Masters Degrees in Energy Technologies, United Kingdom

Discover the real-world career opportunities in the energy sector with this MSc in Energy and Environmental Technology and Economics.

Who is it for?

Wherever you are, energy has an implication. This course is for students who want to engage with different types of settings to research and establish the energy, environmental and technological implications that exist within them. Energy and Environmental Technology and Economics students will care for the environment as a sustainable system and ultimately have a desire to improve conditions for the wider population.

Students come from a range of backgrounds including engineering, finance and economics – and from within the energy industry itself.

Objectives

This Masters degree has been designed to give you a wide perspective when it comes to analysing and forecasting the future for energy, environmental technology and economics. We engage with the industry so you gain a real-world understanding of the problems that exist, and we consider our own ethical responsibilities in relation to energy use.

Imagine a Grade 1-listed building such as the Guildhall in London. As an energy consultant your task is to analyse the site to make it more efficient. But there is a caveat: you cannot make any structural changes to the walls or the windows. The MSc Energy and Environmental Technology and Economics course gives you the tools to examine and address these kinds of challenges.

The MSc Energy and Environmental Technology and Economics course is not about learning academic theories. Instead we focus on the breadth of the subject in the real world. By engaging with practising businesses and trade associations we identify a range of perspectives, and look at the influence of a myriad of other forces at play, from regulation and government funding, to behavioural psychology and emerging technologies. Here are some of the questions the course poses:
-Does this new form of technology operate as it should?
-How does the UK relate to other European countries when it comes to energy efficiency?
-How does organisational psychology affect energy use within a company?
-How do you decide which energy contract to choose?
-What is the impact of a consumer society on personal energy use?

Placements

There is no formal requirement to do an industry-based placement as part of the programme. However, some students arrange to undertake their dissertation research within a company or within their part of the world. A recent student investigated the future of coal-fired generation in Turkey, and another student is combining a work placement at The World Energy Council with their dissertation.

Academic facilities

As part of the University of London you can become a member of Senate House Library for free with your student ID card.

Teaching and learning

Teaching is organised into modules comprising four consecutive day courses taken at a rate of one a month or so. This format makes the programme accessible for students who want to study part time while working.

Full-time students are also welcome. Whether you choose to take the course as a part-time or full-time student, we will offer a great deal of support when it comes to helping you prepare for the modules and project work. You will be expected to devote a significant part of your non-taught hours to project work as well as private study.

Our course is led by an exceptional group of experts in energy, supply, demand management and policies. As an example, one of our module leaders leads the UK contribution to writing international energy management standards and informing policy through the European Sector Forum for Energy Management. This forum looks at methodologies across the continent. There is also input to global standards development through the International Standards Organisation (ISO). At City we bring on board people with well-established academic careers as well as leaders from the energy industry. The programme has strong links with industry and commerce and involves many visiting lecturers who hold senior positions in their fields.

The Energy and Environmental Technology and Economics MSc gives you the opportunity to consider the role of International Energy Management Standards. You will explore the opportunities these standards provide for global service users and providers in relation to reducing energy costs and the environmental impact of energy use.

You will discover the range of current European and International Standards, explore why they are needed and how they are developed, and examine the benefits they deliver through case studies.

The UK has had a leading role in developing these standards in terms of both their writing and implementation. For example the Energy Audit standard, which forms part of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, Article 8, mandates audits for private sector, non-SME organisations. In the UK this has been implemented as the Energy Savings Opportunities Scheme (ESOS).

Modules

Each course module is taught over four consecutive days of teaching with one module each month. Alongside the teaching you will have coursework to complete for each module. The modules run from October to April, and in the remaining time, you will concentrate on your dissertation, which forms a significant part of the programme.

The dissertation gives you the opportunity to create your own questions and to decide on your own area of interest. It should be a detailed investigation into a subject on energy supply and/or demand, with your own analysis and conclusions outlining the way forward. You may see the focus of your dissertation as a future career path, but whatever your area of study, these final few months of the degree should embody your vision of the future.

You will take four core modules and have six elective modules from which you can choose four topics from diverse subjects relating to energy supply and demand. These include energy in industry and the built environment, renewables, energy markets from the purchaser’s perspective and water supply and management. The latter has close parallels, and directly engages, with energy. You start the course with an introduction to energy and environmental issues and energy policies and economic dimensions in the first term, but you do not need to follow the course in any particular order from this point onwards.

If you are interested in sustainability, you have the option of taking up to two elective modules from the MSc in Environmental Strategy offered by the University of Surrey.

Completing eight modules and four examinations and four modular assessments will lead to a Postgraduate Diploma. Completing four core and four elective modules and a dissertation will lead to a Masters degree. If you are interested in this course may also be interested in the MSc Renewable Energy and Power Systems Management.

Core modules
-Introduction to energy and environmental issues (15 credits)
-Energy policies and economic dimensions (15 credits)
-The energy market from the purchaser's perspective (15 credits)
-Corporate energy management (15 credits)

Elective modules
-Energy, consumer goods and the home (15 credits)
-Transport energy and emissions (15 credits)
-Energy in industry and the built environment (15 credits)
-Renewable energy and sustainability (15 credits)
-Risk management (15 credits)
-Water supply and management (15 credits)

Career prospects

The story of energy is now part of public debate and climate change drives the international agenda. In the UK, there are additional energy supply issues, through the decline of existing nuclear capacity, growing imports of fossil fuels and challenging medium-term targets for renewables and low carbon supply.

Our priority is to make you employable in a range of sectors in which effective energy supply and demand side management has become an important consideration.

You will graduate with economic and market-based skills relevant to complying with relevant legislation and technical and engineering skills related to energy generation and management.

With strong industry links and working level experience from our exceptional team of expert lecturers, as well as the diverse modules on offer, you will be equipped to become a leader and entrepreneur in your chosen area of specialisation within the realm of energy management, supply or policy making.

Our graduates have gone on to hold high-ranking positions as energy consultants, data analysts and directors of corporate sustainability working within organisations including:
-AK Home Energy
-Enelco Environmental Technology
-Energy Institute
-Equinoxe Services Ltd
-Log Tech Consultancy
-Ofgem
-Peckham Power
-RWE NPower Renewables
-SCFG

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The world faces major challenges in meeting the current and future demand for sustainable and secure energy supply and use. The one-year MPhil programme in Energy Technologies is designed for graduates who want to help tackle these problems by developing practical engineering solutions, and who want to learn more about the fundamental science and the technologies involved in energy utilization, electricity generation, energy efficiency, and alternative energy.

Energy is a huge topic, of very significant current scientific, technological, environmental, political and financial interest. The complexity and rapid change associated with energy technologies necessitates engineers with a very good grasp of the fundamentals, with exposure and good understanding of all main energy sources and technologies, but also with specialization in a few areas. This is the prevailing philosophy behind this MPhil, fully consistent with the prevailing philosophy and structure of the University of Cambridge Engineering Department as a whole.

