The efficient use of material and energy resources is increasingly becoming a challenge for the development of our economy and society. One way for companies to respond to this situation in a targeted manner is to develop new materials and products from sustainably available resources. Since wood grows back in the forests and in the course of its growth trees also play an important role in our quality of life (e.g. purifying water and air), this renewable resource, its versatile use and application hold great potential for the future.
In addition to the improved use of wood as a resource, the improvement and renewal of technologies and processes in terms of profitability and efficiency (in terms of energy and material use) is also an important factor for companies.
The Master's degree programme in Forest Products Technology & Timber Constructions responds to this challenge in a targeted manner: Experts will be equipped with skills in this field to help lead businesses in terms of resource efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. Already during their studies, students work on supporting companies in the continuous improvement and renewal of technologies and processes. The scientific and social-communicative skills necessary for managers are taught in depth throughout the entire program.
The Master's programme offers students in-depth competencies in several respects: First, a more specific technical education that combines wood technology, wood industry and wood construction expertise with scientific content. Furthermore, a course of studies that includes the aspects of project orientation, team and leadership work as well as interdisciplinary and scientific work. Working on projects from the beginning of the study programme reinforces applied learning and the acquisition of competencies. These projects become more and more complex as the degree programme progresses and, upon request, are also carried out on an interdisciplinary basis in collaboration with the Design & Product Management (dpm) and Smart Buildings in Smart Cities (smc) degree programs at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.
Starting in the second semester, you can choose between two specialisations: Forest Products Technology or Timber Construction.
In the fourth semester, a written master's thesis is to be completed. Topics for the thesis are derived from current research and development topics or projects with companies.
Among other things, the master's programme provides the foundation for working in a scientific environment. Further qualifications such as doctoral studies at various partner universities are possible.
The Master’s programme provides, among other things, the foundation for working in an academic environment. Further qualifications, such as doctoral studies at various partner universities, are available.
Translate to Englisch: Studienaufbau
The timber industry is of great importance to the Austrian economy. In the comprehensive analysis of value creation in the timber industry presented in the 2018/19 sector report, the forestry and timber industry emerges, alongside tourism, as one of the most important economic sectors in Austria, a fact confirmed by a production value of €8.33 billion in 2018. It employs more than a quarter of a million people across a wide range of skill levels. Even during periods of international economic stagnation, the timber industry has proven itself to be a consistently growing and innovative sector. Education and research contribute significantly to this development. Over the last 10 to 15 years, Austria has helped shape this positive trend through further developments in process engineering and technology. The environmental arguments in public discourse have led to a veritable boom in the use of wood and wood-based materials. Salzburg University of Applied Sciences has actively participated in this development and is committed to continuously developing its degree programmes in the field of wood.
The Master’s programme offers students in-depth expertise in several key areas: firstly, a more specialised technical education that combines expertise in wood technology, the timber industry and timber construction with academic content. Furthermore, the programme encompasses project-based learning, teamwork and leadership, as well as interdisciplinary and academic work. Working on projects from the very start of the programme reinforces applied learning and the acquisition of skills. As the programme progresses, these projects become increasingly complex and, upon request, are also carried out on an interdisciplinary basis in collaboration with the Design & Produktmanagement (dpm) and Smart Buildings in Smart Cities (smc) programmes at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.