integration with the Master's program in Architecture: Elective modules involve joint projects, allowing students to practice interdisciplinary collaboration early on. This enables them to gain valuable experience in dealing with complex issues, such as those encountered in professional practice.

Studies

The degree program is divided into four main areas:

  • Construction management and project control
  • Digital planning, construction and operation
  • Structural design and design
  • Infrastructure management

The program combines technology, digitalization, management, and sustainability. The superbly equipped laboratories and the combination of project work, practical lab work, and research elements ensure a strong practical focus. Furthermore, students can choose individual areas of specialization and thus refine their profile.

In view of the growing demand for specialists with digital and management skills, the degree program specifically prepares students for positions with personnel and project responsibility.

Key areas

This specialization qualifies students for the preparation, organization, management, control, and monitoring of successful construction projects in all phases. Topics include construction contract law, claims and disruption management, the application of the German Civil Code (BGB), the German Construction Contract Procedures (VOB), and the German Fee Structure for Architects and Engineers (HOAI), as well as contract, procurement, and risk management, resource, schedule, and cost control, quality assurance, construction logistics, and tendering and award strategies.

A particular focus is placed on optimizing the construction process using digital tools and lean construction methods. Furthermore, economic and legal frameworks are addressed, as well as communication and coordination with clients, authorities, and specialist planners – essential skills for leadership roles in the complex construction industry.

Our Master's degree courses can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. However, in the Master's program in Civil Engineering, the modules are primarily offered only on an annual basis. 

Winter semester

MODULESWSCrP
Construction cost controlling 4 6
Construction Management Project Master 4 6
Tendering, awarding, invoicing 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Change orders and construction delays 4 6
Project of choice (KPTA, MKTB or PIPL) 4 6
Lean Construction 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Master's thesis: Submission - 25
Master's thesis: Presentation and colloquium - 5
IN TOTAL  - 30

The Electivemodules and other course content can also be found in the examination regulations.
Detailed information about the content of each module can be found in the module handbook . 

This specialization focuses on in-depth topics related to digitalization in the construction industry. Students acquire comprehensive knowledge of the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the planning, execution, and operation of buildings. In addition to 3D modeling, time-related information (4D), cost information (5D), and sustainability information (6D) are integrated into the digital models. In 7D, the models are further enhanced with information for operation, maintenance, and repair.

Students learn to collaborate across disciplines using modern software solutions and digital process chains in virtual projects. The goal is to apply digital methods in the construction industry in a practical way and to develop innovative solutions that connect the areas of planning, execution, and operation.

Our Master's degree courses can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. However, in the Master's program in Civil Engineering, the modules are primarily offered only on an annual basis. 

Winter semester

MODULESWSCrP
Coordination and Digital Project Management 4 6
BIM 3D – Object-oriented modeling 4 6
BIM 4D/5D – Cost planning, scheduling and tendering 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
5D Lab – Integration, Coordination and Optimization 4 6
BIM 6D – model-based life cycle analysis 4 6
4D/5D – Model-based cost calculation, scheduling and construction organization 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Master's thesis: Submission - 25
Master's thesis: Presentation and colloquium - 5
IN TOTAL  - 30

The Electivemodules and other course content can be found in the examination regulations.
Detailed information about the content of each module can be found in the module handbook . 

The focus is on an in-depth examination of structural design, building physics, and structural planning. Students acquire comprehensive knowledge in the design and verification of complex building structures and civil engineering projects, taking into account a wide variety of materials such as concrete, steel, wood, and composite structures.

Modern calculation and simulation methods are used to develop innovative structural solutions that are both technically and ecologically sound. A further focus is on the preservation, strengthening, and renovation of existing buildings, as well as on research in the field of sustainable building materials.

Our Master's degree courses can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. However, in the Master's program in Civil Engineering, the modules are primarily offered only on an annual basis. 

Winter semester

MODULESWSCrP
Geotechnical engineering 4 6
Numerical methods 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Timber engineering 4 6
Structural engineering project 4 6
Composite construction 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Master's thesis: Submission - 25
Master's thesis: Presentation and colloquium - 5
IN TOTAL  - 30

The Electivemodules and other course content can be found in the examination regulations.
Detailed information about the content of each module can be found in the module handbook . 

The focus on infrastructure management is the holistic planning, organization, and control of infrastructure projects throughout their entire life cycle. Students acquire comprehensive skills in developing integrated infrastructure concepts, taking into account technical, economic, environmental, and legal frameworks, as well as in the organization and financing of infrastructure projects.

A particular focus is placed on transport and water infrastructure. Students acquire in-depth knowledge in the areas of traffic modeling and simulation, capacity management of railway systems, road operation and maintenance, as well as traffic safety and safety audits. The curriculum is complemented by content from integrated water management, the operation of wastewater treatment plants, and hydraulic engineering and earthworks in transport infrastructure construction. Furthermore, practical skills in public transport infrastructure, the operation, equipment technology, and maintenance of railway systems, as well as renewable energy technologies, are taught.

Our Master's degree courses can be started in both the winter and summer semesters. However, in the Master's program in Civil Engineering, the modules are primarily offered only on an annual basis. 

Winter semester

MODULESWSCrP
Management of infrastructure measures 4 6
Organization and financing of infrastructure projects 4 6
Renewable energy technologies 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Integrated infrastructure concepts 4 6
BIM in infrastructure 4 6
Project of your choice (transport, water) 4 6
Elective module 4 6
Elective module 4 6
IN TOTAL  20 30
MODULESWSCrP
Master's thesis: Submission - 25
Master's thesis: Presentation and colloquium - 5
IN TOTAL  - 30

The Electivemodules and other course content can be found in the examination regulations.
Detailed information about the content of each module can be found in the module handbook . 

