Technology of Wood, Plastics and Textiles

The Technology of Wood, Plastics and Textiles is a full-time Master’s programme at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) in Tallinn, Estonia. The programme has a nominal duration of 2 years and comprises 120 ECTS. It is taught entirely in English and leads to the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering. The programme provides students with advanced knowledge of wood, plastics, textiles and composite materials, while combining theoretical learning with practical laboratory work, projects and individual research.

Teaching is organised through a combination of lectures, seminars and laboratory work in the recently renovated Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Technology, which is equipped with modern devices. Students also gain practical knowledge of CAD engineering programmes and CAM manufacturing technologies, which are applied to product development and modern industrial production. The programme provides opportunities to carry out individual research projects in cooperation with various companies.

Programme Specialisations

At Master’s level, students can specialise in one of two directions:

• Wood Technology
• Plastic and Textile Technology

Depending on their chosen specialisation, students develop in-depth knowledge of the construction, properties and technologies of wood, plastic and textile materials. The programme also provides knowledge of technology entrepreneurship, project planning, analysis and management.

Curriculum and Areas of Study

The curriculum consists of 120 ECTS and includes several major study components:

General Studies cover subjects related to project planning, entrepreneurship and management.

Core Studies focus on materials testing, the structure of wood, plastics, textiles and composite materials, as well as CAD/CAM technologies used in the furniture, plastics and garment industries.

Special Studies allow students to develop specialised knowledge in either Wood Technology or Plastic and Textile Technology. Students study technologies and equipment used in the woodworking and furniture industry, plastics industry, and textile and garment industry.

The programme also includes free-choice courses, allowing students to select from a range of courses offered by the university.

The programme concludes with a graduation thesis, which can take the form of a scientific or engineering project based on the student’s specialised studies and individual research work completed during the programme.

Practical and Project-Based Learning

The programme places strong emphasis on practical education rather than theoretical knowledge alone. Students participate in laboratory work, practical tasks and projects, allowing them to apply the concepts learned during their studies. E-learning is also used to provide flexibility in the acquisition of knowledge across courses.

Students have opportunities to connect their individual research projects with various companies, providing exposure to practical industrial applications and product development.

Career Opportunities

The programme prepares graduates for professional roles in industries involved in materials processing, manufacturing, product development and related technological fields. The source indicates demand for professionals with specialised knowledge because manufacturing companies are investing in new technologies, automation, digitalisation and increased production capacity.

Graduates can pursue careers as:

• Engineers
• Constructors
• Technology specialists
• Project managers
• Designers
• Production experts
• Managers

Graduates may work in export-oriented companies and international teams. With additional professional experience, they may progress into management positions such as sales manager, purchasing manager, product development manager, production manager or quality manager.

Because business processes across materials-processing industries are similar, graduates may also have opportunities to move between different industry sectors, such as from the wood sector to the upholstery sector.

After completing the Master’s degree, graduates can also pursue academic careers or continue their education through doctoral studies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Tallinn University of Technology requires applicants to have at least 60% of the highest possible CGPA. If the Bachelor’s average is below 60%, the requirement may be considered fulfilled based on a programme manager’s proposal if the applicant achieved at least 60% of the maximum possible grade in previous Master’s studies. This alternative can only be applied when the Bachelor’s CGPA is not below 50%.

A GRE General Test result is required as a preliminary application requirement. The source directs applicants to the programme information for the required threshold score and additional GRE details.

Educational qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian. Where documents are not in these languages, applicants must upload official translations together with the original education documents through the online application system.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must provide adequate proof of English language proficiency. The accepted certificates and required scores are specified by Tallinn University of Technology on its application information page.

English-language proof may only be waived when the applicant has completed on-site secondary education, a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree taught fully in English in one of the specified countries: EU/EEA member states, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland or the United Kingdom.

Applicants who completed English-taught studies outside these specified countries are required to provide an internationally recognised English-language test indicated by the university.

An online interview is also listed among the programme’s other requirements.

Tuition and Application Fee

The tuition fee for the programme is €6,000 per year. According to the source, studying is free for citizens of Estonia and other European Union countries.

The application fee is €100 per applicant, paid as a one-time, non-refundable fee. This fee allows an applicant to apply for two programmes.

Scholarship opportunities are also available through Tallinn University of Technology.

Study Start

The programme is scheduled to commence on 31 August. The source states that the application period has ended.

Overall, the MSc Technology of Wood, Plastics and Textiles combines advanced materials knowledge, engineering technologies, practical laboratory training, CAD/CAM skills, research and project-based learning. Its two specialisation options Wood Technology and Plastic and Textile Technology allow students to focus their studies according to their chosen area while developing skills relevant to engineering, manufacturing, product development and management.