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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Energy and Environmental Sciences
Header image Energy and Environmental Sciences

Energy and Environmental Sciences

What are the causes of various large-scale global environmental issues such as climate change? Can we identify options to solve these problems? Are options different for different countries?

While the global challenges with respect to the environment and sustainability are huge and can only be addressed in an interdisciplinary approach, they also call for specialization. The Energy and Environmental Sciences (EES) programme provides a series of introductory courses that give a general overview of the problem-field, and then allows for specialization towards any of a broad range of subjects within energy or sustainability, treating it from a natural science perspective. However, it trains the students that the natural sciences/technical approach to, and solution for problems is only a part of the story and collaboration with other scientific disciplines is vital.

As the programme has a strong focus on the natural sciences; a bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences or related engineering studies is an entry requirement. The exact background, however, can be very different, both in discipline (e.g. Marine Biology, Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Astronomy, etc.) and in nationality and culture (about 50% of the students come from abroad and it is not unusual to have over 10 nationalities). This educational and cultural setting makes for a most interesting and challenging learning environment. Here you can benefit and learn from each other’s knowledge and backgrounds and become accustomed to working in interdisciplinary and intercultural teams.

Lecturers of the programme are staff members of the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG). Research groups within this institute are: Centre for Isotope research (CIO), Geo Energy, Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), Energy Conversion (EC), Biomimetics and Nuclear Energy. Research within this institute covers a wide range of topics, from e.g. isotopes research to social acceptance of windmills, and staff members have a background in various natural science disciplines. You can conduct your master’s research project in one of the research groups of ESRIG as well as in an internship in a company. This means that an enormous variety of subjects is available and it is very likely that one of them suits you.

Around their graduation our students find jobs that suit their education and fit their interests. Universities (PhDs), energy companies, environmental consultancies, environmental NGO’s, industry and government are typical employers. These employers mention that the combination of a strong natural science foundation and the ability of working in an international/interdisciplinary context provides our students with extreme value.

Interested to hear what our students have to say? Listen to the first and second episode on this podcast to find out more about this Master's programme!


Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Energy and Environmental Sciences
Course type
Master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60608
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Science and Engineering
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Energy is one of the main societal themes of this university
  • Located in the modern Energy Academy Building
  • Excellent career perspectives both within and outside academia, such as a PhD, consultancy, or working for governmental agencies
  • A strong focus on working in interdisciplinary/intercultural teams
  • Tailor-made study programmes to match the students' interests
Programme

This is a two year research master degree programme. The first year strarts with 30 ECTS of obligatory courses, addressing the relevant theories and methodologies in our research field and 30 ECTS electives. These electives also include courses from other faculties, like economics, psychology or spatial sciences.

The second year focuses on doing research and consists of two research projects. The first project is an internal research project carried out within the ESRIG research institute or affiliated institute. This implies that a lot of options and subjects are available. The second project can be another internal research project at ESRIG or an external research internship/research project outside the university (company, consultancy, government, other university) or even abroad.

Your mentor will help you to design a tailor made study program that fits your interests and matches your future career wishes. It is also possible to follow a more business & policy related programme (see below).

Curriculum

Two-year programme; credits per year: 60 ECTS; most courses are 5 ECTS.

For the complete curriculum, please see: https://ocasys.rug.nl/current/catalog/programme/60608

Please be advised that students of the Faculty of Science and Engineering are expected to adhere to our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, ensuring seamless integration of personal electronic devices for academic purposes. For more detailed information on our BYOD policy, please visit our webpage .
Programme options
Individually tailored programme (profile)

Each student is different and therefore students have the options to adapt the programme to their individual wishes and strengths

So it is possible to tailor your programme towards focusing on experimental research by choosing specialized courses and opting for experimental research projects. Or you can go for a more integrated systems approach by selecting courses from different disciplines and do integrated systems and modeling research projects. Combining your individual interests with the wide range of topics and methodologies of our research groups allows you to choose the study programme that best matches your future career.

Science, Business and Policy (profile)

Interested in the business side of science? You can combine this Master's programme with the Science Business & Policy profile. The SBP profile includes a six-month internship as a scientific advisor.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
  • For an average of 21 weeks
  • Maximum of 30 EC

Exchange: All our Science and Engineering programmes offer study possibilities abroad at a number of partner institutions. Our partners include top-100 universities in Europe (for example in Germany, UK, and Sweden) and in the USA, China, South-East Asia, and South America. Our exchange programmes have a typical duration of one semester and count for your final degree.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
ChemistryVan Hall Larenstein, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemical EngineeringVan Hall Larenstein, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
EnvironmentVan Hall Larenstein, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
ChemistryAvans Hogeschool, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemical EngineeringAvans Hogeschool, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringAvans Hogeschool, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical EngineeringAvans Hogeschool, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
ChemistryHanze University Groningen, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemical EngineeringHanze University Groningen, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringHanze University Groningen, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical EngineeringHanze University Groningen, University of Applied SciencesVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
ChemistrySaxion University of Applied Sciences Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemical EngineeringSaxion University of Applied Sciences Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringSaxion University of Applied Sciences Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical EngineeringSaxion University of Applied Sciences Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Applied PhysicsSaxion University of Applied Sciences Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringwindesheimVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Electrical and Electronic EngineeringwindesheimVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical EngineeringwindesheimVia a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
PhysicsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

ChemistryAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Chemical EngineeringAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Applied PhysicsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

AstronomyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

BiologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Applied MathematicsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Artificial IntelligenceAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Biomedical EngineeringAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Computing ScienceAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Industrial Engineering and ManagementAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Life Science and TechnologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

MathematicsAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

PharmacyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Applied PhysicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Applied MathematicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Artificial IntelligenceUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
AstronomyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Chemical EngineeringUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
ChemistryUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Computing ScienceUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
MathematicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
PhysicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
PharmacyUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Environmental SciencesWageningen University

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

BiotechnologyWageningen University

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Soil, Water, AtmosphereWageningen University

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by admissions board.