See the website http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegmpmet

Course detail

The educational target of the MPhil in Energy Technologies is to communicate the breadth of energy technologies and the underpinning science. The objectives of the course are:

1. To teach the fundamental sciences behind technologies involved in energy utilization, electricity generation, energy efficiency, and alternative energy.

2. To develop graduates with an overall view of energy engineering, while offering specialization in a selected area through a research project.

3. To prepare students for potential future PhD research.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be expected to have developed fundamental knwoledge on primary and secondary energy sources, on energy transformation, and on energy utilisation technologies. They will also have developed proficiencies in project management, in research skills, in team work, and in advanced calculation methods concerning energy technologies.

Graduates from this MPhil will be excellent candidates for doctoral study (at Cambridge and elsewhere) and for employment in a wide variety of jobs (for example: in industrial Research and Development departments; in policy-making bodies; in the utilities industry; in the manufacturing sector; in energy equipment manufacturing).

Format

The course is centred around taught courses in core areas, covering basic revision and skills needed (such as Communication and Organisational Skills, Mathematical and Computational Skills, Review of Basic Energy Concepts, and Research Topics), various energy technologies (such as Clean Fossil Fuels, Solar, Biofuels, Wind etc), and energy efficiency and systems level approaches.

Elective courses may be chosen from a broad range, which includes topics such as Turbulence, Acoustics, Turbomachinery, Nuclear Power Engineering, Solar Panels, and Energy Efficiency in Buildings. Elective courses are delivered mainly by the Department of Engineering with input from the Department of Chemical Engineering and other departments in Cambridge.

Research projects are chosen from a list offered by members of staff and are linked to the principal areas of energy research in the respective departments.

Students can expect to receive reports at least termly on the Cambridge Graduate Supervision Reporting System. They will receive comments on items of coursework, and will have access to a University supervisor for their dissertation. All students will also have personal access to the Course Director and the other staff delivering the course.

Assessment

Students taking 12 elective modules will write a short thesis (up to 10,000 words). Students taking 10 elective modules will write a long thesis (up to 20,000 words). In both cases, 10% of the marks will be assigned through a pre-submission presentation, and 10% of the marks will be assigned through a post-submission presentation.

Students will take 5 core modules, and then either 5 elective modules (and a long thesis) or 7 elective modules (and a short thesis). All core modules are examined purely by coursework. Some of the elective modules are also examined wholly or partly by coursework.

Some of the elective modules are examined wholly or partly by written examination.

At the discretion of the Examiners, candidates may be required to take an additional oral examination on the work submitted during the course, and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Continuing

Students wishing to apply for continuation to the PhD would normally be expected to attain an overall mark of 70%.

How to apply: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying

Funding Opportunities

There are no specific funding opportunities advertised for this course. For information on more general funding opportunities, please follow the link below.

General Funding Opportunities http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/funding

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*Why do energy efficiency measures often fail?
*How will we transition into a post-carbon energy system?
*Why do some energy technologies spread, while others disappear?
*How can people be persuaded to change their energy habits?

The MSc in Energy and Society investigates energy systems from all angles. On this course you will look at energy in practice, what it means to make an energy transition, what we mean by energy justice, and how energy practices change.

The programme brings in leading experts in energy studies at Durham from Anthropology, Engineering, Economics, Law, Geography, Geosciences and many other departments. It is taught through intensive block-teaching, field-study, original dissertation research and a range of optional modules that complement the core teaching. You will learn about current and new energy technologies, histories of energy, how to understand energy policy, and how to study energy practices.

A broad range of optional subjects enables you to tailor the course according to your particular interests – you can take modules in law, international politics, advanced engineering, geography, risk, development or resilience, depending on your prior qualifications. In your fully supported personal research project you will deepen your expertise in your chosen area.

The full-time course consists of two terms of teaching, during which students are introduced to the range of research questions and methods, and a dissertation, involving the design, development and implementation of an independent research project. Students work closely with academic staff, and have the opportunity to become involved in active research projects.

Compulsory modules

-Dissertation
-Energy in Practice (Field Study)
-Context and Challenges in Energy
-Energy Society and Energy Practices

Optional modules from across the University and have previously included:

-Academic and Professional Skills in Anthropology
-Fieldwork and Interpretation
-Group Renewable Energy Design Project
-Key Issues in Sociocultural Theory
-Society, Energy, Environment and Resilience
-Computational Methods for Social Sciences
-Anthropology and Development
-Negotiating the Human
-Statistical Analysis in Anthropology
-Energy, Markets and Risk
-Renewable Energy and the Environment
-Risk Frontiers

Please see http://www.durham.ac.uk/anthropology/postgraduatestudy/taughtprogrammes/mscenergyandsociety for further information on modules.

Dissertation

We place an emphasis on independent learning. This is supported by the University’s virtual learning environment, extensive library collections and informal contact with tutors and research staff. We consider the development of independent learning and research skills to be one of the key elements of our postgraduate taught curriculum and one which helps our students cultivate initiative, originality and critical thinking.

The dissertation is a significant piece of independent research that constitutes a synthesis of theory, method and practice in anthropology and is supported by an individual supervisor and the dissertation coordinator.

Previous dissertations and research projects as part of the course have been undertaken in partnership with DONG Energy UK, Haringey Borough of London, National Energy Action, Durham County Council, energy enterprises and community energy schemes.

Careers

This course attracts high quality applicants from all over the world and delivers highly-skilled graduates who are able to communicate across disciplines and countries to further environmental progress and energy justice. Graduates of the MSc will be in demand from industry, community organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and governments around the world. Graduates have gone on to work in Energy justice organisations, local authorities, energy consultancies and further Doctoral study.

Student support

Throughout the programme, all students meet regularly with the degree tutor, who provides academic support and guidance. Furthermore, all members of teaching staff have weekly office hours when they are available to meet with students on a ‘drop-in’ basis. In term time, the department also has an extensive programme of departmental and research group seminars which postgraduate students are encouraged and expected to attend. The undergraduate Anthropology Society also organises its own visiting lecturer programme. We ensure that we advertise any other relevant seminars and lectures in Durham, Newcastle and further afield, and encourage students to attend relevant conferences.

Before the academic year starts, we provide information on preparation for the course. On arrival we have induction sessions and social events, headed by the Director of Postgraduate Studies and attended by both academic and administrative staff. Students also attend an “Introduction to Research Groups in Anthropology”.

Postgraduate study at Durham University

The MSc Energy and Society is based in Durham University’s Department of Anthropology in association with the Durham Energy Institute. Durham has one of the largest Anthropology departments in the world with 40 research active academic teaching staff working across the full range of the discipline. Our Anthropology department is ranked in the top 50 of the prestigious QS World University Subject Rankings. The overall QS rankings also placed Durham 54th in the world for citations, recognising the impact and influence of its research among other academics, and 31st globally for employer reputation, giving recognition to the quality of, and international demand for, Durham’s graduates.

