Geothermal Energy
Explore geothermal resources and development, from resource assessment to sustainable utilisation.
Study may include areas such as geology, reservoir engineering, modelling and drilling.
Department of Engineering
Sustainable -Energy Science MSc
Duration
2 years
Credits
120 ECTS
Degree
MSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No
Overview
The MSc Sustainable Energy Science explores how energy technologies interact with environmental, economic and societal systems.
You will study energy technologies, economics, sustainability, research and project development while shaping the degree around your interests through electives and thesis research.
The programme is designed for students from a range of scientific, environmental, quantitative and related academic backgrounds who want to work across the sustainable energy sector.
Have an engineering degree?
The MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering may be the better fit. The two programmes share some courses, but the Engineering MSc is designed specifically for students continuing from an engineering background.
Learning at ISE
Studying energy at ISE means connecting academic learning with the energy systems, organisations and people working around you.
Courses combine lectures with applied assignments, research and group projects, with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Faculty include researchers, experienced professionals and visiting instructors from Iceland and abroad.
Learn from Industry and Research
Build Professional Experience
Study and Research Abroad
Complete Your MSc Thesis
Study Pathways
Two recommended study pathways can help you build greater depth in an area that matches your interests. These pathways are study-planning guides rather than formal specialisations. Course availability may vary between academic years.
Energy Technologies
Build broad knowledge across renewable-energy technologies and understand how different technologies operate within sustainable energy systems.
Study may include areas such as geothermal, hydropower, wind energy and energy conversion.
Energy Systems Management
Explore the economic, financial and organisational dimensions of energy systems.
Build knowledge in areas such as energy economics, project development, financial assessment and decision-making.
Structure
The MSc Sustainable Energy Science is a two-year, 120 ECTS degree. Students normally complete approximately 30 ECTS each semester through a combination of required courses, specialization courses, electives and thesis research.
With academic guidance, you will build a study plan that combines:
- Core Courses – required study at the department and programme level.
- Specialization Courses – approved courses that allow you to build greater depth in an area of interest.
- Recommended Electives – additional courses that broaden or complement your studies.
- MSc Thesis – choose between a 30 ECTS or approved 60 ECTS thesis option.
Both thesis options form part of the same 120 ECTS MSc degree.
The recommended study pathways described above can help guide your selection of specialization courses, but they are not formal specializations awarded with the degree.
Core Courses
Specialization Courses
Recommended Electives
Careers and Outcomes
Build a Career Across the Energy Sector
Sustainable Energy Science prepares you to work across the energy and sustainability sector rather than toward one prescribed profession. Graduates apply their across companies, consulting, government, research and other organisations working on the energy transition.
Energy & Sustainability Analysis
Analyse energy systems, projects, data and sustainability performance to support better decisions.
Potential roles: Energy Analyst · Sustainability Specialist · Energy Consultant
Renewable Energy Development
Help assess, plan and develop renewable-energy projects from early analysis through implementation.
Potential roles: Project Developer · Project Analyst · Energy Consultant
Environment, Resources & Policy
Work with environmental impacts, natural resources, policy and the wider conditions that shape sustainable energy development.
Potential roles: Environmental Specialist · Policy Analyst · Public-Sector Advisor
Research & Advanced Study
Build on your MSc through research, specialist work or further academic study in energy and related fields.
Potential paths: Researcher · Research Assistant · PhD / Doctoral Study
Where You'll Learn
ISE is based at Reykjavík University, where you will study alongside students and researchers across engineering, technology, business and other disciplines. The campus includes spaces for individual and group study alongside laboratories, workshops and research facilities that may support your coursework, projects or MSc thesis.
Admissions
Sustainable Energy Science welcomes applicants from a range of scientific, environmental, quantitative and related academic backgrounds.
Common backgrounds include environmental and earth sciences, geology, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, energy, engineering and economics. Applicants from other disciplines may also be considered where their previous studies provide suitable preparation for graduate study in sustainable energy.
Academic Requirements
Mathematics & Statistics
Prerequisite Assessment
Supporting Documents
Programme
Duration
2 years
Credits
120 ECTS
Study format
Full-time, on campus
Language
English
Start
August
Thesis
30 or 60 ECTS
Internship
Optional
Applications
Applications open
October 2026
Non-EU/EEA
Deadline: January 31
EU/EEA
Deadline: April 30