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Technical University of Munich
students work on an architecture project
Image: Tassilo Letzel / TUM

Resource-efficient and Sustainable Building M. Sc.

Global challenges, such as climate change, environmental degradation, resource scarcity and demographic change, require a reorientation of the building sector. In this master's program, we provide knowledge and methods on how to sustainably redesign our cities, neighborhoods and buildings, and to reduce CO2 emissions, the use of soil, materials and water, and adapt the built environment to rapidly changing economic and social conditions.

Our offer:

  • Training in a key global topic at a world-class university

  • International composition of motivated fellow students

  • Interdisciplinary networking of civil engineering, environmental engineering, architecture, and building and utility technology

  • Team building opportunities right at the beginning of your studies

  • Intensive supervision in small groups

  • Strong practical relevance in all learning content and through excursions

  • Studying in the heart of Munich on the TUM city center campus

What you'll learn for your future?

Our alumni have the best chances of finding meaningful and fulfilling jobs. Today, they are working successfully around the world as, among others.

  • Sustainability consultants
  • Design and planning specialists in architecture and engineering firms, or also
  • Researchers and lecturers in the building industry

They are sought-after experts who actively shape the building of the future with their interdisciplinary understanding, their professional and practical background and a solution-oriented mindset.

More information on the M.Sc. Resource-efficient and Sustainable Building can be found on our TUM RSB Wiki.

 

Studying Resource-efficient and Sustainable Building at TUM

Studierende erzählen vom Studiengang Ressourceneffizientes und Nachhaltiges Bauen

More Info

In the video, master's students Alina and Lenny talk about themselves, their degree program in “Resource Efficient and Sustainable Construction,” and their studies at the Technical University of Munich. (The language in the video is German. English subtitles are available on YouTube. ) 

Study Information

Type of Study: Full Time
Standard Duration of Studies: 4 Semester
Credits: 120 ECTS
Main Locations: Munich
Admission Category: Aptitude Assessment for Master
Start of Degree Program: Winter Semester (October)
Application Period: Winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
Required Language Proficiency: English and German
Tuition Fees: for Students from Non-EU Countries

The first semester of the program is mainly devoted to the acquisition of basic knowledge in the four fields of competence:

  • Sustainability in architecture, city and landscape
  • Building technology and renewable energies
  • Building physics and energy efficiency
  • Building technology and life cycle engineering

The compulsory and elective modules offered here ensure that the core competencies as a basis for resource-efficient and sustainable construction are present in all graduates of the program. In preparation for the interdisciplinary project, graduates of the Bachelor of Architecture attend the module "Physical Principles of Energy Efficient Construction" and graduates of a Bachelor of Engineering study program attend the module "Aspects of Sustainable Urbanism". At the same time, students already work in this semester in interdisciplinary teams on the urban planning basis for the Interdisciplinary Project, which is the central element of the course in the following semester.

In the second semester, the competencies acquired up to that point are applied and expanded within the framework of a design-oriented project. The interplay of analysis, e.g. of the life-cycle-based resource consumption of alternative solutions, and synthesis in the context of the design-oriented development of energy concepts in the field of renovation and new construction, are the focus here. The application of a life cycle analysis is directly related to the application-oriented development work of the "Interdisciplinary Project" (IDP). The working method in the IDP is very practice-oriented. In addition to the expansion of professional competence, the teaching of social competence (e.g. teamwork and team leadership, visual, verbal and non-verbal communication, etc.) in preparation for the IDP is an essential element of the 1st semester and, accompanying the project, also a component of the 2nd semester.

The third semester offers students the opportunity to expand their specialized knowledge in a targeted manner due to the large elective catalog as well as during stays abroad at other universities.

The focus of the fourth semester is on the master's thesis and master's colloquium.

The languages of instruction in this program are German and English. In both the compulsory and elective areas, there are subjects that are taught in German and English, so that both languages of instruction are used in roughly equal parts.

A mobility window is integrated in the 3rd semester. Students can either study within Europe within the framework of Erasmus+ or at numerous universities worldwide within the framework of TUMexchange and have their achievements recognized at TUM after prior consultation.