Students on this course can become members of the Durham Energy Institute (DEI) community and can attend its wide range of seminars and events, benefitting from its extensive network of contacts in the energy sector. DEI ( http://www.durham.ac.uk/dei/ ) covers the spectrum of energy research from technological innovation, to the social, political and economic dimensions of energy. DEI addresses energy challenges collaboratively through strong partnerships with industry, international partners, governments, community groups and other academic institutions. This ensures our research is relevant, timely and effective.

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About the course

Renewable energy is an essential and vital resource for the world’s future, and future there is an urgent need for engineers capable of solving the industry’s complex challenges in this field.

Studying Renewable Energy Engineering at Brunel provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to make a strategic real-world impact in the resolution of the world’s energy problems.

Graduates from Brunel’s MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering will develop:

- The versatility and depth to deal with new, demanding and unusual challenges across a range of renewable energy issues, drawing on an understanding of all aspects of renewable energy principles including economic assessment.

- The imagination, initiative and creativity to enable them to follow a successful engineering career with national and international companies and organisations.

- Specialist knowledge and transferable skills for successful careers including, where appropriate, progression to Chartered Engineer status.

Aims

Huge business incentives, markets and a wide variety of employment opportunities throughout the world are expected with the development of renewable energy resources as a substitute for fossil fuel technology.

The purpose of the MSc programme is to help meet this demand by cultivating qualified and skilled professionals with specialist knowledge in relevant technologies within the renewable energy sector.

The primary aim is to create Master’s degree graduates with qualities and transferable skills ready for demanding employment in the renewable energy sector. These graduates will have the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development and acquiring new skills at the highest level, and the programme also establishes a strong foundation for those who expect to continue onto a PhD or industrial research and development.

Initial programme learning outcomes

The programme will provide opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding of:

1.The principles and environmental impact of renewable energy technologies, including solar (thermal and electricity), wind, tidal, wave and hydro, geothermal, biomass and hydrogen.
3. The principles of energy conversion and appropriate thermodynamic machines.
4. The heat and mass transfer processes that relate to energy systems and equipment.
5. The principles, objectives, regulation, computational methods, economic procedures, emissions trading, operation and economic impact of energy systems.
6. The diversity of renewable energy system interactions and how they can be integrated into actual energy control systems and industrial processes.

At the cognitive thinking level, students will be able to:

1. Select, use and evaluate appropriate investigative techniques.
2. Assemble and critically analyse relevant primary and secondary data.
3. Recognise and assess the problems and critically evaluate solutions to challenges in managing renewable energy projects.
4. Evaluate the environmental and financial sustainability of current and potential renewable energy activities
5. Develop a thesis by establishing the basic principles and following a coherent argument.

In terms of practical, professional and transferable skills, students will be able to:

1. Define and organise a substantial advanced investigation.
2. Select and employ appropriate advanced research methods.
3. Organise technical information into a concise, coherent document.
4. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
5. Design and select renewable energy equipment and systems based on specific requirements/conditions.
6. Work as part of, and lead, a team.

Course Content

The taught element of the course (September to April) includes eight modules; delivery will be by a combination of lectures, tutorials and group/seminar work. A further four months (May to September) is spent undertaking the dissertation.

Compulsory modules:

Renewable Energy Technologies I-Solar Thermal and electricity systems
Renewable Energy Technologies II-Wind, Tidal, Wave, Hydroelectricity
Renewable Energy Technologies III-Geothermal, Biomass, Hydrogen
Power Generation from Renewable Energy   
Renewable Energy Systems for the Built Environment
Energy Conversion Technologies
Environmental Legislation: Energy and Environmental Review and Audit
Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer
Dissertation

Teaching

Students are introduced to subject material, including key concepts, information and approaches, through a mixture of standard lectures and seminars, laboratory practical, field work, self-study and individual research reports. Supporting material isavailable online. The aim is to challenge students and inspire them to expand their own knowledge and understanding.

Preparation for work is achieved through the development of 'soft' skills such as communication, planning, management and team work. In addition, guest speakers from industries provide a valuable insight into the real world of renewable energy.

Many of the practical activities in which the students engage, develop into enjoyable experiences. For example, working in teams for laboratory and field work and site visits. We encourage students to develop personal responsibility and contribution throughout the course. Many elements of coursework involve, and reward, the use of initiative and imagination. Some of the projects may be linked with research in CEBER, CAPF and BIPS research centres.

1 Year Full-Time: The taught element of the course (September to April) is delivered by a combination of lectures, tutorials and group/seminar work. From May to September students undertake the dissertation.

3-5 Years Distance Learning: The programme is designed to enable you to conduct most of your studies at home, in your own time and at your own pace. Students are supplied with a study pack in the form of text books and CD-ROMs; cut-off dates for receipt of assignments are specified at the beginning of each stage. Examinations can be taken either at Brunel University London or in the country you are resident in. The dissertation is carried out in one year.

Modules are assessed either by formal examination, written assignments or a combination of the two.

Assessment

Each module is assessed either by formal examination, written assignments or a combination of the two. Cut-off dates for receipt of assignments are specified at the beginning of the academic year. Examinations are normally taken in May. The MSc dissertation project leading to submission of the MSc Dissertation is normally carried out over four months (FT students) or one year (DL students).

Special Features

Excellent facilities
We have extensive and well-equipped laboratories, particular areas of strength being in fluid and biofluid mechanics, IC engines, vibrations, building service engineering, and structural testing. Our computing facilities are diverse and are readily available to all students. The University is fully networked with both Sun workstations and PCs. Advanced software is available for finite and boundary element modelling of structures, finite volume modelling of flows, and for the simulation of varied control systems, flow machines, combustion engines, suspensions, built environment, and other systems of interest to the research groups.

About Mechanical Engineering at Brunel
Mechanical Engineering offers a number of MSc courses all accredited by professional institutes as appropriate additional academic study (further learning) for those seeking to become qualified to register as Chartered Engineers (CEng). Accrediting professional institutes vary by course and include the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Energy Institute (EI) and Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).

Teaching in the courses is underpinned by research activities in aerospace engineering, automotive/motorsport engineering, solid and fluid mechanics, and energy & environment. Staff generate numerous publications, conference presentations and patents, and have links with a wide range of institutions both within and outside the UK. The discipline benefits from research collaboration with numerous outside organisations including major oil companies, vehicle manufacturers, and other leading industrial firms and governmental laboratories. We have links with at least six teaching hospitals and work with universities in China, Poland, Egypt, Turkey, Denmark, Japan, Brazil, Germany, Belgium, Greece, Italy and the US.

Women in Engineering and Computing Programme

Brunel’s Women in Engineering and Computing mentoring scheme provides our female students with invaluable help and support from their industry mentors.

Accreditation

The requirement of UK-SPEC reinforces the need for a recent graduate with a Bachelor degree to take an appropriate postgraduate qualification in order to become a chartered engineer (currently, an accredited Bachelors degree does not enable the graduate to proceed to Chartered Engineer status without additional learning at M level).

This MSc program will be compliant with the further learning requirements of UK-SPEC. Accreditation will be sought from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE) and Energy Institute. As a result, it will appeal to recent graduates who have not yet obtained the appropriate qualifications but intend to become Chartered Engineers. Most importantly, it will appeal to Mechanical, Chemical and Building Services Engineering graduates who wish to specialise in energy, or suitably experienced graduates of related subjects such as Physics.

