Clean Energy Processes

Overview

This research-oriented Master’s programme in Clean Energy Processes trains engineers to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges in energy conversion, energy systems and the use of energy across industry. Taught in English, the curriculum emphasizes both energy technology and energy systems so that graduates can develop deep expertise in a chosen specialisation and pursue careers in industry or academia.

What you’ll study and gain

The programme combines intensive coursework with practical laboratory internships and seminars, complementary modules (including socio-economic perspectives), and a research-led Master’s thesis. Close collaboration with nearby research centres gives students access to cutting-edge projects in sustainable and cost‑effective renewable energy technologies. Graduates leave with hands-on experience, laboratory skills and the analytical foundation needed for roles in national or international industry or further academic research.

Research environment and opportunities

The programme is embedded in the Faculty of Engineering and benefits from strong links to regional research organisations—most notably the Helmholtz Institute for Renewable Energy (HI‑ERN)—as well as the Energy Campus Nürnberg, the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits and the Bavarian Center for Applied Energy Research e.V. This network provides opportunities for project work, internships and exposure to applied and fundamental research in clean energy.

Programme components (requirements)

• Specialisation modules in the two tracks: energy technologies and energy systems
• Compulsory and elective modules (examples: energy technology, process engineering, chemical engineering, plant and equipment engineering, materials science, economics)
• Seminars to develop presentation and research skills
• Laboratory courses and practical internships for hands-on experience
• Master’s thesis conducted under research supervision

This two-year, English-language Master’s programme trains students to specialise in either energy technologies or energy systems within the broader field of chemical engineering. The curriculum combines core and elective coursework with focused specialisation modules—each including laboratory components—so you can deepen your technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of energy-related engineering topics while keeping practical application and industry relevance at its centre.

Core teaching spans energy technology, process engineering and chemical engineering, with additional modules available in plant and equipment engineering, materials science and economics. Students choose from compulsory and elective units to build a coherent study profile; specialisation modules provide concentrated study in your chosen pathway (energy systems or energy technology) and include laboratory work for experiential learning. The course also offers opportunities to participate in institute-led research projects, strengthening connections between coursework and current research questions.

Graduates leave with advanced scientific and technical skills across multiple engineering disciplines, plus transferable soft skills needed for teamwork, communication and project work. An integrated internship—either in academic research or in industry—is part of the programme, helping you apply theory to real-world problems and preparing you for demanding roles in research or industrial practice. Close links with a leading renewable-energy research hub and industry partners provide additional pathways into research careers and energy-sector employment.

Programme requirements (core components)

• Two-year full-time Master’s structure
• Choice of specialisation: energy technologies or energy systems
• Specialisation modules that include laboratory courses
• Compulsory and elective modules across energy technology, process engineering, chemical engineering, plant and equipment engineering, material sciences and economics
• Opportunities to join research projects at participating institutes
• Integrated internship option in research or industry
• Development of advanced scientific skills and soft skills for professional practice

Graduates are prepared for technical and research-oriented roles in industry and academia related to energy conversion, energy systems design, process engineering and renewable energy technologies. Typical employers include energy utilities, engineering consultancies, manufacturers of energy systems and components, research institutes and public-sector energy agencies.

The programme’s hands-on laboratory training, integrated internship and proximity to major research centres increase employability for roles such as process/plant engineer, energy systems analyst, R&D engineer, and positions in project development or consulting in the clean energy sector. Graduates can also pursue doctoral studies in related engineering and energy research fields.