The Master of Science in Engineering: Energy lies at the heart of a viable future. The programme addresses the main issues of mechanical and electrical engineering while offering students the chance to make a lasting impact on the global stage. 

About this programme:

The Master of Energy addresses the main issues of mechanical and electrical energy engineering in a balanced and integrated manner, together with an in depth appreciation of the socio-economic preconditions that have an impact on the engineer’s sphere of action. The programme addresses all multidisciplinary aspects of energy. There is extensive coverage of the possibilities and limitations of various energy technologies, but also of the environmental consequences and economic aspects. The multidisciplinary MSc in Engineering: Energy prepares you for jobs related to research and development, policy and management, and industrial applications.

Programme strenghts:

• This master is a unique interdisciplinary energy-based programme in Belgium and has a pioneering role in Europe. 

• The education is offered by a strong academic core team of a dozen full-time professors with large research expertise (all top researchers in their field, ‘embedded’ in a multitude of international research activities and collaborations), augmented with a diverse group of part-time guest professors from industry with specific knowledge on energy topics ‘from the field’. 

• The master is supported in the fields of sustainable energy and intelligent energy systems by EnergyVille, a close research collaboration among the universities KU Leuven and UHasselt, and the research institutes VITO and imec.

• The programme has a truly international scope and collaborates globally with partner universities which excel in the energy domain to develop and train the energy scientists and energy technologies of the future.

Programme Master of Engineering: Energy

The first year consists of electrical and mechanical engineering courses, as well as more general techno-economic, energy-related subjects and integrated problem solving and projects.

In the second year, you continue your specialisation by, among other things, writing a master's thesis on a subject related to electrical energy, thermomechanical energy, or techno-economic aspects. You can also participate in an international exchange or do an internship.

Student exchange:

The Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven is involved in several Erasmus exchange programmes. For the Master of Engineering: Energy, this means that you can complete one or two semesters abroad, at a number of selected universities.

Student profile:

You have a bachelor in engineering, specialised in mechanical engineering, electrical power engineering or a broad-based combination of electro-mechanical engineering. 

• You combine a strong technological background in mechanical and electrical engineering, with an interest in one of today’s biggest challenges for society: ensuring a cost-efficient, reliable and clean energy provision.

• You show interest in the mechanical, electrical and techno-economic aspects of our energy system’s transition. 

Career perspectives:

Newly graduated engineers usually start their careers in predominantly technical jobs in areas such as design and development, operation and maintenance of power generation and energy conversion systems, quality control, system integration, logistical and technical-commercial positions, and technical advice (consulting). As their careers progress, many engineers move into management positions while others head up consultant engineering firms and research centres.

The MSc in Engineering: Energy prepares you for a career in a technical-industrial setting. You will gain extensive knowledge of energy technologies, but will also have insight into global environmental issues, sustainability, and economic aspects. This broad programme prepares you for jobs that are technical / technological, but also for jobs related to policy and management.

The programme has national and international outflow possibilities to the research, policy, industrial, and service sectors, as long as energy plays a key role – a role that, in any case, is becoming more important by the day.