Global Production Engineering for New Energy Technologies (GPE NET)

After six years of successful experience conducting the Master's programme Global Production Engineering for Solar Technology, the Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) together with the Renewables Academy (RENAC) AG have broadened the focus on renewable energy technologies with the launching of the Global Production Engineering for New Energy Technologies (GPE NET) programme on renewable energy technologies, system engineering, and renewable energy business.
Within the GPE New Energy Technologies programme, students are offered the opportunity to become experts in specific renewable energy technologies. From the design of elements, components and systems up to the evaluation of global markets and implementation potentials in specific world regions - every aspect of the value creation chain of relevant new energy industries is covered. This is achieved through knowledge transfer on the physical, electrical and mechanical properties of the main technological components and relevant production processes, as well as through analysis of current energy market trends on a global scale. In addition, the modular structure of the study programme enables the students to arrange their courses flexibly according to personal interests. Technical knowledge is complemented with courses on project management, financing, intercultural communication as well as policy and legal frameworks. Hot topics in the sector, such as network integration and storage, are also addressed.
The unique Master's programme GPE New Energy Technologies covers all aspects related to the successful implementation of projects. The structure of the curriculum allows students to choose whether they want to specialise in solar electricity (photovoltaic), solar thermal, or whether they prefer to have a wider insight into traditional renewable energy technologies (wind, geothermal, biomass, etc.) as their core direction. To conclude, students must undertake an internship of at least nine weeks in a country that is not their country of origin.
GPE New Energy Technologies also provides the practical know-how and networking opportunities needed to take first steps in an increasingly demanding job market.

Educational organisation

120 credits must be obtained over four semesters in order to be awarded the degree Master of Science in Global Production Engineering.

The GPE New Energy Technologies programme is structured into five module groups, each consisting of at least two modules. Each module is worth credit points (CP) based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). One credit point is worth a workload of 30 hours. The workload includes the lecture hours, exercises, preparation, exam, etc.
During the first three semesters, students shall pass modules with a total of 90 CP. Students have to complete at least 12 CP from module groups A, B, C, and D, and at least 6 CP from group E (total: 54 CP). A further 36 CP have to be chosen out of all the other modules (e.g. more than one module can be chosen from "Production") to gain a total of 90 CP. The five module groups are:

• A Production
• B Engineering
• C Management
• D Intercultural Communication
• E Special Profile

Additionally, students have to attend a workshop for "intercultural communication and relationships" and a seminar on "scientific working."

In semester four, an industrial internship of at least nine weeks (12 CP) must be completed. Towards the end of the programme, a Master's thesis must be written (18 CP) in order to complete the programme.

Within the international GPE New Energy Technologies study course, students have the opportunity to choose their core direction and to specialise in the fields of solar electricity, solar thermal or renewable energies. TU Berlin will confer the degree of Master of Science (MSc) in Global Production Engineering.

Internships

A nine-week (minimum) internship has to be completed. The internship can be done at any company in any country except your home country.

Forms of assessment

• A written or oral final exam is administered at the end of a course or equivalent coursework.
• Several graded exercises must be completed in each class.

Course objectives

The objective of GPE New Energy Technologies is to train engineers who have expertise in the management of renewable energy projects. Graduates will not only be able to undertake projects from a technological perspective, but will also have the legal, policy, and economic background to take the right decisions on project management and business development in a multicultural environment.
Graduates can work in the production industry, in consultancy, in the policy area, as well as at training and research facilities. Typical working areas for GPE New Energy Technologies graduates are:

• Environmental administrative and supervisory agencies at the community, regional, or federal level
• Universities and research institutions
• Engineering and planning enterprises for photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, wind energy systems, biogas systems, as well as energy transformation and distribution
• Energy production companies
• Research and development departments
• Consulting firms
• NGOs
• Grid integration, rehabilitation and operation
• Management of renewable energy projects

Language requirements

If you have studied in the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, your Bachelor's certificate is accepted as proof of your English proficiency.
If this is not the case, the following tests/results are accepted:
IELTS 6,5 or TOEFL IBT 70 or TOEFL CBT 190 or TOEFL PBT 520 or CAE pass or CPE pass (minimum scores)
Generally, tests should have been taken not more than twelve months prior to your application.

Language skills in German are an advantage.

Academic requirements

Requirements for successful application to the GPE study programme are:

• Bachelor of Engineering or equivalent (excellent grades)
• English proficiency, at least: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL IBT 70 or TOEFL CBT 190 or TOEFL PBT 520 or CAE pass or CPE pass
• At least one year of professional experience
• Knowledge of German is advantageous.

Enrolment fees

Approx. 300 EUR per semester, including a public transport ticket for Berlin and administration fees for TU Berlin

Costs of living

700-800 EUR to cover personal expenses, depending on personal lifestyle

Job opportunities

It is possible to work as a student research assistant or a teaching assistant at the TU Berlin. Many job opportunities are available to students. Students also may apply as student workers in the Berlin region at companies such as Siemens and Bombardier.

Arrival support

A welcome guide will be sent prior to your arrival in Germany, describing all important aspects of living in Germany, especially focused on life in Berlin. In addition, to help you get started in Berlin and within the GPE programme, we offer a senior-junior programme. This programme is designed to help you throughout your first semester and especially during the first couple of weeks in Berlin. Seniors are experienced GPE students who have volunteered to take part in this initiative. Your senior will pick you up at the airport, and will help with your registration and residence permit. Seniors can also introduce newcomers to student life in Berlin.

Services and support for international students

The programme offers extensive services including individual guidance regarding the structuring of course selection, a senior student programme including pick-up service at the airport, supporting and advising new students, an introduction event where you will be introduced to TU Berlin, the GPE programme, a module presentation, a presentation of important regulations, lecturers and professors and much more. Services also include a PC pool reserved for GPE students including print service, library facilities, special literature in English, a separate examination office (to avoid long waiting periods), the GPE campus management system, application and soft skill trainings, a collection of internship and job contacts, and a Graduate Alumni Partnership network (GAP). The programme provides a long list of companies that have already employed a large number of GPE graduates, including Daimler Benz, Rolls Royce, Siemens, BMW, VW etc. Students can also participate in visits to fairs, companies, and important industry regions such as the Hannover Fair, Inter Solar, Solar Valley, etc.

Accommodation

There are several possibilities for finding accommodation in Berlin. Student dormitories as well as single apartments or larger apartments shared with flatmates are popular among German students. The average costs for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment may vary from 250 EUR to 400 EUR per month depending on the size and configuration of the apartment. Utility costs of 50 to 80 EUR are usually not included in the rent. Your senior will support you in finding an appropriate accommodation.
http://www.house-of-nations.com
http://www.studentenwohnheim.de