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Studying for the Bachelor's in Energy and Environmental Engineering Insights into the Program 

This interdisciplinary degree program combines engineering with economic, environmental and social issues. Students learn to analyse complex systems, develop innovative technologies and carry out hands-on projects. The program provides a solid foundation for an international career in the energy and environmental sector. It is the only Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Switzerland taught entirely in English.

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Aufbau des Studiums | Organisation des Studiums | FAQ

Insights into the program straight from the programm director

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How the program is structured

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.

> 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.

Want to find out more? The curriculum gives you a detailed overview, with descriptions of each module and the timetables for both the full-time and part-time study options.

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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  • 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)
  • 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).

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.

How your studies are organized

Here you'll find helpful tips and guidance for planning and completing your studies. We offer a wide range of tools and resources to help you succeed. If any information is missing, please contact our student office or academic advisors.

Flexible study models 

Shape your studies around your own goals. With a wide choice of elective modules and support from our lecturers, you can tailor your studies to your future career.
You can shape around 40% of your study programme to suit your interests, your skills and your personal schedule.
Students can choose between full-time, part-time, part-time alongside work, or the Practice-Integrated Bachelor's Degree (PiBS). You can switch study models at the end of each semester. The standard duration of the full-time programme is three years. Part-time study takes four to five years, depending on your course load. The maximum duration is six years (leave semesters are not counted). Students who already have relevant prior knowledge when they start can apply to have modules recognised, which shortens their studies. As well as starting in autumn, you can also start in spring. 

Zeitmodelle an der Hochschule Luzern Technik & Architektur

Costs

The semester fee for all enrolled students is CHF 800. Scholarships may be available. You can find more information on financial matters relating to studying at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts here.

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Application

You can apply online here. The application deadline is April for the autumn semester and October for the spring semester. Late applications are possible. The registration fee of CHF 200 is paid directly when you apply, by TWINT, PostFinance, debit or credit card.

Admission

The ideal preparation for this program is a completed apprenticeship in a building technology trade and a Federal Vocational Baccalaureate. Applicants with an academic Matura can gain the required work experience through the Practice-Integrated Bachelor's Degree (PiBS) or a work placement. Applicants aged 25 and over without a vocational baccalaureate can enter via a preparatory admission course.

International

Students can earn an additional "International Profile" certificate by putting together their own selection of modules. With its wide range of specialist modules taught in English, the Horw campus has a truly international character.

Studying abroad

Through exchange programs, students can spend a semester at one of our partner universities abroad, gaining international experience and expanding their personal network. An exchange semester, combined with specialist modules taught in English and supporting international guest students, also lets you earn the "International Profile" certificate. The International Office is happy to help with any questions about international exchange.

Accomodation

Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts offers its own housing for students and exchange students. Enquiries to housing@hslu.ch.

Sport

Lucerne is a university city. Once enrolled, students can take advantage of our extensive university sports program. 

PiBS: 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. 

Our labs and facilities

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

FAQ on the Bachelor's in Energy and Environmental Engineering

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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.