Electrical EngineeringWageningen University

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringWageningen University

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Electrical EngineeringDelft University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringDelft University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Electrical EngineeringDelft University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringDelft University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Electrical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Electrical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringEindhoven University of Technology

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Twente

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Twente

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Electrical EngineeringUniversity of Twente

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Twente

Additional requirements

More information:

Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

A University Bachelor's degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Biology or another degree in the natural sciences or related engineering studies such as electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Information about admission possibilities and requirements for students from a Dutch HBO institute is published on: https://www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Please note that you will also need to fill out this checklist for your application to this Master's programme.

Registration procedure

Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September). If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision at the latest on:

Application - Decision:

1 December – 15 January

1 February – 1 March

15 March – 15 April

1 May - 15 June

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

University Bachelor's degree in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Management, Biology or another degree in the natural sciences or related engineering studies, such as mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.

additional subject

The Admissions Office will advise the Board of Admissions on your application, after which the board will decide if you meet the admission requirements in terms of general level of previous education and specific background knowledge.

Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at: https://www.rug.nl/fse/programme/admissions/msc/ for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

language test

MAKE SURE TO VISIT http://www.rug.nl/fwn/fmns-programme/admissions/msc/language-requirements for all the necessary information about required language tests and minimum scores.

other admission requirements

BEFORE YOU APPLY Make sure to visit 'MSc Application Procedure' at www.rug.nl/fse/msc-admission for all the necessary information about the procedure and admission requirements.

Please note that you will also need to fill out this checklist for your application to this Master's programme.

Registration procedure

The Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be admitted to the Master's degree programme. Applications are evaluated on a continuous basis. You do not have to wait until the application deadline to apply.

Do you prefer an early decision on your request of admission? Don't wait until 1 May, but use one of the earlier deadlines for this Master's programme (for a course start on 1 September).

If the University of Groningen has received your complete application before, then you will receive a decision at the latest on:


Application - Decision:

1 December – 15 January

1 February – 1 March

15 March – 15 April

1 May - 15 June

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 24200full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Energy and Environmental Sciences graduates from the University of Groningen are renowned for their in-depth systems approach and/or specialized experimental skills. Within months of graduation, almost all graduates (more than 90%) obtain suitable jobs in:

  • Research (institutes or universities)
  • Industry
  • Consultancy
  • Government
Research

Interdisciplinary and Experimental Research Programmes

The Master's degree programme is connected to the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG). The mission of ESRIG is to contribute to a world-wide energy supply for the next century, for more people in a sustainable way, by:

  • Research: fundamental, applied and "contemplative"
  • Education: B.Sc, M.Sc and PhD

The main themes of research are Energy supply and conversion, and Transition towards Sustainability. ESRIG participates in the Energy Academy Europe (international centre of excellence).

Research subjects include:

- Renewable energy systems

- Second and third generation biofuels, land and ocean-based

- Energy scenarios and modeling

- Carbon capture and storage

- Air pollution modeling

- Greenhouse gas cycles and fossil fuel verification

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Campus TourMore information
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Academic Advisors FSE (For questions regarding the programme)
  • studyscience@rug.nl Study Science (For students who are interested in a Campus Tour or who have other general questions)
    Email: studyscience rug.nl

First jobs of EES students

To great satisfaction of the EES staff nearly all graduates find a job soon after (or even before) graduation within the environment/energy sector.

Graduates find employment in a wide variety of organisations and positions. Universities, energy companies, environmental consultancies, environmental NGO's, industry and government are typical first employers as can be seen from the Figure.

This Figure is based on information on the first jobs of the graduates of the last three completed academic years.

Read more

Study associations

Atmos Groningen

Atmos Groningen is the first and only study association in the North of the Netherlands for students that are passionate about energy, environment and sustainability, everyone interested and following courses in these topics is welcome!
It is a young association that, over the past few years has become a tight community. As an association our aim is to foster a strong and motivated student community who are looking to venture into the realms of sustainability, energy transition and environment. Our student community currently is composed of individuals from diverse academic backgrounds and ethnicities. We focus on creating opportunities which facilitate networking among students and leaders from within and outside academia. We organize both career and social events which include - Round-Table discussions, soft-skill workshops, career days and social activities, like a gala, a christmas dinner and monthly drinks. Moreover, we are looking to organize excursions and in-house days as well as a trip abroad with our members in the future! Our monthly newsletter and LinkedIn page functions to keep our members informed of the developments and job prospects within the field.
https://www.atmosgroningen.nl/home
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