Management and Engineering in Electrical Power Systems

Management and Engineering in Electrical Power Systems is a comprehensive interdisciplinary master's degree program offered at RWTH Aachen University, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the evolving energy sector. This program combines in-depth technical knowledge of electrical power systems with essential management and business skills, enabling graduates to effectively oversee complex energy projects, optimize power grid operations, and develop sustainable energy solutions. Students will gain a solid foundation in electrical engineering topics such as power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as modern technologies like renewable energy integration, smart grids, and digitalization of power systems. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, with hands-on projects, laboratory work, and internships that connect students to real-world challenges faced by the energy industry today.

In addition to technical coursework, the program incorporates modules in project management, economics, policy, and strategic planning, ensuring that graduates are equipped to lead multidisciplinary teams and make informed decisions in the context of global energy transitions. The program fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging students to develop new ideas and solutions for sustainable energy production and consumption. Collaboration with industry partners, research institutions, and energy companies is a key feature of the program, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and insights into current industry trends. The international orientation of the program attracts students from around the world, fostering a diverse academic community prepared to address global energy challenges.

Graduates of the Management and Engineering in Electrical Power Systems program will be qualified for careers in utilities, energy consulting firms, government agencies, and technology companies. They may assume roles in system planning, operational management, project development, or research and development. The program also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies or specialized research in energy engineering. Overall, this master's program at RWTH Aachen combines advanced technical training with essential management skills, empowering students to become innovative leaders and experts in the sustainable transformation of worldwide electrical power systems.

Educational organisation

Electrical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, Germany
The Engineering part of the programme will be conducted by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at RWTH Aachen University. This faculty sees its foremost mission in training highly qualified and responsible engineers in the broad field of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering for future leading positions in industry and society. The faculty holds a leading position in teaching and research in these fields, nationally as well as internationally. The excellence of the faculty results from the close relationship between teaching and research, a good balance between a fundamental scientific approach and important industrial applications, and intensive cooperations within RWTH Aachen University, within the Jülich-Aachen-Research Alliance (JARA), and with associated institutes and external research partners.

Management at Maastricht School of Management (MSM) Netherlands
Maastricht School of Management contributes the business-related component to this programme. Students will be trained as globally oriented managers with solid knowledge of the core management processes and with an understanding of the major social and environmental issues that set the scene for business processes in emerging economies. Throughout the programme, students will be challenged to explore feasible innovations that balance business and development perspectives.

First Semester - RWTH Aachen University
Module "Electrical Machines" (part 1)
Module "High Voltage Engineering" (part 1)
Module "Automation of Complex Power Systems" (part 1)
Module "Battery Storage Systems" (part 1)
Module "Power Electronics" (part 1)
Module "Entrepreneurial Strategy"
Module "Strategic Technology Management"

Second Semester - RWTH Aachen University
Module "Electrical Machines" (part 2)
Module "High Voltage Engineering" (part 2)
Module "Automation of Complex Power Systems" (part 2)
Module "Battery Storage Systems" (part 2)
Module "Power Electronics" (part 2)
Module "Power Systems"
Laboratory Exercise on "Power Engineering"
Module "Finance and Accounting"

Third Semester - MSM Maastricht School of Management
Module "Leadership and High Performance Teams"
Module "Organisational Development and Change"
Module "Responsible Supply Chain Management"
Module "Economics for Managers"
Module "International Business"
Module "International Project Management"

Fourth Semester - RWTH or MSM
Master's thesis
Master's defence colloquium

Study abroad unit(s)

Students spend the first and second semesters at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany.
The third semester is spent at Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht, Netherlands. The fourth semester is spent either in Aachen, Germany, or in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Forms of assessment

Oral and written examinations

Course objectives

The course of study enables graduates to obtain further professional qualification. This includes technical knowledge in electrical engineering and especially interdisciplinary competences as well as independent scientific work. Graduates of the course are qualified for various positions in industry, such as in the areas of power generation, power transmission and distribution, project management, and also research and development. The course of study provides a basis for future leading positions in industry. Thanks to the combination of technical knowledge with means of management and sustainability, graduates greatly improve their career chances in professional life.
Upon completion of the course of study, graduates are qualified explicitly by the university interface of research and teaching for an advanced scientific career, e.g. for doctoral studies. Also, other interdisciplinary positions in the areas of consulting or engineering offices are suitable options.

