Power Engineering

Power Engineering at the University of Duisburg-Essen is a comprehensive and specialized degree program designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic and vital energy sector. This program provides in-depth knowledge of the principles, technologies, and systems involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. Students will explore a broad range of topics including electrical machines, power system analysis, thermodynamics, high voltage engineering, and renewable energy sources. The curriculum emphasizes both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of power engineering, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address current challenges related to sustainable energy and smart grid development.

Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, project assignments, and internships, fostering their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The program also covers advanced topics such as digital control systems, power electronics, and energy management, reflecting the evolving landscape of the energy industry. Collaborative projects with industry partners offer students insights into real-world applications and emerging technologies.

Graduates of the Power Engineering program will be prepared for diverse roles in power generation companies, utility providers, engineering consultancies, and research institutions. They will possess the expertise to develop innovative solutions for energy production, improve existing power systems, and contribute to the development of sustainable and efficient energy infrastructure. The program's strong interdisciplinary approach, combining electrical engineering, mechanical systems, and environmental considerations, ensures that students are prepared to meet the global challenges of energy transition and climate change. The University of Duisburg-Essen supports students with modern laboratories, dedicated faculty, and a vibrant academic community, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence in engineering education.

Educational organisation

The Master's degree courses consist of the following elements:

• advanced theories
• core subjects
• electives
• non-technical courses

The Master's thesis is an examination paper, which concludes the scientific education in every Master's degree course within the academic International Studies in Engineering (ISE) programme. It is used to show that a student is capable of using scientific methods to autonomously deal with a problem from the corresponding field of engineering sciences. It is also used to demonstrate that a student can comprehensibly present their solution to a problem within a given period of time. The duration for work on the Master's thesis is six months.

Study abroad unit(s)

It is obligatory for German students to stay abroad for a period of three to six months.
During this time, the students can do one of the following:

• participate in lectures at a foreign university and earn credits by passing the examinations
• work on their final thesis

Forms of assessment

According to the examination regulations, the type and duration of the examination will be defined by the lecturer before the semester starts. Therefore, an examination can be a written test with a duration of 60 to 120 minutes or an oral examination lasting 30 to 60 minutes. The language of the examination is the same as the language of the lecture.

Course objectives

Engineers with a Master's degree can expect to find challenging work in companies of all sizes in the areas of project planning, product development (components and systems), research, and sales. A Master's degree is also a prerequisite for a doctorate degree.

Graduates will:
1) master profound knowledge of advanced principles of mathematics and become experts in the basics;
2) develop advanced knowledge and skills in the area of power engineering related to the generation and distribution of energy;
3) be qualified and skilled to develop concepts and operate complex systems and services in communications engineering and, in doing so, assess and apply new, complex methods for modelling, calculation, design, and testing;
4) be able to pursue their preference for either a commercial career or an academic career based on their choice of electives from the spectrum offered in the degree course;
5) have an enhanced general education with advanced language skills in German or English as well as increased employability as a result of learning teamwork and communication skills;
6) demonstrate that they can apply scientific methods to independently deal with problems of electrical and power engineering (or its application in another engineering discipline) within a specific time frame, and be able to present the issues clearly.

Language requirements

Applicants must be able to demonstrate German and English language skills corresponding to Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
At the start of the programme, students must undergo placement tests in order to determine their knowledge in both languages and be placed in the appropriate courses. Students with a language certification from a qualified institute are exempt from sitting the placement test.
During the course of the ISE Master's programme, students must work towards a level B2 certification in both German and English. Students must reach a B2 proficiency level by the time they register for the final thesis. In some individual cases, language courses are a required part of the programme.

Academic requirements

The qualification for a MSc course of study in the ISE programme is met by a student's successful completion of a programme lasting at least three academic years in the field of natural sciences, engineering sciences, or computer science. Students must have finished the programme with an average grade of 2.5 or better and earned a BSc or a comparable degree.
Students must also prove their knowledge of German and English by achieving a minimum of a level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Enrolment fees

All students are required to pay a social contribution of about 300 EUR per semester. The social contribution includes a semester ticket covering public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia, subsidised meals in the university canteen, and other services.

Costs of living

We recommend budgeting between 750 and 900 EUR per month for personal expenses.

Job opportunities

Students may be employed as student assistants at the institutes within the Department of Engineering as well as at affiliated research institutions. Companies in the region also offer similar jobs.

Services and support for international students

The Support Center for (International) Engineering Students (SCIES) acts as a help desk for all study-related questions in the Department of Engineering. The mission of SCIES is to support all students at the Department of Engineering and to help them gain the most from their experiences at the University of Duisburg-Essen. SCIES answers questions with regard to studies, helps in administrative matters, supports in finding accommodation, and is the first level of support for all of the students' questions.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available through the Student Services Office or on the private market. Rent for a single room in a student residence is approx. 280 EUR.
More information: http://www.uni-due.de/scies/accommodation.shtml