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Programme description

This fresh, new programme for 2017 is a collaboration between the School of GeoSciences and the School of Social and Political Sciences.

The world is facing an ‘energy trilemma’; how to achieve energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability. Whilst equipping students with an active understanding of low carbon technologies, policies and markets, this new MSc programme is focused squarely on analysing the social, societal and environmental dimensions of energy transitions. You will examine how citizens are involved in and are affected by changes in energy systems.

On a more theoretical level, the programme will enable you to relate supply-side issues to geo-politics and political economy, whilst energy demand will be studied in relation to broader challenges of sustainable consumption.

On a more practical level you will explore the potential of ‘smart’ ICT to affect consumption and inform strategic choices in sustainable living at household and community level. With Scotland being a world leader in renewable electricity generation (especially wind and marine), but also being economically dependent on declining North Sea oil and gas and suffering from high levels of energy poverty, this interdisciplinary MSc. benefits from close access to a high number of insightful case studies, which will serve to examine links between global and local issues, explore international best practices and identify locally suited pathways to more sustainable energy management.

Applicants receiving an offer of admission, either unconditional or conditional, will be asked to pay a tuition fee deposit of £1,500. Please see the fees and costs section for more information.

Programme structure

The programme has been designed to develop transdisciplinary perspectives on the energy trilemma and integrative analytical skills (qualitative and quantitative) which are in short supply in the energy sector. The full-time programme is divided into two semesters of taught courses, followed by a field trip at Easter before the dissertation period over the summer. We are happy to accommodate different working patterns for part-time students, including a half day a week schedule for three-year part time study.

The programme consists of four core modules (20 credits each, two core courses per semester), two optional modules (20 credits, one for each semester) and a 60 credit dissertation.

Compulsory courses*

Semester 1:

• Energy and Society I: Key themes and issues
• Energy in the Global South

Semester 2:

• Energy and Society II: Methods and applications
• Energy Policy and Politics

Students will also undertake one 20 credit course per semester. The University of Edinburgh offers an unrivalled selection of relevant optional courses for the MSc in Energy, Society and Sustainability. Bearing in mind your particular background and interests, the Programme Director will assist you in your choice from a large menu of optional courses related to six potential specialisation pathways; sustainable technologies and economics, politics, development, environmental sustainability, science and technology and public policy.

Optional courses may include*:

• Technologies for Sustainable Energy (10 credits) AND
• Energy and Environmental Economics (10 credits)
• Applications in Ecological Economics
• Global Environment: Key issues
• Global Environmental Politics
• Resource Politics and Development
• Governance, Development and Poverty in Africa
• Principles of Sustainable Development
• Human Dimensions of Environmental Sustainability
• Climate Change Management
• Case Studies in Sustainable Development
• Science, Knowledge and Expertise
• Development, Science and Technology
• Controversies in Science and Technology
• Economic Issues in Public Policy (Semester 1)
• Political Issues in Public Policy (Semester 2)

**Please note, courses are offered subject to timetabling and availability and are subject to change.

Learning outcomes

The programme aims for students to develop transdisciplinary skills in the assessment of the transition potential of energy systems towards greater sustainability, focussing especially on the human dimension of technological change and working and experimenting with energy users to co-produce knowledge about pathways to change.

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will have gained:

• Understanding of energy systems and the energy trilemma
• Understanding of social theories that underpin human attitudes and behaviour in relation to energy use
• Understanding the non-technical and more-than-technical aspects of energy transitions
• Understanding how energy-related decisions are linked to other societal challenges and socio-technical developments
• Understanding of energy literacy

Career opportunities

UK research councils cite a major skills gap in the energy sector, one of the biggest growth sectors within the UK economy in recent years. Demand has never been higher for sound evidence on behavioural change, public engagement with energy issues, and public support for community and commercial investments in low carbon energy generation. We train our graduates to translate complex science into effective policies and new business opportunities. We have strong links with government departments, energy relevant NGOs and key industry players who want to make use of these skills. Committed to helping you meet prospective employers and network with those active in the field, we organise careers events and encourage dissertations conducted in partnership with external organisations.

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Renewable energy production is increasing rapidly and there is a global shortage of trained engineers. With this master’s course you’ll have a highly relevant qualification that’s accredited by the Engineering Council via the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The course covers topics such as photovoltaic, wind, thermo-mechanical energy conversion systems, hybrid renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, building energy modelling and engineering optimisation.

The University has a well-established reputation for renewable and sustainable energy technologies.

You’ll benefit from excellent technical facilities including specialist workshops. We also have a laboratory that’s dedicated to power networks, wind energy, photovoltaics and battery testing for electric vehicles.

For more information about the January start for this course, please view the website: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/renewable-and-sustainable-energy-technologies-msc-ft-dtfrws6/

Learn From The Best

Our teaching team includes experts from Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Group. Their experience, combined with their on-going active research, will provide an excellent foundation for your learning.

The quality of their research has put Northumbria University among the UK’s top 25% of universities for the percentage of research outputs in engineering that are ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Our reputation for quality is reflected by the range and depth of our collaborations with industry partners. Our industrial links help inform our curriculums and ensure a variety of site visits and input from practitioners via guest lectures.

Teaching And Assessment

Our teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, and group projects. As this is a master’s course there is a significant element of independent learning and self-motivated reflection.

You’ll undertake a master’s project that will hone your skills in evaluating and applying research techniques and methodologies. The topic of the project will reflect your own unique interests.

Assessments are designed to give feedback as well as to monitor your level of achievement. The assessed projects will enable you to test your skills in ways that relate to current industrial practice. Specific assessment methods include assignments, exams, technical reports and presentations.

Module Overview
KB7003 - Building Energy and Environmental Modelling (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7030 - Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7040 - Sustainable Development for Engineering Practitioners (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7042 - Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7043 - Multidisciplinary Design & Engineering Optimisation (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7045 - Wind, Photovoltaic and Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7052 - Research Project (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

Northumbria University provides outstanding facilities for renewable and sustainable energy technologies. For example our New and Renewable Energy Laboratory is an excellent resource for research into power networks, wind energy, photovoltaics and battery testing for electric vehicles. All our facilities are backed up by a team of technicians who will give support and advice when you need it.

Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal and electronic reading lists that will guide your preparation for seminars and independent research. Our use of lecture capture software will help you revise challenging material.

To facilitate group projects there is a working space called The Hub that’s well equipped for meetings and working with IT. The Zone is another area that’s popular with students undertaking group work or individual study.

Research-Rich Learning

Northumbria’s strong research ethos is an essential aspect of how you will develop as a critical, reflective and independent thinker. With our problem-solving approach you’ll acquire a wide range of research and analytical skills as you progress through the course. These skills will come together in the master’s project that you’ll undertake, which will require independent research and appropriate techniques of inquiry, critical evaluation and synthesis.

