Hasselt University

What you'll study

This master's focuses on the technical foundations and applied skills needed to develop and operate modern energy systems. Teaching combines core topics such as energy conversion, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics with specialist subjects like renewable energy technologies, power electronics for energy applications, energy storage systems, hydrogen and fuel cells, smart grids and energy management.

• Fundamental modules: advanced thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics and numerical modelling.
• Power and conversion technologies: turbines, internal combustion engines, power electronics, converters and drives.
• Renewables and storage: solar and wind energy engineering, battery technologies, hydrogen production and storage concepts.
• Systems integration and control: grid integration, microgrids, demand response, energy management systems and control strategies.
• Modelling and simulation: multi-physics simulation, optimisation methods, data-driven approaches and laboratory validation.
• Practical project work and laboratory training: hands-on experimentation in energy laboratories, pilot installations and industry-linked projects.
• Master's thesis: an independent research or design project carried out within a research group, often in collaboration with industry or research partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, applied sciences, physics or a closely related discipline. A strong grounding in mathematics, calculus, basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is required. Candidates with related technical degrees and significant professional experience may be considered on an individual basis.

Entry typically requires an academic transcript and a curriculum vitae; some applicants are also asked to submit a motivation letter or to attend an interview. If your first degree was not taught in English or Dutch, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in an appropriate language (for example through recognised language tests) according to the university's regulations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for technical, design and leadership roles across the energy sector. Typical career paths include:

• Energy systems engineer or designer in renewable energy companies and manufacturers.
• Grid integration specialist or power systems engineer with utilities and network operators.
• R&D engineer or project engineer working on energy storage, hydrogen or advanced conversion technologies.
• Energy consultant or analyst in firms advising on efficiency, decarbonisation and energy transitions.
• Technical project manager for large-scale energy projects, smart-city initiatives or industrial energy optimisation.
• Continuation to doctoral research in academic or industrial research groups.

Why study at Hasselt University

Hasselt University combines focused engineering teaching with strong applied research in energy. The programme benefits from the university's collaborations with regional and national research centres and industry partners, offering access to applied research projects and pilot facilities. Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses, project work and opportunities to base their master's thesis within active research groups or industry collaborations. The campus environment supports close interaction between staff and students, and the programme emphasises transferable skills such as modelling, systems thinking and project execution that are highly valued by employers in the energy transition.