Year 1

During your first year, you study at either:

• KTH: Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm 
  UPC: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Courses in the first year focus on topics such as sustainable energy conversion, renewable energy, and ways of ensuring minimal human impact on the environment.

The content of the first-year courses is the same at both universities. Students based in KTH will join courses of UPC virtually, while those based in UPC will join courses of KTH virtually.

Year 2

During the second year, you choose one of the following specialist tracks to deepen your knowledge:

• Combined Energy Systems at KTH: Royal Institute of Technology *

Combined Energy Systems deals with multiple energy services from combinations of renewable energy sources. You will focus on the “art” of combining multiple energy sources to produce various energy services in an efficient, cost effective and sustainable way. In particular the course explores the topic of polygeneration and the synthesis of complex renewable energy systems.

Delivered by the prestigious KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the course offers a broad and diverse mix of compulsory and optional topics to extend your knowledge and understanding.

Requirements: Beyond the subjects covered in the MSc SELECT in Year 1, no special requirements are stipulated.

• Energy Efficiency at PoliTo: Politecnico di Torino

Deepen your understanding of new energy pathways in future complex-integrated systems, with a focus on efficiency in the industrial and residential contexts.

Requirements: A background in mechanical engineering or chemical engineering is recommended.

• Innovation in Energy Systems at TU/e: Eindhoven University of Technology

Explore innovation in electrical power supply systems. From smart grids to energy storage, from built environmental design to socio-economic implications for developing countries, this course digs deep into supply and demand in the context of real-life case studies.

Requirements: You should have the academic tools and experience to perform in-depth scientific research in your chosen speciality.

• Offshore Energy Systems at IST: Instituto Superior Técnico

Explore the innovation, the economic, the legal and the ecological dynamics at work within the implementation of energy technologies. Build strong scientific and technological problem-solving skills while developing your creativity, entrepreneurial and leadership competencies.

Requirements: The course is intended for students with a BSc in Engineering or Engineering Sciences and requires solid knowledge in mathematics, physics, chemistry, information systems as well as understanding of economics and management.

• Solar Systems at UPC: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech *

Acquire expertise in the field of solar systems. This course draws on solid scientific knowledge, while delivering a broad perspective on technological development in innovation and sustainability. You also have the flexibility to explore a range of additional topics and areas that align with your interests and learning objectives.

Requirements: Beyond the subjects covered in the MSc SELECT in Year 1, no special requirements are stipulated.

• Sustainable Biomass Processing at Aalto University

Acquire specialised knowledge and expertise in the areas of sustainable energy production, conversion systems and markets.

Requirements: A background in chemical engineering is recommended.

• Renewable Energy and Energy Management  at AGH: University of Science and Technology

You will acquire knowledge related to renewable energy technologies as well as economics, energy policy and energy management in the fuel and energy sector. Students will learn how to make a real contribution to foster the deployment of renewable energy technologies and how to plan the development and operation of energy systems under high RES penetration.

Requirements: BSc in a cognate discipline or equivalent.

During the final semester of your second year, you will work on your Master’s thesis project, which is worth 30 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credits (ECTS)*. The thesis is undertaken in collaboration with our industry, research or NGO partners. It should include both the technological aspects of your chosen topic as well as a solid business analysis.

*Please note: if you do your Master’s thesis at TU/e, your thesis will be worth 45 ECTS credits.

The programme gives you plenty of chances to meet and engage with our industry partners, business experts, fellow students, recent graduates and thriving start-ups throughout your two years of study.

Teaching on the programme is characterised by two challenge-driven projects: the Project of the Year (PoY) in your first year and the integrated Project of the Year (IPoY) in your second. In teams with fellow students, you will apply your knowledge and skills to real-life projects, which are set by one of our industry partners.

During the Fall Seminar all students get together at a single university, network with each other, attend presentations given by representatives from our industrial and start-up partners and other inspiring speakers, and kick-start the academic year.

For first-year students, the Fall Seminar is where the Project of the Year is launched. You also take part in courses from ESADE Business School that introduce you to project management. Students complete various team challenges, take part in structured study visits, and strengthen their relationship with academic staff and industry experts.

Second-year students focus on courses in entrepreneurship, branding and fast prototyping. Time is dedicated to the presentation of Integrated Project of the Year proposals, including a peer review, as well as a course on Managing High-Performance Teams from ESADE Business School.

The Spring Seminar introduces you to the cutting-edge research found in the curricula, and trains you in group discussions in an international setting. There are more courses from ESADE Business School: Design Thinking for first-year students, and Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Marketing for second-year students.

The Spring Seminar is also the occasion for first-year students to present the results of their Project of the Year, and for second-year students to present the results of their Integrated Projects of the Year to fellow students. 

You have the opportunity to undertake an internship in collaboration with one of our industrial or research partners in the summer between your first and second year. Internships are highly recommended to all. Students are responsible for researching and securing their own internship.

In particular, Master's in Sustainable Energy Systems builds your understanding of the role of interdisciplinary teams in delivering sustainable energy. It enables you to build in-depth knowledge in specific disciplines, while broadening your perspective on how diverse skills bridge the gap between those single disciplines and deliver better results. It gives you insight into where technology and users interact, and how to choose between technological solutions, societal solutions or a combination of both – a strong foundation for your professional life.

During your first year, you study at either KTH: Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, or UPC: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech. Your second year is spent at one of the other universities available in the programme.

After successfully completing the programme, you will receive a degree from each of your chosen universities.

• Aalto: Master of Science (Technology)
• AGH: Master or Master of Engineering
• IST: Master of Energy Engineering and Management
• KTH: Master of Science (120 credits)
• PoliTo: Master of Science in Energy and Nuclear Engineering
• TU/e: Degree of Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Technology
• UPC: Master of Energy Engineering

The EIT Label is a quality seal awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to a KIC educational programme that has been assessed positively by the EIT on the implementation of the EIT Quality Assurance and Learning Enhancement (EIT QALE) system and the application of specific quality criteria with focus on the EIT Overarching Learning Outcomes (EIT OLOs), robust entrepreneurship education, highly integrated, innovative ‘learning-by-doing’ curricula, international mobility and outreach. For more information please check here.