Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy, STUDY TRACK in Energy and Matter
The Energy and Matter study track focuses on the critical areas of sustainable energy systems, storage technologies, and environmentally conscious chemistry. As the world transitions to renewable energy sources, this track emphasises the science and innovation required to build more sustainable infrastructures. Designed for students passionate about renewable energy and clean technology, this track integrates scientific rigour with practical applications.
This study track is one of nine available. To learn more about all the study tracks, visit: Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
What to expect
Students in this track will gain expertise in:
- Energy conversion and storage: Advanced understanding of photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical technologies.
- Sustainable chemistry: Developing clean energy production methods and analysing the environmental impact of chemical processes.
- Technological innovations: Using machine learning and geoscience applications to tackle energy challenges.
Key modules include Photovoltaic Conversion, Sustainable Chemistry Applications, and Biomass Energy Systems. Practical experiences and research projects are integral to this study track.
Participating universities
This study track involves three renowned institutions:
- Stockholm University (SU, Sweden): Laying the foundation with a transdisciplinary perspective on climate, energy, and environment, and offering courses on chemistry of renewable materials and energy storage.
- Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM, Spain): Specialising in advanced energy technologies and systems.
- University of Bucharest (UB, Romania): Offering opportunities for master’s thesis research in energy-related innovations.
This diverse partnership equips students to drive innovation in renewable energy and sustainable practices worldwide.
The Master's Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy (TRACEE programme) is a two-year Master's Programme, meaning 4 semesters and totally 120 ECTS.
After the first common semester you continue on your selected study track. Students choose from nine specialised tracks (60 ECTS) offered across the 11 CIVIS member universities. Read more about the programme and all the nine study tracks on the main programme page here. This page describes track 1 out of 9.
In study track Energy and Matter, students will acquire advanced expertise in sustainable energy storage, conversion, and chemistry applications essential for renewable energy systems. Through modules energy conversion, storage and sustainable chemistry, students develop the technical and theoretical skills needed to innovate within the fields of energy storage, clean energy production, and environmentally focused chemistry. This track aims to prepare students for innovative roles in renewable energy systems by equipping them with both the technical skills and practical experience necessary to address energy challenges across various sectors.
Successful students will be awarded multiple or joint degrees from the partner universities (SU, UAM, UB).
Semester 1, Stockholm University (SU)
In your first semester at Stockholm University, you’ll develop foundational skills through the course Climate, Energy, and Environment – a Transdisciplinary Perspective (30 ECTS). Read more on the course page.
Semester 2, Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
- Biomass and biodegradable wastes (4 ECTS)
- Photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical conversion (5 ECTS)
- Photovoltaic and thermoelectric systems (4 ECTS)
- Hydrogen: Production, storage and use (6 ECTS)
- Energy storage and fuel cells (6 ECTS)
- Marine and Hydroelectric Energies (4 ECTS)
- Course from cross-curricular offer approved by Ms. direction (1 ECTS)
Semester 3, Stockholm University (SU)
- Introduction to Sustainable Chemistry (7.5 ECTS)
- Materials Chemistry for Environmental Applications (7.5 ECTS)
- Chemistry of Renewable Materials (7.5 ECTS)
- Chemistry of Renewable Energy Generation and Storage (7.5 ECTS)
Semester 4, Master Thesis Project at SU, UAM or UB
The fourth and last semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis project (30 ECTS). It is registered at SU, UAM or UB.
Students residing in Sweden or Spain at the time of the application should be admitted to the University of Bucharest (UB) in the semester 4. Students residing elsewhere in the world (outside Sweden or Spain) can register either SU, UAM or UB in the semester 4.
Continuous transdisciplinary stream
An extra-curricular transdisciplinary stream runs through the entire programme. The stream will be offered on site during the first semester in Stockholm, and thereafter online. The purpose of the stream is to engage students in learning about transdisciplinarity, and offer support and checkpoints for development of independent projects. It also offers a meeting point for the whole student group throughout the programme.
Ready to start your journey? Download the TRACEE handbook and prepare your application today!
Download the handbook for study track 3, 2026 pdf, 255.1 kB.
Key dates for the 2026 intake
14 November 2025 | |
15 January 2026 | Application closes |
2 February 2026 | Last day to submit application documents |
2 February 2026 | Final day to pay the application fee / provide proof of fee exemption |
10 April 2026 | Admission results are published |
15 May 2026 | Final day for students admitted to semester 1 to pay the participation cost |
31 August 2026 | Autumn 2026 term start |
Application is done through universityadmissions.se.
Entry requirements: Study Track 3 is intended for students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences or Engineering, including at least 30 ECTS in Chemistry or an equivalent qualification. Applicants must also demonstrate a minimum B2 level of Spanish and English proficiency.
Please note that you need to apply to specific study tracks (you can apply to several but have to rank your choices as you will be admitted to only one). Read about all the study tracks at the programme page.
Master’s Programme in Transdisciplinary Studies of Climate, Environment and Energy
If your country of residence at the time of application and enrolment to the programme is Sweden or Spain, you will have to do your Master’s thesis project at the University of Bucharest (Romania).
Participation cost for the programme:
- EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €9000 for the full programme (€2250/semester)
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students: €18,000 for the full programme (€4500/semester)
This is the participation cost for the Master's Programme, regardless of chosen study track. The cost is tailored by the unique collaboration that is the CIVIS alliance.
Please note that the information regarding Stockholm University tuition fee does not apply here (nor does the link "More information on tuition fees").
FAQ
We have collected the most common questions students have about the TRACEE Master Programme and the answers to them on this site:
Study Coordinators
Couldn't find the answer to your question?
For questions about the TRACEE master programme, please contact our study coordinators.
Email: tracee@aces.su.se
