International Material Flow Management (M.Sc. & M.Eng.)

International Material Flow Management (IMAT) is an interdisciplinary master's degree program that offers two degrees; IMAT Master of Science (M. Sc.) and IMAT Master of Engineering (M. Eng.). This technology- and business-heavy environmental, science, and engineering program offer cutting-edge knowledge through an advanced portfolio of subjects the 21st-century business leaders must possess.

Entirely taught in English, IMAT is the flagship education program of the Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IfaS) of the Trier University of Applied Sciences that has been recognized for its innovativeness the world over. Among the many accolades, UNESCO recognized IMAT as an Official Project of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development in 2007/2008.

Founding members of the International IMAT Network University: Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan, Al Akhawayn University, Morocco, and Universidade Positivo, Brazil offer two semesters of the dual-degree option in IMAT M. Eng. stream. Whereas, the third and fourth semesters of the IMAT M. Eng. stream and the entire program of IMAT M. Sc. are offered at the network hub; the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld. Universidad Panamericana in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and the National Taipei University of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan are the latest additions to the rapidly growing International IMAT Network University that offers the IMAT M. Eng. dual degree option.

Students have the freedom to select the University of their choice depending on the targeted specialization and their geographic location.

Since 2004, over 150 students from nearly 40 countries have graduated with a Master in IMAT. The enviable IMAT alumni comprise of top corporate executives, entrepreneurs, researchers/scientists, and public administrators.

Why choosing IMAT?

The demand for environmental management and technologies is growing exponentially. It also presents enormous growth potentials in the world business arena. Business sectors such as renewable energy development, carbon markets, sustainable mobility, and energy efficiency technologies are thriving and growing towards building green economies envisioned for this century in most parts of the world. Consequently, the job market is desperately looking for highly qualified and forward-thinking managers, business leaders, and professionals.

Having two-year comprehensive education and hands-on training in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste, and integrated resource management, water and wastewater management, biofuels and sustainable mobility, carbon management, and emission trading, the graduates of the IMAT Master program are in high demand with excellent career opportunities world over.

Whether it is your own entrepreneurial pursuit or a career at a Fortune 500 corporation you aspire to pursue, IMAT strives to provide you with the rock-solid educational foundation you must possess.

IMAT Videos

Meet IfaS Managing Director and the IMAT Program Director, Prof. Dr. Peter Heck:

What is Circular Economy (CE)?

What is Material Flow Management (MFM)?

A high quality in teaching is a decisive element in the profile of Trier University of Applied Sciences. Modern study and teaching methods aim to ensure the graduates' high level of education. The quality of teaching is continually checked, improved, and further developed by quality ensurance measures within the framework of our quality management system. Trier University of Applied Sciences relies on innovation and practice orientation in the development of its teaching methods. Furthermore, the students' social competencies are promoted by project and team-oriented study methods. Research and development at Trier University of Applied Sciences aim at practice- and market-oriented results and address current issues in business and society.

Applied Research

Trier University of Applied Sciences is committed to high-performance and application-oriented research. Thanks to its innovative strength, it has managed to reach and consolidate its position as the university of applied sciences with the highest amount of third-party funding in Rhineland-Palatinate.

In doing so, it distinguishes itself particularly through three future-oriented research areas:

"Applied Material Flow Management" "Intelligent Technologies for Sustainable Development" and "Life Sciences: Medical and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Biotechnology"

Interdisciplinary teams develop future-oriented solutions to the social challenges created by globalization, the digitalization of life and work, climate change, and the associated demands on sustainable energy production and resource management, as well as the challenges posed by an aging society and the increased need for a healthy and secure life. Special meaning is awarded to a combination of sustainability and innovation, which form the basis of this developmental approach.

Regional Roots and International Networks

Trier University of Applied Sciences regards itself as a university with an international orientation and regional roots. We promote cooperation at all levels with partners from industry, politics, culture, and society and secure the demand for skilled workers in the region.

Cooperation agreements with many universities around the world, international study programs, and a lively exchange between students and professors lend Trier University of Applied Sciences a distinctive, international profile. In the future, we wish to further develop this international study, teaching, and research culture as well as to intensify our internationalization.