StudyQA — Master: Renewable Energy Systems (RES) — Technical University Ingolstadt

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Renewable Energy Systems (RES) at the Technical University Ingolstadt is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of sustainable energy. This bachelor's degree program combines engineering principles, environmental sciences, and practical applications to equip graduates with the skills needed to develop, implement, and manage renewable energy technologies. Throughout the course, students gain a deep understanding of the fundamental scientific and technical concepts underlying renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including system design, integration, and optimization, alongside innovative approaches to energy storage and grid management. The program also covers the economic, legal, and environmental aspects of renewable energy projects, ensuring that students are well-versed in the regulatory frameworks and sustainability challenges associated with transitioning to clean energy sources.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, research projects, and collaborations with industry partners, providing real-world experience in designing and analyzing renewable energy systems. The program fosters a multidisciplinary approach, combining technical expertise with management and communication skills necessary to lead future energy initiatives. Graduates of the RES program are prepared for careers in engineering consultancies, energy companies, research institutes, and public policy organizations, where they can contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions. The program also offers opportunities for international exchange and internships, broadening students' global perspectives and professional networks. With a strong foundation in science and engineering principles, combined with an understanding of the socio-economic aspects of renewable energy, students are equipped to address the challenges of climate change and energy transition on a national and international level. Upon completion, graduates will possess the technical competence and innovative mindset required to drive sustainable development and contribute substantially to the renewable energy sector.

Educational organisation

The standard period of study for the RES Master's programme amounts to three theoretical semesters. The third semester is used primarily for the completion of the Master's thesis. The programme is offered as a full-time course. Within the range of subjects, students are conveyed an in-depth and detailed theoretical, technical, and practical understanding of energy systems.

In the first semester, knowledge, skills ,and competencies in the fields of building energy systems and production-oriented energy systems are conveyed. Furthermore, students learn to work independently by engaging in individual projects. Additionally, numerical mathematics and simulation techniques will be taught.

The second semester focuses on off-grid energy systems and urban area energy systems. The System Courses are enhanced by a module on energy policy and energy markets.

The Master's programme concludes with the Master's thesis in the third and last semester. The thesis is complemented by seminars.

There are practical elements in all modules, e.g. by providing project and thesis topics set by partner companies (especially for the dual programme). Courses also offer practical elements in university labs, company and trade fair visits etc.

Language and culture courses are offered throughout the programme while the university is in session. German students have the opportunity to learn another foreign language, but language courses are not part of the curriculum.

In the course of the dual study programme, students are advised to do their internships at their respective companies during their semester breaks with the option of complementing their practical experience with an entire semester before their Master's thesis. The companies are responsible for organising and devising the internship, but are advised to refer to the curriculum.

Study abroad unit(s)

As the programme is intended for international students, no study abroad units are integrated.

Internships

It is possible to integrate an internship into the study programme. The Master's degree programme will then offer the opportunity to do an optional internship semester after the two theoretical semesters and before the Master's thesis semester. The students have to find an appropriate internship by themselves. The International Office offers courses for application training and will assist the students. It is common and recommended to write the Master's thesis within a company as an alternative to writing it within the university.

Students of the dual Master's degree programme will complete two internships over semesters one, two, and three, adding up to three months. Their Master's thesis is to be written within the company.
Positions for taking part in the dual Master's degree programme are provided independently from the university only by companies - students have to arrange such contracts with a company on their own before the start of the Master's course. Suitable companies can be located in Germany or the students' home countries - students should search the companies' websites for dual programmes. It is advisable to apply at the students' home location to companies that have their headquarters or other sites in Germany.

Forms of assessment

Students can obtain 30 ECTS each semester, while the third semester focuses on the Master's thesis. Examination types are various: oral and written exams, group work and seminar papers.

Course objectives

Graduates are supposed to acquire and expand their knowledge, skills, and competencies in order to understand energy systems in their complexity - theoretically, technically, and practically. Furthermore, they will understand the dependency of renewable energy systems on the climate and on the structure of the demand side.
The graduate's qualifications are developed and emphasised. This enables them to work in highly linked processes, analyse systems, plan and execute tasks, assess the need and scope for action as well as take part in developing and managing. They are in a position to recognise the interdependency of technical, strategic, managerial, social, and further non-technical topics and integrate their actions responsibly.
The knowledge gained in the Master's programme Renewable Energy Systems enables the students to take on skilled specialist and managerial responsibilities in planning, managing, and engineering energy systems (in governmental agencies, working with utilities, as project developers, at planning offices, as RE-developers, and at scientific institutions).

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of their English skills before registration: TOEFL 530 (paper-based) or 197 (computer-based) or 71 (Internet-based) or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. Additionally, a proof of German language level A1 after the first semester is required.

Academic requirements

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in energy engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, or equivalent with at least 210 ECTS credits or equivalent degree requirements (a minimum of seven semester at a German university with a workload of 25-30 hours per ECTS).

Specific experience in energy related topics is also required and checked in an aptitude test on the basis of documents provided by the applicant. There is NO interview. Energy experience can be gained by way of suitable internships, professional jobs, a Bachelor's thesis, and other project work.

Admission for applicants with Bachelor's degrees comprising 180 ECTS
For applicants who have a Bachelor's degree with less than 210 credits (but with a minimum of 180 ECTS), an approval of 30 ECTS on the basis of the qualified working experience is possible if the examination board agrees. The extent and nature of the working experience must comply with the rules for a second practical semester at Bavarian applied universities (§ 13 RaPO ) and must be documented with a certificate of employment.

Enrolment fees

All students will have to pay a student welfare contribution of 42 EUR per semester.

Costs of living

Student organisations estimate that costs of living are approx. 700-800 EUR per month, depending on individual needs and expectations.
Mandatory health insurance in Germany will cost a student around 80 EUR per month.

Arrival support

The International Office aims to help international students with all questions and problems they may face, e.g. residence permits, health insurance, accommodation, etc.

Services and support for international students

The International Office works closely together with the student club N.I.C.E.
Together we organise many activities and various trips to neighbouring cities like Munich, Regensburg and Nuremberg.
You will find all the information you need for your stay in Ingolstadt on our website. The team at the International Office will be glad to answer any further questions that you might have.