The standard period of study for the RES Master's programme amounts to three theoretical semesters. The third semester is used primarily for the completion of the Master's thesis. The programme is offered as a full-time course. Within the range of subjects, students are conveyed an in-depth and detailed theoretical, technical, and practical understanding of energy systems.
In the first semester, knowledge, skills and competencies in the fields of energy are conveyed. An urban area energy system is designed. Furthermore, students learn to work independently by engaging in individual projects. Additionally, numerical mathematics and simulation techniques will be taught.
The second semester focuses on off-grid energy systems and industrial energy systems. The System Courses are enhanced by a module on energy policy and energy markets.
The Master's programme concludes with the Master's thesis in the third and last semester. The thesis is complemented by seminars.
There are practical elements in all modules, e.g., by providing project and thesis topics set by partner companies (especially for the dual programme). Courses also offer practical elements in university labs, company and trade fair visits, etc.
Language and culture courses are offered throughout the programme while the university is in session. Students from abroad have the opportunity to participate in German language courses and German students have the opportunity to learn another foreign language, but language courses are not part of the curriculum.
The programme is a full-time study programme.
It is possible to integrate an internship into the study programme. The Master's degree programme will then offer the opportunity to do an optional internship semester after the two theoretical semesters and before the Master's thesis semester. The students have to find an appropriate internship by themselves. The International Office offers courses for application training and will assist the students. It is common and recommended to write the Master's thesis within a company as an alternative to writing it within the university.
Positions for taking part in the dual Master's degree programme are provided independently from the university only by companies – students have to arrange such contracts with a company on their own before the start of the Master's course. Suitable companies can be located in Germany or the students' home countries – students should search the companies' websites for dual programmes. It is advisable to apply at the students' home location to companies that have their headquarters or other sites in Germany.