At first glance, plastics engineering and surveying could hardly be more different: one develops plastics for medical technology or lightweight construction, the other creates three-dimensional maps of our world using drones and laser scanners. Nevertheless, at THWS these fields come together under one roof.
Published on 17 July 2025
What do drones, 3D printers, and silicone rubbers have in common? They symbolise the innovative work carried out at the Faculty of Plastics Engineering and Surveying at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS). With state-of-the-art equipment, an international flair, and a focus on sustainability, the faculty offers exciting prospects for students.
Studying at the interface of high-tech and practice
The faculty is divided into two study areas, plastics engineering and surveying, and offers five degree programmes (see info box). Students benefit from a wide range of equipment that gives them practical insights and allows them to work directly on the devices. From scanning electron microscopes and ultrasonic welding machines to dynamic mechanical indentation testers – the plastics engineering study area is well equipped. "We are really proud of that," says Professor Dr. Marcus Schuck, programme director for plastics and elastomer technology. "We have everything a plastics engineer could wish for, from the smallest 3D printing machine to large injection moulding machines with clamping forces of over 100 tons."
Students also have access to state-of-the-art technology in the field of surveying: AI-supported drone technologies, a geo-virtual reality and augmented reality laboratory, powerful AI systems, surveying equipment, and digital cameras, as well as large computer rooms enable advanced data analysis.
Practical relevance is a top priority
Michaela Kist is a master's student in the Geo Data Technology programme and has already completed her bachelor's degree in Surveying and Geoinformatics. Weekly measurement exercises took her to a wide variety of locations in Würzburg. "There are different measurement areas for each subject, such as at Hexenbruch or Schenkenturm. Many people may know us. We are also the ones who stand at the Ringpark near the train station with our high-visibility vests and do our measurement exercises," says Michaela Kist with a laugh.
Student Lukas Heydecker is also enthusiastic about the practical relevance of plastics engineering. He is studying for a master's degree in product and system development and previously completed his bachelor's degree in plastics and elastomer technology. "I'm working in more of a niche area and deal a lot with rubbers, specifically silicone rubbers. I find it really exciting," he says. Professor Dr. Volker Herrmann also offers an internship in the field of rubbers, for which he won the THWS teaching award. In six short consecutive internships, students produce their own plastic in the laboratory, develop it further, mature it, modify it, process it and test it. The person who creates the best plastic wins an award!
Exciting field trips: from the ISS to Jordan
Field trips are an integral part of everyday student life at the faculty. Michaela Kist recalls a visit to the German Aerospace Centre in Pfaffenhofen. "We had lectures on remote sensing and even visited the ISS control centre," she reports. "That's where they directly control what the astronauts on the ISS do. We were able to watch the live stream and be there while an experiment was being carried out. It was truly fascinating."
Lukas Heydecker experienced another highlight during his master's degree: he took part in a field trip to the German Jordanian University (GJU) in Amman, Jordan. The plastics engineering department is planning a Hosted Programme in Advanced Materials Engineering, which is scheduled to start in the winter semester of 2025/26. In addition to technical content, Jordanian students will also learn German in this programme so that they can transfer to THWS in the fifth semester and complete their degrees in Germany. "I was allowed to represent THWS on site," Lucas says proudly. "I gave the Jordanian students an insight into our studies, from our module content to our current level of knowledge.
Different paths, a common goal
Since the Departments of Plastics Engineering and Surveying are united under the umbrella of one faculty, they work together wherever possible. For example, the transfer colloquium in the cooperative degree programme takes place jointly. This is rather difficult in subject-specific modules.
There are plans to combine the strengths of both departments even more closely in joint research projects in the future. For example, a project has been initiated in which technologies are used together to detect plastic waste in the environment. "This allows plastics engineers to use their knowledge of multispectral analysis, combined with the knowledge of surveyors from this technology and drone technology, to detect plastic waste in the landscape," explains Professor Dr. Schuck.
Briefly explained
A dynamic mechanical indentation tester is a device that examines the mechanical properties of a material by pressing a tip onto the surface and measuring reactions such as hardness, elasticity, and vibration behaviour.
Rubber is an elastic material that occurs naturally and can also be produced synthetically. It is mainly used for the manufacture of rubber and similar elastic products.
Multispectral analysis is a technical process in which images or data from different spectral ranges, such as visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet, are viewed simultaneously. This process is used in the analysis of plastics and in remote sensing in the field of geosciences.
Shaping the future: prospects for students and THWS
Like many other higher education institutions, THWS and its Faculty of Plastics Engineering and Surveying are facing the challenge of declining student numbers. However, Professor Dr. Marcus Schuck is optimistic about the future: "With strong internationalisation, TWIN programmes and cooperation with partner universities, we are focusing on global networking."
Cooperative study models with in-depth practical experience are also an important component in increasing the attractiveness of the degree programmes. Michaela Kist has already completed her bachelor's degree as a cooperative student. She is continuing on this path in her master's degree and works at the Office for Rural Development in Bamberg during the semester breaks. "It's a good opportunity to be more financially independent and gain valuable insights into professional life," she says.
From thermal drones to biopolymers: paths to greater sustainability
Sustainability is a key issue for the faculty. In the field of surveying, individual modules and practical courses focus on the analysis of climate change. Techniques such as remote sensing, AI-supported analyses, and the use of thermal drones help to accurately record environmental changes.
Sustainability also plays a key role in plastics engineering. In addition to teaching content on recycling and biopolymers, there will be a separate professorship on sustainability and recycling in future. Professor Dr. Schuck explains: "Plastics are not bad per se. Without polymers, there would be no quality of life. When I look around, my computer, my glasses, everything is made of plastic. And at THWS, we teach you how to make it sustainable."
Whether it's drones in the fight against climate change or plastics that are designed to be more sustainable, the Faculty of Plastics Engineering and Surveying combines technological excellence with a clear vision for the future. Students here are not only part of a state-of-the-art degree programme but are also actively shaping solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.
Faculty of Plastics Engineering and Surveying
Polymer Engineering
- Kunststoff- und Elastomertechnik (German-taught, B. Eng., TWIN programme)
- Applied Polymer Engineering (English-taught, B. Eng., TWIN programme)
Surveying
- Geovisualisation (B. Eng.)
- Surveillance and Geo Information Systems (B. Eng.)
- Geo Data Technology (M. Eng.)
Interdisciplinary
- Product and Systems Development (M. Eng.) (conceptualised for graduates of the bachelor's degree programmes Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Applied Polymer Engineering and the corresponding TWIN programmes)