The Elective courses offered by the degree program are listed below. The various modules provide you with the opportunity to deepen your studies in a targeted manner and to expand your own areas of interest.

MODULESSWSCrP


Elective offerings in the specialization of Construction Management and Project Control (BP):

Construction logistics 4 6
Technical/economic studies in construction process management 4 6
Construction methods Master 4 6
Project Approval Planning 4 6
Project management and project organization 4 6
Integrated Planning Project 4 6
turnkey construction 4 6
Expert services 4 6
Public procurement and construction contract law 4 6


Elective offerings in the specialization of structural design and engineering (KT):

Structural dynamics 4 6
Building preservation 4 6
Soil Mechanics 2 4 6
Bridge construction 4 6
Geotechnical engineering 4 6
Timber engineering 4 6
Numerical methods 4 6
Structural engineering project 4 6
Special areas of structural engineering 4 6
Prestressed concrete construction 4 6
Steel construction and stability 4 6
Composite construction 4 6


Elective offerings of the focus area Digital Planning, Construction and Operation (DG):

5D Lab – Integration, Coordination and Optimization 4 6
BIM 3D – Object-oriented modeling 4 6
BIM 4D/5D – Cost planning, scheduling and tendering 4 6
BIM 4D/5D – Model-based cost calculation, scheduling and construction organization 4 6
BIM coordination and digital project management 4 6
BIM in infrastructure 4 6
BIM in structural engineering 4 6
BIM 6D – model-based life cycle analysis 4 6
Digitalization in the construction industry: Practical solutions 4 6
Data Science for AEC 4 6


Elective offerings in the specialization Infrastructure Management (IM):

Management of infrastructure measures 4 6
Organization and financing of infrastructure projects 4 6
Renewable energy technologies 4 6
Integrated infrastructure concepts 4 6
Transportation project 4 6
Water Project 4 6
Operation of wastewater treatment plants 4 6
Integrated water management 4 6
Hydraulic engineering and earthworks in road construction 4 6
Public transport infrastructure 4 6
Operation of rail transport facilities 4 6
Equipment technology and maintenance of railway facilities 4 6
Capacity management of railway facilities 4 6
Road safety and safety audit 4 6
Road operation and road maintenance 4 6
Traffic modeling and traffic simulation 4 6


Elective courses are offered for all specializations:

Defensive and technical fire protection 4 6
Fire protection in existing buildings 4 6
Engineering methods in fire protection / fire protection design 4 6
Engineering methods in fire protection / Fire protection simulations 4 6
Planning-related fire protection 4 6
Preventive structural fire protection 4 6
Sustainable building 4 6
Applied Building Physics 4 6
European Architecture and Civil Engineering 4 6
Engineering mathematics 4 6
International Consulting 4 6
Parametric modeling 4 6
1 module from FB MUK 4 6
1 WP General university offerings (including all compulsory and Elective modules of the Department of Civil Engineering, regardless of specialization) 4 6

Career prospects

The Master's program in Civil Engineering opens up diverse career paths in a dynamic industry where technical expertise, digital skills, and management abilities are increasingly in demand. Graduates can work as structural engineers in engineering and planning offices, where they develop, design, and inspect complex structures. Positions in construction supervision, quality assurance, and structural testing, as well as in general planning or architectural firms, also offer exciting challenges.

Furthermore, the degree program qualifies graduates for key roles in the digitalization of the construction industry: as BIM coordinator or BIM manager in engineering and planning offices or construction companies. Here, they support model-based tenders, cost calculations, and execution planning, and lead digitalization projects, which are increasingly in demand in the public sector as well, for example in building authorities or infrastructure projects.

In the field of construction management, graduates can work in construction supervision, coordinate projects from planning to completion, and assume leadership positions in construction and real estate management. Further career opportunities include acting as a liaison between planning and execution in general contractors, consulting firms, or as client representatives.

With their acquired specialist knowledge, strong methodological skills, and interdisciplinary approach, graduates are ideally prepared to assume responsible positions and actively shape the future of the construction industry. Furthermore, they have the option of pursuing a doctorate, for example in cooperation with universities, to continue their academic work and further specialize.

Application and enrolment

degree
Master (M.Eng.)
Standard period of study
3 semesters
Accreditation
ASIIN Düsseldorf
Study options
Full-time studies
Main language of instruction
German
Study location
Giessen
Cost
Semester fee
Requirements
Admission to the program requires a completed diploma or bachelor's degree with a standard period of study of 7 semesters (210 ECTS credits) and a final grade of at least 2.6 in civil engineering.

Applicants with an overall grade of less than 2.6 in their first professional university degree can demonstrate their professional suitability through the following qualifications:

  • a successfully completed vocational training program of at least two years with a professional connection to the Master's program or
  • Relevant professional experience in the field of the desired Master's degree program, lasting at least 18 months full-time or a corresponding amount of time part-time.

Graduates of Bachelor Degree Courseswith a standard period of study of 6 semesters (180 ECTS credits) may be admitted to the Master's program in Civil Engineering with certain conditions. During their Master's studies, they must complete additional modules totaling 30 ECTS credits from the module offerings of the Departmentof Civil Engineering at THM and provide proof of completion before registering for their Master's thesis. This ensures that a total of 300 ECTS credits can be demonstrated upon completion of the Master's program in Civil Engineering.

For further questions regarding admission requirements or the application process, please contact the program coordinator.
Start of studies
Winter and summer semesters
Application period

June 1 to September 1 (winter semester)
December 1 to March 1 (summer semester)

Application period for international students

Applications are accepted via uni-assist from April 1st to July 15th (winter semester) and from October 1st to January 15th (summer semester)
Further information for international applicants is available from the International Office.

Application