Qualify for the global energy transition with the distance-learning MBA in Renewables

Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT)

While more and more countries are transforming their energy industry towards more green energy, employment figures in this sector are also skyrocketing. According to Statistica, jobs in renewable energies almost doubled between 2012 and 2022, from 7.3 to 13.7 million worldwide.

If you want to enter this industry at management level, you need special expertise on the subject. This is what the distance-learning MBA Renewables programme specialises in. The first and only MBA with a focus on renewable energy is offered by the Berlin University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with the Renewables Academy and has been successfully established since 2011.

„I started this MBA programme looking at the future of the energy business, plus the online teaching and mock questions give me the flexibility I need with my work.“
Jorge Fereira, United Kingdom

One advantage of online teaching is that this MBA can be studied part-time. Most students are working, so there is no time for full-time study. Another benefit of studying online is the ability to study from any location. The participants come from different corners of the world, so far from about 70 different countries. The opportunity to network with like-minded people from all over the world is something that is greatly appreciated by the students.

„The world is moving fast towards Green Energy. I felt there was not a single suitable course available in my home country Australia to prepare me for this challenge. Since enrolling in this course my employer has seen that my understanding on the topic of Renewables has increased by tenfold.“
Nazir Ahmed Muddasir, Australia

In terms of content, the students will not only acquire the traditional skills that an MBA is supposed to provide, but they will also gain additional sector know-how that will help them to manage green energy projects in the future.

To this end, specific modules have been integrated into the curriculum to provide students with specific knowledge of management practices in the renewable energy sector. Students will learn about systems and concepts of green energy technologies, gain an understanding of technology, but also energy policies and frameworks. Energy is also a recurring theme in the traditional MBA modules. Examples and case studies from the energy sector are deliberately chosen. In addition, guest lectures from industry experts are offered on a regular basis.

The curriculum also takes into account the fact that the renewable energy sector is still relatively young and very innovative, with new developments constantly emerging and many young start-up companies. For example, the new elective ‘Entrepreneurship in the Green Energy Industry’ has been included, as well as a course on green hydrogen, as many experts are needed in this field.

„The on-campus week reinforced what I had learned online. The practical sessions were just excellent. The field trip was a memorable experience and the on-campus week was simply outstanding.“
Messaoud Arif, Algeria

A special highlight for many students is the voluntary one week on-campus time in Berlin. Here, students from all over the world have the opportunity to get to know each other personally and network with each other. The on-campus time is also packed with hands-on training on technologies such as photovoltaics, wind power, hydrogen and energy efficiency as well as an excursion to renewable energy plants in operation, practical exercises and discussions with experts.

Watch the video Introducing distance learning MBA Renewables:

The students come with very different motives for choosing the MBA. Many have an engineering degree and want to move up into management. Some are looking for a ‘career with a future’ or a meaningful activity. Others simply want to be part of the global energy transition. In the last years, the number of people who want to shift their career from the fossil energy industry to the renewable energy industry is increasing because they see a better professional future there. There are also an increasing number of students who are already working in the green energy sector who now want to move up and broaden their horizons. Some students from countries where renewable energies are not yet so widespread are motivated to help green energy technologies achieve a breakthrough in their countries.

And after graduation?

The holistic approach to the course content, which covers economic, technological, management and administrative aspects of the energy world in equal measure, opens up a wide range of employment opportunities after graduation.

Upon graduation, students will manage interdisciplinary challenges in renewable energy and energy efficiency within companies and organisations. They evaluate methodologies, apply economic and legal tools, and lead across sectors, demonstrating business acumen and problem-solving skills.

With an MBA in their pocket, many former students are able to improve their position. Michaela from Germany, for example. She was previously working in sales and marketing for a fare filing company and joined an internationally operating solar power plant developer as COO after graduating. Or Michel from France – he was a project manager in the automotive industry before studying, and after graduating he joined a big manufacturer in the ship and harbour industry as decarbonisation manager. Many of the former graduates take up positions as CEO, COO, head of technology, general manager or similar after completing their studies.

But some have also set up their own businesses. Like Fadi from Jordan, who started a solar branch. Or Sizwe from South Africa, who founded a company in the field of electric vehicle charging technology.

The green energy growth market offers many opportunities. And having access to the MBA Renewables’ international network of students, junior and senior alumni even after graduation opens up new opportunities for many graduates beyond their studies.

Learn more about Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT)