Study, teaching and research lies in the responsibility of seven different faculties. The fields of Business Studies, Computer Science, and Engineering and Technology are located at the campus Schneidershof in Trier. The faculty of Design is located at three campuses: Irminenfreihof and Paulusplatz in Trier and in Idar-Oberstein. The Environmental-Campus Birkenfeld is home of the faculties Environmental Planning/Environmental Technology and Environmental Business Studies/Environmental Law.

The university is governed by its president who is also the external representative. Two vice presidents support the president. The university consists of decision-making bodies with members who have been elected in free, equal, and secret elections. The student body is represented in the students' parliament (StuPa – student council). The student council elects the general students' committee (AStA).