Renewable Energy Systems – Environmental and Process Engineering

HAW Hamburg has a strong teaching and research track record in the field of renewable energies and energy efficiency. We cover various aspects of renewable energy systems engineering, from solar power to biofuels, biogas, wind turbines, fuel cells and smart grids, to name but a few. Many of our research projects on energy engineering are related to the university’s Competence Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CC4E) and our new Energy Technology Centre. If you join us, you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art expertise.

Further, Hamburg has a Renewable Energy Cluster, frequently hosts international conferences and trade fairs on solar and wind power, and is a key hub for the European wind power industry.

Our Master’s degree course in Renewable Energy Systems – Environmental and Process Engineering was established in 2009 and is well-regarded by our industrial partners. Students usually do their Master thesis in an industrial setting. Graduates have excellent career prospects in Germany, Europe’s most powerful economy.

This Master’s degree course in Renewable Energy Systems is centred specifically around systems engineering rather than focusing on more general science. It is open to those who hold a Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree in environmental engineering, process engineering or related engineering sub-fields, such as electrical or mechanical engineering.

Sound knowledge of mathematics, physics, IT, electrical engineering, thermodynamics, (environmental) process engineering and CAD are entry requirements for this course. Candidates also need demonstrable knowledge of specialist course-relevant engineering subjects.

This Master's degree course comprises advanced modules in the technology and engineering of:

• Bioenergy systems
• Solar energy systems
• Wind energy systems
• Downstream systems for energy transformation and distribution

The course’s main emphasis is on systems engineering, alongside enhanced mathematical and IT skills and the acquisition of process simulation techniques and business and management competencies. All course content features an applied approach. In addition to lectures, project and lab work is an essential aspect of the programme. Students can get involved in local and international collaborations run by the Faculty of Life Sciences.

The course’s first two semesters consist of small-group lectures, seminars and lab work. Students will complete individual projects on a range of topics and lab work on set research assignments.

You complete your Master thesis in your third semester, usually in an industrial setting with an organisation in the renewables sector. Each semester is worth a total of 30 credit points. See the links below for further details.

The admission requirements are as follows:

• A Bachelor's degree or a comparable course of studies in a related discipline or a German Diplom from a university worth 210 credit points
• Knowledge of the English language as demonstrated by Abitur- or Fachhochschulzeugnis (see the admissions policy below) or accepted certificates: TOEFL test (at least 87 points Internet-based), IELTS (minimum Band 5.5) or CAE, CPE, FCE (minimum C) or certificates of achievement from foreign countries (see point 3 in the admissions policy below).
• German language certificate at level A2 from recognised institutions such as Goethe Institute
• Applicants holding a first academic degree (Bachelor, Diploma, etc.) from non-EU-countries: Graduate Record Examination (GRE); further information at www.gre.org.

Additional documents you may submit to enhance your application (optional):

• CV
• Proof of particular professional work experience or scientific achievements (papers, awards, etc.)

Important note for applicants with 180 credit points (ECTS) for courses which require 210 credit points (ECTS) from the first degree: Applicants whose Bachelor's degree consists of 180 credit points (ECTS) must acquire another 30 credit points during the first semester of their studies. The specific department decides which examinations and tuition must be completed. Applicants will then be temporarily admitted and enrolled for one term in order to complete the missing 30 credit points. After the end of the first semester, the department will inform the Student Admissions and Registration Office and the Faculty Service Office whether the missing credit points have been acquired and the student may continue his or her studies.

Applications for this Master's degree course are submitted online. You do not need to submit hard copies of your application. The online process is activated during the application periods only, and it is not possible to apply outside these periods:

• For winter semester 2025/26: 1 April–15 May

Applicants from non-EU countries: Please have your certificates checked in advance by uni assist and request a VPD (preliminary review documentation) for your application. You must complete the application form at myHAW and upload all the necessary documents there to submit your application.

You can find more information under Applying for a Master's degree course or email master-application( (at) )haw-hamburg (dot) de