Throughout the course your learning will be directly impacted by the teaching team’s active research. One of Northumbria’s signature research themes is ‘Future Engineering’, which is about innovation in the engineering industry so that it’s fit for purpose in the 21st century. We also have particular interests in smart materials and sustainable technologies.

Give Your Career An Edge

MSc Renewable and Sustainable Technologies has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Chartered status is associated with improved employability and higher salaries.

The course will equip you with the expertise to design, optimise, apply and evaluate renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Your master’s project will extend your practical experience of industry-standard hardware and software tools. At the same time you’ll develop transferable key skills and personal attributes that promote employability and lifelong learning.

When it comes to applying for jobs our Careers and Employment Service offers resources and support that will help you find roles matching your interests and skills. You will be able to access a range of workshops, one-to-one advice, and networking opportunities.

Your Future

By the end of this course you’ll be in an excellent position to start or continue a career in renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Renewable energy production could increase by up to 1,000% by 2050 compared to 2010, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, so there will be a pressing need for well-trained professionals.

You could also undertake a postgraduate research degree such as an MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorate. If you decide to start up your own business, it’s good to know that the combined turnover of our graduates’ start-up companies is higher than that of any other UK university.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have the transferable skills that employers expect from a master’s graduate from Northumbria University. These include the ability to tackle complex issues through conceptualisation and undertaking research, the ability to contribute to new processes and knowledge, and the ability to formulate balanced judgements when considering incomplete or ambiguous data.

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Created in the context of the rapid advancement of the renewable-energy industry, this Masters programme investigates both renewable energy and systems technologies.

It is designed to build your competence and confidence in the R&D and engineering tasks that are demanded of scientific engineers in the renewable and sustainable-development sector.

Programme structure

This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation.

Example module listing

The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.

• Optimisation and Decision-Making 
• Process Modelling and Simulation 
• Technology, Business & Research Seminars
• Renewable Energy Technologies 
• Refinery and Petrochemical Process 
• Solar Energy Technology 
• Advanced Process Control 
• Energy Economics and Technology 
• Process Systems Design 
• Biomass Processing Technology 
• Wind Energy Technology
• Process and Energy Integration 
• Knowledge-based Systems and Artificial Intelligence
• Supply Chain Management
• Introduction to Petroleum Production 
• Process Safety and Operation Integrity 
• Economics of International Oil & Gas
• Biological and Tissue Engineering
• Dissertation

Facilities, equipment and academic support

Modules related to the different groups are taught by a total of six full-time members of staff and a number of visiting lecturers.

As part of their learning experience, students have at their disposal a wide range of relevant software needed to support the programme material dissertation projects. In recent years, this work included the design of various knowledge-based and business systems on the internet, the application of optimisation algorithms, and semantic web applications.

Numerous laboratory facilities across the Faculty and the University are also available for those opting for technology-based projects, such as the process engineering facility, a control and robotics facility and signal processing labs.

The work related to the MSc dissertation can often be carried out in parallel with, and in support of, ongoing research. In the past, several graduates have carried on their MSc research to a PhD programme.

Career prospects

Engineers and scientists are increasingly expected to have skills in information systems engineering and decision-support systems alongside their main technical and/or scientific expertise.

Graduates of this programme will be well prepared to help technology-intensive organisations make important decisions in view of vast amounts of information by adopting, combining, implementing and executing the right technologies.

Educational aims of the programme

This programme investigates both renewable energy and systems technologies in order to produce scientific researchers and engineers who are competent in the R&D and engineering tasks applicable to the renewable energy and sustainable development sectors.

Its primary aims lie in developing a global understanding of the major types of renewable energy technologies, in-depth knowledge of the technology for biomass-based renewable energy, and knowledge and skills in systems modelling and optimisation.

A balanced curriculum will be provided with a core of renewable energy and systems engineering modules supplemented by a flexible element by way of elective modules that permit students to pursue an element of specialisation relevant to their backgrounds, interests and/or career aspirations.

An integrated approach is taken so as to provide a coherent view that explores the interrelationships between the various components of the programme.

Programme learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

The programme aims to develop the knowledge and understanding in both renewable energy and systems engineering. The key learning outcomes include:

• State-of- the-art knowledge in renewable energy technologies, in terms of: the sources, technologies, systems, performance, and applications of all the major types of renewable energy; approaches to the assessment of renewable energy technologies; the processes, equipment, products, and integration opportunities of biomass-based manufacturing
• State-of- the-art knowledge in process systems engineering methods, in the areas of: modelling and simulation of process systems; mathematical optimization and decision making; process systems design
• Advanced level of understanding in technical topics of preference, in one or more of the following aspects: process and energy integration, economics of the energy sector, sustainable development, supply chain management

Intellectual / cognitive skills

The programme aims to strengthen cognitive skills of the students, particularly in the aspects of problem definition, knowledge and information acquiring, synthesis, and creativity, as collectively demonstrable through the successful completion of the research dissertation. The key learning outcomes include the abilities to:

• Select, define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level
• Collect and digest knowledge and information selectively and independently to support a particular scientific or engineering enquiry
• Develop and apply relevant and sound methodologies for analysing the issue, developing solutions, recommendations and logical conclusions, and for evaluating the results of own or other’s work

Professional practical skills

The programme primarily aims to develop skills for applying appropriate methods to analyze, develop, and assess renewable technologies and systems. The key learning outcomes include the abilities to:

• Assess the available renewable energy systems
• Design and select appropriate collection and storage, and optimise and evaluate system design
• Apply generic systems engineering methods such as modelling, simulation, and optimization to facilitate the assessment and development of renewable energy technologies and systems

Key / transferable skills

The programme aims to strengthen a range of transferable skills which are relevant to the needs of existing and future professionals in knowledge intensive industries irrespective of their sector of operation. The key learning outcomes include the further development of the skills in the following areas:

• Preparation and delivery of communication and presentation
• Report and essay writing
• Use of general and professional computing tools
• Collaborative working with team members
• Organizing and planning of work
• Research into new areas, particularly in the aspect of literature review and skills acquisition

Global opportunities

We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.

In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.

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Renewable energy production is increasing rapidly and there is a global shortage of trained engineers. With this master’s course you’ll have a highly relevant qualification that’s accredited by the Engineering Council via the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The course covers topics such as photovoltaic, wind, thermo-mechanical energy conversion systems, hybrid renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, building energy modelling and engineering optimisation.

The University has a well-established reputation for renewable and sustainable energy technologies.

You’ll benefit from excellent technical facilities including specialist workshops. We also have a laboratory that’s dedicated to power networks, wind energy, photovoltaics and battery testing for electric vehicles.

In the second year, for one semester, you’ll undertake an internship, study in another country or join a research group. This valuable experience will enhance your employability and further develop your theoretical and practical skills.

Internship

This option offers the opportunity to spend three months working full-time in one of the many companies/industries with which we have close links. You may be able to extend this over more than one semester in cases where it is adjacent to a vacation period. We will endeavour to help those who prefer this option to find and secure a suitable position but ultimately we are in the hands of the employers who are free to decide who they take into their organisation.

