Hof University of Applied Sciences is celebrating an important anniversary: for five years now, the international engineering Master’s degree course in Sustainable Textiles at the Münchberg campus has been preparing specialists to make the textile production chain more sustainable. The course, which was launched with the support of the TEGEWA textile auxiliaries specialist group, combines textile chemistry with environmental awareness in a unique way.
The success story of the program speaks for itself: started in the summer semester of 2020 with just seven students, interest has grown rapidly.
More than 1,500 applications have been received since then and over 130 students from more than 15 nations have now opted for the program.”
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Rauch, Head of the degree program;
The high proportion of female students in engineering, which is also appreciated by our industrial partner companies, is particularly noteworthy: “The proportion is just under 40%,” he emphasizes.
Career opportunities in a forward-looking industry
Around 50 graduates have already successfully completed their Master’s degree. Many of them have successfully established themselves in the German job market or are continuing their academic careers with a doctorate. The course therefore not only creates excellent career prospects, but also actively contributes to the sustainable transformation of the textile industry.
A unique concept with global reach
What makes the Master’s degree course in Sustainable Textiles so special?
International teaching means more than simply translating lectures into English. By combining academic excellence, practical application and international cooperation, we make a decisive contribution to the development of sustainable technologies.”
Prof. Dr. Anett Matthäi, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering;
Students benefit from courses that deal with the current challenges of the global textile industry. Practical insights are provided by industry partners who contribute their expertise directly to the lessons. The focus is on key sustainability topics: chemical safety, recycling, wastewater treatment and resource efficiency are taught in an industry-specific and application-oriented way.
Students and graduates alike express their enthusiasm, such as Amanuel Fanta from Ethiopia:
“As a DAAD scholarship holder of the “Leadership for Africa” program with existing relevant professional experience, the course has further consolidated my foundations in the field of sustainable textiles. I particularly appreciated the practical approach, the close links to industry and the guest lectures. The informal atmosphere in Münchberg enabled valuable interactions with professors and fellow students. Through excursions organized by the university, I was able to find both an internship and my current job.”
Amanuel Fanta
And the very first graduate of the course, Natalie Wunder, explains:
“For me, the Master’s in Sustainable Textiles was the perfect complement to the Bachelor’s in Innovative Textiles. It gives you a very good overview of the entire textile value chain and teaches you how to classify technologies and materials in terms of their sustainability. What I particularly liked about Hof University of Applied Sciences was the informal atmosphere and the opportunity to study in an international environment.”
Natalie Wunder
International cooperation for sustainable innovations
Hof University of Applied Sciences relies on strong partnerships to make knowledge and technologies for integrated environmental protection accessible worldwide. Particularly noteworthy is the six-year cooperation with the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) as part of the HEST (Higher Education for Sustainable Textiles) and “HELD” (Higher Education and Leadership Development for Sustainable Textiles in Bangladesh) projects. This collaboration is an important building block for the development of environmentally friendly production processes, particularly in the areas of finishing, dyeing and the use of chemicals.
TEGEWA celebrates five years of the Master’s degree course in Sustainable Textiles
Managing Director Ralf Kattanek speaks on behalf of the trade association TEGEWA e.V. and looks back on the history of the course:
“The shortage of skilled workers in the textile industry was already foreseeable over ten years ago. There was a shortage of young talent, particularly in textile finishing. To counteract this, TEGEWA initiated the international Master’s degree course in Sustainable Textiles with Hof University of Applied Sciences and financed an endowed professorship with the support of member companies. Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the program got off to a successful start and is now well established. The close link between textile chemistry and sustainability as well as the dual concept offer great advantages to students and companies. On the occasion of the fifth anniversary, we would like to thank Hof University of Applied Sciences and our member companies for the successful cooperation, which can serve as a model for other branches of industry.”
Ralf Kattanek, Managing Director of the TEGEWA trade association
Conclusion: A degree course with a lasting impact
Five years of “Sustainable Textiles” at Hof University of Applied Sciences show that Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. The course not only offers excellent career opportunities, but also makes a valuable contribution to the environmentally friendly transformation of the textile industry. With international networking, practical teaching and pioneering research, it sets a clear signal for the future of the sustainable textile industry.
