Abfall-, Entsorgungstechnik (weiterführend)

This Studium (university study) takes place at universities. Learning locations at the university include lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries, laboratories, and workshops. Learning also occurs at home, for example, through preparing for and reviewing courses, completing assignments, and potentially participating in online courses.

The standard duration for this Studium (university study) is 2-4 semesters.

Studium (university study) costs include enrollment and administration fees, as well as semester contributions (e.g., for the Studierendenwerk, student union, semester ticket). Tuition fees may apply for 'long-term students,' a second Studium, or after exhausting a set study credit. Expenses for learning materials and study needs, such as specialized literature and excursions, are also incurred. Contributions for student health insurance are typically required if the age limit of 25 years or certain income thresholds are exceeded. Funding opportunities can be found at Deutsches Studierendenwerk and through BAföG (Federal Education Assistance Act).

Compulsory modules include treatment technologies for municipal waste, modeling and balancing in waste and circular economy, planning of waste treatment plants, pollutant assessment and remediation in practice, and prevention in waste and circular economy. Elective modules cover topics such as plant and safety technology, management and optimization of wastewater systems, fundamentals of non-fossil primary energy use, integrated water, energy, and resource management in industry, paper cycles and waste paper processing, planning and operation of wastewater systems, process analysis, resource technology and sustainability, environmental and actinide chemistry, and water quality. Practical Studium (university study) content may include internships, for example, in industrial companies.

Universities may conduct aptitude tests or selection interviews if necessary.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Coursework involves attending lectures and seminars in university lecture halls and seminar rooms during the semester, and possibly participating in online courses from home. Independent work requires preparing for and reviewing courses, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, and completing assignments (even during semester breaks). Scientific research aims to deepen skills in academic work. Organization and planning involve independently structuring the Studium (university study) within the given framework, adhering to deadlines and study periods, and submitting study and examination achievements on time (self-discipline and organizational talent are essential). Career preparation includes completing internships (e.g., in industrial companies or engineering offices) and preparing for entry into the profession.

The following Studium (university study) subjects can be alternatives for Waste and Disposal Technology (advanced): In the Supply and Disposal sector: Water and Soil Management, Water Technology (advanced). Commonality: Planning water and energy supply, or waste and wastewater disposal facilities. In the Environmental and Nature Protection sector: Environmental Technology (advanced). Commonality: Projecting and planning environmental and energy technology facilities. In the Mechanical and Plant Engineering sector: Renewable Energies (advanced), Mechanical Engineering (advanced), Process Engineering (advanced). Commonalities: Developing and constructing machines and their components, supervising their production and potential use; acquiring knowledge in the process engineering of materials (e.g., recycled materials).

Universities typically require the following Studium (bachelor's) degrees as prerequisites: Waste and Disposal Technology (undergraduate), Supply Engineering (undergraduate), Infrastructure Management (undergraduate), Environmental Technology (undergraduate).

Additional and key qualifications facilitate a successful career entry. Relevant topics include foreign languages, time management, and presentation techniques. Elective and compulsory elective modules, such as resource technology and sustainability, can also provide additional qualifications. Internships, for example in industrial companies or engineering offices, specifically prepare students for professional life. Opportunities to acquire additional and key qualifications can be found at the Career Centers of universities (see contact details of the respective university).

This advanced Studium (master's study) deepens knowledge from the undergraduate Studium and, if applicable, from professional experience in waste and circular economy, as well as groundwater and soil remediation. This Studium leads to a second university degree. Waste and Disposal Technology is also available as a part-time Studium.

Master's graduates in waste and disposal technology have various career opportunities in the private sector, such as environmental consulting, environmental management, or process and product development. Those aiming for an academic career at a university (Hochschule) typically need to pursue a doctorate. A doctorate may also facilitate access to higher professional positions in private industry and research.

Around 1970, increased environmental awareness led to a growing demand for technical solutions in waste treatment and environmental technology, such as emission reduction and waste recycling. In 1972, the first nationwide Waste Disposal Act was enacted, increasing the demand for qualified specialists in waste management. Independent study programs (Studiengänge) were introduced. In 1999, the Bologna Process began, reforming the European higher education landscape with goals including creating a unified European Higher Education Area, harmonizing study programs (Studiengänge) and degrees (introducing Bachelor's and Master's), and improving student and lecturer mobility. In the 21st century, the content of study programs evolved, focusing on highly technological circular economy with links to economics and urban planning.

Degree Awarded: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

No remuneration is received during the study program (Studium). Compensation may be agreed upon for practical phases (Praxisphasen).

At the federal level (Bundesebene), the Higher Education Framework Act (HRG) from January 19, 1999, most recently amended on November 15, 2019, applies. There are also joint structural guidelines for the accreditation of Bachelor's and Master's study programs (Studiengänge) as per § 9 Paragraph 2 HRG (KMK resolution of October 10, 2003, as amended on February 4, 2010), and the Qualification Framework for German Higher Education Degrees (developed in cooperation with the German Rectors' Conference, Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, adopted by KMK on February 16, 2017). At the state (Bundesland) level, higher education laws in conjunction with administrative regulations, such as those concerning the accreditation of study programs (Studiengänge), and qualification or university admission ordinances are relevant. At the university (Hochschule) level, the university's statutes and the study and examination regulations for the respective study programs apply.

The prerequisite for the study program (Studium) is a first professionally qualifying university degree; typically, an undergraduate degree (grundständiges Studium) in waste and disposal technology is required. Depending on the university (Hochschule), an internal selection process takes place. Selection criteria include, for example, academic performance in the first professionally qualifying study program (Studium). English language proficiency may also need to be demonstrated.