Battery Science and Technology in Engineering M.Sc.
Source: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/bkxlst/lidx/1 Parent: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/csei/lidx/1
Please note that you must take an aptitude test for the selection process. For applications in the 2026/27 winter semester, the dates are 19th March 2026 and 9th June 2026. More information can be found on the dMAT (digital Master’s Test) website.
Battery Science and Technology in Engineering M.Sc.
Key Info
Basic Information
Degree : Master of Science
Start of Studies : Winter Semester
Standard Period of Studies : 4 semesters
ECTS Credits : 120Further Information: ECTS are credit points that measure the workload of one's studies.
Language : English
Admission Requirements
- First university degree, required qualifications according to the examination regulationsFurther Information:
A first recognized university degree, through which the necessary education background for the Master course of study can be proven. The necessary knowledge needed in order for studies to be successful is determined in the respective exam regulations (PO). - Proficiency in EnglishFurther Information: You must provide documentation of your language skills for the language of instruction at the time of enrollment. The exam regulations stipulate the relevant requirements.
Admission to First Semester
- restricted (NC for WS 2025)
Admission to Higher Semesters
- restricted (NC for the 2nd Core Semester)
- Open from Core Semester 3
Dates and Deadlines
RWTH will launch this program in the 2025 Winter Semester.
Batteries are essential for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and for the storage of renewable energy, making a substantial contribution to decarbonization efforts across all sectors.
Mastery of the entire battery value chain – from design and development to system applications and recycling – requires advanced expertise and skills.
Our English-language master’s in Battery Science and Engineering is an innovative, interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers in the application, research, and advancement of battery technology. By integrating disciplines such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, materials science, computer science, and mathematics, the program equips students with both the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the field of battery technology.
The program adopts a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that spans all aspects of the battery value chain – from materials development to the integration of battery systems into diverse applications.
Our aim is to cultivate a deep understanding of fundamental electrochemical functions, safety concerns, aging effects, and lifespan expectancy of batteries in relation to system design and operational strategies while also addressing issues related to battery production, reuse, and recycling.
Moreover, the program develops expertise in battery electronics and diagnostics, data monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance. Effective battery design and utilization strategies are rooted in a thorough understanding of the requirements and constraints of various application fields.
The master’s program in Battery Science and Engineering includes significantly more elements of research-based teaching than typical engineering programs, with students fully integrated into ongoing research projects. Our aim is to provide students not only with theoretical fundamentals but also with practical experience in laboratories and in the development of electronics, models, or diagnostic algorithms. Students become involved in pioneering research and innovation early on, learning to apply scientific findings in practice.
In addition to subject knowledge, methodologies, and analytical skills, students develop key competencies such as responsibility, interdisciplinary thinking, teamwork, learning and innovation skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to operate successfully and independently in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Through research-led teaching, students also develop a strong awareness of scientific integrity and best practices in scientific work.
This master’s program offers a unique educational experience:
- A modern, digital pedagogical approach: blended learning with virtual learning environments and online lectures
- Research-driven teaching: students are fully immersed in ongoing research projects
Degree Content
The curriculum is structured into several parallel compulsory and elective catalogs:
In the first semester, students complete two alignment modules designed to establish a common technical foundation, accommodating varying levels of prior knowledge. Alongside these – in the first three semesters, students engage in compulsory and core elective modules, a two-semester seminar, and a two-semester research internship focused on battery testing.
An application-oriented teaching approach is emphasized throughout the entire program. Students will participate in three research internships embedded in current research projects. These internships reinforce the practical application of skills acquired in elective modules. One research internship during the second or third semester may be completed outside of RWTH – either in industry or at a partner university abroad.
The fourth semester is dedicated entirely to the master’s thesis.
Courses are taught in intensive blocks throughout the semester using modern and highly flexible digital teaching and learning methods. Research internships are conducted on-site at the supervising RWTH chairs or teaching and research units. To accommodate diverse schedules, multiple examination dates are offered for each module within the semester.
Program Structure (simplified)
Compulsory In-Depth Fundamentals Lectures
- Fundamentals of Chemistry and Engineering for Batteries
- Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Data Processing for Batteries
- Fundamentals of Lithium-Ion-Batteries and Battery Systems
- Energy Storage Systems - Future Technologies and Innovations
- Fundamentals of Battery System Design
Elective Application-Oriented Lectures
- Physical and Chemical Methods for Post-Mortem Investigations of Batteries
- Battery Modeling and Machine Learning
- Advanced Battery Diagnostics and Mobile Applications
- Advanced Battery Production Technology
- Recycling, Circular Economy and Charging Infrastructure
- Hardware of Battery Packs & Stationary Applications
- Understanding Battery Degradation
- Fundamentals of Design and Performance of Active and Passive Materials for Advanced Batteries
Seminar
Technical, (socio)economic and political analysis of energy storage components and a sector-coupled energy system
Research Lab Testing
Students independently plan, design, implement, and evaluate battery tests:
- Production, Testing, Recycling and Circular Economy of Battery and Energy Storage Systems
Research Labs
In 14-week internships with one-on-one supervision, students apply their knowledge and skills by actively participating in ongoing research projects. Areas of specialization include:
- Chemical and Physical Cell and Material Analysis
- Diagnostics
- Modelling
- Recycling and Life Cycle Analysis
- Production
- Battery Pack Design and Battery Management System
- Sensors, Measurement Devices and Electronic
- Laboratory or Field Installation or Operation of Mobile or Stationary Battery System
Final Thesis
The program culminates in a master’s thesis, where students have six months to conduct independent research on a scientific problem. Upon completion, they deliver an oral presentation, providing an in-depth analysis and discussion of their findings.
