Optics in Science and Technology — Erasmus Mundus

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The world is becoming increasingly aware of the urgency of resolving the many issues associated with global energy consumption. It also seeks to address the threat of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Dealing with both of these crucial issues will require fundamental innovations effecting the world´s energy landscape.

The generation of energy from sustainable sources will be essential, especially when considering the determination in developed societies to maintain a high standard of living, and the aspirations in developing societies to adopt the energy-intensive lifestyles now prevalent in the developed world.

Securing a sustainable energy future for all

Securing a sustainable energy future implies an energy revolution. A revolution that will require a new generation of specialised engineers and researchers capable of developing, optimising and integrating sustainable energy sources including solar power, wind power and energy from biomass. Research is also required on innovative batteries and the potential to exploit hydrogen as an energy source. New technologies need to be integrated into existing socio-technological networks, and research is required into new forms of energy distribution, new energy market structures and new means of intelligently satisfying the energy needs of complex modern societies.

Energy technology at three universities

TU Delft´s unique MSc Programme in Sustainable Energy Technology (SET) aims to give engineers broad knowledge in the field of energy technology. To achieve this goal a modern, flexible curriculum is offered. The programme is offered by the 3TU Federation, a consortium of the three universities of technology in the Netherlands: Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente.

Sustainable Energy Technology - Career prospects
Because of current trends in the energy sector, future engineers will need more than just solid technical knowledge. Engineers must have insight, for example, into institutional economies and innovation and transformation processes. They must also be prepared to deal with the impact on technology and society that result from the introduction of sustainable energy technologies into our energy infrastructure.

Wide-ranging opportunities

Accordingly, sustainable energy technology engineers are highly sought after in the energy sector and closely related sectors. Furthermore, the internationally supported 'Clean Development Mechanism' opens up wide-ranging opportunities in developing countries. International organisations, local governments and energy companies are looking for engineers who can exploit local renewable sources to produce energy for the international market.

The two-year programme consists of 120 ECTS credit points, 24 of which are reserved for electives. There are two kinds: compulsory and free. Compulsory electives are those modules at programme start that ensure all students achieve the same level of starting knowledge. Free elective courses are reserved to deepen knowledge on a student´s graduation theme. Students will discuss electives with their graduation project supervisor.

First year

During the first year, much of the curriculum consists of lecture courses introducing key concepts, like renewable energy, flow and transport phenomena or `Smart Energy Products´ . Several of the courses also include a practical in which acquired knowledge is applied.

Students may also supplement their basic knowledge with electives in specialisation subjects such as energy from biomass, solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen or electrical power engineering.

Interdisciplinary co-operation is a major goal, especially in the first (group) project. During the second semester, students follow more advanced courses in their particular fields of interest and have opportunities to work on projects organised in close co-operation with industry. In these projects both the system approach and the typical engineering and social science approaches to scientific research are used. Students also work on individual research projects.

Second year

Specialisation courses

The focus during the second year is on research and design. Elective courses make it possible to acquire in-depth knowledge relevant to the graduation project.

Graduation project

Students complete their programme with a graduation project, working for a period equivalent to 32 full-time weeks within one of the research groups involved in Sustainable Energy Technology. Students may choose their final project from one of the six specialisations at any of the 3 TUs.

Examples of graduation projects include:

* Energy storage and conversion
* Solar cells with quantum dots and nanotubes
* Gas cleaning & upgrading unit related to fuel cell research
* Energy saving technologies in households and changing user practices
* Operation of semi-autonomous power grids
* Wind turbine design

Students can choose from one of the six specialisations:

Energy from Biomass

Biomass is considered one of the key resources for an energy system based on renewable sources. This specialisation deals with topics like global warming and biomass, conversion processes, conversion systems, and emissions. The student will get knowledge of and insight into problems of energy supply technologies based on biomass thermochemical conversion processes.

Solar Energy

The primary focus in the Solar Energy specialisation is on solar cells - advanced semiconductor devices as a new source of energy for the 21st century, which deliver electricity directly from sunlight. The suitable semiconductor materials, device physics, and fabrication technologies for solar cells are presented. The guidelines for design of a complete solar cell system for household application are explained. The cost aspects, market development, and the application areas of solar cells are presented.

Wind Energy

This specialisation covers the development and application of advanced technologies for wind power application. Research on wind energy is driven by the following three objectives:

* Maximising the reliability of wind turbine and wind farm operations (through development of accurate design tools);
* Minimising the loads on the structures (on both the rotors and support structure);
* Optimising the entire energy supply chain (wind, wind turbines, grid layout and onshore connection, integration into the main grid).

