Battery Technologies

Program overview

This application-focused Master's programme, taught in English within the field of Electrical Engineering, centers on the complete life cycle of battery systems. It emphasizes developing innovative, practice-oriented skills that span design, development and evaluation across all stages of battery technology. The curriculum is structured to deepen specialist knowledge while maintaining a clear emphasis on real-world applicability.

You will be trained to tackle both familiar and novel technical challenges, and to continue learning independently as technologies evolve. The programme aims to build the ability to critically assess academic findings, translate scientific results into practical solutions, and carry out hands-on research projects. Graduates leave with expert-level understanding and the problem-solving skills needed to identify practical issues and implement effective solutions.

What this means for international students: instruction in English removes language barriers to technical study, and the programme’s practical orientation supports the development of transferable skills useful in industry and research settings. The emphasis on independent learning also prepares you to adapt to fast-changing areas of battery technology after graduation.

Core competencies you will acquire

• Comprehensive knowledge of the complete life cycle of battery systems
• Innovative development skills for battery technologies
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to known and new problems
• Capacity for independent acquisition of new technical knowledge and skills
• Expert-level understanding and critical differentiation of academic results
• Skills to identify practical problems and devise solutions
• Competence to evaluate scientific findings and implement them in practice
• Experience conducting practical, application-oriented research

Overview

This Master’s programme is designed to be completed in three semesters and allows intake in either the winter or summer term. Most taught modules are valued at 5 credit points (CP), while the programme’s larger assessment components are the project work (10 CP) and the Master’s thesis (25 CP).

Structure and learning outcomes

The curriculum combines compact, credit-weighted modules with substantial independent work. The project (10 CP) and the Master’s thesis (25 CP) are central: they train you to define and execute a substantive applied or research task and to present independent, scholarly results. Parts of teaching and practical training take place at partner sites—Kiel University (CAU) and the Fraunhofer ISIT in Itzehoe—providing direct exposure to university research and applied R&D environments.

Flexibility for working students

The programme can be followed alongside employment. Students who work can arrange an individual study plan that adapts module attendance and exam scheduling to their circumstances — note that this flexibility may extend the overall duration of study.

Key facts and requirements

• Standard period of study: 3 semesters
• Possible start semesters: winter or summer
• Typical module credit value: 5 CP each
• Project work: 10 CP
• Master’s thesis: 25 CP
• Part of the course taught at partner institutions: Kiel University (CAU) and Fraunhofer ISIT, Itzehoe
• Option to study alongside employment with an individualised study plan (may extend programme length)

Graduates are prepared for technical and development roles in the battery sector and related industries — examples include R&D engineer positions in battery cell and pack development, system integration engineers, test and validation engineers, quality and production engineering roles, and positions in energy storage and e-mobility companies. The practical, application-focused training and partnerships with institutes like Fraunhofer ISIT also suit graduates for roles in research organisations and innovation centres.

Completing the Master’s thesis in collaboration with a company or research institute commonly provides direct industry contacts and can ease the transition into employment. Alumni may also pursue further academic research or specialised technical leadership roles that require both hands-on expertise and the ability to critically evaluate scientific and engineering solutions.