RES | the School for Renewable Energy Science

Graduate School

Through the RES MSc program, our students develop the requisite knowledge to succeed; but more importantly, they learn to apply that knowledge creatively and effectively. They are aided by a dedicated faculty, sophisticated technological resources, and an impressive network of academic support services.

RES’s main academic objective and goal is to offer excellent education programs in renewable energy science and technologies, and to strengthen future cooperation between leading Icelandic and European academic and research institutions in the utilization of renewable energies.

RES is a new private institution of higher learning established in April 2007. The school offers an intensive one-year (12 months) MSc Program in Renewable Energy Science. The program is offered in cooperation with two public universities in Iceland, The University of Iceland and The University of Akureyri, as well as in partnership with a number of leading technical universities in Europe. See a list and contact information for our partner universities here.

First trimester
The first trimester (15 weeks and 30 ECTS) starts the middle of February 2009 and ends the middle of June. The trimester includes a comparative analysis of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, highlighting some of the main physical, chemical and technical aspects of each energy source; an overview of the methods of exploration, exploitation, and technical aspects of utilization of all the different forms of renewable energy sources; in addition to environmental impacts of use, social and economic considerations, and EU renewable energy policies. During the first trimester students also take part in a 12-day study tour to locations in Iceland where renewable energy is being utilized.

After completing the first trimester students will acquire strong background knowledge on renewable energy science and technology, and will also generate an appreciation for the interrelationship between the various disciplines necessary for successful execution of renewable energy projects, from the initial exploration to the stages of implementation and utilization.

Second trimester
The second trimester (15 weeks and 30 ECTS) starts in the middle of June 2009 and ends in the middle of October. Emphasis is on a detailed analysis and feasibility study of one type of renewable energy source, and students complete 30 ECTS credits in their chosen specialization. Students choose one of the following:

Before the completion of the second trimester each student has to complete, submit and have approved a thesis proposal. The thesis proposal needs to be written with the guidance of a faculty advisor who will be appointed by RES.

Third trimester
The third trimester (15 weeks and 30 ECTS) starts in the middle of October 2009 and ends in the middle of February of the following year. During this trimester students will complete their Master Thesis (30 ECTS). Each student will present his/her findings with a formal presentation at RES.