Sustainable Energy and Development (SEDev) Europa-Universität Flensburg

The Sustainable Energy and Development (SEDev) Master’s programme focuses on addressing climate change and energy poverty through energy system transformation. It emphasises universal access to affordable, reliable, and renewable energy within the context of international development cooperation, aiming to support sustainable social and economic development through higher education.

This 24-month programme leads to a Master of Engineering degree and equips students with modern engineering knowledge, innovative management approaches, and essential social skills. Graduates are prepared to initiate, plan, and manage energy system transformations, delivering equitable energy solutions and empowering communities to participate in decision-making processes. They contribute to the work of companies, governments, and NGOs worldwide.

The programme uses problem-based learning to address complex, real-world challenges and rapidly evolving technologies. A preparatory semester strengthens students’ skills in economics, research methods, academic writing, and includes a German language course.

SEDev integrates two key areas: the technical integration of renewable energy into complex systems and the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. Engineering topics such as energy modelling and planning are combined with economic subjects like project management, financial analysis, and market assessment.

Core modules across the main semesters include lectures, seminars, electives, and project work. In “Analysis and Complexity of Energy Systems,” students study programming, systems modelling, and renewable technologies. In “Sustainable and Just Energy System Solutions,” the focus shifts to energy justice, climate action, and the practical implementation of projects, alongside studies in economics and social sciences.

A five-week international field project allows students to work with partner organisations and rural communities, gaining hands-on experience in consultancy and sustainable energy planning.

The final five months are dedicated to a Master’s thesis combined with an internship in industry, international organisations, or research institutions. The thesis is aligned with labour market needs and supports graduates’ future career development.

Preparatory course semester (autumn)

• Micro- and Macro Economics
• Business Economics and Administration
• Energy Economics
• Scientific Methods
• Energy Modelling and Simulation
• German language course

First semester (spring)

• Analysis and Complexity of Energy Systems (15 CP core module)
• Sustainable Energy Access Planning (5 CP)
• Organisations and Diversity in Development Cooperation (5 CP)
• Technical elective (5 CP)

Second semester (autumn)

• Sustainable and Just Energy System Solutions (15 CP core module)
• Markets and Project Management (5 CP)
• International Community Energy Project (5 CP excursion)
• Technical elective (5 CP)

Third semester (spring)

Field research / internship, Master's thesis and defence

Hochschule Flensburg

Students are encouraged to combine their Master’s thesis with internships.

Please see https://www.uni-flensburg.de/sedev/admission/deadlines.

Academic admission requirements include an above-average Bachelor's or equivalent university degree in engineering after a minimum of seven semesters of studies and proof of successful completion of the preparatory semester.

Professional experience of at least two years in a field related to the course focus is required.

Shortlisted applicants must successfully complete an online admission interview.

There is a student fee of 379.30 EUR per semester. The fee includes the services of the "Studentenwerk Schleswig-Holstein" (providing students with student prices at the cafeteria, activities and free psychological counselling), the AStA (providing free activities organised by the Student Union) and the "Deutschland-Semesterticket".

The cost of living in Flensburg is generally slightly lower than in major German cities. A budget of 800 to 1,000 EUR per month should cover the basic cost of living, including rent.

Please note: To receive a German visa, you are required to submit proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself (at least 992 EUR per month, or 11,172 EUR for 12 months). You will find more information here.

There are the following funding opportunities within the university:

1. The Deutschlandstipendium supports talented and high-achieving students of all subjects at state and state-recognised universities in Germany.
2. Schleswig-Holstein Doctoral Scholarships: For funding, you can apply for a state doctoral scholarship awarded by the EUF. 
3. Partial scholarships provided by the Protestant Student Community (ESG)
4. Partial scholarships provided by the Catholic Student Community (KHG)

The university offers the "CampusCareer" service which is dedicated to both helping students and graduates find jobs as well as to provide workshops on application procedures, job interviews, etc. The different study programmes also have their own career days tailored to their students.

The accommodation on campus is administered by a non-profit organisation called the "Studentenwerk". The students must apply directly to them. The link is here: https://studentenwerk.sh/en/dormitories-in-flensburg.

The International Center together with the CampusEngel of Europa-Universität Flensburg, also support and helps students when it comes to finding accommodation.

There are no meal plans, since normally the students have only lunch at the cafeteria. They usually live in shared apartments with a common kitchen. Thus, they prepare breakfast and dinner at home.

Situated in the German-Danish border region, Germany's northernmost university is a young university. Founded in 1946 by the British, it was awarded university status in 2000. Since 2014, it has been known as "Europa-Universität". In 2017, the Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF) adapted its semester times internationally: in the spring semester, the lecture period runs from March to June and in the fall semester, it runs from September to December. With around 5,500 students, it is a comparatively small university. Young people from around 90 nations study on the Flensburg campus.

The main study programmes focus on educational science and interdisciplinary European studies as well as on environmental sciences / sustainable development.

The location in the border region is ideal for a university with a mission to live the European dream of intercultural encounters and explore its reality. For almost 30 years, Europa-Universität Flensburg and Danish Syddansk Universitet have been working closely together. Their double degree programmes in economics offer students the opportunity to obtain degrees from both universities simultaneously.

The region is characterised by beaches, wind, and the sea. Situated directly on the fjord, with its impressive old buildings, low rent, a lively cultural scene, and close proximity to Scandinavia, Flensburg offers excellent living and studying conditions.

The city of Flensburg is characterised by its waterside location and by the immediate proximity of its neighbouring country, Denmark. Located at the northernmost point in Germany, the city of Flensburg is the gateway to Scandinavia. It is only a few miles drive to the Danish border; the Kingdom of Denmark is located even closer to Flensburg than Husum or Kiel, and it can actually be seen from the beach at Wassersleben.

The campus is located about two kilometres from the city centre. Approximately one in ten residents of Flensburg is enrolled at Europa-Universität Flensburg or at the University of Applied Sciences. This is particularly noticeable during the summer months, when there is a lively atmosphere in this university town. As soon as the cold days are over and the last lectures have ended, students meet at the beach or at the place to be in the harbour, the "Hafenspitze".

Whether it's the reflecting water, the sailboats rocking gently in the waves, the sunset or the fact that there is always someone you know, everyone likes the heart of Flensburg.

Away from the water, Flensburg's historical city centre and its identity, developed over many centuries, is one of the landmarks of the city. Spared attacks in times of war, Art Nouveau style houses and old villas can be found everywhere in the city. Its small streets are home to cafés, numerous courtyards, rum producers, a wide pedestrian zone, harbour pubs, and several beaches.