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Department of Engineering

Sustainable Energy -
Engineering MSc

Duration
2 years
Credits
120 ECTS
Degree
MSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No

Why Choose This Program?

At the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University, you’ll learn sustainable energy engineering the way it’s practiced: mastering the technological, societal, environmental, and economic dimensions of energy so you can improve today’s systems and engineer the ones we’ll rely on tomorrow. You’ll tailor your learning through structured pathways: Geothermal, Energy Technology, or Energy Systems Management, while developing the skills that make projects real: data science, project development and management, and innovation.

Iceland is small enough that everything is within reach, while also being a global hub for sustainable energy, making it one of the best places in the world to study it. Developed in close partnership with Reykjavík Energy (Orkuveita Reykjavíkur) and the Icelandic GeoSurvey (ÍSOR), the program gives you direct access to field sites, data, and experts, alongside power plants, district-heating networks, the grid operator, developers, and policymakers. You’ll also complete a graduate research thesis with expert faculty, focusing on a topic that aligns with your interests or an industry challenge.

Students join from mechanical, chemical, environmental, geological, and related engineering disciplines and leave adaptable across the energy sector, ready to plan, manage, and deliver resilient, efficient, low-carbon systems people can live and grow with.

How You'll Learn

You’ll learn through projects, research, and hands-on experience that connect the classroom to the real world. Courses combine lectures with group work, labs, field trips to energy and sustainability sites, and collaboration with faculty and industry. And at ISE we go further: intensive short courses and modules taught by visiting international faculty and industry experts bringing current practice and new ideas to the classroom.

Each MSc in engineering has four core courses that build the skills you need for professional practice. They’re designed by faculty and informed by industry and graduates, keeping your learning connected to real challenges. They cover four key areas:

  • Research Methods — You prepare for your thesis by learning how to frame questions, choose appropriate methods, analyze critically, and communicate results with clarity and impact.
  • Data Science — You learn to program, manage data, and apply machine learning to uncover patterns and make predictions that guide engineering designs and decisions.
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship — You brainstorm novel ideas, test feasibility, and explore business models to turn technical concepts into solutions people need and value.
  • Project Management — You practice planning, coordination, and teamwork while balancing scope, schedule, budget, and risk to deliver successful projects.

More details can be found in the Structure section and the Course Catalogue.

Specializations

These pathways were developed to give students a clear, structured way to focus their studies and plan their courses. Each offers a defined progression through advanced topics while allowing flexibility to pursue individual interests.

Nemendur í starfsnámi hjá verkfræðideild kynna sitt nám

Structure

The master’s program is a two-year, 120 ECTS degree structured around four semesters of study. Students typically complete 30 ECTS each semester. Courses begin in August, and graduation takes place in June.

With your advisor, you’ll build a study plan that combines:

  • Core Courses – required at both the department and program level.
  • Specialization Courses – electives within your chosen focus area.
  • Recommended Electives – additional courses that broaden your skills and connect your studies to related fields.

In the second year, students continue coursework and complete a master’s thesis. Students complete a one-semester, 30 ECTS thesis, while those with strong research interests may apply for a two-semester, 60 ECTS thesis in place of additional coursework.

Prerequisites for admission are outlined in the Take The Next Step section, and full course descriptions are available in the course catalogue.

Global Opportunities

There’s more to energy than studying it in Iceland. At ISE, we encourage you to explore how energy systems work around the world and to connect with the global community driving the energy transition.

Careers and Outcomes

Graduates of the MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering at RU are prepared for advanced roles across a wide range of fields. Career pathways include:

  • Power generation and systems integration (geothermal resources & wells, hydropower plants, wind farms, grid interconnection)
  • District heating, water utilities, and thermal networks (heat pumps, distribution, metering)
  • Industrial energy efficiency and process optimization (waste heat recovery, electrification)
  • Energy storage, carbon capture & sequestration (CCS), and hydrogen production
  • Consulting, project management, and operations
  • Research positions in academia or industry
  • Entry into PhD programs
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities in clean energy and climate tech

Where You'll Learn

As an Iceland School of Energy student at ReykjavĂ­k University, you have access to specialized labs, workshops, and student spaces that support hands-on learning, research, and project development.

Take the Next Step

Applying is straightforward, but we want to make sure you have the right background to succeed. Below you’ll find the key requirements, what documents you’ll need to prepare, and details on prerequisite courses for applicants from other fields.

Duration
2 years
Credits
120 ECTS
Degree
MSc
Internship possible
Yes
Distance learning possible
No
live information session registration.

Applications

  • Non-EU/EEA
    • Opens: October 5, 2025
    • Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • EU/EEA
    • Opens: February 5, 2026
    • Deadline: April 30, 2026

Language of Study

  • English
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