Introduction to the European Master in Renewable Energy
International agreements on CO2 diminution and European directives on the expansion of renewable energy generation ensure that the recent rapid growth in renewable energy installations will continue. Skills shortages in this sector are already being identified and the expected growth will only exacerbate the situation. Within the rapidly expanding European renewable energy industry, an urgent demand exists for more post-graduate trained staff, specialised in renewable energy technology.
EUREC Agency together with leading European Universities involved in renewable energy education and training have responded to this demand through the development of the European Master in Renewable Energy.
Objectives
The aim of the European Master in Renewable Energy is to train post-graduate students to fill the gap between the growing industry demand for specialised renewable energy expertise and the skills currently available on the job market.
By structuring the course in three sections, students are guaranteed to spend time in at least two different EU countries and make contact with a wide range of European institutes and companies involved in the renewable energy sector.
The participating universities are all well-established in training and the education sector as well as being recognised at an international level for their work in the field of renewable energy technology.
Structure
The course is divided into three sections. In the first semester, the students acquire a solid foundation in key renewable energy technologies. In the second semester, they specialise in a chosen technology at a different university and at the end of the course, the students complete a practical or research project.
The entire programme is run on a modular basis with credits awarded for passing each section and the successful completion of the project. A total of 90 ECTScredits (30 for each section of the course) are required with a satisfactory level of achievement in all the sections to obtain the European Master's degree.
The course's three sections
The core provides a solid foundation in the key energy technologies (wind, solar, bioenergy, hydropower). Theoretical courses which also examine the socioeconomic issues surrounding the deployment of these technologies are supported by laboratory workshops. The studies for the core can be done in French, English or Spanish.
The student can choose one of the following:
- Ecole des Mines de Paris, France for the core taught in French
- Zaragoza University, Spain for the core taught in Spanish
- Loughborough University, UK for the core taught in English
- Oldenburg University, Germany for the core taught in English
A specialisation focused on a particular technology or implementation aspect selected from: Photovoltaics; Wind power; Energy Conservation in Buildings; Bioenergy and Hybrid systems. The specialisations are taught in English.
The student can choose one of the following:
- National Technical University of Athens, Greece for the specialisation in Wind Energy
- Zaragoza University, Spain for the specialization in Bioenergy
- Kassel University, Germany for the specialisation in Hybrid Systems
- University of Northumbria, UK for the specialisation in Photovoltaics
A project related to the specialisation taken and undertaken in industry, a research laboratory or at the university and during which the student can gain practical or research experience.
Course Duration
Please refer to the academic calendar for the exact dates of the upcoming academic year.
- The core section runs from September/October to January.
- The specialisation section runs from February to the end of June.
- The project, a 6 month placement in a renewable energy company or a research centre, is scheduled after the core and the specialisation.
Delivery
The course is delivered by acknowledged experts from the participating universities and where appropriate, from other industrial, research and educational institutions.
The taught material includes lectures, tutorials and laboratories.