Sustainable Energy (SE) with a specialization in Transition (SET) – Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

Study sustainable energies with a focus on the associated transformation.

Contents

Study the transformation of energy systems

In the Sustainable Energy (SE)  master’s program offered by Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF) in cooperation with Flensburg University of Applied Sciences (FUAS), you will become an expert in renewable energies with a holistic view of the subject. You can choose one of three specializations:

The Transition specialization focuses on the social change necessary for energy transition. You will deal with issues of sustainability, challenges, and possible solutions. Look forward to exciting projects, excursions, and research work that will prepare you for an international career in the energy sector.

The degree program at a glance

Degree

Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

Duration

3 semesters (= 1.5 years)

Study start

Spring semester (= March) and fall semester (= September)

Languages

English, German

Application period

Spring semester: May 15 to July 15

Fall semester: December 3 to January 15

Tuition fees

None, but you must pay a semester fee each semester

Type of course

Full time

Semester abroad

Optional

Internship

Optional

Here you’ll find everything you need to know about applying, admission, and deadlines

To the info

Course content: What this degree program is all about

  • Energy systems and the technologies behind them: What is sustainable and what is not?
  • How can the transition to sustainable energy systems be shaped – what enables, accelerates, and hinders this?
  • Which actors are involved?
  • What framework conditions and competencies play a role?
  • What challenges arise in the energy transition (technical, economic, ecological, and social) and how can we address them?
  • What solutions are available in the national and international context?

Checklist: Is this degree program right for you?

  • You are enthusiastic about sustainable energy in general, but you are particularly interested in the societal, economic, and social aspects of it.
  • Sustainability, climate protection, and fairness are important to you.
  • You want to acquire practical knowledge that will prepare you for your future career.
  • You speak English.
  • You enjoy small classes and individual mentoring.
  • You find it enriching to learn alongside students of different nationalities, cultures, and professional backgrounds and to take courses with students from other degree programs (such as International Management or Transformation Studies).

Course structure: Your path through the SE degree program with a specialization in Transition (SET)

1. Semester (spring)2. Semester (fall)3. Semester
ACES: Analysis and complexity of energy systemsSEnSe: Sustainable and just energy solutionsMaster's thesis
TS: Transformation studiesEE: Ecological economics
EWS: Energy transition showcasesRTS: Ressource transition and sustainability
Compulsory elective (1 of 4 required):Compulsory elective (1 of 4 required):
TE 1TE 2TE 3TE 4TE 5TE 6TE 7TE 8

This is what your studies will look like – semester by semester (details may vary, see next section)

In the first semester of the SE-Transition degree program, you will take the Analysis and Complexity of Energy Systems (ACES) module together with students from other specializations. In this module, you will learn more about the sustainability of energy systems, supply strategies, and the integration of renewable energies.
You will also attend courses in your specialization, in which you will explore transformation processes and showcases of energy transition.

Within your specialization, you will also set your own individual focus through elective modules: choose from a variety of topics such as Electrochemical Energy Technology or Hybrid Power Systems and Energy Management.

Optionally, you can also attend courses from other degree programs (e.g., M.Eng. Wind Engineering or M.A. Transformation Studies).

The second semester of the SE-Transition degree program includes the compulsory module Sustainable and Just Energy System Solutions (SEnSe), which covers all three areas of specialization. In this module, you will learn about the fundamentals of a fair energy and climate policy and how this can be implemented.

In addition, you will gain knowledge about ecological economics and sustainability in your specialization. Elective modules complement your skill portfolio.

In the third and final semester of the SE-Transition degree program, you will write your Master’s thesis. This should address specific real-world challenges. You will defend your thesis in a colloquium.

Want to know all the details?

Since you can start your studies in either the spring or fall semester, the order of your courses may differ from our example.

Help and advice: Where to find support

  • SET academic advice
    Academic counsellor Tim Weishaupt and program coordinator Pao-Yu Oei can help you with any questions you may have about the Transition specialization.
    You can also contact Gerhild Sierth.
  • You can find our offices on campus (Vilnius building) as well as in the Madrid building near Flensburg train station:
    Europa-Universität Flensburg
    Madrid building (MAD)
    Munketoft 3b
    24937 Flensburg
    Germany
    Building Vilnius 1 (VIL1) 
    Mitscherlich-Nielsen Straße 4a
    24943 Flensburg
    Germany
  • Campus map
    Panoramic tour of the campus
  • International Center (IC)
    The International Center looks after international students and helps with questions about stays abroad.
  • Patrick Will
    Patrick, who is part of the IC team, is responsible for FIT@EUF, a project that supports the integration of international talent into EUF and the job market in Germany. He would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the degree program that’s right for you.

