TU Graz/ Studying and Teaching/ Degree and Certificate Programmes/ Continuing Education/

University Programme in Hydropower

Hydropower is one of the most important energy sources: Qualified engineers are in demand at a national and international level. In this interdisciplinary programme for further education, TU Graz combines expertise from the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering to provide education at the highest level. Environmental protection, sustainability and ecology are included in the programme, as are organisational and economic aspects. Become an expert in the complex field of hydropower!

Content

The programme contains the following courses on ecological aspects and the 3 areas of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering

  • Basic hydraulic principles
  • Mechanical engineering materials
  • Machine dynamics
  • Design details
  • Pumped-storage plants

Civil Engineering

  • Surge tank concept
  • Dam structures, sealing systems
  • Construction management
  • Hydraulic steel structures

Electrical Engineering

  • Basics of electrical machines
  • Energy transport, circuit types
  • Control technology for hydraulic machines

Interdisciplinary

  • The energy industry
  • Operational management, maintenance
  • Small-scale hydropower plants
  • Construction permit planning
  • Potential and location analyses
In the master’s degree programme Master of Engineering (MEng) – Wasserkraft, you also write a master’s thesis.

Target Groups and Admission Requirements

This university programme for further education is targeted at people from the field of hydropower who wish to develop their competence technically and professionally.

Admission requirements

You graduate from this university programme after 5 semesters with the degree of Master of Engineering (MEng) – Wasserkraft. In this case, the following admission requirements apply:
  • a completed relevant bachelor’s degree programme (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering) from a university or a university of applied sciences
    or
  • a completed technical diploma or master’s degree programme from a university or a university of applied sciences
    or
  • a completed Magister, diploma or master’s degree programme in natural sciences or economic sciences from a university or a university of applied sciences plus at least 3 years’ experience in the field of hydropower.
The programme management can recognise further bachelor’s degree programmes if you submit an application to this effect. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the area of hydropower is always a prerequisite. You graduate from this university programme after 4 semesters as an Akademischer Wasserkraftingenieur/Akademische Wasserkraftingenieurin. In this case, the following admission requirements apply:
  • a completed examination as an industrial foreman or a mechanical engineering technician according to the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulations (GewO) and at least 8 years’ relevant professional experience in the area of hydropower
    or
  • graduation (with a secondary school leaving examination – Matura/Abitur) from a Higher Technical Institute (HTL) or a general secondary school (AHS) with relevant professional experience and at least 5 years’ industry practice in hydropower
The admissions committee can demand proof that you have sufficient knowledge of the language of instruction. The programme management will decide whether the admission requirements have been met.

    Dates and Deadlines

    • Next start: Please contact the programme manager

    Quick Facts

    • Final degrees and duration of study:
      • Master of Engineering (MEng) – Wasserkraft: 5 semesters part-time
        or
      • Akademische Wasserkraftingeneurin / Akademischer Wasserkraftingenieur: 4 semesters part-time
    • ECTS credit points:         
      • Master of Engineering (MEng) – Wasserkraft: 120
      • Akademische Wasserkraftingeneurin / Akademischer Wasserkraftingenieur: 80
    • Language of instruction: German
    • Registration fees
    • Structure of the programme:
      Online and 6 to 8 days per semester at TU Graz (block scheduling on Fridays and Saturdays); excursions in Austria and Germany
    • Curricula:

    Registration fees

    • 5 semesters: € 19.500,- (VAT free)
    • 4 semesters: € 17.500,- (VAT free)

       
    • This fee does not include travel, lodging or food expenses.
    • Possible subsidies and details

    Structure of the Programme

    The programme follows the Blended Learning approach:

    • Online teaching – customised documents ensure fast and successful learning – you learn when and where you wish.
    • Compulsory attendance events – Experts impart complex factual knowledge. You work on projects with other participants, putting your knowledge into practice. 6 to 8 days per semester – block scheduling on Fridays and Saturdays
    • Excursions – by means of practical examples on site e.g. in power plants, you get a realistic insight into the topics.

    At the end of every course, you take an examination.

    Hydropower will be at the centre of the decarbonisation of the energy system and thus of the energy transition because it is the only market-ready technology that can store large amounts of electricity and feed it back into the supply grid with high efficiency.

    Career Options and Qualifications

    • You are a competent contact partner in all fields of hydropower.
    • You plan hydropower plants globally and can evaluate existing plants.
    • You determine the need for refurbishment measures and carry out planning and application tasks.
    • You can assess, minimise or even prevent the consequences for the environment and nature of the construction and operation of hydropower plants.
    • Your possible future professional fields include positions in planning, consultancy and particularly management in national and international companies and for public authorities, in which your expertise in the field of hydropower is relevant.  

    I have been looking for a continuing education programme for a long time that offers exactly what Life Long Learning at TU Graz does. Attending a part-time programme that is perfectly tailored to my job 20 years after graduating from my basic study programme is a huge asset for me, both professionally and personally. Despite the additional burden of further education, I have not regretted my decision at any point.

    Application

    Required application documents:

    • completed and signed application form plus foto
      • application form for Master of Engineering (MEng) – Hydropower (in German)
      • application form for Academic Hydropower Engineer (in German)
    • CV
    • Proof of academic degrees already obtained or proof of teaching or school-leaving qualifications.
    • References and certificates
    • copy of passport or identity card

    Send the documents either by email or by post to

    TU Graz
    Life Long Learning
    c/o Frau Mag. Lucia Edelsbrunner
    Stremayrgasse 16

    8010 Graz
    lucia.edelsbrunnernoSpam@tugraz.at

    Contact

    Lucia EDELSBRUNNER
    Mag.phil.
    TU Graz Life Long Learning
    Phone: +43 316 873 4937
    lucia.edelsbrunnernoSpam@tugraz.at

    Programme Director

    Institut für Hydraulische Strömungsmaschinen
    Kopernikusgasse
    24/IV
    8010 Graz
    www.hfm.tugraz.at

    Peter MEUSBURGER
    Univ. Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.-techn.
    Tel.: +43 316 873 7570
    peter.meusburgernoSpam@tugraz.at