Master of Business Administration (MBA) Renewables

This part-time, distance-learning MBA in renewables combines management training with technical, legal and policy knowledge specifically geared to renewable energy and energy-efficiency markets. Delivered in English and available online, the programme—jointly offered by Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) and the Renewables Academy since 2011—is designed for working professionals from around the world who want to advance into leadership roles across the green-energy sector. The curriculum balances online modules with a Master’s thesis and is promoted as the first and only distance-learning MBA focused on renewables and energy efficiency.

Course content spans renewable technologies (photovoltaics, wind, bioenergy, renewable hydrogen), energy management and efficiency, energy law and policy, management and leadership, marketing and project management, accounting and financing, and entrepreneurship/business-plan development. The structure offers flexible study options so students can decide when, where and how they learn while continuing to work. An elective, week-long practical module in Berlin—“Advanced Practical RE and EE Implementation”—provides hands-on training, field trips, theory sessions and group work for deeper practical experience and in-person networking.

Key facts & requirements

• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (MBA Renewables) — accredited and internationally recognised
• Mode: distance-learning / online, part-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Typical duration: 2.5 years (includes online modules and MA thesis)
• Joint providers: Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) and the Renewables Academy (since 2011)
• Target audience: professionals working while studying; international cohort
• Optional on-campus practical week in Berlin for hands-on training and networking
• Curriculum covers: RE technologies, energy management & efficiency, law & policy, leadership, marketing & project management, accounting & financing, business planning & entrepreneurship

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Curriculum overview (starting October 2025)

This five‑semester MBA Renewables program is organised to build from technical and policy foundations to strategic management, project delivery and a research‑oriented master’s thesis. The taught portion runs across the first four semesters and culminates in a five‑month master’s thesis in the fifth semester, followed by an oral defence. The programme awards a total of 90 CP (credit points), including the master’s thesis.

Core modules in the early semesters cover renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, policy and economic frameworks, and accounting. Subsequent terms introduce international business law, investment and financing, project management, marketing, human resources, and international management, alongside an integrated business plan and advanced research methods. Students choose two electives from a set of four (see below); one elective — Advanced Practical Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Implementation — includes a mandatory one‑week on‑campus module in Berlin. Each module concludes with a final assessment (written exam, online quiz or group presentation).

Key learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Explain technical and economic aspects of renewable energy and energy‑efficiency systems and relate them to business decision‑making and policy contexts.
• Evaluate investment and financing options for energy projects and develop integrated business plans for renewable ventures.
• Apply project management, marketing and people‑management techniques in international energy organisations.
• Conduct applied research using advanced research methods and communicate findings through a substantial master’s thesis and oral examination.
• Pursue practical implementation and entrepreneurial approaches in fields such as Power‑to‑X (renewable hydrogen) and energy management.

Requirements and important details

• Start date: October 2025.
• Structure: 5 semesters (semesters 1–4: taught modules; semester 5: master’s thesis for five months + oral master’s examination).
• Total credits: 90 CP (including master’s thesis).
• Semester 1: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Systems and Concepts; Energy Policy and Economic Framework; Accounting.
• Semester 2: International Business Law; Investment and Financing; Elective 1.
• Semester 3: Project Management; Marketing Analysis and Instruments; Human Resources and People Management.
• Semester 4: International Management; Integrated Business Plan Development; Advanced Research Methods; Elective 2.
• Electives (choose two of four):
  • Advanced Practical Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Implementation (includes one week on campus in Berlin)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Renewable Hydrogen – Power‑to‑X
  • Energy Management and Energy Efficiency
• Assessment: each module ends with a final examination — formats include written exams, online quizzes or group presentations.
• Master’s thesis: topics link renewable energy and energy efficiency to business and management issues; a catalogue of previous theses (with abstracts and graduate backgrounds) is available on the programme website.
• Demo course: a guest access Moodle demo is provided to explore course organisation, study and examination regulations, module descriptions, Q&A recordings with students/alumni, sample learning units, self‑study quizzes, guest lectures and FAQs. Visit the demo course as a guest to familiarise yourself with the online learning environment.

The MBA prepares graduates for leadership and executive roles across the global renewable energy sector. Typical career paths include project finance and consultancy, project development and implementation, manufacturing and technology providers, and positions with utilities, grid operators, governmental agencies or NGOs. Graduates will be equipped to manage cross-disciplinary teams, develop business plans for renewable projects, handle investment and financing decisions, and navigate legal and policy frameworks in international markets.

Because the programme balances technical knowledge with management skills and entrepreneurship, alumni can work both upstream (technology and manufacturing) and downstream (project delivery, operations, finance and advisory) within green energy value chains.