Photovoltaics Engineering Science (M. Sc.)

Photovoltaics Engineering Science (M. Sc.)

MAJOR FIELDS OF STUDY

• Physics of the Solar Cell
  
• Crystalline and Thin Film Solar Cells
  
• Solar Modules and Components
  
• System Design, Monitoring, Yield and Performance Analysis
  
• Solar Cell and System Reliability
  
• Storage Systems, Electric Grids and Solar Energy Integration

Course content and objectives

Photovoltaics Engineering Science is a 3 semesters Master program in English language, which requires a Bachelor degree in engineering science or physics. No professional experience is needed. It consists of 2 semesters courses in solar cell physics, technology of crystalline silicon and thin-film solar cells and modules, cell and materials characterization, components of a PV system and their reliability, system design, monitoring, yield and performance analysis, storage systems and electric grids and solar energy integration. The technical subjects will be accompanied by courses in German language (usually at beginner level) and business administration. A final research semester under supervision of a professor from the University concludes the program. The courses combine lectures with exercises, seminars or practical laboratory work. The tuition in compact form will build up on a requested solid basis of knowledge in mathematics, physics, fundamentals of engineering and scientific methodology, which the applicant is expected to have acquired in a previous Bachelor program. The research for the master thesis can be performed in the PV laboratory of Anhalt University, at the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP (in nearby city of Halle), or in any other PV laboratory or any PV company worldwide.

Requirements

University Degree
An academic degree in engineering science, physics or related fields of study of at least 7 semesters (210 credits) is required.

Language Skills
English language proficiency by appropriate scores of TOEFL, IELTS or similar tests (e.g. TOEIC, Cambridge Certificate) with minimum B2 level according to the GER (common european framework of reference for languages). An evidenced graduation from an English-medium college or university is also accepted.

Aptitude Test Procedure

1. final grade first academic degree
   
   
2. other criteria:
   letter of motivation
   pertinence of the bachelor's degree program
   proficiency in English
   scholastic / academic / professional career (CV)
   summary of the bachelor's degree thesis (to evaluate the ability of scientic working and writing)
   if necessary aptitude interview
   

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master program Photovoltaics Engineering Science will be qualified to work as engineers in research and development, design, construction, operation or management of photovoltaic power plants. Due to the forecast strong increase of photovoltaic power generation, especially in the sunrich countries around the world, excellent job perspectives are expected.

Therefore this program is especially well suited for students from countries, in which PV is currently strongly growing, and who want to participate in this process after having graduated. It is not suited for students, who are looking for a career start in Germany, because - although Germany is still a leading nation in research and development in PV - most of the production has meanwhile moved to the Far East, and the installation of big new PV power plants to the sunrich countries all over the world.


Further information about Photovoltaics Engineering Science (M. Sc.) is provided by Hochschule Anhalt.