EIT-KIC Master in Energy (Leuven et al)

The Master's programme consists of 120 credits, organized in two stages of 60 credits. The first stage consists of compulsory courses that cover a broad base of electrical, thermo-mechanical, and techno-economic subjects. In the second year, students continue working towards writing a Master's thesis and attend elective courses: general, broadening and option-specific.

The first year of this programme combines electrical and mechanical engineering courses with energy-related socio-economic subjects. An integrated project is also included. After the first year exams, the programme organizes a one-week summer school to sharpen participants' innovation and entrepreneurial skills in the energy sector. This summer school includes soft skills such as teambuilding, networking, leadership, entrepreneurship and intercultural communication, all fueled by interesting conversations with professionals from the energy industry, consultancy firms and municipalities.

In the second year a Smart Cities Week course is organized during the annual ATHENS week each November. These students discover a myriad of leading innovations and technologies in the smart cities sector outside of the traditional curriculum.

The Master's thesis is a second-year research project on electrical or thermo-mechanical energy, or on one of energy's technical-economic aspects. A wide range of topics is available every year at KU Leuven and the other second year universities. Here students learn to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their previous year. Topics are linked with on-going KIC InnoEnergy research and innovation activities. Project findings will be investigated with a view to optimizing their value and application in both current and future energy contexts.

During the programme, all students have the opportunity to visit at least one international smart cities event, two energy companies and one energy research institute. In addition, all students get to meet at least one venture in the KIC InnoEnergy Highway active in the Smart and Efficient Buildings and Cities technology field. In this way, the programme aims at maintaining a multidisciplinary approach to energy technology, while allowing students ample freedom in shaping their personal profile (e.g. with emphasis on in-depth knowledge or a broader profile).

After successfully completing the programme, alumni receive a double degree, one from each university they attended during the two years, as well as a KIC-EIT certificate that recognizes the extra activities accomplished.

A strong mobility concept by KIC InnoEnergy and the EIT means that students spend their first year at one university, their second year at another, and have the possibility to complete an internship at a third.