The Master Sustainable Energy integrates technical and societal knowledge to shape the sustainable transformation of energy systems holistically. It offers an interdisciplinary education that prepares students for key challenges of the energy transition.
The Master’s programme in Sustainable Energy focuses on the causes and impacts of the climate crisis and the challenges of transforming energy systems sustainably. By addressing the technological, economic, ecological, and social dimensions of energy systems, the program highlights the energy transition as a critical socio-ecological challenge that demands technical expertise and societal action. Students are equipped to develop innovative solutions that tackle climate change, advance energy system transformation, and promote resource conservation.
This programme adopts an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to investigate the factors that drive, accelerate, or impede energy system transformation. Special attention is given to the interactions among stakeholders, policy frameworks, technological innovations, and the social and ecological consequences of these changes. By combining scientific theories, practical knowledge, and creative problem-solving, the programme provides students with the skills to understand and address the complexities of sustainable energy systems.
3 Specialisations: Transition, Development, Engineering
The Master Sustainable Energy programme consists of a total of 90 ECTS / Credit Points (CP). Full-time study spans three semesters, with 30 Credit Points (CP) awarded in each semester. In the third semester, students complete a Master’s thesis, which accounts for 30 CP and integrates the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme.
Students can choose from three specialisations, each offering a distinct focus. The curriculum includes shared compulsory courses for all three specialisations, along with additional mandatory and elective modules specific to each specialisation. The primary language of instruction is English, although some elective modules are offered exclusively in German.
Transition - Social Change and Sustainability
Development - Development Cooperation
In the Master’s programme Sustainable Energy, modules form the foundation of the study structure (see study plans). Modules consist of one or more courses (lectures, seminars, or practice-oriented projects) and are completed with a module examination (written exams, essays, project work, or presentations).
Modules are either compulsory, which all students must take, or elective modules associated with the different specialisations. Within certain modules, students can choose between various courses, methodological focuses, or practice-oriented options, allowing them to tailor their studies to their individual interests.
All documents regarding study and examination regulations, as well as the module catalogues for the M.Eng. Sustainable Energy, can be found under For Students.
In this module, students acquire fundamental knowledge in the modelling and optimisation of sustainable energy systems. They analyse energy systems in terms of sustainability, develop supply strategies, and explore integration options for renewable energy sources.
The module is compulsory for all specialisations and consists of three sub-modules with different courses:
- ACES 1
- ACEC 2
- ACES 3 a-d
This module provides an overview of the fundamentals and measures of energy and climate policy in the context of sustainable and equitable energy systems. Students develop strategies at national, international, and local levels while deepening their knowledge of qualitative methods in energy systems research.
The module is compulsory for all specialisations and consists of four sub-modules, of which three must be completed:
- SEnSe 1
- SEnSe 2
- SEnSe 3,
- SEnSe 4a-d
Students explore theories of economic development and their ecological implications, as well as methods for measuring sustainable development. They analyse environmental economic instruments through case studies and critically evaluate them from various perspectives.
This module is an elective in the "Transition" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Ecological Economics
As part of this module, students analyse practical examples of the energy transition and gain insights into the roles of various stakeholders. The aim is to better understand the complexity of sustainable energy systems and develop interdisciplinary practical projects. The module includes excursions and discussions with stakeholders on-site.
This module is an elective in the "Transition" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Investment Analysis and Financing of Energy Projects
- Energierecht (Energy law)
- Energy Storage
- Sustainability in Engineering (Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von grünen Technologien)
- Others
Note: The courses may alternatively be counted toward the RTS module. Multiple crediting in different module areas is not permitted.
Students examine socio-ecological problem constellations such as climate change and biodiversity loss and evaluate their societal impacts. They reflect on interdisciplinary approaches to transformation research and apply them to current challenges.
This module is an elective in the "Transition" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Transformation Studies
This module provides knowledge about resource and sustainability aspects and their interactions in the context of sustainable development. Students learn methods such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and apply them critically.
This module is an elective in the "Transition" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Investment Analysis and Financing of Energy Projects
- Energierecht (Energy law)
- Energy Storage
- Sustainability in Engineering (Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von grünen Technologien)
- Others
Note: The courses may alternatively be counted toward the EWS module. Multiple crediting in different module areas is not permitted.
