Energy and Environmental Management

Energy and Environmental Management at the University of Flensburg offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for the challenges of sustainable development and resource management. This program aims to equip future professionals with the necessary skills to analyze, plan, and implement innovative solutions in energy systems, environmental protection, and resource efficiency. Students will gain expertise in areas such as renewable energy technologies, environmental policy, project management, and economic analysis, enabling them to contribute effectively to the transition towards a sustainable future. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including case studies, internships, and research projects, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility, the program encourages students to develop holistic approaches that consider ecological, economic, and social aspects. Graduates will be prepared for careers in energy consulting, environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, and public policy institutions. The program also emphasizes international perspectives, reflecting global challenges and solutions in the energy and environmental sectors. Courses are taught by experienced faculty members with backgrounds in engineering, economics, and social sciences, ensuring a well-rounded education. Students benefit from the university’s strong connections with industry partners, providing opportunities for networking and practical experience. The program’s interdisciplinary approach aims to produce graduates who are capable of leading sustainable development initiatives and making impactful decisions in diverse organizational contexts. With a focus on innovation and responsible management, Energy and Environmental Management at the University of Flensburg prepares students to become future leaders in the global effort to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy use worldwide.

Educational organisation

The course consists of the two fields of specialisation "Energy and Environmental Management in Industrialised Countries" and "Sustainable Energy Systems and Management in Developing Countries" (formerly SESAM).

Organisation of the specialisation "Sustainable Energy Systems and Management in Developing Countries":

First semester (summer)
Sustainable Energy Planning in Rural Areas (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Engineering Module I (Core elective, 5 CP), one module to be selected from:

• Renewable Energy I
• Renewable Energy II
• Rational Use of Energy and Energy Auditing

Applied Informatics in Energy Planning (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Sustainable Energy Systems Foundations (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Environmental Economics (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Project Management I (Compulsory, 5 CP)

Second semester (winter)
Project Management II (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Sustainable Energy Innovation-Implementation in Developing Countries (Compulsory, 5 CP)

Core Elective Economy/Management Modules, one module to be selected from:

• International Organisations and Development Strategies
• External Costs of Energy
• Trading Energy
• Shaping Sustainable Energy Systems
• Energy and Environmental Policy
• Quality Management in Projects

Engineering Module II (Core elective, 5 CP), one module to be selected from

• Renewable Energy I
• Renewable Energy II
• Rational Use of Energy and Energy Auditing

International Class (Compulsory, 5 CP)

Third semester (summer)
Field research, Master's thesis and defence

Organisation of the study branch "Energy and Environmental Management in Industrialised Countries"

First semester (summer)
Energy Management (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Green Engineering II (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Applied Informatics (Core elective, 5 CP), one module to be selected from:

• Automation in the Energy Sector (taught in German)
• Object-Oriented Modelling (taught in German)
• Dynamic Building Simulation (taught in German)

Sustainable Energy Systems Foundations (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Environmental Economics (Compulsory, 5 CP)
Environmental Management (Compulsory, 5 CP)

Second semester (winter)
Core Elective Engineering Modules (Core elective, 5 CP), three to be selected from:

• Materials Science I (taught in German)
• Materials Science II (taught in German)
• Development and Assessment of Energy Systems (taught in German)
• Advanced Power Plant Technology (taught in German)
• Advanced Topics in Renewable Energy Technologies

Core Elective Economy/Management Modules (Core elective, 5 CP), three to be selected from

• External Costs of Energy
• Trading Energy
• Strategic Innovation Management
• Bringing Technologies to Market
• Project Management
• Energy and Environmental Policy
• International Economics
• Public Finance and Environmental Policy
• Shaping Sustainable Energy Systems
• Energy and Environmental Law (taught in German)
• International Management Methods (taught in German)
• Financial Risk Management
• International Organisations (taught in German)
• Multinational Business Finance
• Analysis and Shaping of Work Systems (taught in German)
• Cooperation in Enterprises (taught in German)
• Social Framework Conditions of Work (taught in German)
• Theory of Organisation and Organising (taught in German)

Third semester (summer)
Master's thesis and defence

Study abroad unit(s)

Students in the specialisation "Sustainable Energy Systems and Management in Developing Countries" participate in an "International Class", a five-week, project-oriented field research abroad, presently conducted in Scotland. They also have to carry out three months of field research in a developing country in preparation for their Master's theses.

Students of the branch "Energy and Environmental Management in Industrialised Countries" have to prove that they spent one semester abroad during their undergraduate studies.

Forms of assessment

Students have to achieve 90 ECTS credit points in three semesters. 60 credit points are awarded after successful participation in the modules of the first and second semesters. A further 30 credit points are awarded for the Master's thesis in the third semester.

Credit points are awarded after completion of a module and successful participation in a module assessment. The form of assessment depends on the topic of the module. Typical forms of assessment are presentations, papers, reports and written exams.

Course objectives

The objective of the course is to qualify students for employment as professionals in the energy sector. More specifically, the course qualifies students:

• to recognise and analyse energy and environmental problems
• to facilitate and to contribute to the process of sustainable problem-solving

Apart from subject-oriented skills, the course focuses on key qualifications such as:

• the ability to recognise problems and solutions in their entirety
• problem-solving ability
• creativity and openness to innovation
• the ability to think and communicate in interdisciplinary and intercultural ways
• the ability to work in teams, to lead and to motivate teams

Language requirements

All students must provide proof of proficiency in the English language (TOEFL IBT score 80, IELTS Band 6 or equivalent).
Students of the specialisation "Energy and Environmental Management in Industrialised Countries" also have to provide proof of proficiency in the German language (e.g. DSH, TestDaF 3).

Academic requirements

• An above-average Bachelor's or equivalent university degree in Industrial or Business Engineering after a minimum of four years of studies

OR

• An above-average Bachelor's or equivalent university degree in Engineering after a minimum of four years of studies and proof of successful completion of the preparatory course in Economics

AND

• Successful completion of an admission interview (can be conducted as a telephone interview in the case of international students)
• Professional experience of at least two years in a field related to the course focus

Enrolment fees

92.50 EUR per semester
The fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport within the city of Flensburg for the duration of one semester.

Costs of living

The cost of living is generally slightly lower than in major German cities. We recommend that students budget for a minimum of between 650-700 EUR per month, including rent.
The cost of excursions and the International Classroom is approx. 1,800 EUR.

Arrival support

We employ student mentors who support international students during their stay in Flensburg. Rooms in the student halls of residence are booked for international students in advance, if available. The student mentors pick up new international students at the train station and help with the necessary formalities.

Services and support for international students

Student mentors are available throughout the international students' stay in Flensburg to provide assistance in dealing with administration, health services, etc. They organise social events, excursions and sightseeing and support students in organising their own social activities. Most international students require the assistance of the student mentors only occasionally: as we are a small university, it is very easy to make friends who will help their international classmates. The university supports this with a "Mentor Family Programme": families from Flensburg offer to take on the mentorship of an international student in order to introduce him/her to German culture and to social life in Flensburg (http://cross-culture-flensburg.de).

Accommodation

The "Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein" offers accommodation in three halls of residence in Flensburg. The rent for a furnished single room in a student residence is in the range of 170-230 EUR per month. All halls of residence offer self-catering accommodation with shared kitchen and cooking facilities. Two of the student halls of residence provide free internet access via WiFi.

Apart from the student halls of residence, private landlords offer rooms and flats in town at moderate rates.