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.