Sustainable Hydrogen

In the transition to a sustainable energy future, hydrogen will likely play an important role. Methods for sustainable and renewable hydrogen production include solar energy, wind power and direct photo-electrolysis of water. The social acceptance of hydrogen requires cheap, safe, lightweight and easy to handle storage of hydrogen. Light metal hydrides, large adsorption surfaces, and nanostructured materials can provide safe means of storage, but a truly practical solution has not yet been discovered. Fuel cells for electricity production from hydrogen have generated a great of interest for applications such as emission-free vehicles. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) and other fuel cell types will be discussed.

Electrical Power Engineering

This specialisation deals with topic like transformers, electric machines and power electronic devices. The behaviour of the various components in relation to the generation and transport of power in the electricity grid is also addressed in this specialisation.

Energy and Society

This specialisation deals with topics like design of innovative systems in energy and industry, economy of future energy systems, market design, policy issues, technology assessment.

What is required to be considered for admission to an MSc programme? Please note: if you do not meet all the formal requirements, it is no use applying.1)A. A good university Bachelor's degree in a main subject closely related to the MSc programme to which you are applying, with good grades on the key courses.orB. A proof that you have nearly completed a Bachelor's programme in a main subject which is closely related to the MSc programme to which you are applying, with good grades on the key courses.Exceptions: Management of Technology, Engineering and Policy Analysis and Science Education & Communication, to which all students holding any Bachelors of technology or science / engineering degree may be admitted.2)A Bachelor's Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 75% of the scale maximum, unless specific requirements are defined for the country in which you obtained your Bachelors degree: * Countries A - H * Countries I - P * Countries Q - ZPlease note: if you have not graduated yet your CGPA must meet the requirements at the time of application.3)Proof of English language proficiencyOnly nationals from the USA, U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada are exempt from the proof of English language proficiency requirement. Applicants who obtained a bachelors degree in one of the mentioned countries, are also exempt from the proof of English language proficiency requirement.Certificates older than two years are not accepted. As the whole process of collecting information, registering for the tests and receiving the test results may take several months, we advise you to register for the IELTS or TOEFL several months before starting your application.It is allowed to send us a copy of your test results, please check the application documents for detailed information. * For EU/EFTA nationals, the English language certificate may be submitted until 1 July provided that all other required hard copy documents are received before the application deadline of 1 April. * Nationals of the Peoples Republic of China only: for visa purposes you need a Nuffic certificate as proof of your English language proficiency. In order to obtain the Nuffic certificate you will need to take the IELTS or TOEFL internet-based test.4)A clear and relevant essay in English (1,000 - 2,000 words) addressing the following:Your motivation for taking the MSc programme of your choice. * Your motivation for taking the MSc programme of your choice. * Why you wish to pursue this programme abroad and/or in the Netherlands in particular. * Why you are interested in TU Delft and what you expect to find here * If there are optional specialisations in the Masters programme of your choice: which specialisation(s) interest you most, and why? * Describe your hypothetical thesis project; what kind of a projectwould you prefer if you were free to make a choice? Also briefly explain what you would want to explore in your thesis project. Provide a maximum of three hypothetical thesis topics and elaborate on your particular interests in them. * A brief summary (maximum 250 words) of the thesis work or the final assignment (to be) done for your Bachelors programme, including information on the credits earned, grade, and full workload.5)Two reference letters in English, French, German or Dutch: * one from from a professor or an assistant professor from the faculty from which you graduated. * one from your employer, if you already have work experience.If you have not yet graduated or do not have work experience, you need to provide two letters from professors or assistant professors from the faculty at which you are studying.6)An extensive résumé (curriculum vitae) written in English.7)Proof of identity8)Please note:Applicants for Architecture Urbanism & Building Sciences, Design for Interaction, Integrated Product Design and Strategic Product Design are required to upload a digital portfolio. Please note that only uploaded portfolios will be processed. The programme specific portfolio requirements are described on the following pages: * portfolio requirements for Architecture Urbanism & Building Sciences (and its five tracks) * portfolio requirements for Design for Interaction * portfolio requirements for Integrated Product Design * Portfolio requirements for Strategic Product Design English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Numerous scholarships are awarded to admitted students with exceptional promise and outstanding academic achievement by the university, its faculties, departments and industry partners. Consideration for these scholarships requires students to have been admitted to their MSc Programme. Make sure you submit your application as early as possible to be in time for all the scholarship deadlines. More information: