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Master of Science:
Sustainable Systems Engineering

Imagine you're not just talking about sustainability, but actively contributing to how the materials, energy systems and technologies of the future are developed!

Combining technology with sustainability and training engineers to change the world for the better!

With this goal in mind, the University of Freiburg founded the new Institute for Sustainable Systems Engineering (INATECH) at the Faculty of Engineering in October 2015.

Complete engineering degree program

In addition to the fundamentals of sustainability, you will also learn how to develop sustainable technologies and methods.

Learning from renowned researchers and engineers

Research and teaching at INATECH are closely interlinked, so that the latest research findings are directly incorporated into what is taught. INATECH combines the expertise and infrastructure of the five Fraunhofer Institutes in Freiburg with the excellence of the university!

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Your opportunities

The engineering master’s degree in “Sustainable Systems Engineering” opens up a whole range of career prospects for you: classical engineering professions, working for environmental authorities and public institutions, developing materials and technologies, or a scientific-research career.

Sustainability careers

Development of materials
Construction materials and building materials
Optimization of energy systems
Optimization of materials flow
New mobility concepts
Production facilities and logistics
Infrastructure development and maintenance
Policy advice

Engineering careers

Mechanical engineering
Systems integration
Materials sciences
Project management

Scientific careers

Dissertation
Post-doc
Academic researcher
Professorship

Why study Sustainable Systems Engineering?

1.

Attractive program

At INATECH, research and teaching are closely interlinked, so that the latest research findings are directly incorporated into what is taught. Students participate actively in solving the social and technical issues of the future.

2.

Attractive institute

INATECH combines the expertise and infrastructure of the five Fraunhofer Institutes in Freiburg with the excellence of the university.

3.

Attractive faculty

On its own campus, the Faculty of Engineering has an excellent infrastructure: short distances, modern technical equipment (e.g. clean room), extensive e-learning offers, its own library and extensive opening hours.

4.

Attractive university town

Freiburg offers a wide range of leisure and cultural activities, a high quality of life, short travel distances and an international atmosphere.

Sustainable Systems Engineering – what is it in detail?

The international master's program “Sustainable Systems Engineering” provides in-depth engineering skills in sustainable materials, sustainable energy systems, and resilience engineering.

Moreover, it teaches interdisciplinary knowledge in natural resources and climate change, as well as sustainable economics, technologies and societies during its two-year program.

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What does sustainability mean?

How may ecological, economic and social aspects be balanced? How is an ecological footprint calculated? .And what options are available to a product at the end of its life?

Which challenges are created by the energy transformation?

How should renewable energy be generated, fed into the grid and stored?

What will the materials and systems of the future look like?

How can relevant material properties be determined? How can we make our digital communication more efficient and secure?

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The Master’s program

Sustainable Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary program that builds on fundamental knowledge in electrical and mechanical engineering as well as natural and materials sciences.

Six compulsory modules will get everyone on the same technical level

  • Solar energy
  • Energy storage
  • Control and integration of grids
  • Fundamentals of resilience
  • Material life cycles
  • Computational materials engineering
Specialization on favorite research fields

From the second semester on, students start concentrating on their favorite research fields:

Energy systems

Sustainable materials

Resilience engineering

Information processing technologies

Holistic societal and scientific understanding of sustainability

In addition to engineering’s point of view to sustainability, interdisciplinary modules enhance the holistic understanding of sustainability.


Curriculum

Duration: 4 semesters
Program start: October

1. semester

  • Solar energy
  • Energy storage
  • Control and integration of grids
  • Fundamentals of resilience
  • Material life cycles
  • Computational materials engineering

2. semester

  • Power electronic circuits and devices
  • Design and monitoring of large infrastructures
  • Security and privacy in resilient systems
  • Interdisciplinary profile
  • Specialization in:
    – Energy systems
    – Information processing technologies
    – Sustainable materials
    – Resilience engineering

3. semester

  • Elective courses
  • Interdisciplinary profile
  • Master's project

4. semester

  • Master's thesis

Master’s thesis

The program prepares students for the start of their professional life with an application-oriented master thesis. The thesis is an independent research project. The topics range across the spectrum of the professorships:


Overview master’ s theses at INATECH (PDF)

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Chairs

22

Nations

80

% International students

40

Study places per year

Further information

Find current news, module handbook, study regulations and courses


Further info

How to apply?

The application period starts in mid March and ends on May 15th.

You can find detailed instructions on the application procedure at the following website:

Application

Please note: uncertified copies and applications sent via e-mail cannot be accepted. Without a complete and correct set of certified copies you will not proceed to the selection process.

Start and duration

Starts in October and lasts two years. Submit applications by May 15.

Requirements and fees

B.Sc. in Engineering or other science, outstanding track record, English proficiency
Fees: €360 per year for EU/EEA nationals / €3360 for non-EU/EEA nationals

Advisor

Ester Gnandt
Emmy-Noether-Straße 2
2. OG Nord
79110 Freiburg
Germany
Tel: +49 761 203-54010
study@inatech.uni-freiburg.de