Focus of studies Practice-oriented Degree Programme

Building a bridge between energy and IT

Given the critical role of energy in a modern society, the major goal in any economy is to secure supply and improve its overall generation and distribution. To fulfil this challenging goal well-educated IT experts, who are able to design and operate smart grids, smart city infrastructure and enhanced energy supply systems, will be required.

The main focus of the Master’s degree programme Energy Informatics is to educate this type of experts and build a bridge between the energy domain and IT. The programme provides technical, business and legal expertise for the development of future energy systems and covers many further topics in its curriculum.

A particular focus is set on the following:

  • Software Systems (SCADA, Head-End and Meter Data Management)
  • IT Security
  • Cloud Computing / Big Data
  • Communication Technology (Powerline, Radio Frequency)
  • Home and Building Automation
  • Systems Engineering
  • International Project Management
  • International Energy Markets and Energy Law
  • Processes and Process Modelling
  • Energy Generation, Distribution, Storage and Consumers
  • Smart Grid Field Components (Meters, Gateways, Load Management)
  • Electromobility
  • Standardisation

In addition, students can select from a wide range of elective modules being offered by the degree programme itself, by other Master's degree programmes at the faculty (e.g., MCM, SIS, SE), at other faculties (e.g., SES, AMM, IPM, EE) or even at other universities based on their interest.

Practice-oriented Degree Programme

Practical expertise is crucial in the energy domain. That is why we as a university of Applied Sciences cooperate closely with the local industry and with many companies within the region, as well as with several international enterprises (e.g., Linz AG, Energie AG, A1 Telekom Austria AG, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Kreisel Electric GmbH). These collaborations enable our students to develop highly sought-after skills as they gain practical, up-to-date and hands-on experience directly from the industry.

All the courses of the Master’s degree programme Energy Informatics are developed in cooperation with leading players from the industry, and combine academic knowledge and practical experience. Many lecturers are business professionals, who bring their expertise, inputs from the industry and up-to-date skills into the classroom. Furthermore, interdisciplinary and applied research projects enable close cooperation between science and industry that both companies and students can benefit from. Throughout these projects, our students can gain valuable personal and technical experience, strengthen relationships with the local industry, and establish contacts with potential employers.

Shievam Kashyap
Energy Informatics graduate, class of 2015

"Energy Informatics is one of the few study programmes which are not restricted to classroom teaching. Frequent industry visits provide tremendous opportunities to learn outsides the walls of the university. Hands-on practices contribute a lot to every course and many courses of the curriculum are handled by industry experts. For instance, Home and Building Automation provides the freedom to practice and design your own working projects of automating a building using various kinds of sensors and gadgets from the well-equipped laboratories. I feel lucky that as a part of this study programme I was able to witness state-of-the-art research in this field at the reputable Austrian Institute of Technology, and cutting-edge commercial products at Kreisel Electric and Linz AG."