Developing sustainable and high-performance materials in Leather and Textile Engineering
Bachelor of Leather and Textile Engineering
Exploring new applications with revolutionary materials
The leather and textile industries are exciting and rapidly growing sectors that are worldwide in demand. They offer a wide range of career opportunities both nationally and internationally. The increasing demand for sustainable materials and processes, as well as transparency in supply chains, is generating new opportunities in areas such as research, material and process development, production, and quality control.
In order to offer our graduates the best career prospects, we have developed a unique degree program.
International students have the option of completing their entire degree program in English. They have the possibility to attend courses on the fundamentals of natural sciences and engineering in English at the Kaiserslautern campus. From the third semester onwards, they study alongside students in the bilingual degree program at the Pirmasens campus.
In the bilingual program, natural sciences and engineering as well as the fundamentals of the footwear, leather and textile industries are taught in German during the first two semesters. The specific subject modules for both specializations are offered in English in order to meet the global requirements of both industries.
During the first two semesters, students can attend English courses at the university as preparation for the English modules in the upper semesters. Additionally, the fundamentals of the textile and leather industries are taught in English during the second semester.
The practical assignment and bachelor’s thesis can be written in either German or English. The choice is yours!
Exciting excursions are also part of our “Leather and Textile Engineering” degree programme. Here are a few impressions of the last excursion to Italy, where a visit to the world's largest trade fair for the textile industry and a tour of the "Stefania" tannery in Castano Primo were on the programme.
Why Leather and Textile Engineering (LT) at the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern:
“Leather and Textile Engineering” can only be studied in this combination at the “University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern”. Furthermore, an engineering degree in „Shoe and Leather Engineering“ is unique in Germany as it can only be acquired in the Campus Pirmasens at the University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern.
Another special feature is the varied mix of scientific teaching and practical training in a family atmosphere:
- In small learning groups, you can expect individual support
- In our modern laboratories, you will apply your theoretical expertise directly in practice
- Our research projects will give you deep insights into scientific practice and the chance to build up a career network at an early stage
- Towards the end of your studies, you will choose the topic of your project work according to your own interests
- You can integrate semester abroad in cooperation with European universities
„After graduating as a textile engineer, I completed a master's degree in textile engineering at the University of Borås in Sweden, where I am now also doing my doctorate. The very good practical training in Pirmasens had enormous advantages for me – also in international comparison with other students."
Sabrina Kopf, Graduate, PhD at the partner university "University of Borås" in Sweden
![[Translate to Englisch:] Sofia Feuerstein](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/2/csm_Sofia_Feuerstein-web_4310297ab3.jpg)
„The mix of practice-oriented work and scientific teaching is a lot of fun. The opportunity to work on a research project during my studies is also a really good opportunity that I was happy to take. “
Sofia Feuerstein, Graduate in "Leather and Textile Engineering", master student in the “Refinement of Polymer and Composite Products” program
Leather and Textile Engineering offers a research- and application-oriented education for students with an interest in materials science, chemistry, design, and production technology. As part of the training, excellently equipped laboratories are available for research and development.
Already at the time of enrollment, students choose one of the two specializations "Textile Engineering" or "Shoe and Leather Engineering" in the bilingual or English track, which can be changed until the end of the fourth semester.
In the first two semesters, students from both specializations are taught basic science and subject-specific subjects together. Accordingly, students from both specializations learn all basics of the other one. Subsequent semesters are more focused on the chosen specialization, with overlapping modules continuing to be taught together. Elective modules allow students to tailor their studies to their individual interests.
The combination of courses, which is unique in Germany, is oriented towards the current market requirements and the increased use of weight-reducing and sustainable materials. To impart the knowledge required for this, we’re combining the fundamentals of engineering, and materials science with practical areas such as quality management, materials testing, CAD design, process digitization, shoe manufacturing and sustainability in the textile and leather industry.
Graduates have the practical and theoretical prerequisites for technical professions in the fields of quality management, materials, and product development. The broad-based degree program also qualifies students for research activities and a consecutive master's degree program followed by a doctorate at the Hochschule Kaiserslautern as well as at other colleges and universities.
- Basic theoretical and practical training
- Degree with the professional title of engineer
- Research projects in modern laboratories at the university
- Participation in ongoing projects on current research topics
- Opportunity to spend a semester abroad at universities in Europe
- Optimal practical transfer through strong regional integration of many companies in the textile and shoe industry
Professional prospects
After graduating with a degree in Leather and Textile Engineering, you will have excellent career opportunities as an engineer in the traditional areas of the textile industry, in shoe production, as well as in the textile chemistry and automotive industries. Due to the broad basic knowledge and practical training, you can, for example, move into quality management and into material or product development, such as the manufacture of functional clothing, sports shoes, sports equipment or interior trim for cars and aircraft. Alternatively, you can start your career in research or expand your expertise by pursuing a consecutive master's degree and doctorate.
"As a graduate of Textile Engineering at the Hochschule Kaiserslautern, I benefited from the very good training and personal support provided by the lecturers. Today I work in the exciting field of textile chemistry at RUDOLF GROUP and deal with the functionalization of textiles. In particular, I have benefited from the dual study program offered by the University and RUDOLF GROUP in cooperation."
Frank Rosenberger, Technical Business Development Manager, RUDOLF GROUP
Semester abroad
During your studies, you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad. This not only sharpens your academic profile and promotes your intercultural competence - you improve your foreign language skills, make lots of new friends from all over the world and certainly have a lot of fun. You can choose between several partner universities and countries. The "Integrated Semester Abroad" at the "Swedish School of Textiles" (University of Borås in Sweden) or the Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic) are particularly suitable for the "Textile Technology" major, as they enable you to complete your degree in the standard period of study.
The International Office will be happy to advise you on the various options.
Questions about the program?
Studiengangsleitung „Leather and Textile Engineering“, Studienrichtung „Textile Engineering“
Leiter der Studienrichtung "Shoe and Leather Engineering“
Dezernat für Studien- und Prüfungsangelegenheiten