Solar Energy Engineering

This Master’s Degree Programme is based on the research work at the Solar Energy Research Center (SERC) at Dalarna University. The programme started in 1999 under the name “European Solar Engineering School (ESES)”. Since then about 250 students have taken the programme and most of them work today as solar experts in the solar industry and as researchers and teachers at universities all over the world.

Why should you take this programme?

• Solar energy will play a crucial role in the supply of future energy on Earth.
• Solar energy engineers are already required in many sectors of the energy industry.
• This one year master’s degree programme has an ideal blend of theory and practical elements that give students an optimal start for their solar career.
• You will study while in close contact with teachers and researchers at (SERC). In the courses you will be trained on real-case projects.
• The international character of the programme and its participants will allow you to work in multinational companies and to create a worldwide network for your future career.

Who should study Solar Energy?

Successful candidates to the programme are those who are interested in becoming a part of the fast-growing field of renewable energy. The programme is suitable for students with a bachelor’s degree with a major in Physics, Mechanical, Electrical or Energy Engineering, or similar fields. Documented good command of both oral and written English is required.

Solar Energy: Career and Study Opportunities

Our graduates are active as engineers and managers in the solar energy industry. Some have started their own solar businesses; others are researchers and teachers at universities. Several graduates have successfully continued their education with PhD studies.
Please visit our active alumni network to find out what former programme students are currently working with.

Possible employers for our graduates are as follows:

• Solar equipment manufacturers
• Engineering and consulting companies specializing in renewable energy projects
• Energy utilities
• Government and non-government organizations

The programme is a one-year Master’s in Solar Energy Engineering. All courses are taught in English. After passing all courses, including the thesis work, the student is awarded the Degree of Master of Science with a major in Energy and Environmental Technology. The programme comprises 60 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS) and begins at the end of August, which is the start of the autumn semester.

Programme Structure and Content:

Semester 1 (Autumn) - Elective Courses (choose one)/ Credits

• Fundamental Principles of Electrical Engineering (ET1019) / 5

or

• Applied Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics (FY1015) / 5

Semester 1 (Autumn) - Mandatory Courses

• Solar Thermal (MÖ3024) / 7.5

• Passive Solar Energy Technology (MÖ3025) / 5

• Solar Radiation and Other Energy Resources (MÖ3026) / 2.5

• Photovoltaics (MÖ3029) / 5

• Economics and Financing of Solar Energy (MÖ3030) / 5

Semester 2 (Spring)

Students have two options in their second term:

1. write a 30-credit thesis; or
2. write a 15-credit thesis and take these three courses:

• PV- and Hybrid System Design (MÖ3017) / 5

• Solar Thermal Design (MÖ3023) / 5

• Measurement Technique and Data Processing (MÖ3028) / 5

* 1 credit = 1 ECTS

• All courses are mandatory.
• 1.5 credits corresponds to one week of full-time studies.
• 60 credits corresponds to one year of full-time studies.
• Some courses can be taken as web-based distance courses.
• For more information, please contact the Programme Coordinator Frank Fiedler (ffi@du.se).

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, energy, engineering physics) or equivalent of at least 180 credits (3 years full-time study), or an equivalent degree. English proficiency as demonstrated through approved previous studies or internationally recognized test.Typically students have previously studied Mechanical or Electrical or Energy Engineering are good candidates for the Solar Energy Engineering Programme however we have admitted students with other academic and professional backgrounds.If you have questions about these entry requirements or if you are unsure whether or not you are eligible for the programme, please contact Programme Director Frank Fiedler ffi@du.se.English Language ProficiencyEnglish B is equivalent to the following:IELTS 6.5 no test below 5.5 TOEFL internet 90, TWE 20 TOEFL paper 575, TWE 4.5 University of Cambridge/OxfordCertificate in Advanced EnglishCertificate of ProficiencyDiploma of English StudiesNote:Applicants from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA do not have to prove their English proficiency.Applicants from West Africa can demonstrate their proficiency with a "Pass" in English language in WAEC/NECO tests.Applicants are advised to submit certificates and transcripts from upper- secondary school together with the Higher Education document, as they may be relevant upon assessment of English language eligibility. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Scholarships

There are five scholarships available for successful applicants to the Solar Energy Engineering Programme who are applying from non-EU/EEA countries.
Students from the following countries are not eligible for these scholarships: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.

Applicants from these countries may apply for Swedish Institute scholarships.

Value of Scholarships

Six scholarships available that cover 25% of tuition fees for one year (60 credits).

Four scholarships available that cover 50% of tuition fees for one year (60 credits).

Accreditation

All programmes at Dalarna University are accredited by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (www.uhr.se)