Sustainability and polymer technology? Whether it be wind farms, photovoltaics, electric cars, or simply window frames, it is impossible to imagine our world without plastics and polymers. Here you will learn how to use and develop them in a purposeful, environmentally friendly and resource-saving way.
When it comes to plastics and polymers, the correct product design and product development results in world champions in sports and saves lives in medicine. Natural resources can be cleverly converted into energy, or we can conserve energy via lightweight construction and insulation. Plastics and polymers are also revolutionizing the way we communicate.
The Bachelor's degree program in polymer engineering provides you with a strong understanding and applied methods to use of plastics to help improve the world. The program provides a strong foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and technological fields. The curriculum has been designed to educate you as a specialist in polymer processing, materials science, product design, sustainable product development, recycling, and the circular economy.
Selected courses in the undergraduate degree program will be partly held in English to help you best prepare for the Master's degree program.
Key Facts
Degree
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Duration
6 semesters
ECTS
180 credits
Language
German (Level B2), individual courses offered in English
Location
Linz
Program
Full-Time
In addition to a broad, base-knowledge degree program, you can also personalize parts of the curriculum to focus on the areas that interest you most. For example, you can specialize in materials development and characterization, product design, processing and digital transformation, or recycling and upcycling.
The Bachelor's degree program in Polymer Engineering consists of the following areas:
The curriculum contains detailed information about the program content. Once you have successfully passed the StEOP requirements at the start of the program, you will be able to continue on with your studies.
The curriculum for the JKU's Bachelor's degree program in Polymer Engineering is well-rounded and application-oriented, including a focus on the entire value chain of plastics. This ranges from chemical synthesis and design and processing to recycling and a circular economy. In addition, the curriculum emphasizes a base-knowledge educaion in mathematics, programming, mechanics, and mechanical engineering. Subject areas include:
Let Andreas tell you about what studying polymer engineering at the JKU is like.
Did you know that...?
Graduates in polymer engineering are highly sought-after and quickly find jobs! The JKU created this degree program in response to demands by the business community, industry, and the government.
This podcast episode features JKU students, Sarah and Jonas, talking about what makes their Bachelor's degree program in polymer engineering so special, what their career prospects are, what everyday life at the JKU is like, what living near campus is like, and what they like to do in their free time. Have fun listening!
Graduates of the Bachelor's degree program in polymer engineering can work in the following industrial areas:
Your skills in polymer engineering skills are in high demand, particularly in the following areas of industry:
Sports and Recreation: Polymers are multifunctional and play a key role in the production of countless high-performance products in a wide range of sports categories! This includes equipment for skiing and snowboarding, sports balls, lightweight bicycles, sailboats, sportswear, and much more.
Medicine: Multifunctional plastics can be used to create orthoses, prostheses and implants. Plastics are also used to make blood bags, tubes, syringes, etc., more hygienic. Packaging made out of plastic keeps sutures, bandages, hearing aids, contact lenses, condoms, pregnancy tests, coronavirus tests - and much more! - sterile.
Electrics and Electronics: You are only able read this text because your screen contains a considerable amount of plastics. Cable coverings and casing ensure your device is powered safely.
Energy: When it comes to photovoltaic systems, plastics are responsible for the long-term durability of silicon cells. Large wind turbines found in wind farms can only be constructed using lightweight plastics. In the area of housing construction, insulation panels and window frames are just a few examples of ways to guarantee energy savings and safety.
Mobility: Resource-efficient mobility requires lightweight plastic and composite solutions. Railroads, buses, airplanes, and automobiles are becoming lighter and more comfortable, thanks to plastics.
Packaging: This is where you help educate the public about a responsible approach to plastic packaging. In regard to plastic packaging, you also create solutions to support a true circular economy.
In order to be admitted to the Bachelor's degree program, you must fulfill the following requirements.
Please note:
If you can prove a certain level of academic performance at school, you can contact the Office of Examinations and Recognition Services to have academic credit transferred and count toward your degree program:
Still have questions?
Then contact us!
Department
Admissions Office
Building
Polymer Engineering
JKU Science Park 2
T +43 732 2468 6610
kt@jku.at, opens in new window
jku.at/kt, opens an external URL in a new window
Upper Austria is Austria's leading state in regard to the plastics industry. We generate 50% of the turnover in the national plastics industry. Over ten leading international companies have located their main and/or research headquarters here. Austrian and international companies and research institutions work together with faculty members at the JKU's institutes for polymer engineering to jointly conduct research, creating a vibrant, exciting, and innovative environment.
In the area of education and research, you will experience the cutting-edge technology that is applied at the JKU. This begins with lightweight construction and is demonstrated above all in cross-disciplinary activities in the area of the circular economy of plastics.
Our polymer engineering program is unique in Linz, combining various disciplines via collaboration with many different faculties and institutes. In addition to engineering and technical content, we also focus on the relationship between engineering and business, as well as the way technology impacts our everyday lives.
In addition, we take a critical look at the impact of plastics in regard to the UN's sustainable development goals. Engineering studies in Linz is special in that the Faculty of Natural Sciences is embedded within the general university, thus guaranteeing lively exchange with other academic disciplines at the JKU and at the Med Campus.
In general, a basic interest in engineering and technology would be good. Prospective students do not need any specific educational background aside from general university entrance qualifications. The program begins with broad, base-knowledge course designed to teach the basics of engineering sciences. Hands-on courses ensure students can apply what they have learned to real-world practices.
Do you need help registering or do you have questions about the program? Contact the JKU's Office of Student Information and Academic Advising (SIBS)!
After completing your undergraduate degree, you can continue your education by pursuing an advanced degree:
You might also find these academic degree programs interesting:
Johannes Kepler University Linz
Altenberger Straße 69
4040 Linz, Austria