Admission requirements: What you need to study SE with the specialization Transition

At a glance

  • Admission to the program is restricted – there are only a limited number of places available. Your bachelor’s degree grade will determine whether you are admitted.
  • You must have completed a bachelor's degree program with a certain scope and relevance to renewable energies, engineering, economics, or sustainability sciences, or be about to complete it.
  • You must have spent time abroad in a field related to engineering, economics, or sustainability sciences, such as a semester abroad or an internship.
  • You must speak English well and be able to prove it.

For those who want to know more:

Check admission requirements

Career prospects: What happens after graduation?

Career prospects

The Sustainable Energy master’s program will qualify you for a career in the energy sector – on an international level. Even during their studies, many of our students gain valuable experience working in companies in the energy or environmental industry. 

These contacts open up additional opportunities for you after graduation. Studying the M. Eng. in Sustainable Energy – Transition, you benefit from an active alumni network, excursions, specialist conferences, and a mentoring program.

Typical places of work for SE-Transition graduates:

  • Energy supply companies
  • Engineering firm
  • Service providers
  • International and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) related to energy and the environment
  • Government agencies (e.g., environmental and planning departments)
  • Research institutes and universities
  • Media and organizations dealing with environmental and energy-related issues

Typical career paths:

  • You could work in a leadership position at an energy company or engineering firm.
  • You could work for an NGO abroad, supporting local projects related to energy transition and climate justice.
  • You could work in public administration, reviewing applications for energy project funding.
  • You could work as a researcher, writing scientific papers on sustainable energy systems.
  • You could write texts as a journalist for an environmental magazine.
  • You could promote energy transition as a politician.

Doctorate

With a master’s degree in SE Transition, you also have the opportunity to pursue a doctorate.

Doctorate at EUF

Putting theory into practice: Our Study & Work program

Would you like to gain valuable practical experience while you study? Then take advantage of our Study & Work program and work as a student trainee at one of our regional partner companies. This gives you the opportunity to get to know potential employers early on, write your master’s thesis while at the company, secure an income, and put your theoretical knowledge directly into practice.

The Study & Work program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The abbreviation stands for Sustainable Energy (= SE).

With the English-language M.Eng. in Sustainable Energy, you will become an expert in sustainable energy systems. This is an excellent prerequisite for finding a job in the international energy sector. The Transition specialization is perfect for you if you are less interested in the technical side of the energy transition and more interested in social change and the challenges that come with it. You can tailor your master’s degree to your needs and will be supported by expert lecturers who are always willing to answer your questions. Projects and close ties to industry will prepare you for management positions and a good salary.

Admission to the Transition specialization is restricted, so you will only be accepted if you have a good bachelor’s degree. You should have completed your bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering, with a focus on energy issues. You must also speak English and have spent time abroad studying engineering, economics, or sustainability sciences.

You must have a good command of English. German is not required for the application (but there are free language courses at EUF if you want to learn it). You can find the exact language requirements on the application page of the program.

Yes, you can. In this case, you will be granted provisional admission (also known as conditional admission). You will then have to take so-called bridge courses (see bottom of page) to increase your knowledge and credits.

EUF has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Studycheck. 93 percent of students would recommend EUF to others.

The SE degree program has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Studycheck – even better than EUF’s overall rating. Students praise the exciting topics, the individual support, and the practical knowledge they gain through the degree program. 

Please note that these are general statements about the degree program SE and not about the Transition specialization (SET). There are currently no reviews available for this specialization.

With a degree in SET, you can work in energy companies, government agencies, and international organizations related to the environment, sustainability, and renewable energies. Careers in media, politics, and research are also open to you. You will be qualified to take on management positions, which often come with a good salary. During your studies, you set your own priorities and thus set the course for your career. The alumni network will support you as you start your career.

Your points of contact are the academic advisors for the SET specialization as well as the International Center, with Patrick Will being responsible for FIT@EUF, a project that supports the integration of international talent into EUF and the job market in Germany. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have about your studies.

EUF is a small university in northern Germany with a green campus and many international students. There are free language courses, a sports center, a swimming pool, and student organizations (political, environmental, intercultural, religious, etc.). There are often evening events, such as movie and game nights or barbecues. You can reach several beaches by bus: Flensburg is located on the Flensburg Firth. The Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and Denmark are not far away. Hamburg is only two hours away by train.

Not compared to the national average. Take a look at this page from the International Center to see how high the cost of living is in Flensburg.

Yes, that is possible – either at one of our partner universities or independently as a free mover. Internships abroad are also an option. It is important that the courses and activities are relevant to SE. The EUF’s International Center will be happy to help you with your planning. Read more on our student pages.

Overview of all degree programs

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Sustainable Energy on Social Media

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