Energy Conversion and Management (ECM)

The Master's degree programme in Energy Conversion and Management provides broad knowledge of energy technology, energy business and energy economics. Other major topics covered are project planning and power plant development, both with respect to renewable and conventional energies. The curriculum follows a networking approach, developing linkages between the different areas.

The main modules of the study programme are Energy Economics, Energy Conversion (including thermal and hydraulic power plants as well as renewable energy conversion), Planning of Energy Facilities (including a project-development case study, from feasibility study to first design), and the Master's thesis. The focus of the programme is on thermal engineering.

Additionally, students choose a specialisation, taking required electives in areas such as biomass conversion, dynamic modelling and simulation of energy systems. A significant number of courses are accompanied by lab work.

Educational organisation

The first and third semesters consist of lectures in core subjects and elective courses. Attendance at core lectures is required, and students undergo continuous assessment. During the second semester, students usually complete an internship in industry.
All coursework and exams for the first semester are in English; in the third semester, a small part of the coursework is in German.
The fourth semester is dedicated to writing the Master's thesis. Research work for the thesis can be conducted in industry or at a research institution (including Offenburg University).

Study abroad unit(s)

Due to the challenging curriculum, it is not advisable to spend an exchange semester studying at a university abroad; it might also be difficult to match the required coursework. However, it is recommended, especially for German students, to carry out the internship or the thesis research abroad.

Internships

The scientific project and the Master's thesis are to be completed as in-company projects. German application assistance and job interview training is provided.

Forms of assessment

Written and/or oral exams, graded lab reports, reports on scientific excursions, seminar presentations, completion and defence of the thesis

Course objectives

Graduates of the ECM Master's degree programme have acquired deep knowledge and understanding of current energy conversion techniques, including renewable and sustainable energy technology as well as energy economics and energy management in a liberalised global energy market. They are enabled to develop balanced analyses, prepare energy-economical solutions, take appropriate decisions by themselves, and contribute significantly to conceptual studies and the development of power plants.

Critical discussions throughout the programme encourage our graduates to reflect on the impact of their actions on the environment and society. They will act with a proper awareness of their responsibility.

Language requirements

English: TOEFL 550+ (PBT) or 213+ (CBT) or 79+ (IBT)
IELTS: 6.0
German: CEFR level A2

Academic requirements

Bachelor of Science or equivalent in mechanical, chemical, or process engineering or related discipline

Enrolment fees

Service contribution and administration fee: 274 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 750 EUR per month to cover personal expenses. This includes accommodation at a cost of 250-350 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

On-campus: A limited number of student assistant positions and tutoring jobs are available. Knowledge of English is usually sufficient for these positions.
Off-campus: Students are allowed to hold off-campus jobs for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the lecture period and to work a maximum of 240 half days per year (according to regulations for foreign students requiring a visa). At least a basic knowledge of German is usually required for off-campus positions.

Funding opportunities within the university

Partial scholarships from various sources (DAAD, STIBET, among others) are available. Proposals and decisions will be made individually, depending on students' performance within the curriculum and social engagement outside of classes.

Arrival support

In the International Student Barometer 2011, the largest survey of international students worldwide, Offenburg University was rated number one among German universities for its arrival assistance for international students.

Before your arrival, we can arrange accommodation for you and put you in contact with a mentor ("Senior Buddy"). He/she will assist you in making preparations before you leave your home country, pick you up at the railway station, show you around, and help you on an individual basis during the first few weeks so that you can familiarise yourself with important aspects of life in Germany.

Each Master's degree programme of the Graduate School has a dedicated coordinator who will provide you with all necessary information for your studies in Offenburg. A preparatory German language course is offered in September. At the beginning of October, a special introduction day for international students is organised. Additionally, each programme has its own orientation weekend.

Offenburg is located about 200 km south of Frankfurt, Germany's main airport. There are hourly train connections to Offenburg throughout the day from the airport railway station; some are direct, and others involve one simple change of train.

Services and support for international students

The Graduate School's staff offers ongoing support throughout the programme:

• extensive assistance in finding accommodation
• Senior Buddy system (personal mentor for the first few weeks)
• assistance with immigration services and authorities
• guided tours of Offenburg and Gengenbach
• individual support and advice by the coordinators of each programme
• individual academic advising
• German language course in September and ongoing language courses during the lecture period
• cultural and social programme (excursions, get-togethers, company visits, etc.)
• Senior Service (an initiative bringing together local senior citizens and international students)

Accommodation

The Graduate School team can arrange accommodation for new students (student residence hall or private accommodation). Rent usually ranges from 250-350 EUR per month.