Students can tailor their course selections from the module catalogs to align with their interests and academic goals. There are no rigid specializations or predefined module combinations, allowing for a truly customizable educational experience.
Please visit the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology website for more detailed information.
Study Abroad Programs
Students in this master’s program can take advantage of study abroad opportunities, with the option to complete one of their research internships during the second or third semester at selected partner institutions worldwide.
The flexibility of elective courses during the first to third semesters facilitates the transfer of external credits, making studying abroad more accessible. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology collaborates with renowned universities across Europe and beyond. In addition to the EU mobility program ERASMUS+, study-abroad opportunities are also offered in countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, and Morocco.
Beyond Faculty-specific programs, students at RWTH benefit from the University’s strategic international partnerships. For instance, they can engage in short-term stays at IDEA League universities as part of their coursework, with potential partial funding from the University.
Comprehensive details on partnership programs are available on RWTH’s exchange programs web pages, while subject-specific opportunities can be found on the Faculty’s study abroad web pages.
Prerequisites
Academic Background
Applicants must hold a first university degree in natural or engineering sciences, providing sufficient foundational training for the program. The specific requirements are outlined in §3 of the examination regulations. The examination board evaluates whether applicants meet these criteria.
Language Proficiency
The program is conducted in English. Applicants must meet the language requirements specified in the examination regulations.
Special Admission and Selection Process
The Master’s program in Battery Science and Technology in Engineering operates under a “numerus clausus,” reflecting its highly research-oriented education and the intensive level of supervision required. This means that there are restrictions on the number of students who can be accepted into the program. Admissions decisions are based on a combination of academic performance and aptitude assessment. Specifically, applicants’ bachelor’s degree grades account for 20% of the admission evaluation, while results from an aptitude test contribute 80%. For more information about the test and to register, please visit the dMAT (digital Master’s Test) website. It is important to note that if proof of test completion is not submitted by the application or extended submission deadline, the applicant will receive a score of 0 points for the test in the admissions process. Details on the selection criteria are available in the official allocation regulations (de).
GRE Requirement
Applicants from non-EU countries must provide Gradudate Records Examination General Test scores as part of their application.
Career Prospects for Graduates
The Master’s program in Battery Science and Technology in Engineering prepares graduates for diverse career paths across industries involved in battery production, application, and storage system operations. Potential sectors include:
- Automotive Industry: Passenger cars, trucks, buses
- Transportation: Rail vehicles, ships, aircraft
- Light Vehicles: Bicycles, motorcycles, scooters
- Specialized Equipment: Motor and garden equipment, cleaning machines, power tools
- Engineering and Automation: Mechanical engineering, process engineering, automation
- Recycling: Battery recovery and recycling companies
- Battery Manufacturing: Cell and pack production
- Energy Sector: Grid operators, energy suppliers
- Electronics: Electrical engineering and electronics industries
- Logistics: Industrial trucks, transport systems
- Critical Infrastructure: Communication networks, data centers, traffic management
- Healthcare: Medical technology, mobility aids
- Chemical Industry
- Finance and Insurance
Graduates may also pursue a doctorate within the fields of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science, further advancing their expertise and research opportunities.
Module Handbook and Examination Regulations
The module handbook serves as a comprehensive guide outlining all modules within a degree program, providing valuable insight into its contents and structure.
Examination regulations establish legally binding provisions concerning learning objectives, admission requirements, course structure, and processes, as well as required coursework, end-of-term assignments, and exams.
RWTH’s General Examination Regulations encompass guidelines applicable to all bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including requirements for language proficiency. These overarching regulations are further defined and supplemented by course of studyt-specific examination regulations. Understanding this hierarchy is key to navigating the examination regulations effectively.
During transitional periods, when two sets of course of study-specific examination regulations are in effect for a degree program, it is imperative that newly enrolled students adhere to the most current version.
It is crucial to note that only the German examination regulations hold legal authority.
Module Handbook \ Subject-Specific Examination Regulations \ RWTH’s General Examination Regulations
Faculty
The master’s course of study in Battery Science and Technology in Engineering is offered by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. \ In addition, teaching staff from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Computer Science, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering will also be offering courses.
Academic Advising
- Advising and Services for School Students and Prospective Students
- Advising for Students
- Departmental Academic Advisors
- Student Councils Within Faculties
- Advice & Assistance
Formalities
- Legal Information for Starting Studies in the First Core Semester (de) (pdf: 944kb)
- Legal Information for Starting Studies in Higher Core Semesters (de) (pdf: 239kb)