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Studies & Degrees in Energy Sciences

Energy sciences study how energy is produced, converted, stored, transported and used, and what that means for the climate, the economy and society. The subject is interdisciplinary. It combines physics, chemistry and engineering with economics, policy and environmental science. Utrecht University, for example, describes an energy system as the resources, conversion and storage technologies, infrastructure and processes needed to provide energy services to society, and teaches the energy transition from a natural science and technical point of view together with its socio-economic context.

Students learn the technology of energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen, geothermal and fossil fuels. They also learn to analyse and model whole energy systems, to work with data and to assess energy markets and climate policy. Most programmes include project work for companies or public bodies and a research thesis.

Qualifications and levels

  • Vocational and two-year programmes. Technical training for the energy industry is offered below degree level. The School of Energy of San Juan College in the United States, for example, awards certificates and two-year associate degrees (AAS) in fields such as petroleum production operations and instrumentation, controls and electrical technology.
  • Bachelor's degrees. A first degree is usually in physics, chemistry or engineering, sometimes with an energy profile. The Faculty of Physics of the Universität Duisburg-Essen in Germany offers a programme called Energy Science that joins a natural science basis with social relevance and includes a year abroad at a partner university.
  • Master's degrees. Most programmes with "energy" in the title are master's degrees. In the Netherlands, the MSc in Energy Science of Utrecht University takes two years and has 120 ECTS credits, of which 45 are for the thesis; the MSc in Energy and Environmental Sciences of the University of Groningen also takes 24 months and has 120 ECTS credits. Both are taught in English. In Spain, the master's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) is an official degree of two academic years and 120 ECTS credits, taught in English in Barcelona. In the United Kingdom, the Renewable Energy MSc of Cranfield University takes one year full-time or two to three years part-time. In Canada, the MSc in Sustainable Energy Development of the University of Calgary is a course-based programme of 16 months full time, taught jointly by its schools of public policy, business, engineering and architecture and its faculty of law.
  • Doctorate. Research training takes place in graduate schools and institutes. Kyoto University has a Graduate School of Energy Science with four departments: socio-environmental energy science, fundamental energy science, energy conversion science, and energy science and technology.

Admission and costs

Master's programmes expect a bachelor's degree in a related field. Utrecht asks for an interdisciplinary background or one in natural science or engineering. Groningen asks for a university bachelor's degree in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, biology or a related natural science or engineering field. UPC requires English at CEFR level B2. Calgary asks for two years of professional work experience after graduation.

Fees differ widely between countries and by nationality. For 2026-27 Utrecht lists €2,694 for EU/EEA students and €25,306 for other students, and Groningen €2,694 and €24,900. UPC gives approximate fees for its master's degree of €2,324, or €5,400 for non-EU residents.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 28 active schools for energy sciences. Ten are in the United States. Spain, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have two each, and other schools are in countries such as Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia, Greece, France, Canada, China and Ecuador. The two schools in Spain are UPC in Barcelona and the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid. Other examples are the University of Texas at Austin, the Colorado School of Mines, Kyoto University, the University of Tokyo, Utrecht University, University College London, Chalmers tekniska högskola in Gothenburg and ETH Zurich.

English is the usual language of instruction for master's programmes in this field, also outside English-speaking countries. When comparing programmes, check whether the focus is on technology, on systems analysis or on policy and management, and what links the school has with companies and research institutes.

Careers

Graduates work for energy companies and grid operators, engineering and consultancy firms, government agencies, research institutes and non-governmental organisations. The University of Groningen states that more than 90 percent of its graduates find suitable jobs within months of graduation, in research, industry, consultancy and government.

Employment projections exist for related occupations. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of environmental engineers, who typically need a bachelor's degree, to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035. For wind turbine technicians, who typically need a postsecondary non-degree award, it projects growth of 30 percent over the same period.

Frequently asked questions

What background do I need for a master's degree in energy sciences?

Usually a bachelor's degree in a natural science or in engineering. Utrecht University also accepts an interdisciplinary background.

How long does a master's degree take?

One to two years. The programmes in Utrecht, Groningen and Barcelona take two years and have 120 ECTS credits; the Renewable Energy MSc at Cranfield University takes one year full-time.

Can I study energy sciences in English in Spain?

Yes. The official master's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya is taught in English and requires level B2.