Pre-study internships are not mandatory, but will be positively evaluated for the application. Voluntary internships in Germany or abroad can also be completed during the course of studies. If the time of the internship takes up a significant part of the lecture period, a semester off can be applied for. The practical experience is considered extremely valuable.

Please apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

The master's program in Transportation Systems starts in October each year (winter semester). 

Admission requirements

Target group are graduates of the study programs Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as Building Services Engineering and related study programs (e.g. Supply Engineering).

Admission-relevant documents:

  • can be submitted in German or English
  • must be submitted in full by May 31 (please note for language certificates)
  • letters of recommendation are not relevant

Required Application Documents

Transcript of Records

The competencies acquired in the Bachelor's program (at least 135 ECT) are evaluated according to the following subject groups and serve as a basis for the evaluation of professional qualification:

  • Basic knowledge in sustainable building, from design to deconstruction and recycling
  • Basic knowledge in supply engineering
  • Basic knowledge of building physics
  • Basic knowledge of building materials and construction materials
  • Basic knowledge of building construction and structural design
  • Basic knowledge of infrastructure and urban planning
  • Methodical basics in the field of economic aspects of construction
Final grade

Maximum 50 out of 100 points in the first stage of the qualification procedure

  • the bachelor's final grade is better than 3.0: for each tenth better than 3.0 half a point is awarded
  • the Bachelor final grade is worse than 3.0: no points are awarded
  • the final grade is not yet available: the average grade may be calculated from the best 135 ECT
  • maximum 10 out of 100 points in the first stage of the eligibility procedure
Work samples from the Bachelor´s degree program
  • for bachelor architecture: portfolio
  • for engineering programs: relevant course work, bachelor thesis (maximum 20 pages)
  • electronic submission
  • will be evaluated in addition to the Transcript of Records for the professional qualification
Curriculum vitae
  • in tabular form
  • with current photo
  • all information relevant to your career to date
  • Proof of course-specific vocational training, internships, further education, and special commitments must be added to the application.
  • serves as a supplement to the letter of motivation
Letter of motivation
  • maximum two DIN A4 pages
  • can be written in German or English language
  • Reasons for the choice of the course of study
  • Presentation of the special willingness to perform
  • serves to assess personal motivation
  • maximum of 20 out of 100 points in the first stage of the aptitude test
Technical essay
  • maximum 400 words
  • can be written in German or English language
  • topic: "Challenges and opportunities in building to secure a sustainable future"
  • serves to evaluate the scientific-logical argumentation with a basic and methodological approach as well as the engineering language competence
  • maximum 20 out of 100 points in the first stage of the qualification procedure
German language certificate
English language certificate
  • Recognized English language certificates
  • 20 ECTs Bachelor modules in English (confirmation by the faculty)
  • Bachelor thesis in English
  • Gateway courses of the TUM Language Center 
  • English for Architects C1 (Evidence of language skills of TUM Language Center)
  • English courses
  • The proof of language skills must be submitted by May 31st. Please note: the exam dates for the English proof of language skills are very crowded at most institutes!

Aptitude assessment process

In the first stage of the eligibility procedure a maximum of 100 points will be awarded:

  • more than 80 points: direct admission
  • less than 70 points: rejection
  • 70 to 79 points: Invitation to an aptitude interview

The enrollment office checks the formal completeness of the application documents. Please address all formal questions directly to the Service Desk. The Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Planning and Building can only check the application documents after they have been approved by the Admissions Office. The documents are checked in the order in which they are received by the chair, the result is announced in TUM Online after processing

In level 2, applicants will have a personal interview about their motivation for the degree program and their academic and personal background. The aptitude interview will take place in July. The date for the interview will be communicated by mail (at least one week in advance) from the secretary's office of the Chair of Energy Efficient and Sustainable Design and Construction.

The aptitude interview is possible by zoom on request and with justification. Meaningful documents from the bachelor studies (portfolio, work samples, bachelor thesis) have to be brought to the interview. The current status of the application can be viewed via TUM Online.

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