Business Administration Renewables

The Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and the Renewables Academy (RENAC) jointly offer the first distance learning programme with the chance to obtain a Master of Business Administration degree focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency - the MBA Renewables. Thus, students benefit from substantiated scientific education and experienced university professors as well as up-to-date market information and practical know-how of the RENAC lecturers who are experienced in renewable energy and energy efficiency subject matters.
The programme includes economic, technical, legal, political, and organisational knowledge tailored to the specific needs of the emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency markets. In addition, students gain an overview of various renewable energy technologies and their applications and advantages, as well as an understanding of international energy policies and support mechanisms for green energy technologies. Students learn how these technologies can be used profitably in industry.
MBA Renewables is a distance learning degree and only the oral Master's exam has to be taken in Berlin, face-to-face with the board of examiners (compulsory). In the second semester, we offer students the opportunity to attend classes on campus at RENAC in Berlin in order to deepen technological know-how, but it is up to every student to decide upon his/her own participation (optional).
The programme follows a blended learning approach, allowing students to decide when, where, and how they prefer to learn: materials for self-study, online lectures, video podcasts and exercises for monitoring the learning process are part of the educational services offered. This ensures maximum flexibility over the whole study course (only examination dates are fixed).
The programme is designed to equip future leaders with the modern and advanced interdisciplinary management skills necessary for executive positions in the highly globalised market of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Possible career paths unfold both upstream and downstream of green energy value chains, be it in project finance and consultancy, manufacturing, project development and implementation, governmental entities, NGOs, or at utilities or grid operators.
Students benefit from interaction with their fellow students from all over the world: in virtual working groups, through interdisciplinary teams exchanging know-how and experience using our learning platform, web-conference system and course forums, as well as course chat rooms.

Educational organisation

First Semester
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Systems and Concepts
Energy Policy and Economic Framework
Accounting

Second Semester
International Business Law
Investment and Financing
Social and Media Skills
Elective 1

Third Semester
Project Management
Marketing Analysis and Instruments
Human Resources and People Management

Fourth Semester
International Management
Integrated Business Plan Development
Advanced Research Methods
Elective 2

Fifth Semester
Master's Thesis
Oral Master's Examination

14 of the 18 modules on offer are mandatory.
In the second and fourth semesters, students choose one of four elective modules in each case. They can choose from the following modules:
On-campus time: "Practical Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Implementation" in Berlin
"Quality and Supply Chain Management"
"Advanced Renewable Energy Technologies"
"Energy Management and Energy Efficiency"

The whole MBA Renewables programme takes place online. As the curriculum shows, the practical training - Advanced Practical RE and EE Implementation - takes place in Berlin during the second semester, but this is not compulsory. If students do not want to participate in the practical training, they may choose another elective module instead. Students must only be present at Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin for the oral Master's examination at the end of the programme.

Forms of assessment

Each module is accompanied by two assignments. Possible assessment forms are:
1) Written exams under supervision in home countries
2) Online exams
3) Oral exams (online)
4) Group work exams (online)
5) Practical exercises
6) Case study assignments

Each semester, students will work through three modules to earn credit points, i.e. an estimated 125 working hours are required in order to successfully pass one module.
All contents will be presented to our students via our learning management system, which can be accessed from anywhere in the world via an internet connection. Here, our students can find all offers and services they need in order to complete their degree successfully, and they can also interact with their fellow students from all over the world.

Course objectives

The programme is designed to equip future leaders with the modern and advanced interdisciplinary management skills necessary for executive positions in the highly globalised market of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Possible career paths unfold both upstream and downstream of green energy value chains, be it in project finance and consultancy, manufacturing, project development and implementation, governmental entities, NGOs, or at utilities or grid operators.
Students benefit from interaction with their fellow students from all over the world: in virtual working groups, through interdisciplinary teams exchanging know-how and experience using our learning platform, web-conference system and course forums, as well as course chat rooms.

Language requirements

One prerequisite to study the Master's programme is a very good command of English.
As a proof we accept qualifications based on the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" (Independent User B2) such as, for instance, the TOEFL test. In addition to this, English as native language or official language in the home country is accepted. Students may hand in their application before having completed the necessary language test.
Certificates of successfully completed language tests should be submitted by 15 September in the year of application at the latest.

Academic requirements

University degree
Students with a university degree (210 credits*) are entitled to enrol for the MBA Renewables. For applicants with less than 210 credits, the Dean will determine additional modules which have to be completed successfully by the student before he/she can be admitted to the final examination.
*European Credit Transfer System, one credit corresponds to a learning workload of twenty-five hours.

Language skills
Another prerequisite is a very good command of English, which enables the student to study and acquire the knowledge provided by the programme.

Professional experience
As a rule, at least two years of practical professional experience in any field following graduation is required.

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fees are included in the tuition fees.

Services and support for international students

Both Beuth University of Applied Sciences Berlin and RENAC staff offer constant support and guidance during the study process.

Two weeks on-campus time in the second semester (June):
The MBA Renewables includes a face-to-face phase at RENAC headquarters in Berlin. During the on-campus time, which is optional in the second semester, participants and professors get to know each other and students receive practical training and visit renewable energy applications and companies.
This period offers an excellent opportunity for networking and getting an insight into the green energy industry. RENAC will accompany the group during the stay in Germany.
The MBA Renewables team provides invitation letters to those who need to submit a visa application for the trip to Berlin and offers assistance in finding accommodation.

Quality Management
MBA Renewables was awarded the German Accreditation Council Quality Seal and the Quality Seal of the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA, http://www.fibaa.org) in November 2013. This distinction confirms the high quality of the study programme.