Program Overview

Sustainable Management – Water and Energy M.Sc.

Key Info

Basic Information

• Degree: Master of Science
• Start of Studies: Winter Semester
• Standard Period of Studies: 4 semesters
• ECTS Credits: 120
• Language: English

Admission Requirements

• First university degree, required qualifications according to the examination regulations
• Proficiency in English

Admission to First Semester

• Restricted (NC for WS 2025)

Admission to Higher Semesters

• Restricted (NC for the 2nd-3rd Core Semester)
• Open in Core Semester 4

Dates and Deadlines

• Overview

Program Description

A permanent supply of water and energy is one of the great global challenges of our time. As a result, the water-energy nexus, which reaches across various sectors, is becoming increasingly important. Knowing the relationship between water and energy supply and distribution – both pillars in sustainability – it is necessary to connect different scientific perspectives. By considering complex interdependencies – detached from individual resources – the water-energy nexus gains importance as an important key element of sustainable development.

By offering the Master's course of study in Sustainable Management, RWTH is meeting the demand for interdisciplinary collaboration. The program integrates disciplines from energy, civil, and environmental engineering, geography, business and economics, and the social sciences. Students gain specialized analysis, method, solution, and evaluation skills in the fields of water and energy management. Furthermore, the course of study teaches interdisciplinary skills, such as the ability to critically reflect on innovations in a global context and independently work and research.

This technical breadth allows graduates to face complex and global challenges in their professional lives that are scientifically, technologically, and socially relevant. The program aims to qualify a new generation of socially responsible engineers, who contribute to shaping global, sustainable development.

Degree Content

Students' interdisciplinary perspective is carefully crafted from the first to last semester. The program begins with interdisciplinary units, then transitioning to water and water management at RWTH, on to the field of energy and energy management abroad, and ends with a final semester at RWTH dedicated to the water-energy nexus. Students complete an independent research paper during this semester as well.

Required Courses

• Global Changes and Sustainable Development
• Engineering Hydrology
• Water-Energy-Food Nexus
• Expanding Engineering Limits: Culture, Diversity and Gender

Electives

• Industrial Wastewater Treatment
• Numerical Modelling in Water Resources Management
• Flood Risk Management
• Sanitary Engineering in Developing Countries
• Hydraulic Engineering Experiments
• Hydrodynamic Simulation
• Geographic Information System (GIS) in Water Management I & II
• Coastal Engineering
• Groundwater Management
• Innovation & Diversity
• Economics of Technical Diffusion
• Development Economics
• Advanced Energy Economics
• Economics of Technical Change
• Smart Grid Economics and Information Management
• Automation of Complex Power Systems
• Sustainable Fuels for the Energy Transition
• Seminar on Hydraulic Engineering
• Discovering Innovation - Project Work Beyond Engineering
• Sustainability Assessment - Methods and Tools
• Sustainability Strategies in Policy and Companies
• Social Development and Sustainability
• German Language Course
• Relevant Additional Subjects

Mobility Window

During the mobility window, students complete courses with a focus on energy and management.

Programs Abroad

The fixed mobility window during the third semester allows students to easily complete a stay abroad to specifically complete courses on energy and management. Exchange programs with strategic partner universities in the IDEA League are preferred. A fixed collaborative program is currently offered in collaboration with Politecnico di Milano, Italy.

Prerequisites

A prerequisite for starting studies in a first university degree, with which the necessary background education can be proven, as determined in the exam regulations. The exam board determines whether it fulfills the entrance requirements.

Language Skills

This course of study is taught in English. Thus, applicants must submit proof of sufficient English language skills. The current examination regulations determine the required level of skills.

Career Prospects

Due to their interdisciplinary and international education, graduates from the Sustainable Management course of study are able to evaluate and calculate complex, global relationships in energy management and water supply. With their breadth of skills, they have good professional prospects in both companies in the water and energy management sector as well as in consulting engineering offices or in public administration at the state, national, or European level.

Furthermore, there is a great demand for skill experts in non-governmental organizations or international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit. Graduates can also work as researchers and science managers at the cross-section of various disciplines.

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Faculty

The Faculty of Civil Engineering is in charge of the Master's course of study in Sustainable Water and Energy Management. It collaborates with the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the School of Business and Economics.

Academic Advising

• Advising and Services for School Students and Prospective Students
• Advising for Students
• Departmental Academic Advisors
• Student Councils Within Faculties

Formalities

• Legal Information for Starting Studies in the First Core Semester
• Legal Information for Starting Studies in Higher Core Semesters

Information before Beginning Studies

• Bridge Courses
• First-Year Orientation

International Prospective Students

International students are welcome to apply for the program. The Faculty's International Office assists students in planning their studies abroad.