Semester overview
The dual degree in Energy Economics and Business Administration provides students not only with a wide view over the current topics in the energy industry but also deep knowledge in the different branches, production ways: every semester has an own theme, focussing on a particular matter and offering the time and tools to gain an allround and specialized understanding.
The First Semester – Introduction
starts in Leipzig and lasts around three and a half months. From mid-October to the end of January, the group will gain basic knowledge in economics and business administration, especially microeconomics and macroeconomics, accounting, and reporting standards like IFRS. Additionally, the group will focus on the Russian language and an introduction to the German and European energy industry. This course provides first insights into the European market liberalization of the energy industry, the history of energy in Europe and Germany and fundamentals in physics. It is a highly cooperative class where group work and presentations are key. Students are also regularly given the opportunity to visit a nearby lignite-fired power station, the BMW plant in Leipzig and other industrial complexes.
The Second Semester – the Oil and Gas Sector
Arriving in early February, the students will immediately immerge into the world of fossil fuels, logistics and finance. During the semester the students will participate in workshops with Transneft and guided tours e.g. to the Gubkin University of Oil and Gas. They will have classes together with students from the Rosneft-Master’s program as well as with students from the University of Saint Andrews, UK. The academic semester emphasizes business development and strategy in the fossil fuel sector, using case studies and real-life projects in order to give the students hands-on tools when it comes to develop own projects. Studying at the MGIMO, the German part of the group will have the opportunity to improve their Russian language.
The Third Semester – Legal Framework, Renewables, Market Liberalization and Trading
Back to Germany in October, the academic program will focus mainly on renewable energy, technology and the future of gas, climate change and environmental protection, German and European law as well as international financial and economic relations. Students will be trained to receive the official trader certificate of the European Energy Exchange (EEX) after passing the EEX exam. They can also apply their newly acquired legal knowledge in a workshop provided by one of the world’s leading law firms.
The Fourth Semester – Master Thesis and Internship
The last semester of the Masters program provides a perfect opportunity for the students to specialize in their field of interest. Through our broad network we help our students when it comes to apply and obtain internships. During the fourth semester the students write their Master thesis – either during their internship, before or after. The recent Master thesis treated topics like Renewable energy innovations in Europe, LNG and Hydrogen, commodities in the financial sector as well as price fluctuations of goods like oil or emissions within the EU-ETS.
Extra-curricular activities
In addition to the regular curriculum, each semester there are additional lectures, company visits, case studies and other highlights.
Students are also given the opportunity to set their own priorities, organise their own events and invite external lecturers.
Lectures (extract)
- Lecture on „Network Operators“ by guest lecturers from E.ON Ruhrgas AG and DVGW e.V.
- Philip M. Braunschweig (Alumnus, BTO Management Consulting GmbH), „LNG – cross-industry or niche product?“
- Mr. Rösmann (Carl Kliem Energy GmbH), „Portfolio Management in Power Markets“.
- Stefan Haupt (Alumnus, VNG VerbundnetzGas AG), Group Planning
- Nils Niemeier (Alumnus, E.ON Consulting), „The increased necessity for customer centricity at utilities.“
- Steffen Orben (Deutsche Bank and Deutsche Börse), „The Impact of Central Banks on Financial Markets“
- David Sagan (Alumnus, Vattenfall GmbH, Berlin), „M&A in an energy supply company“.
- Dr. Schnorr (Dong Energy Markets GmbH, Leipzig), „Portfolio Management in the Energy Sector“, Germany
- Dr. Mark (KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, Frankfurt am Main), Corporate Rating in the Energy Sector
Workshops (extract)
- Law firm White & Case LLP incl. business game
- Official trader training of the EEX
- regular lectures and seminars by lecturers of Total Professeurs Associés
Case studies (extract)
- Henry Otto and Martin Becker (PWC Finance & Regulation), „The Practice of Incentive Regulation“, Germany
- Nils Niemeier (Alumnus, E.ON Consulting), Case Workshop in Energy Consulting