Research

If you take this option, you will be assigned to our Engineering, Physics and Materials Research Group. There is every possibility that you may contribute to published research and therefore you may be named as part of the research team, which would be a great start to a research career.

Study Abroad

We have exchange agreements with universities all over the world, including partners in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania. If you take the Study Abroad option you will spend a semester at one of these partners, continuing your studies in English but in a new cultural and learning environment. Please note that this option may require you to obtain a visa for study in the other country.

Learn From The Best

Our teaching team includes experts from Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Group. Their experience, combined with their on-going active research, will provide an excellent foundation for your learning.

The quality of their research has put Northumbria University among the UK’s top 25% of universities for the percentage of research outputs in engineering that are ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Our reputation for quality is reflected by the range and depth of our collaborations with industry partners. Our industrial links help inform our curriculums and ensure a variety of site visits and input from practitioners via guest lectures.

Teaching And Assessment

Our teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, and group projects. As this is a master’s course there is a significant element of independent learning and self-motivated reflection.

You’ll undertake a master’s project that will hone your skills in evaluating and applying research techniques and methodologies. The topic of the project will reflect your own unique interests.

Assessments are designed to give feedback as well as to monitor your level of achievement. The assessed projects will enable you to test your skills in ways that relate to current industrial practice. Specific assessment methods include assignments, exams, technical reports and presentations.

The Advanced Practice semester will be assessed via a report and presentation about your internship, study abroad or research group activities.

Module Overview
Year One
KB7003 - Building Energy and Environmental Modelling (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7030 - Research Methods (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7040 - Sustainable Development for Engineering Practitioners (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7042 - Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7043 - Multidisciplinary Design & Engineering Optimisation (Core, 20 Credits)
KB7045 - Wind, Photovoltaic and Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (Core, 20 Credits)

Year Two
KB7052 - Research Project (Core, 60 Credits)
KF7005 - Engineering and Environment Advanced Practice (Core, 60 Credits)

Learning Environment

Northumbria University provides outstanding facilities for renewable and sustainable energy technologies. For example our New and Renewable Energy Laboratory is an excellent resource for research into power networks, wind energy, photovoltaics and battery testing for electric vehicles. All our facilities are backed up by a team of technicians who will give support and advice when you need it.

Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal and electronic reading lists that will guide your preparation for seminars and independent research. Our use of lecture capture software will help you revise challenging material.

To facilitate group projects there is a working space called The Hub that’s well equipped for meetings and working with IT. The Zone is another area that’s popular with students undertaking group work or individual study.

Research-Rich Learning

Northumbria’s strong research ethos is an essential aspect of how you will develop as a critical, reflective and independent thinker. With our problem-solving approach you’ll acquire a wide range of research and analytical skills as you progress through the course. These skills will come together in the master’s project that you’ll undertake, which will require independent research and appropriate techniques of inquiry, critical evaluation and synthesis.

Throughout the course your learning will be directly impacted by the teaching team’s active research. One of Northumbria’s signature research themes is ‘Future Engineering’, which is about innovation in the engineering industry so that it’s fit for purpose in the 21st century. We also have particular interests in smart materials and sustainable technologies.

Give Your Career An Edge

MSc Renewable and Sustainable Technologies has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Chartered status is associated with improved employability and higher salaries.

The course will equip you with the expertise to design, optimise, apply and evaluate renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Your master’s project will extend your practical experience of industry-standard hardware and software tools. At the same time you’ll develop transferable key skills and personal attributes that promote employability and lifelong learning.

The Advanced Practice semester will help you develop a track record of achievement that will help you stand out from other job applicants.

A two-year master’s course, like this one, will carry particular weight with employers. They’ll understand that you’ll have a deeper understanding of topics as well as more hands-on practical experience.

When it comes to applying for jobs our Careers and Employment Service offers resources and support that will help you find roles matching your interests and skills. You will be able to access a range of workshops, one-to-one advice, and networking opportunities.

Your Future

By the end of this course you’ll be in an excellent position to start or continue a career in renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Renewable energy production could increase by up to 1,000% by 2050 compared to 2010, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, so there will be a pressing need for well-trained professionals.

You could also undertake a postgraduate research degree such as an MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorate. If you decide to start up your own business, it’s good to know that the combined turnover of our graduates’ start-up companies is higher than that of any other UK university.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have the transferable skills that employers expect from a master’s graduate from Northumbria University. These include the ability to tackle complex issues through conceptualisation and undertaking research, the ability to contribute to new processes and knowledge, and the ability to formulate balanced judgements when considering incomplete or ambiguous data.

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Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).

The Master's course in Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy places strong emphasis on state-of-the-art semiconductor devices and technologies, advanced power electronics and drives, and advanced power systems. The Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy course also covers conventional and renewable energy generation technologies. Exciting new developments such as wide band gap electronics, energy harvesting, solar cells and biofuels are discussed and recent developments in power electronics are highlighted.

Key Features of MSc in Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy

The College of Engineering has an international reputation for electrical and electronics research for energy and advanced semiconductor materials and devices.

Greenhouse gas emission and, consequently, global warming are threatening the global economy and world as we know it. A non-rational use of electrical energy largely contributes to these.

Sustainable energy generation and utilisation is a vital industry in today’s energy thirsty world. Energy generation and conversion, in the most efficient way possible, is the key to reducing carbon emissions. It is an essential element of novel energy power generation system and future transportation systems. The core of an energy conversion system is the power electronics converter which in one hand ensures the maximum power capture from any energy source and on another hand controls the power quality delivered to grid. Therefore the converter parameters such as efficiency, reliability and costs are directly affecting the performance of an energy system.

Transmission and distribution systems will encounter many challenges in the near future. Decentralisation of generation and storage systems has emerged as a promising solution. Consequently, in the near future, a power grid will no longer be a mono-directional energy flow system but a bi-directional one, requiring a much more complex management.

The MSc in Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy is modular in structure. Students must obtain a total of 180 credits to qualify for the degree. This is made up of 120 credits in the taught element (Part One) and a project (Part Two) that is worth 60 credits and culminates in a written dissertation. Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy students must successfully complete Part One before being allowed to progress to Part Two.

Part-time Delivery mode

The part-time scheme is a version of the full-time equivalent MSc in Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy scheme, and as such it means lectures are spread right across each week and you may have lectures across every day. Due to this timetabling format, the College advises that the scheme is likely to suit individuals who are looking to combine this with other commitments (typically family/caring) and who are looking for a less than full-time study option.

Those candidates seeking to combine the part-time option with full-time work are unlikely to find the timetable suitable, unless their job is extremely flexible and local to the Bay Campus.

Modules

Modules on the MSc Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy course can vary each year but you could expect to study:

Advanced Power Electronics and Drives

Power Semiconductor Devices

Advanced Power Systems

Energy and Power Engineering Laboratory

Power Generation Systems

Modern Control Systems

Wide Band-Gap Electronics

Environmental Analysis and Legislation

Communication Skills for Research Engineers

Optimisation

Facilities

The new home of MSc in Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy is at the innovative Bay Campus provides some of the best university facilities in the UK, in an outstanding location.

