Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

What you'll study

This master's combines advanced engineering theory with applied project work to develop skills in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) system design, simulation, and management. Teaching balances classroom modules, laboratory lab work and a substantial final project or thesis focused on real-world design and implementation.

• Advanced Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer – principles of heat exchangers, transient heat transfer and thermal system component selection.
• Fluid Mechanics and Duct/Chilled Water Systems – pump and fan selection, duct and piping network design, and pressure-loss calculations.
• Refrigeration Cycles and Components – compression and absorption cycles, refrigerants, compressors, condensers and evaporators.
• HVAC System Design and Sizing – load calculation methods, air distribution, terminal units and package equipment selection for residential, commercial and industrial projects.
• Building Services Integration – coordination of HVAC with electrical, plumbing and structural systems, and preparation of technical specifications and construction drawings.
• Controls, Instrumentation and Building Automation – control strategies, sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and integration with building management systems (BMS).
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability – energy audits, demand-side management, heat recovery, passive design measures and low‑carbon HVAC solutions.
• Computational Methods and Simulation – use of software for thermal modelling, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for airflow analysis and energy performance simulation.
• Regulations, Standards and Codes – national and international standards for HVACR, safety, refrigerant management and environmental compliance.
• Project Management and Construction Practice – procurement, cost estimation, scheduling, quality control and commissioning of HVAC systems.
• Final Project / Thesis – an individual or group project involving detailed design, simulation, prototyping or field implementation of an HVACR solution, often carried out in partnership with industry or research groups.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, building services, industrial engineering or a closely related discipline. Equivalent professional qualifications with relevant experience may be considered.

• Official academic transcript and degree certificate from an accredited institution.
• Curriculum vitae detailing academic background and relevant professional experience.
• A statement of purpose outlining proposed study and research interests in HVACR or building services.
• Letters of recommendation are typically requested for research-oriented candidates.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the language of instruction (Spanish); candidates may be asked to provide evidence of language ability or to undertake a language assessment if required.
• Some prior coursework or competence in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and basic heat transfer is expected; applicants without these may be conditionally admitted and required to take bridging modules.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles across the building services, construction and industrial sectors. The programme emphasises practical design skills and project delivery, making alumni attractive to employers involved in new construction, retrofitting and energy‑efficiency upgrades.

• HVAC design engineer or consultant for buildings and industrial facilities.
• Refrigeration systems engineer for food processing, cold chain and industrial applications.
• Energy efficiency consultant, conducting audits, retrofit design and performance optimisation.
• Building services project manager or site engineer, responsible for coordination and commissioning.
• Facilities manager overseeing operation and maintenance of HVAC and BMS systems.
• Sales engineering or technical support for HVACR equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
• Researcher or academic in thermal systems, sustainable building technologies or refrigerant management.

Why study at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

ESPOL is a well-established engineering university in Ecuador with a strong applied research orientation and close links to regional industry. The programme leverages the institution's engineering laboratories, workshops and research groups to provide hands‑on experience in thermal systems and building services.

Students benefit from faculty with expertise in energy systems, mechanical design and sustainability, and from opportunities to work on projects with local construction firms, utilities and industrial partners. The curriculum is designed to meet professional practice needs in the region while reflecting international technical standards and contemporary approaches to low‑energy, low‑carbon HVAC solutions.