Students develop energy plans for regions with insufficient energy infrastructure and use GIS methods to plan sustainable energy access. They learn to process geographic data and facilitate participatory planning processes.
This module is an elective in the "Development" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Sustainability Energy Access Planning
This module enhances intercultural competence and leadership skills in the context of international development cooperation. Students develop abilities in teamwork, conflict management, and intercultural communication.
This module is an elective in the "Development" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Organisations and Diversity in Development Cooperation
Students plan and support community energy projects and conduct field studies in international teams. They present their findings to the local population and co-author research reports.
This module is an elective in the "Development" track and includes the following possible courses:
- International Community Energy Project
In this module, students analyse international energy markets and learn fundamental project management methods. They develop projects and present their results professionally.
This module is an elective in the "Development" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Markets and Project Management
Students analyse and evaluate energy storage solutions based on technical, economic, and ecological criteria. They design storage systems for specific applications and enhance their understanding of sustainable energy systems.
This module is an elective in the "Engineering" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Energy Storage
The module focuses on assessing the sustainability of technologies across all life cycle stages of products. Students apply scientific concepts and methods to critically analyse technologies.
This module is an elective in the "Engineering" track and includes the following possible courses:
- Sustainability in Engineering (Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von grünen Technologien)
The modules TE1 - TE8 are technical electives in all specialisations and include the following possible courses:
- Machinery components
- Advanced Powerplant Technology
- Controller design for wind turbines and wind farms
- Elektrochemische Energietechnik (Electrochemical Energy Technology)
- Advanced engineering mathematics
- Energieeffizienz versorgungstechnischer Systeme (Energy Efficiency in Industrial Utilitys)
- Grid Integration
- Market integration and commercial optimisation
- Wind Energy Planning and Applied Geoinformatics
- Tower and rotor structures
Note: A course may not be counted multiple times across different module areas. Courses are generally offered annually; however, new courses may be added or existing ones may be discontinued. Please always check the current course schedules.
The Master’s thesis marks the conclusion of the programme and allows students to independently address a complex scientific question. They apply the methods learned during their studies, develop a comprehensive research concept, and present their findings. The Master’s thesis is complemented by a colloquium, which includes the defence of the thesis.
The module is a compulsory module and comprises the following courses:
- Master’s Thesis Colloquium 1
- Master’s Thesis Colloquium 2
A wide range of elective modules allows students to tailor their study content flexibly and individually to their interests. Students also have the option to choose courses from other specialisations and programmes (EUF & HS), such as:
- M.A. International Management (EUF);
- M.A. Transformationsstudien (EUF) oder;
- M.Eng. Wind Engineering (HS)
This enables students to design your studies in an interdisciplinary manner and gain valuable knowledge across disciplinary boundaries.
If you receive a conditional admission, you may be required to complete additional bridging courses. Which courses you need to take depends on the requirements stated in your individual admission letter. Please note:
- The missing courses (bridging courses) must be completed within the first two semesters.
- You may choose from suitable Bachelor’s or Master’s courses, but you must confirm your choice with the program coordination in advance.
- The courses will appear on your transcript but will not count towards your final Master’s grade.
Overview of Bridging Courses
You can choose from several subject areas. As the course offer changes frequently, no complete list is provided. However, the following links will help you find suitable options:
- Bachelor Sustainable Energy Systems – specialization in Industrial Engineering: Energy Transition (module plan)
- Additional courses from other specializations within the Bachelor Sustainable Energy Systems
- Bachelor Business Administration (HS Flensburg)
- Master Wind Energy Engineering (HS Flensburg)
- Master International Management (EUF)
- Master Transformation Studies (EUF)
Examples of Bridging Courses Chosen in Recent Semesters
- Technical Energy Economics and Energy Policy (5 CP) – B.Eng. Sustainable Energy Systems
- International Economics (5 CP) – B.A. International Management
- Economics I (5 CP) – B.Eng. Sustainable Energy Systems
- Energy Economics (5 CP) – B.Eng. Sustainable Energy Systems
- Solar and Geothermal Energy (5 CP) – B.Eng. Sustainable Energy Systems
- Fundamentals of Wind Energy (5 CP) – B.Eng. Sustainable Energy Systems