Engineering at Swansea University has extensive IT facilities and provides extensive software licenses and packages to support teaching. In addition the University provides open access IT resources.

Our new WOLFSON Foundation funded Power Electronics and Power System (PEPS) laboratory well-appointed with the state-of the-art equipment supports student research projects.

Careers

Employment in growing renewable energy sector, power electronic and semiconductor sector, electric/hybrid vehicle industry.

The MSc Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy is for graduates who may want to extend their technical knowledge and for professional applicants be provided with fast-track career development. This MSc addresses the skills shortage within the power electronics for renewable energy sector.

Links with industry

BT, Siemens, Plessey, GE Lighting, Schlumberger, Cogsys, Morganite, Newbridge Networks, Alstom, City Technology, BNR Europe, Philips, SWALEC, DERA, BTG, X-Fab, ZETEX Diodes, IQE, IBM, TSMC, IR, Toyota, Hitachi.

As a student on the MSc Power Engineering and Sustainable Energy course, you will learn about numerical simulation techniques and have the opportunity to visit electronics industries with links to Swansea.

Research

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 ranks Engineering at Swansea as 10th in the UK for the combined score in research quality across the Engineering disciplines.

The REF assesses the quality of research in the UK Higher Education sector, assuring us of the standards we strive for.

World-Leading Research

The REF shows that 94% of research produced by our academic staff is of World-Leading (4*) or Internationally Excellent (3*) quality. This has increased from 73% in the 2008 RAE.

Research pioneered at the College of Engineering harnesses the expertise of academic staff within the department. This ground-breaking multidisciplinary research informs our world-class teaching with several of our staff leaders in their fields.

With recent academic appointments strengthening electronics research at the College, the Electronic Systems Design Centre (ESDC) has been re-launched to support these activities.

The Centre aims to represent all major electronics research within the College and to promote the Electrical and Electronics Engineering degree.

Best known for its research in ground-breaking Power IC technology, the key technology for more energy efficient electronics, the Centre is also a world leader in semiconductor device modelling, FEM and compact modelling.

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Whether you’re from an engineering, scientific or technical background, this programme will equip you with expertise in new and traditional energy technologies, renewable energy sources, solid waste recycling, air pollution, climate change and energy management systems.

You’ll gain an understanding of the environmental impacts of energy technology choices and the technical expertise to further develop them, preparing you to handle the complex challenges created by the growing energy demands, climate change and urban growth of the 21st century.

Core modules will build your knowledge of topics like atmospheric pollution controls, as well as a range of renewable technologies. You’ll also choose from optional modules that suit your interests and career plans such as combustion theory, energy management or fuel processing.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from the chance to study in cutting-edge facilities where our researchers are pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy engineering. We have a wide range of analytical facilities for advanced fuel characterisation, environmental monitoring and pollution control.

There are also pilot scale combustion systems, and wide range of experimental facilities researching the production of low carbon fuels and energy from waste and new materials such as biomass and algae. In our Energy Building, you’ll even find a full scale engine testing and transport emissions suite, and pilot scale wave power, fuel cell, gas turbine power station, wind and solar labs and rigs.

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council, which adheres to the requirements of further learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. 

Course content

Core modules will develop your understanding of key topics such as how air pollution and carbon emissions can be measured and controlled, as well as their impact on the surrounding environment. You’ll also focus on renewable technologies such as wind, solar and geothermal energy and hydroelectricity.

In addition, you’ll consider waste and biomass as renewable technologies and how energy can be recovered from landfill and waste incineration. You’ll also gain a broader understanding of the contexts in which these technologies are emerging, including related legal, environmental and financial issues.

With this foundation, you’ll specialise in areas that suit your interests and career ambitions when you choose from optional modules. You could focus on energy management and conservation, or how developments in engine technology are making transportation more fuel efficient, among other topics.

In the latter part of the year, you’ll focus on your research project. You’ll choose your topic – normally related to one of our world-class research institutes – and work closely with your supervisor to apply what you’ve learned to a real-life problem.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Energy and Environment module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

Compulsory modules

• Research Project (MSc) 60 credits
• Pollution Sampling and Analysis 15 credits
• Renewable Technologies 30 credits
• Atmospheric Pollution: Impacts and Controls 30 credits
• Advanced Renewable Technologies 15 credits

Optional modules

• Combustion Theory and Design 15 credits
• Energy Management and Conservation 15 credits
• Fuel Processing 15 credits
• Advanced Engines and Turbines 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Energy and Environment MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings. Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams. Optional modules may also use alternative assessment methods.

Projects

The research project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.

Recent research projects by students on this programme have included:

• Potential of marine biomass for production of chemicals and biofuels
• Influence of particle size on the analytical and chemical properties of Miscanthus energy crop
• Assessing the exposure of commuters to traffic generated particles:
• a comparison of transport options
• Location of solar farms under climate change
• Steam reforming of waste pyrolysis oils for sustainable hydrogen production

A proportion of research projects are formally linked to industry, and can include spending time at the collaborator’s site over the summer.

Career opportunities

The need for all businesses and industrial companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions will be a major driver of future development. Graduates with the skills offered by this course will be in high demand.

Typically, graduates are likely to go on to work in senior posts with high levels of responsibility in energy and environmental consultancies, energy specialists, architectural firms, environmental departments of local authorities, government agencies, major funding bodies, large industrial companies and emerging businesses in the renewable sector.

You’ll also be well prepared for PhD level study and a career in academic research.

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The Renewable Energy programme was created to allow BEng graduates to achieve the educational requirements to become a Chartered Engineer under the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC scheme. The course is currently accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute as suitable for further learning towards Chartered Status for engineering graduates. This accreditation has international acceptance under the Washington Accord. Please note that the programme is only suitable as further learning in conjunction with an accredited BEng programme.

Visit the website: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-renewable-energy-and-energy-management-pt-el

How to apply: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply#pg

Course detail

- Description -

The aim of the course is straightforward, in that it is designed to meet a need for engineers and energy professionals to deliver energy conscious and environmentally sustainable solutions for use by the public, industry, services and government.
It seeks to provide an opportunity for graduates and professionals to acquire knowledge of renewable energy and energy management, and to develop skills appropriate to its practice. To achieve this it seeks to increase capacity for understanding the theoretical concepts and socio-economic principles and techniques upon which renewable energy technologies and energy management strategies are founded. To this end, the course is designed to produce graduates who have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scientific, technological issues concerning energy systems.
The programme seeks to develop graduates who will have the knowledge, insight and skills to lead programmes of change, new design or retrofit solutions that require the deployment of either or both energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies.
The eight taught modules are designed to give students a broad expertise in the ever expanding range of Renewable Energy technologies combined with the more fundamental requirements demanded by Energy Management.
Graduates are expected to achieve skills in identifying, developing, analysing and critically appraising solutions and to apply those skills in a professional manner. The students who progress to the MSc from the PgD will also be expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research, combined with the management of an independent investigation in an area related to energy technology, with the aim of producing graduates with the capability to pursue a career in research and development through independence, self motivation and initiative.

