Sustainability and Smart Building Technology, Master of Science

Who is the Master’s programme Sustainability and Smart Building Technology suitable for?

The Master’s degree programme Sustainability and Smart Building Technology at bbw Hochschule is aimed at everyone interested in sustainable technologies in the construction and real estate sectors – whether you are already working in real estate, facility management, architecture or engineering. It is especially targeted at graduates with a first university degree (e.g. in engineering, construction, business, geography or law) who wish to specifically expand their skills in smart building technologies and sustainability. The programme is also suitable for career changers from related disciplines with a connection to the real estate industry. You should have a strong interest in digitalisation, energy efficiency and innovative solutions for the use and management of buildings.

What admission requirements apply?

• First university degree: You need a state-recognised university degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma) in a relevant field, including:
  • Architecture
  • Civil Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering and Business Administration
  • Facility Management
  • Real Estate Management
  • Geography
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Law / Business Law
  • Surveying
  • or similar courses of study
• Professional experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience in a related field is required.
• English skills: Proof of an English certificate at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (e.g. IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72, PTE 59 or comparable certificates).

On a personal level, you should enjoy interdisciplinary work and technological progress. Analytical thinking skills, openness to new digital developments, teamwork as well as self-initiative and an interest in sustainable concepts are advantageous.

What content will you learn in the Master’s programme Sustainability and Smart Building Technology?

In the Master’s programme Sustainability and Smart Building Technology at bbw University of Applied Sciences in Berlin, you will gain in-depth knowledge about sustainable real estate management and intelligent building technologies. The focus is on how you can use digital technologies, such as smart building solutions and PropTech, to make buildings more efficient, resource-friendly, and user-oriented.

• Project Management and Presentation: You will learn the basics of project management as well as presentation and negotiation techniques for the real estate sector.
• PropTech & Smart Building: Two PropTech modules introduce you to current technologies and digital business models for the building sector – including practical examples and technology assessments.
• Sustainability & ESG: You will deepen your knowledge of sustainable construction and management concepts, environmental protection regulations (environment, social, governance), sustainability monitoring, and compensation technologies.
• Technical Fundamentals: In the modules on construction, IT architecture, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and energy generation and management, you will learn about the technical backgrounds of modern buildings.
• Digital City and Mobility: Topics such as smart city, smart mobility, and big data open up the field of urban and digitally networked infrastructures for you.
• Real Estate Economics and Asset Management: You will study economic fundamentals on both a macro and micro level, facility management, project development in existing buildings, and methods for professional real estate valuation.
• Practical Relevance: In a practical project and the master’s thesis, you will work on real industry issues.

How is the course structured?

The programme is designed as an on-campus course and lasts 4 semesters (full-time) with a total of 120 ECTS credits. The courses are taught in English and follow fixed semester timetables.

• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years), starting each winter or summer semester
• Study location: Berlin
• Language: English
• Lecture times: Mostly block sessions on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm. About 30% of the courses are held online.
• Holidays: Approx. 8 weeks per academic year
• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

The first three semesters consist of modules on management, technology, and sustainability. The fourth semester includes a practical project as well as the master’s thesis with a colloquium.

What career prospects does the course offer you?

After graduating with a Master of Science degree, you will be prepared for demanding and future-oriented tasks in real estate management and the smart building environment. You will develop the skills to manage innovative, sustainable, and digitalised real estate projects and actively shape their development.

• Leadership and project management in the digitalisation of real estate
• Development and implementation of sustainable building concepts
• Technological infrastructure management (“Chief Digital Officer”, innovation management)
• Working at PropTech start-ups, real estate companies, asset managers, or consultancy firms
• Career paths also include entrepreneurial activities (e.g., founding a PropTech start-up)

Specific positions include, among others:

• Project Manager for Digitalisation
• Innovation Manager
• Manager for Technological Infrastructure
• Chief Digital Officer in Real Estate Companies

The course content is tailored to the high demand for specialists in smart building, digitalisation, and sustainable real estate management.

Where does the course take place?

Your study location is Berlin, one of the most important centres for start-ups and PropTech companies in Europe. The new campus of bbw University of Applied Sciences offers modern facilities and direct contact with leading practical partners from the real estate industry.

Students benefit from small groups, practice-oriented lecturers, and an innovative learning environment. The close proximity to cooperation partners and an active Career Center support your career entry.

What does the course cost and how can you finance it?

For the full-time course, the following tuition fees apply:

• German and EU citizens: 24 monthly instalments of 640 euros each (total 15,360 euros)
• Non-EU citizens: 4 semester fees of 3,840 euros each (total 15,360 euros), plus an application fee of 250 euros

bbw University of Applied Sciences offers fixed semester schedules, individual support, and assists you with career planning. Information on scholarships, financing options, and study organisation is available from the Student Service Center of bbw University of Applied Sciences.