Master - full-time

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!

Want to learn more?

Facts & Figures

Degree: MSc in Energy and Environmental Sciences
Course type: Master
Duration: 24 months (120 EC)
Croho code: 60608
Language of instruction: English
Start: September
Faculty: Science and Engineering

Apply now

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

Extracurricular activities

In addition to this master's programme, you can apply for the extracurricular FSE High Tech Systems and Materials Honours Master (1.5 years, 20 ECTS), developed in close collaboration with industry. This programme offers multidisciplinary collaboration, hands-on product development for a company, masterclasses and workshops from experts. Upon completion, you will receive a mention on your diploma supplement.

BYOD Policy
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

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

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More 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.

Specific requirements

More 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.

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Avans Hogeschool, University of Applied Sciences

Saxion University of Applied Sciences

windesheim

Hanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences

Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences

All Research universities

Wageningen University

3tu

Delft University of Technology

University of Twente

Eindhoven University of Technology

University of Groningen

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Avans Hogeschool, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemical Engineering	Avans Hogeschool, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemistry	Avans Hogeschool, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical Engineering	Avans Hogeschool, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Saxion University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Applied Physics	Saxion University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemical Engineering	Saxion University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical Engineering	Saxion University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemistry	Saxion University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	windesheim	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	windesheim	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical Engineering	windesheim	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Chemical Engineering	Hanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Mechanical Engineering	Hanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemistry	Hanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Electrical and Electronic Engineering	Hanze University Groningen, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Chemical Engineering	Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Environment	Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC
Chemistry	Van Hall Larenstein, University of Applied Sciences	Via a pre-master with a maximum of 60 EC

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Astronomy	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Physics	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Pharmacy	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Biomedical Engineering	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Life Science and Technology	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Chemistry	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Biology	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Chemical Engineering	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Applied Physics	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Applied Mathematics	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Computing Science	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Mathematics	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Artificial Intelligence	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Industrial Engineering and Management	All Research universities	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Environmental Sciences	Wageningen University	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Biotechnology	Wageningen University	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.
Electrical Engineering	Wageningen University	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	Wageningen University	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Soil, Water, Atmosphere	Wageningen University	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by admissions board.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical Engineering	3tu	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	3tu	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical Engineering	Delft University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Electrical Engineering	Delft University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	Delft University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	Delft University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical Engineering	University of Twente	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Electrical Engineering	University of Twente	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	University of Twente	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	University of Twente	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Electrical Engineering	Eindhoven University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	Eindhoven University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Mechanical Engineering	Eindhoven University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.
Electrical Engineering	Eindhoven University of Technology	Additional requirements More information: Access to be decided by Admissions Board.

Study programme	Organization	Transition
Astronomy	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Physics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Pharmacy	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Biomedical Engineering	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Life Science and Technology	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Chemistry	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Chemical Engineering	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Applied Physics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Applied Mathematics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Computing Science	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Mathematics	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Artificial Intelligence	University of Groningen	No additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and Management	University of Groningen	No additional requirements

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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirements	More 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/education/admission-application/apply-msc/intl-diploma/ 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	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 student	Deadline	Start course
Dutch students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students	01 May 2026	01 September 2026

Tuition fees

Nationality	Year	Fee	Programme form
EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 2601	full-time
non-EU/EEA	2025-2026	€ 24900	full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch students International students

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 now Brochure Events Contact

Dutch diploma International diploma

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

New kiting technique generates energy from 'calm' water

The opportunity to take many different courses has helped me to narrow down my interests
– Bridget Sandbothe

I started this programme after graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Biology, having majored in Molecular Life Sciences. I was interested in pursuing this Master's degree once I became more aware of the climate crisis, which sparked my interest in renewable energy. It's a great fit for me since I can apply my background in natural sciences to the context of environmental sciences. The programme also offers a multitude of courses – it's even broader than I expected. This offers great advantages since the climate crisis can only be solved using a multidisciplinary perspective. The opportunity to take many different courses has helped me to narrow down my interests.

I am currently working on my first thesis project, in which I am building an AI model to predict soil thermal conductivity of high voltage cables, which can be utilized to implement various renewable energy projects. This subject really suits me because I really enjoy modelling and coding. However, I'm already looking forward to my second thesis project. This will be an internship at an environmental engineering & consultancy company. I believe that that internship will give me a valuable opportunity to discover which part of this field I like best and to learn more about the industry. Eventually, I see myself working in a consultancy firm because it allows me to pursue my interest in the energy sector while connecting with people and working on a range of renewable energy projects.

First jobs 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.

Full image: https://www.rug.nl/fse/beta-studie/testimonials/first-job-ees-students.png

– Ana Clara Cassanti

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.

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

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

Energy and Environmental Sciences

Want to learn more?

Why study this programme in Groningen?

Programme

Curriculum

Extracurricular activities

Study abroad

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Transfer options

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Admission requirements

Registration procedure

Application deadlines

Tuition fees

After your studies

Job prospects

Research

Interdisciplinary and Experimental Research Programmes

Contact

First jobs of EES students

Study associations

Atmos Groningen

Follow us!