Program Overview

Master's in Energy and Environmental Sciences

The Master's in Energy and Environmental Sciences (EES) at the University of Groningen prepares students to tackle complex questions from a holistic perspective, integrating natural and social sciences.

What to Expect from the Master's Programme EES

• Study in an international, interdisciplinary environment with students from diverse scientific backgrounds, who share a strong commitment to a better future of the planet and society.
• Build a solid foundation in energy, sustainability, and environmental sciences, combining experimental and non-experimental fields, with room for specialisation.
• Conduct research with experts at the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG) during the internal Master's project.
• Excellent career prospects in research, energy companies, consultancy, NGOs, and government to pursue in the second external Master's project.

Programme Structure

The two-year Master’s programme provides broad knowledge of energy and environmental challenges, while specialising in topics such as energy conversion, circular economy, or sustainability transitions, atmospheric composition, and climate, combining laboratory and desk research.

Facts and Figures

• Degree: MSc in Energy and Environmental Sciences
• Course type: Master
• Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
• Croho code: 60608
• Language of instruction: English
• Start: September
• Faculty: Science and Engineering

Why Study this Programme in Groningen?

• Energy is one of the main societal themes of the university.
• Located in the modern Energy Academy Building.
• Excellent career perspectives both within and outside academia, such as a PhD, consultancy, or working for governmental agencies.
• A strong focus on working in interdisciplinary/intercultural teams.
• Tailor-made study programmes to match the students' interests.

Programme Details

Year 1

• Starts with 30 ECTS of obligatory courses, addressing the relevant theories and methodologies in the research field.
• 30 ECTS electives, including courses from other faculties, like economics, psychology, or spatial sciences.

Year 2

• Focuses on doing research and consists of two research projects.
• The first project is an internal research project carried out within the ESRIG research institute or affiliated institute.
• The second project can be another internal research project at ESRIG or an external research internship/research project outside the university (company, consultancy, government, other university) or even abroad.

Curriculum

• Two-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.
• For the complete curriculum, please refer to the programme's curriculum outline.

Extracurricular Activities

• In addition to this master's programme, students can apply for the extracurricular FSE High Tech Systems and Materials Honours Master (1.5 years, 20 ECTS), developed in close collaboration with industry.

BYOD Policy

• Students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes.

Programme Options

• Individually tailored programme (profile): Each student is different, and therefore, students have the option to adapt the programme to their individual wishes and strengths.
• Science, Business, and Policy (profile): Interested in the business side of science? Students can combine this Master's programme with the Science Business & Policy profile.

Study Abroad

• Study abroad is optional.
• For an average of 21 weeks.
• Maximum of 30 EC.

Entry Requirements

• Dutch diploma: A University Bachelor's degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Biology, or another degree in the natural sciences or related engineering studies.
• International diploma: A University Bachelor's degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Biology, or another degree in the natural sciences or related engineering studies.

Admission Requirements

• Previous education: A University Bachelor's degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Biology, or another degree in the natural sciences or related engineering studies.
• Additional subject: The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on the application, after which the board will decide if the applicant meets the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge.
• Language test: Please note that applicants will also need to fill out a checklist for their application to this Master's programme.

Transfer Options

• Transferring from various universities and institutions is possible, with specific requirements and transitions outlined for each.

Registration Procedure

• The Board of Admissions will decide whether an applicant can be admitted to the Master's degree programme.
• Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis.

Application Deadlines

• Type of student: Dutch students, EU/EEA students, non-EU/EEA students.
• Deadline: 01 May 2026.
• Start course: 01 September 2026.

Tuition Fees

• Nationality: EU/EEA, non-EU/EEA.
• Year: Various years.
• Fee: € 2601 (EU/EEA), € 24900 (non-EU/EEA).
• Programme form: Full-time.

After Your Studies

Job Prospects

• Energy and Environmental Sciences graduates from the University of Groningen are renowned for their in-depth systems approach and/or specialized experimental skills.
• Within months of graduation, almost all graduates (more than 90%) obtain suitable jobs in research, industry, consultancy, government, and NGOs.

Research

• The Master's degree programme is connected to the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG).
• Research groups within this institute are: Centre for Isotope research (CIO), Geo Energy, Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), Energy Conversion (EC), Biomimetics, and Nuclear Energy.
• Research subjects include renewable energy systems, second and third generation biofuels, energy scenarios and modeling, carbon capture and storage, air pollution modeling, and greenhouse gas cycles and fossil fuel verification.

Study Associations

• Atmos Groningen is the first and only study association in the North of the Netherlands for students passionate about energy, environment, and sustainability.

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