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Insights into the Program Explore the essentials

Get first-hand insights into the study program directly from the Head of the Βachelor program by clicking below!

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Creating a Sustainable Future Together 

The Bachelor of Science in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering equips you to become the driving force behind important solutions. This program is designed to empower aspiring engineers with the essential skills and proactive, problem-solving mindset to drive positive change.

Through our interdisciplinary curriculum, students acquire the ability to design and analyze systems through technological, economic, ecological and societal perspectives. Our educators are from various departments and combine their expertise with insights from the university’s pioneering research efforts.

Swiss Engineering in English

Our Bachelor program is unique in Switzerland: it is the only Engineering BSc taught entirely in English.

This opens the door for non‑German-speaking students to pursue their studies in Central Switzerland without language barriers, while giving German-speaking students the chance to develop strong professional English skills and expand their international career prospects.

In addition, HSLU offers language courses in German, English, and other languages to support all our students.

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Questions about the program

Watch the video to hear an EESE student answer insightful questions about the program. TIP: Open the video in YouTube and find a list of all questions in the video description.

Our Head of the Bachelor's Program on the Curriculum

Portrait of head of the program Anastasia Stamatiou

“Our students acquire in-depth knowledge in all the relevant disciplines. In addition to delivering these subject-specific skills and knowledge from the first semester to the last, we consider it of utmost importance to interconnect these disciplines in projects and specially designed systems modules. In these modules, students develop the specialist and methodological skills required for a holistic analysis and for the new design of energy and environmental systems.
Our degree program, which is fully taught in English, is ideally suited to prepare our students for the global challenges they will encounter throughout their future careers. By analyzing international case studies, they gradually improve their written and oral English-language communication skills.
Furthermore, they will learn about different perspectives in an intercultural environment.” 

Prof. Dr Anastasia Stamatiou, Head of the Bachelor’s Program in Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering 

Program Structure

The program is modular, with a simple structure comprising core, project and elective modules. This offers students a wide range of options to choose from.

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If you would like to explore the full curricula, including all modules and detailed descriptions of the topics you will cover throughout your studies, you can find them by downloading this document here. 

Students also have the opportunity to earn 3 ECTS through intensive weeks, offered before the start of the semester at various locations. These short, immersive learning experiences complement the regular modules and allow students to explore selected topics in greater depth.

Core modules
Compulsory (Core) modules make up approximately 57% of the program workload. They provide essential specialist and methodological skills and knowledge. Students must earn at least 90 ECTS credits of this type, of which 84 must be from Compulsory (Core) modules. There are also Elective (Core) modules available, which develop advanced skills in both energy and environmental topics.

Project modules
Around 23% of the modules are Project modules, in which students tackle challenging real-life problems. In the project modules, students acquire project management as well as written and oral communication skills through individual and group assignments. Project modules provide step-by-step preparation for senior positions in global companies, often with English as the corporate language.

Related modules
10% of the modules are Related modules. They give students an opportunity to become familiar with themes from a larger disciplinary context and to develop specific specialist skills.
One example is the two week intensive program in Ethiopia, an extended version of the regular 3 ECTS intensive weeks. It offers students a unique opportunity to engage with sustainability and energy topics in an international setting. 

Minor modules
The remaining 10% are Minor modules, which cover non-specialist skills and knowledge. These modules enable students to reflect on their expertise and decision-making within societal, cultural, ethical, and economic contexts (minimum 15 ECTS).

ECTS needed to graduate
Students successfully complete the program if they have earned at least 180 credit points (ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). One credit corresponds to approximately 25 to 30 hours of study (e.g., lectures, exams, assessed assignments and preparation).

Interdisciplinary Curriculum – Hands-on Approach

Our lecturers combine their teaching activities with applied research. This ensures that their subject knowledge is extensive, hands-on and always up to date. 

Students therefore develop excellent subject-specific skills and knowledge in the thematic areas relevant to energy and environmental systems, that is, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering, business and foundations of science.

Interested in hands-on education? Take a look at our labs!

Engineering laboratory with industrial equipment, piping systems, and large machines.

Click the picture below to discover the program structure, curriculum and lecturers. This interactive chart also provides information about the skills you will acquire in each module.

Spider diagram showing modules of the Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering program, organized by subject areas.

Time and Study Models

Design your studies in a very personal and individual way. Thanks to the large number of elective modules and support by our lecturers, you can shape the studies leading to your future career.

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You can tailor approximately 40% of your study program to your individual interests, your skills and the corresponding timetable to your individual interests. 

Switching between models (full-time or part-time) is possible at the end of each semester. Students typically start the program in the Fall Semester (September) but starting in the Spring Semester (February) is also possible. 

Depending on the time model, students can complete their Bachelor’s degree within three to five years.

Business Certificate

EESE students can complement their engineering expertise with a highly valuable Business Certificate. Completing at least 12 ECTS of business modules equips them with key management and economic skills for their future careers. In addition, the Business & Sustainability initiative and Smart-up program offer guidance to students interested in launching their own business or pursuing self employment during their studies.

Work and Study

PiBS is primarily designed for German-speaking students with an academic baccalaureate (Gymnasium Matura) who wish to combine practical work experience with their studies. It's a A four-year program combining 60% study at HSLU and 40% work in a partner company. Among others benefits, PiBS can offer direct entry into the professional world, connecting theory and practice from the start. 

Learn more about PiBS here. 

Moreover, selected students have the opportunity to work at HSLU as student assistants, gain practical work experience, and help cover part of their living expenses. This employment does not count toward the required 12 months of professional experience.