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Renewable Energy Online - Master's Programme
Renewable Energy Online (REO) is an international, English-language and part-time Master's degree program, leading to the Master of Science (M.Sc.). Based on in-depth knowledge of natural sciences or engineering from a relevant bachelor's program (B.Sc.), the programme qualifies international students in renewable energies, both in their professional breadth as well as through appropriate elective modules in scientific depth.
The curriculum comprises 120 ECTS credits of mainly online study, including two on-campus periods. The regular study time is 7 semesters with a workload of approximately 20 hours per week.
Orientation and Goals
In our study programme, you will acquire competences in four different competence areas:
Subject-Related Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
Methodological Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
Social Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
Personal Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
Subject-Related Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
- Evaluate energy resources
- Explain and apply principles of different renewable energy conversion processes
- Technically design and assess renewable energy installations
- Technically design and assess the integration of renewable energy systems into energy supply networks
- Evaluate renewable energy technologies and their impact from a socio-economic and environmental perspective
- Scientifically model renewable energy systems and processes
Methodological Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
- Communicate natural-science and related topics in oral and written format
- Perform literature research in natural science data bases
- Work on projects individually or in teams in a structured and self-responsible way
- Critically and rationally evaluate scientific results, models or concepts
- Contribute to scientific discussions on natural science related topics
- Perform and critically evaluate data-acquisition and data-evaluation methods
- Develop research questions and project proposals on natural-science related topics
Social Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
- Communicate and work in a diverse team, addressing different stakeholders
- Manage conflicts
- Moderate meetings and discussions
Personal Competences
After finishing the programme you will be able to:
- Work analytically, outcome-driven and efficiently
- Act responsibly and apply good scientific practice
- Critically reflect your own professional competences and limitations
Study Design and Contents
The curriculum of the study programme consists of different types of modules: Core Modules, Technology Orientation Modules, System Orientation Modules and Social Science Orientation Modules. Some of the modules are mandatory and some are elective. On the one hand, we provide sound information in Renewable Energy, on the other hand you are able to follow your individual interests.
Core Modules
The study programme contains four mandatory 'Core Modules' where you acquire the fundamental competences in the most important fields of Renewable Energy.
Technology Orientation
The modules of the technology orientation provide the necessary fundamentals of wind energy, photovoltaics, energy storage and further renewable energy technologies. In order to further specialise in a selected technology, you can choose up to three elective modules in wind energy or photovoltaics.
System Orientation
The modules of the "System Orientation" introduce you to the foundations of grid integration and decentralised electrification. You may choose one or two specialisation modules in order to work on real-world projects with a focus on grid integration or off-grid electrification.
Social Science Orientation
The Social Science Orientation introduces you to social science and economic theories and methods in order to put Renewable Energy into a societal context and discuss the sustainability of Renewable Energy.
Core Modules
The study programme contains four mandatory 'Core Modules' where you acquire the fundamental competences in the most important fields of Renewable Energy.
- Renewable Energy Basics (mandatory)
- Renewable Energy Laboratories and Excursion (mandatory)
- Introduction to Renewable Energy Resources and Systems (mandatory)
- Simulation and Laboratory (mandatory)
Technology Orientation
The modules of the technology orientation provide the necessary fundamentals of wind energy, photovoltaics, energy storage and further renewable energy technologies. In order to further specialise in a selected technology, you can choose up to three elective modules in wind energy or photovoltaics.
- Wind Energy Fundamentals and Wind Farm Design (mandatory)
- Design and Simulation of Wind Turbines (elective)
- Fluid Dynamics (elective)
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (elective)
- Basics of Photovoltaics (mandatory)
- Solar Resources and Systems (elective)
- Energy Storage (mandatory)
- Selected Technologies of Renewable Energy (mandatory)
System Orientation
The modules of the "System Orientation" introduce you to the foundations of grid integration and decentralised electrification. You may choose one or two specialisation modules in order to work on real-world projects with a focus on grid integration or off-grid electrification.
- Grid-Connected and Off-Grid RE Systems (mandatory)
- Off-Grid Electrification Project (elective)
- Grid Integration Project (elective)
Social Science Orientation
The Social Science Orientation introduces you to social science and economic theories and methods in order to put Renewable Energy into a societal context and discuss the sustainability of Renewable Energy.
- Energy and Society (mandatory)
- Renewable Energy and Sustainability (mandatory)
Teaching and Learning
The programme is offered in a blended learning format, i.e. the majority of the learning content is available online. This makes it possible to complete the studies mostly independent of time and place, and thus can be completed in parallel to professional or private commitments.
The communication medium is the learning platform C3LLO, developed by the Center for Lifelong Learning (C3L) at the University of Oldenburg, in which students can work cooperatively or in self-study. In addition to the teachers, students are accompanied in each module by mentors who are the contact persons for organisational, subject-related, technical, personal or other questions and who support the self-directed and self-organised learning process of the students.
The communication medium is the learning platform C3LLO, developed by the Center for Lifelong Learning (C3L) at the University of Oldenburg, in which students can work cooperatively or in self-study. In addition to the teachers, students are accompanied in each module by mentors who are the contact persons for organisational, subject-related, technical, personal or other questions and who support the self-directed and self-organised learning process of the students.
Reasons for Studying
REO is aiming for engineers and natural scientists with a first university degree and at least one year of professional experience. It is an English-language, part-time study programme, which is especially suitable for students who are not able to study in Germany, e.g. due to job obligations or family duties. Due to its modular design, the curriculum can be adapted flexibly to your individual life situation.
Foreign Language Skills
German language skills are not required for admission.
In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg, you need an adequate knowledge of English.
English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations
The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements
In order to study this course at the University of Oldenburg, you need an adequate knowledge of English.
English Language Proficiency see admissions regulations
- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B2
- if applicants are native speaker or they have university entrance qualification or a university degree obtained in English.
The proof of language proficiency must be presented for the enrolment. For other proof possiblities see: Language requirements
Careers and Areas of Employment
After finalising the programme, you will be able to work as a Renewable Energy expert in a self-organised, interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, responsible and scientific manner, to present results in a structured format and to critically reflect on them. Prospective employers are e.g. companies, governments, academia and development cooperation organisations.
Target Group/Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification worth at least 180 credit points
- At least one year of professional experience
- English language proficiency at level B2 of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Application/Admission Procedures
This is an open admissions degree course, and application is only possible in the winter semester.
The application deadline for the winter semester is 30th September.
Please note
For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit their applications as early as possible before 15 July for the winter semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates but before the standard application deadlines, your application can only be processed at the start of the lecture period in the new semester. This may result serious problems (German document).
The degree programme is liable to charges. For further information please check the regulations Gebühren- und Entgeltordnung
The application deadline for the winter semester is 30th September.
Please note
For open-admission Master's degree programmes it is strongly recommended to submit their applications as early as possible before 15 July for the winter semester. If the supporting documents are submitted after these dates but before the standard application deadlines, your application can only be processed at the start of the lecture period in the new semester. This may result serious problems (German document).
The degree programme is liable to charges. For further information please check the regulations Gebühren- und Entgeltordnung