Sustainability in the built environment is more than a passing trend — it’s essential for meeting global climate and resource challenges. This Master's programme prepares you to contribute directly to the transition toward CO2-neutral solutions for both new constructions and existing buildings. You will develop expertise in building energy efficiency and learn to apply emerging technologies to reduce primary energy use and electricity demand in the built environment.
The course is designed for students who want to drive change: combining technical knowledge, design thinking and systems-based approaches so you can help implement affordable, sustainable building solutions. Given the large share of global energy consumption that buildings represent, the skills taught here are highly relevant to tackling global warming and conserving limited energy resources. The programme also emphasizes international perspectives, preparing graduates to work across different regulatory and cultural contexts.
German language classes are available as an elective module, allowing international students to learn or improve German while studying in an English-taught Master of Arts programme. For specific admission criteria, application deadlines and detailed module information, consult the official programme page.
Requirements / key facts
This full-time programme is built around 90 ECTS taken over three semesters. If your prior degree totals fewer than 210 ECTS, you should expect to plan additional time to make up required modules/ECTS before or during the course. Upon successful completion you will receive the internationally recognised academic degree Master of Engineering (MEng).
The curriculum combines core engineering and building-design topics with digital tools and sustainability practice. Early coursework focuses on fundamentals such as Building Physics, Energy System Technologies, Electrical Engineering for Energy Applications, Photovoltaics Engineering and Simulation of Building Energy Concepts, plus a compulsory elective. In the second semester you advance to specialised subjects including Sustainable HVAC, Virtual Power Plants, Smart Building Controls, Building Information Modelling (BIM), Sustainability and another compulsory elective. The third semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis and an accompanying master’s seminar.
Graduates leave with applied skills in modelling and simulating building energy behaviour, integrating renewable technologies (e.g., photovoltaics) and electrical systems, designing energy-efficient HVAC and smart control systems, and using BIM for coordinated sustainable building solutions. The thesis semester develops independent research, project management and communication abilities needed for professional practice or further academic study.
Requirements (concise)
This master’s program is open to applicants who hold a completed university degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent domestic or foreign qualification. Relevant fields include programs grounded in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, supply engineering, or comparable studies — i.e., degrees that provide a technical and scientific foundation relevant to sustainable building systems.
There are specific thresholds for academic credit and grading: applicants must meet either the combined grade-and-credit requirement or the minimum-credit option (see bullets below). In practice, 180 ECTS typically corresponds to a three‑year bachelor’s degree while 210 ECTS corresponds to a 3.5‑year program; if your degree comes from a non‑ECTS system you may need to have credits or your qualification converted/assessed by the admissions office. The required overall examination grade of at least 2.5 refers to the grading standard used by the awarding institution — if your grading scale differs, check with admissions about grade conversion.
You must also submit a short motivation letter (200–500 words) in either English or German. Use this to explain your interest in sustainable building systems, relevant prior experience or coursework, and your academic or professional goals that make you a good fit for the program.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 May 2026
Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles in building design, energy consultancy, HVAC and renewable energy system integration, smart building technology companies, and construction firms focused on energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions. The programme’s combination of simulation, system design and control skills is also valuable for roles in energy management, virtual power plant operations and sustainability planning.
The international orientation and practical modules enable career opportunities both in Germany and abroad, including project engineering, technical consultancy, research and development or continuing to doctoral studies in related fields.
Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg — Cottbus
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar — Weimar
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar — Weimar
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar — Weimar