Sustainable Energy -Engineering MSc
What Will You Learn?
You’ve already laid the foundation with your engineering degree, but now it’s time to take what you know and use it to make a difference. At the Iceland School of Energy, we believe the world needs engineers who can do more than solve technical problems. It needs leaders who can shape a sustainable future. In this program, you’ll go beyond theories and blueprints. You’ll learn to design energy systems that don’t just work - they work for people, for economies, and for the planet.
At the end of this journey, you won’t just leave with a degree—you’ll leave with the ability to lead. Because at the Iceland School of Energy, we don’t just teach sustainable energy. We empower you to shape the future.
How Do You Learn?
At the Iceland School of Energy, learning is more than what happens in a classroom—it’s about what you experience, discuss, and create. We believe education should be dynamic, hands-on, and tailored to your goals.
Pathways to Specialization
The Iceland School of Energy offers a tailored learning experience with pathways that allow you to specialize in areas aligned with your interests and career goals. Whether you’re drawn to technical innovation, project management, or the business of energy, these pathways provide a focused yet flexible framework to develop your expertise.
Flexibility Across Pathways
While these pathways provide structure, they are not restrictive. At ISE, we encourage interdisciplinary exploration, allowing you to customize your education and gain a holistic understanding of sustainable energy systems. If your interests evolve, you can transition between pathways, ensuring your learning stays aligned with your goals.
Structure
At the Iceland School of Energy, learning is built around experience. You won’t just sit in a classroom, you’ll be out in the field, working with experts, and shaping your path toward a more sustainable future. Here’s how it all comes together:
Start with the Energy Field School
Before your first semester even begins, you’ll get to explore Iceland’s renewable energy systems up close. From geothermal to hydropower, this is your chance to learn by doing, connect with your classmates, and see what makes energy in Iceland so unique.
It’s optional for Icelandic students—but highly recommended if you’re new to the energy space.
Pursue Your Pathway
As the semester begins, you’ll start your chosen pathway through our 12+3 week model—12 weeks of core learning followed by 3 weeks focused on a single, hands-on, project-based course. Students typically complete 60 to 90 ECTS of coursework, with most core courses taken at Reykjavík University in the first year. In the second year, you have the flexibility to continue your studies in Iceland, go on exchange, take electives, or engage in research. Most students choose a one-semester thesis, though a longer option is available depending on your goals.
Work with Industry (Optional Internship)
In the spring of your first year, you can take on an internship with a local company. You’ll apply for a position, work on a real project, and earn 6 or 12 ECTS along the way. It’s a great chance to gain practical experience and expand your network in the field.
Finish with Your Thesis
Your final step is the master’s thesis, an opportunity to apply your knowledge to something that matters to you.
- 30 ECTS: One semester
- A focused and clearly defined research project. This is the standard path for most students and allows you to demonstrate your skills through a compact, goal-oriented project, often with practical application and relevance to industry.
- 60 ECTS: Two semesters
- A more comprehensive and complex research project. With more time and scope, you can take on advanced topics, explore deeper academic or technical questions. This option requires approval and is intended for students with a strong academic standing and a clear research plan.
Pathways and Courses
Below you’ll find your pathway options, along with the required and core courses that shape each one. The rest of your degree can be built from electives that align with your goals or broaden your perspective. To explore all current courses on offer, visit the full course catalogue here.
Global Learning
At the Iceland School of Energy, we believe understanding energy challenges requires a global perspective. While Iceland offers a unique foundation in renewable energy, our global partnerships allow you to explore diverse energy systems, expand your expertise, and connect with international networks.
Careers and Outcomes
Our graduates aren’t just problem-solvers; they’re leaders, tackling the complexities of energy systems and driving change where it matters most. With technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a commitment to sustainability, they are making an impact in industries, communities, and policies worldwide.
Admissions
- Open to students with a degree in engineering, examples include: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical, Mining, Petroleum, Operations, Geological, Mechatronics, Biochemical Energy
- Applicants are expected to have a foundational understanding of thermodynamics and some experience with programming (such as C++, Python, or similar). If your background lacks these areas, you may be able to complete the necessary prerequisites alongside your degree.
- To graduate with a master's degree in engineering and become a chartered engineer in Iceland, students must fulfil the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. See here for more information.
- Minimum GPA Requirements: Icelandic Scale: 7.0/10 US Scale: 2.80/4.00
Applications
- Currently closed
- Next intake opens in Autumn for 2026