Renewable Energy

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Starting in 1987, the Postgraduate Programme Renewable Energy (PPRE) has since then graduated more than 400 participants from over 79 countries in 25 years.

Students (who must hold a 7-semester (210 CP) Bachelor's degree in engineering or science in order to be admitted) with some professional experience in the field of energy study the theory and applications of renewable energy systems, test their skills in labs and outdoor experiments, visit companies and sites, and do an external training in industry or research institutes. The programme is completed with a thesis project.

Successful participation is awarded with an MSc degree. PPRE´s alumni made their careers in industries, consultancies, government bodies, NGOs or in research institutes.

The university keeps good contacts to alumni, who are taking part in regional seminars or are invited to give lectures for the present students. Networking with alumni includes a newsletter, e-mail distribution lists, internet platforms and visits.

The programme has cooperation agreements with universities abroad with the aim of intensifying the exchange of staff, students and curricula in the field of postgraduate renewable education.

The development of distance teaching units is in progress; the use of internet-based modules in cooperation with partner institutions started in 2004 (Modules Energy Economics & Energy Meteorology).

Curriculum of PPRE
The postgraduate programme consists of lectures, seminars and laboratory courses at the University and an external practical training in relevant organisations, research institutes and companies. Necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills (e.g. for lab work) are acquired during the first semester from October to February.
The winter semester is followed by the mandatory two-month external training in companies or research institutes.
The second semester (summer semester) is dedicated to case studies and the development of solutions to specific problems in rural regions of the Third World. In addition, classes on theory and applications of Renewables as well as laboratory courses (solar/outdoor) are continued.

The subject of the final thesis evolves from the participants' individual interest, the laboratory courses and experience gained during the external training, which should be related to the participants' future professional occupation.

Graduation
After successful completion of all modules (incl. the module exams) and the six-month thesis project, students are awarded the MSc degree and receive certificates.

Modules
* Renewable Energy Basics (7 CP)
* Wind Energy (7 CP)
* Solar Energy (7 CP)
* Energy Meteorology & Storage Technologies (7 CP)
* Energy Systems & Society (7 CP)
* Biomass & Hydro Energy (7 CP)
* Case Study (7 CP)
* Specialisation (2 CP)
* External Practical Training (9 CP)
* Master Thesis (30 CP)

* Applicants must have successfully completed a regular academic programme in Engineering or Science (e.g. Physics, Mech. Eng., Electr. Eng.) of at least 7 semesters (210 CP) * Your final grade has to equal at least a Second Upper; most of our students graduated from their previous studies in the First Division. * Applicants have to provide certified proof of their English language competence (e.g. TOEFL, see below) * Professional experience in the field of (Renewable) Energy and/or Rural Development is appreciatedDOCUMENTS NEEDEDYou will have to prepare the following documents for your application (and upload them in the process): * Certified / notarised copy of previous degree(s) in English (or German) and official proof that the duration of your 1st course of studies was at least 3.5 years (7 semesters / 210 CP) and can be placed in the Second Upper division or higher * Detailed transcripts of records of your previous studies * Curriculum vitae * Motivation letter * Certificate of English language proficiency (TOEFL ibT 80, cbT 213, pbT 550; IELTS academic 6.0; Cambridge C1) or official statement from university that previous studies were conducted in English language. Native speakers of English are exempted. * Reference letters from previous professors (at least 2) * Records of professional employment if available (official statement / recommendation from employer) * If applying as a non-DAAD student: official statement of financial coverage of 14,500 Euros (!) * DAAD applicants: application form for a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).DAAD applicants only: please be aware that the DAAD asks for additional documents; please read their application form carefully. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 80

We do not offer scholarships, but there is a large number of possible scholarship donors you can contact.
In the past, PPRE students have managed to receive scholarships from the following organisations, although chances of being accepted as scholar is varying drastically from organisation to another:

* Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)


Kennedyallee 50
53175 Bonn

* Heinrich Böll Stiftung


Studienwerk
Roenthalerstraße 40/41
10178 Berlin

* Konrad Adenauer Stiftung


Rathausallee 12
53757 Sankt Augustin

* Katholischer Akademischer Austausch Dienst (KAAD)


Hausdorffstraße 151
53129 Bonn

* Ökumenisches Studienwerk e.V.

Girondelle 80
D - 44799 Bochum

* Education for Sustainable Energy Development (ESED)


(formlerly e8)

505 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Lobby

Montréal (Québec)
Canada H3A 3C2