Food Technology

The Master's program Food Technology and Biotechnology deals with various aspects of the industrial production of food, such as frozen pizza, yoghurt, dumpling dough or fruit juice. Engineering, process engineering, product-specific and technological production processes are deepened in this course. The requirements and quality criteria of foodstuffs are also dealt with:

• Conception of modern, environmentally friendly, industrial manufacturing processes
• Process monitoring and quality assurance systems
• New planning and conversion of production plants and supply facilities under process engineering aspects
• Strategies for food preservation
• Control of analytical and sensory product properties
• Development of innovative and individual products, adapted to consumer behavior

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Food Technology and Biotechnology (PDF, German) 

Graduates of the program Technology and Biotechnology of Food are able to …

• plan and monitor the production of foodstuffs
• develop and design new production processes
• optimize existing production methods
• produce food by fermentation (e.g. yoghurt) and to control fermentations
• introduce and control quality assurance methods
• design food packaging and thus protect the product from environmental influences
• plan and design food production plants
• lay out the supply facilities of the food companies
• assess food microbially, chemically-technically and sensory
• develop innovative products
• evaluate the economic efficiency of food production processes

Graduates of the Master's program Food Technology and Biotechnology are employed primarily in the food industry. However, it is not uncommon to be employed in the beverage or chemical industry or the associated plant engineering and construction. The possible tasks in the later occupation could be:

• Organization, monitoring and optimization of production processes
• Quality assurance during routine production
• Monitoring of food production processes and product quality
• Organization of the associated operating technology
• Planning and projecting of new production plants and manufacturing processes
• Development of innovative, new products
• Academic or industrial research and development
• Purchasing and assessment of raw materials
• Operational control, production management or technical management in food manufacturing companies

The Master's program Food Technology and Biotechnology is based on the Bachelor's program in Food Technology. This course also combines engineering and natural sciences to enable graduates to plan a modern production of innovative foods.

Compulsory modules in the field of engineering sciences include rheology, hygienic processing, scientific and technical computing and packaging technology. The subject-specific, scientific specialization deals, for example, with food process technology, food bioprocess technology, innovative food concepts and microstructures in food.

One third of the credits required are taken in elective modules, so that graduates can create and sharpen their individual profile. The Master's thesis is completed in the 4th semester.

• Overview Degree Program Structure (PDF 141 KB)
• Module Catalog: Description of Program Content

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient German language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your German language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.   

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is German.

• Information on exams
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 4,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

This study course is offered in German only. For a detailed description see the German database entry. 

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) was obtained outside the EU/EEA (from winter semester 2025/26: outside Germany)

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents.

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)
• Digital notification of your health insurance status from a German public health insurance provider (requested by applicant)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment

Application period for winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.

Information zur Bewerbung auf ein höheres Fachsemester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

This study course is offered in German only. For a detailed description see the German database entry.

• Aptitude Assessment for Master