Language requirements

Language Requirements English
Certified proof of your competence in the English language through completion of one of the accepted examinations listed below:

• TOEFL internet-based: minimum 90 pts/paper-based: minimum 577 pts
• IELTS test minimum overall band 5.5 pts
• Cambridge Test - Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• First Certificate in English (FCE), completed with B
• placement test of RWTH Aachen University's language centre (B2)

In general:

• The score reports must not be older than two years by October of the year in which the degree course you are applying for will start.
• Some countries have special requirements for language proficiency; please clarify this with your embassy in advance.
• A copy of the score reports must be uploaded into the system; in case of admission the original scores have to be presented for enrolment in August.
• Exemptions for the language requirements are only applicable for nationals or first degree holders from USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

Academic requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or Bachelor's degree in science awarded by an internationally recognised, university-level institution
• Basic knowledge in business administration. Students with no previous knowledge in management must participate in preparatory online courses conducted by the School of Business and Economics at RWTH Aachen University before the beginning of the course (July-September).
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) must be presented as an application document.
• In addition, students should have gained relevant work experience, usually of one year's duration, during or after their Bachelor's degree programme.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

All students are subject to a student services fee of currently approx. 245 EUR per semester.
Enrolment fee at Maastricht School of Management: 150 EUR (one-time)

Costs of living

The average cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 700-900 EUR per month.

Job opportunities

International students may take up work in the private sector during the semester or the semester break for up to three months without having obtained a work permit. Thus, students may take up full-time work for 90 days or part-time positions (up to four hours per day) for 180 days. This regulation is also stated on the residence permit. During the semester, students are allowed to take up jobs with working hours of up to 19 hours per week. During the semester break, students may work full-time but only for a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks.
Student assistants are more flexible regarding working hours as the 90/180 full-time and part-time regulations do not apply. As a student assistant you are allowed to work for up to 19 hours per week throughout the year.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships from various organisations is available to help students finance their studies. Please see the following website for a list of exchange programmes, scholarships, and grants, together with their specific application requirements and conditions, and/or contact the International Office directly for advice and assistance.
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/scholarships

Arrival support

The staff of the RWTH International Academy offers new students several support services upon arrival and encourages current Master's students to help fellow students settle in. Orientation days will be organised to help new students find their way around the campus and build new contacts with fellow students. Services include:

• daily consultation hours
• orientation days
• senior mentoring programme
• academic and social mentoring programme
• German course
• orientation day in Maastricht, in collaboration with Maastricht School of Management

Students are also offered assistance with the following tasks, amongst others:

• finding accommodation
• admission procedures
• opening a bank account
• insurance matters
• getting to know the city and the university campus

Services and support for international students

Continuous Support Programme:
One unit of the RWTH International Academy specialises in organising international programmes in the field of engineering. The experienced and motivated team takes care of all organisational and administrative matters, and moreover offers an intensive supporting programme for international students to ensure an excellent working environment. Among others, the following services are offered:

• mentoring programme and study planning support
• group meetings to discuss organisational issues
• social and cultural events
• excursions, field trips and company visits
• career events and application training
• daily consultation hours to support any kind of individual issues

While living in Maastricht, students will be guided by the experienced staff at Maastricht School of Management. The assistance provided covers a wide range of issues, from accommodation and career services to social services.

Accommodation

The staff of the RWTH Aachen International Academy offers support in finding accommodation either in a student residence or in a private apartment.
RWTH Aachen University has a limited number of dorm rooms and studio apartments. However, there are usually waiting lists for these rooms, and students will probably need to find private accommodation first. There are a number of options for finding private accommodation in and around Aachen, and the RWTH International Academy can provide students with information beforehand and upon arrival.
For short-term accommodation, there are many hotels and two youth hostels.
Further guidance on student accommodation in Aachen can be found at:
https://www.academy.rwth-aachen.de/en/education-formats/msc-degree-programmes/mme-eps/accommodation