- Degree
- Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng.)
- Admission restriction
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Yes (registration via hochschulstart.de)
- Contact
- Application period
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28 April 2026 – 15 July 2026
Forestry: what you can expect when studying at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences
The Engineering in Forestry degree programme is as diverse as the forest itself. Whether open-air ecology, silviculture or forest policy and education - our students deal with a complex ecosystem. The Forestry degree programme at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences focuses on the forest habitat, its diverse functions, its recreational value and economic benefits. Your learning success on this degree programme in Ecology and Environmental Planning: professional and social competence through ecological, economic, technical and administrative knowledge.
Your future skills in Engineering in Forestry
The forestry degree programme provides you with the following core skills:
- Active knowledge of tree species, soils, plants and animals in Central European forests
- silvicultural and growth-related tools for the management of forests
- Competent application of current forestry practice methods
- Reflective application of legal affairs
- Problem-solving skills
- Moderation of social demands on the forest
- Pedagogically sound educational programmes
- Dealing with customers & stakeholders
In our modern, friendly timber building with excellent facilities, you can expect a challenging degree programme that will make you a sought-after specialist in Forestry.
Contents of your degree programme: Forestry
Forests are complex ecosystems. They provide a habitat for numerous native animal and plant species and are utilised by humans in a variety of ways. They provide clean water, cool air, serve as places for recreation and education and supply renewable resources. Their services are becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change. Wood is valued as an environmentally friendly regional raw material and is used in many areas. Forests and wood products are important carbon stores that can counteract global warming.
The Engineering in Forestry degree programme teaches a basic understanding of the complexity of the forest ecosystem as well as the ability to manage forests sustainably. In our practice-oriented degree programme, we teach you the theoretical principles and practical tools for managing the forest ecosystem. A large number of exercises in our own training forest, the involvement of numerous specialists and educational trips ensure practical relevance. Our degree programme is as diverse as the forest itself: you will acquire a wide range of ecological, economic, technical and social skills.
Study forestry: Programme structure
The Forestry and Engineering in Forestry degree programme comprises six theoretical semesters with many practical elements and a practical semester. You can always start this degree programme in the winter semester on 1 October each year. In addition to the compulsory modules, you can choose six further modules from our wide range of electives and required elective modules. This will give your degree programme a personal profile. After completing your Bachelor's degree, you can expand your knowledge in a Master's degree programme.
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1st semester
Module
ECTS
Biological basics 5 Knowledge of biological forms
5 Geoscientific basics 5 Economics & Law 6
Forest informatics 5 Compulsory elective module 3 -
2nd semester
Module
ECTS
Field Ecology 5 Site Ecology
6 Forestry work and timber harvesting technology
5 Wood science
5 Labour law & special administrative law
5 Cross-module field internship 3 -
3rd semester
Module
ECTS
Forestry Project
5
Hunting & Wildlife Management
4
Communication
4
Timber industry
5
Silviculture basics, forest genetics 4 Geo-informatics 5 Compulsory elective module 3 -
4th semester
Module
ECTS
Growth theory, introduction to silviculture
6 Forest Business Management & Taxation 5 Ecosystems in climate change 5 Forest communities & tree species suitability 6 Forest metrology & statistics 5 Compulsory elective module 3 -
5th semester
Module
ECTS
Internship
25 Practical courses 5 -
6th semester
Module
ECTS
Scientific work
8 Forest Renewal & Cultural Planning 5 Forest Process Engineering 5 Environmental Planning & Nature Conservation 5 Forestry education 4 Compulsory elective module 3 -
7th semester
Module
ECTS
Applied technical production
5 Forest Policy 5 Forest management planning 6 Forest Protection & Entomology 5 Compulsory elective module 3 Bachelor thesis 8
How the HSWT ensures learning success in the forestry degree programme
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Practical relevance
Practicals, internships and projects account for a good 40% of the semester hours. In addition, there are interdisciplinary study trips, a practical semester and the opportunity to get to know the practical side of things first-hand in elective modules and excursions.
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Teaching forest
The Forestry department has a training forest in which a considerable part of the exercises and practicals take place. In co-operation with the Bavarian State Forests, students can experience the entire process of forest management at first hand, from planting and maintenance to timber harvesting. Botany, environmental monitoring, forest pedagogy, soil science and other specialist areas are also taught and applied directly on site in the training forest.
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Practical project
The forestry project in the 3rd semester combines courses on health and safety, chainsaw handling and wood sorting with an 8-week stay in a forestry company, during which you work independently on and document a project.
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Practical semester
In the 6th semester, you will work independently on projects at domestic or foreign companies and institutions. For example, you will work at forestry companies, forestry associations, authorities, associations, engineering offices or national parks and establish contacts with potential employers.
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Educational trips & excursions
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to take part in numerous interdisciplinary educational trips. Here you will familiarise yourself with various natural areas and forest communities in southern Germany. In addition, excursions to other European countries offer exciting insights into forestry in other countries. In recent years, our students have travelled to Norway, Croatia and the primeval beech forests of the Carpathians, for example.
