This vocationally and research-oriented Master’s programme is designed for graduates who want to deepen their expertise in specific renewable energy technologies—examples include wind power, photovoltaics, ocean energy, solar thermal systems and grid integration. It prepares students for either research or industry careers by combining fundamental research topics with technology-focused training. Partner institutions within the consortium supervise Master’s theses that can be carried out in research groups or with industry, so graduates can pursue academic PhD routes or technical roles in the energy sector.
The degree is a three-semester Master of Science delivered by a consortium of nine European universities and coordinated by EUREC (the Brussels-based association linking 35 European research centres and university departments active in renewable energy). Students study at least two different countries during the programme; the University of Oldenburg is one of four designated “core” universities and is responsible for the first semester. Enrollment is completed at the chosen core university, which also awards the final degree.
On completion you will understand the role of renewable technologies within a resource- and climate-constrained energy system and possess practical technical skills across stages of technology development: resource assessment, conversion principles, material selection, system design and operational performance. You will also learn to use simulation and sizing tools and develop the critical capacity to evaluate technologies for both research and industrial applications. The transnational structure offers broad networking opportunities across European research institutes and industry partners—important for internships, thesis placements and future employment.
Entry and programme requirements (concise)
Program overview The curriculum begins with a core semester taught entirely in English in Oldenburg, where you build a strong interdisciplinary foundation across the principal renewable energy technologies and their socio‑economic contexts. This semester prepares you to understand both the technical principles (how different renewable systems work) and the policy, market and sustainability considerations that shape their deployment.
Specialisation semester and hands‑on learning In the specialisation semester you focus deeply on one technology by studying at one of the partner universities across Europe. Advanced theory courses are paired with hands‑on laboratory work and field trips, so you gain practical skills as well as conceptual knowledge. Available specialisations are:
Master’s thesis and professional experience After the specialisation semester you spend the final six months completing a Master’s thesis hosted by a company or a research institution, giving you applied research experience and direct exposure to professional practice in the sector. This structure is designed to leave you with specialist technical competence, practical laboratory and field experience, and an understanding of economic, regulatory and societal dimensions—skills that support careers in industry, research or policy related to renewable energy.
Key curriculum components (requirements)
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with strong academic performance in a relevant quantitative discipline. Acceptable subject backgrounds are engineering, mathematics, or physics — the programme expects a high standard of undergraduate study in one of these areas.
If the number of applicants exceeds the available places, a competitive selection process will be used to decide admission. International applicants should ensure their transcripts and supporting documents clearly demonstrate their academic standing and are provided in the requested format and language to support fair evaluation.
Winter Semester (International)
15 April 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 April 2026
Graduates are prepared for both research-oriented and industry-oriented careers in the renewable energy sector. The programme provides technical skills in resource evaluation, conversion principles, materials selection, system design and operation, and modelling/simulation—preparing alumni for roles such as R&D engineer, system designer, project developer, grid integration specialist, or technical consultant in renewable energy companies, utilities, equipment manufacturers and engineering consultancies.
The strong consortium ties and the mandatory mobility and internship-based thesis also make graduates competitive for PhD positions and roles at research centres and policy or international organisations focused on energy transition and decarbonisation strategies.