Battery Systems Engineering (BSE) RWTH Aachen University

Become a key player in the fast-growing market of battery systems and shape the global energy transition.

The highly research-oriented MSc Battery Systems Engineering programme (MSc BSE) is dedicated exclusively to battery engineering. With an interdisciplinary curriculum covering the entire battery value chain from materials science to the integration of battery systems in real-world applications, this programme provides a deep understanding of electrochemical functions, battery production, and recycling, along with advanced expertise in battery electronics and diagnostics.

As the only programme of its kind in Germany and Europe, the MSc BSE offers graduates in natural and engineering sciences a unique opportunity to expand their career prospects in the new professional field of battery engineering.

The MSc BSE comprises three semesters of lectures, exercises and practical courses, followed by the fourth semester dedicated to writing the Master's thesis. All modules are organised in blocks throughout the semester and taught using a modern and very flexible digital teaching and learning concept.

To ensure a smooth transition to the MSc BSE, international applicants must complete the German Engineering College (GEC) programme before starting their studies. In this digital qualification programme, tailored fundamental knowledge from engineering sciences and natural sciences is taught to help students achieve the best possible academic preparation for this highly interdisciplinary Master's programme!

The MSc BSE consists of:

• compulsory modules
• elective modules
• research labs
• research internship
• language courses
• the Master's thesis, which can be written internally with an institute or externally with a company

Get a detailed overview of the programme structure on our MSc BSE website.

The programme includes three research projects in the field of battery testing and one research project designed as an industrial internship.

• Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor of Science in the following majors or a combination of these or a comparable major:

  • Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering with a focus on Electrical Engineering or Information Technology
  • Materials Science, including recycling, raw materials management or Circular Economy
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
• Relevant work experience of six months by the time of application
• GRE General Test (Verbal Reasoning: 145 points | Quantitative Reasoning: 160 points | Analytical Writing: 3 points) or proof of completion of the German Engineering College programme
• APS certificate for students from India, China, and Vietnam

The RWTH Aachen University’s semester fee of approx. 300 EUR is a student body and social contribution fee that every student must pay each semester in order to stay enrolled as an active student. It includes, among other benefits, a "semester ticket" covering public transport in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany as well as the region of South Limburg in the Netherlands.

The average cost of living, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be at least 900 to 1,000 EUR per month.

Generally, students enrolled at RWTH Aachen University have the opportunity to find a job on campus and work up to 19 hours per week. This also allows students to become more familiar with the university institutes and participate in projects related to their field of study. The maximum working limit for off-campus work is 120 full days / 240 half days per year for non-EU students.

Women in Engineering Scholarship: This scholarship was created to support qualified female engineering students. The scholarship grants a reduction of up to 25% of the tuition fees.

High Potential Student Grant: This scholarship was created to support highly qualified students. The scholarship grants a reduction of up to 25% of the tuition fees.

Global Talent Scholarship: This scholarship was created to support promising students from selected countries. The scholarship grants a reduction of 35% of the tuition fees.

Outstanding Performance Award: This scholarship honours students who have successfully completed our German Engineering College. Their remarkable performance will be rewarded with a reduction of up to 50% of the tuition fees.

Our Career Service is an integral part of our student success management. It is designed to empower you to proactively drive your career forward from the first day of your studies. You will have seamless access to a valuable and comprehensive career programme matching your studies. Experience extensive career services and mutually beneficial connections to employers, research facilities and institutes at RWTH Aachen University throughout the academic year. As alumni of RWTH Aachen University, we will support you in achieving your career goals and lifelong success by providing innovative further education programmes and networking events.

Benefit from:

• career programme
• advice and coaching
• professional collaborations and partnerships
• career platform​

Aachen is a vibrant university city with several hundred new students arriving each semester. The housing market is quite tough as a result, especially during the months of March/April and September/October. Finding suitable and affordable accommodation can be time consuming and challenging.

Therefore, we as RWTH International Academy offer our own accommodation in two apartment buildings in the city centre to students of our Master’s degree programmes. Benefit from exclusive prices and in-house services, whether you only need short-term accommodation before moving into your own apartment or you are looking for a new home for the duration of your studies. Visit our housing website for more information.

With 260 institutes, nine faculties and three Clusters of Excellence, RWTH Aachen University is one of Europe's leading institutions for science and research. Currently, more than 47,000 students are enrolled in 170 courses of study. Of these students, more than 13,000 are international students. RWTH Aachen is well-known for its state-of-the-art education that tackles some of the world’s most pressing global challenges. Our graduates are highly sought after by businesses and industry as trainees and for executive positions.

As the official academy for education of RWTH Aachen University, RWTH International Academy is tasked with promoting and developing the integration of professional and academic education. Our goal is to make knowledge accessible to international participants through application-oriented educational formats and programmes, thus making a lasting contribution to lifelong learning.

More about RWTH International Academy

The student city of Aachen is a vibrant and historic place located at the border triangle of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne. After the departure of the Romans from this region, Charlemagne finally managed to forge the lion’s share of Europe into something that resembled an administrative unity, with Aachen as the beating heart of the empire. The "Rathaus" (city hall) and "Dom" (cathedral) bear witness to this earliest Carolingian building history. During your time in Aachen, you will have the opportunity to discover the city, its history and its most important sights. Moreover, you will experience student life at one of Europe's leading technical universities and become part of the international student community. There is no better place to encounter European culture while challenging yourself in our programmes.