Teaching facilities of the Forestry department
In the modern building of the Forestry department, you will find not only good lecture halls and seminar rooms but also special facilities that guarantee our students an optimal working environment.
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Center of Forestry Weihenstephan
The Center of Forestry Weihenstephan is a unique forestry competence centre in Europe with three strong partners. It consists of the Faculty of Forest Science and Resource Management at the Technical University of Munich, the Department of Forestry at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences and the Bavarian Institute of Forestry.
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Vegetation hall
The department has a greenhouse and a vegetation hall so that you can familiarise yourself with the numerous herbaceous plants of the forest. In direct contact, it is easy to learn and apply even inconspicuous characteristics to identify plants.
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Natural history collection
Our extensive collection is a special place of learning. There you will deepen your knowledge of vertebrates, rocks and woody plants, among other things, with the help of numerous exhibits.
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Forestry library
In our forestry library on the upper floor of the forestry building, you will find the relevant literature for your studies and a quiet place to study. We are also happy to help you with any questions you may have about research, e-media and literature management. Information about the library and opening hours can be found on our website.
Studying Forestry: Your career prospects
The forest as a recreational area, sustainable resource and habitat for numerous plant and animal species offers a wide range of design options, especially in times of climate change. Many graduates of the Engineering in Forestry degree programme manage their own forest areas as foresters and manage the various demands on the forest so that it can fulfil its functions in the long term.
The professional spectrum is broad: it ranges from nature conservation and landscape management to timber management and hunting to forest and environmental education. Forest engineers work in forestry companies, with authorities and in associations - in management, on the executive board or as creative strategists in public relations.
- Forestry management functions: You manage forest districts and forestry operations in state, municipal or private forests and are responsible for personnel management, budget planning and the implementation of forestry measures.
- Management & consulting: You take on management tasks in forest management associations, organisations or forest owner associations and advise on topics such as forest restructuring, climate adaptation and funding opportunities.
- Timber & business: You organise timber harvesting, logistics and marketing and work at the interface between the forest and the timber industry.
- Nature conservation & sustainability: You plan and realise projects in nature, environmental and landscape conservation and implement sustainable use concepts.
- Planning & Engineering: You will work as an engineer:in in forestry companies, planning offices, planting schools or forestry service companies.
- Research, international & education: You will be involved in application-oriented research projects, work in international projects or impart knowledge in forest and environmental education.
- Hunting & game management: You will plan and supervise hunting measures and game population regulation.
- Forestry evaluation reports: You will prepare evaluation reports, e.g. on forest assessment, ecological issues or forestry planning.
Optional: Forestry degree programme with intensive practical work
In addition to your Bachelor's degree in Engineering in Forestry at the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, you will have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with all facets of Germany's largest forestry company at the Bavarian State Forestry (BaySF ). In two and a half years of dual study, you will pass through various stations at BaySF. During the entire dual study programme, you will be supported by a mentor at BaySF. In your final thesis, you will deal with a topic relevant to the company, which we will determine together in consultation with the University of Applied Sciences. You will spend the lecture-free periods as practical phases at Bavarian State Forestry companies. The lecture periods take place at the HSWT, as in the regular degree programme.
- Our dual study programme starts in the third semester of Engineering in Forestry at the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf in Freising.
- Students in the second semester of the Bachelor's degree programme in Engineering in Forestry can apply.
- After the application deadline, we will review the applications and invite potential candidates to the selection process for the degree programme.
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More facts
- The practical phases in the lecture-free periods, practical semester and final thesis take place at various stations at the Bavarian State Forests.
- You can complete your practical hunting hours at the BaySF, receive time off and financial support for the associated courses and examinations.
- Remuneration: € 550/month gross during both practical and university phases
- 20 days holiday per year during lecture-free periods
- 10 days of personal exam preparation time per year
- An additional employment contract to supplement the salary is possible if you are interested, for example as a bark beetle researcher.
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Admission requirements
In addition to the admission requirements for the Bachelor's degree programme, the following criteria are important for Bayerische Staatsforsten (Bavarian State Forests):
- Examination results from the first two semesters of study, certificate of higher education entrance qualification, motivation, extra-curricular skills.
- A prerequisite for the dual study programme at Bayerische Staatsforsten is also your health suitability (if necessary, you will be examined by our company doctor).
- You will conclude an education contract with BaySF in which the framework conditions of the dual study programme are agreed.
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Co-operation partner
Bayerische Staatsforsten AöR
Tillystraße 2
93053 Regensburg
Why you are making the right decision with us
Outdoor study
Students benefit from a consistent practical orientation that allows them to experience the sustainable care and use of the forest - whether in the HSWT's own neighbouring training forest or during field work placements at home and abroad.
International networking
The „Forest-Forest-Wood“ competence centre enables students and researchers at the HSWT to engage in a scientific exchange that is unique in Europe. The centre not only networks internationally, but also with other institutions on campus.
Apply knowledge directly
The University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf works together with various companies that offer students the opportunity to complete the degree programme as a dual course with intensive practical work.
