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First masters degrees in packaging technology to be awarded soon

The last of the 16 weeks of study-blocks which comprise the Masters program at the IPI International Packaging Institute in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, has just finished. The part time program which leads to the internationally recognized Masters is aimed at staff in the packaging industry and over the past two years it has provided participants with the knowledge needed to take on the present and future challenges facing the packaging industry. Participants have increased their specialist knowledge across the full range of the packaging process and have significantly expanded their skills and expertise in research and development in the various specialist fields of packaging.

From choice of materials to first choice on the shelf

The Masters course at the IPI International Packaging Institute is unique when it comes to the breadth of knowledge covered during the two years – each stage in the packaging value creation process is treated in detail, from choice of materials to plant and equipment and the issues around different types of fillgoods. The design of the program features far more than theory: “The thing I’ve benefited from most of all is dealing with every stage in the packaging process and really developing my knowledge of how each part of the chain works”, sums up Teodora Zheliazkova, a Bulgarian participant on the Masters program.

The lecturers on the program are drawn from both industry and universities and are internationally acclaimed, providing the theoretical basis for understanding packaging processes but, importantly, also looking at how theory is turned into practice. Alongside e-learning modules, project-work, group tasks and case-studies, the course also includes company visits as well as a one week study visit to the world’s largest School of Packaging, part of Michigan State University in the USA.

Around thirty percent of the program is about business and management topics which are all examined specifically in the context of the packaging industry. In this way participants learn to present their concerns and suggestions in the language of their superiors and get qualified for taking up leadership positions. “We have studied new strategic approaches and that has certainly helped me to develop my leadership capabilities a lot. It means I’m now prepared to undertake managerial responsibility”, confirms Ivo Zhekov, who will submit his Master’s thesis in September.

International network

The packaging industry requires a global perspective, which is why the programs run by IPI International Packaging Institute are aimed at future leaders from all over the world. Reflecting its global reach, the program is taught in English and has to date attracted participants from China, India, Columbia, Bulgaria, Sweden, Greece, Denmark and Italy. “The lecturers on the Masters program are totally committed. IPI only uses experts with a track-record in their specialism. That has helped me to develop my network and will no doubt be of great use when tackling issues in future”, says Michael Grabher in a summary of his experiences on the program.

Entry requirements for the Masters program are a Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline and at least two years’ experience within the industry. Applicants also need to provide evidence of their English language ability.

For those looking to make their next career move, the door is still open - the next course starts on 5th March 2012 and applications are still being accepted.
Further information on the Master of Engineering in Packaging Technology at IPI International Packaging Institute is available on the Institute’s website at www.ipi.eu or by contacting:
Stephan Schüle, Managing Director
+41 52 675 51 51
info@ipi.eu