Why Choose Ulster University ?

1. Over 92% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation.
2. We are a top UK university for providing courses with a period of work placement.
3. Our teaching and the learning experience we deliver are rated at the highest level by the Quality Assurance Agency.
4. We recruit international students from more than 100 different countries.
5. More than 4,000 students from over 50 countries have successfully completed eLearning courses at Ulster University.

Flexible payment

To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid back in monthly instalments while you learn. If you study for a one-year, full-time master’s, you can pay your fees up-front, in one lump sum, or in either five* or ten* equal monthly payments. If you study for a master’s on a part-time basis (e.g. over three years), you can pay each year’s fees up-front or in five or ten equal monthly payments each year. This flexibility allows you to spread the payment of your fees over each academic year. Find out more by visiting https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

Scholarships

A comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes are available to undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Scholarships recognise the many ways in which our students are outstanding in their subject. Individuals may be able to apply directly or may automatically be nominated for awards. Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships

English Language Tuition

CELT offers courses and consultations in English language and study skills to Ulster University students of all subjects, levels and nationalities. Students and researchers for whom English is an additional language can access free CELT support throughout the academic year: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/english-language-support

Read less

The Renewable Energy programme was created to allow BEng graduates to achieve the educational requirements to become a Chartered Engineer under the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC scheme. The course is currently accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Energy Institute as suitable for further learning towards Chartered Status for engineering graduates. This accreditation has international acceptance under the Washington Accord. Please note that the programme is only suitable as further learning in conjunction with an accredited BEng programme.

Visit the website: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/course/msc-renewable-energy-and-energy-management-pt-el

How to apply: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply#pg

Course detail

- Description -

The aim of the course is straightforward, in that it is designed to meet a need for engineers and energy professionals to deliver energy conscious and environmentally sustainable solutions for use by the public, industry, services and government.
It seeks to provide an opportunity for graduates and professionals to acquire knowledge of renewable energy and energy management, and to develop skills appropriate to its practice. To achieve this it seeks to increase capacity for understanding the theoretical concepts and socio-economic principles and techniques upon which renewable energy technologies and energy management strategies are founded. To this end, the course is designed to produce graduates who have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the scientific, technological issues concerning energy systems.
The programme seeks to develop graduates who will have the knowledge, insight and skills to lead programmes of change, new design or retrofit solutions that require the deployment of either or both energy efficiency measures and renewable energy technologies.
The eight taught modules are designed to give students a broad expertise in the ever expanding range of Renewable Energy technologies combined with the more fundamental requirements demanded by Energy Management.
Graduates are expected to achieve skills in identifying, developing, analysing and critically appraising solutions and to apply those skills in a professional manner. The students who progress to the MSc from the PgD will also be expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research, combined with the management of an independent investigation in an area related to energy technology, with the aim of producing graduates with the capability to pursue a career in research and development through independence, self motivation and initiative.

Why Choose Ulster University ?

1. Over 92% of our graduates are in work or further study six months after graduation.
2. We are a top UK university for providing courses with a period of work placement.
3. Our teaching and the learning experience we deliver are rated at the highest level by the Quality Assurance Agency.
4. We recruit international students from more than 100 different countries.
5. More than 4,000 students from over 50 countries have successfully completed eLearning courses at Ulster University.

Flexible payment

To help spread the cost of your studies, tuition fees can be paid back in monthly instalments while you learn. If you study for a one-year, full-time master’s, you can pay your fees up-front, in one lump sum, or in either five* or ten* equal monthly payments. If you study for a master’s on a part-time basis (e.g. over three years), you can pay each year’s fees up-front or in five or ten equal monthly payments each year. This flexibility allows you to spread the payment of your fees over each academic year. Find out more by visiting https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/postgraduate

Scholarships

A comprehensive range of financial scholarships, awards and prizes are available to undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Scholarships recognise the many ways in which our students are outstanding in their subject. Individuals may be able to apply directly or may automatically be nominated for awards. Visit the website: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-finance/scholarships

English Language Tuition

CELT offers courses and consultations in English language and study skills to Ulster University students of all subjects, levels and nationalities. Students and researchers for whom English is an additional language can access free CELT support throughout the academic year: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/international/english-language-support

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The Masters in Sustainable Energy is an interdisciplinary programme that will equip you for employment within the international energy sector. This programme addresses all the key aspects of sustainable energy, from the most advanced technologies through to ethical and economic considerations.

Why this programme

◾This programme provides an in-depth knowledge of the social and economic drivers of the current UK and international energy industry, and insights in the behavioural, business and technical aspects concerned with energy production and distribution.
◾Students will learn a range of technical knowledge in the science and engineering of energy production and use, with emphases towards chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, dependent on the students’ preferences and past experience.
◾Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Glasgow is consistently highly ranked recently achieving 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2017).
◾Students will graduate from this programme with a complete scientific knowledge and appreciation of the relevance of traditional and emerging energy technologies.
◾Learning will be underpinned with regular industrial lectures and commentary so that the context is maintained and highlighted throughout the year.

Programme structure

Modes of delivery of the MSc in Sustainable Energy include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in lab, project and team work.

You will take a combination of core and optional courses, and a project which you will select from a list of standard projects or you can suggest a project of your own choosing.

Core courses
◾Energy and environment
◾Energy conversion systems
◾Energy from waste
◾Integrated system design project
◾Renewable energy
◾MSc project.

Optional courses
◾Electrical energy systems
◾Environmental biotechnology
◾Environmental ethics and behavioural change
◾Impacts of climate change
◾Introduction to wind engineering
◾Nuclear power reactors
◾Power electronics
◾Project planning, appraisal and implementation
◾Theory and principles of sustainability.

Projects

-◾To complete the MSc degree you must undertake a project worth 60 credits, which will integrate subject knowledge and skills that you acquire during the MSc programme
◾The project is an important part of your MSc where you can apply your newly learned skills and show to future employers that you have been working on cutting edge projects relevant to the industry.
◾You can choose a topic from a list of MSc projects in Sustainable Energy. Alternatively, should you have your own idea for a project, department members are always open to discussion of topics.

Example projects

Examples of projects can be found online

*Posters shown are for illustrative purposes

Industry links and employability

◾You will be taught by academic staff with expertise from across a range of disciplines within the Colleges of Science & Engineering and Social Sciences. This interdisciplinary approach will provide you with high quality teaching of contemporary, industrially relevant courses which will together provide an excellent background in sustainable energy.
◾You will benefit from significant input from industry to our teaching programme, including teaching on some courses, guest lectures and seminars. There are also informal opportunities to meet people from industry at open events and visits to company offices. Projects may be carried out in conjunction with industry.
◾Many of the courses within the programme will be backed up by specific project work and much of this will be linked in to research activities across the University.

Career prospects

The degree is designed to develop future leaders and decision makers in the growing international energy business. Graduates may expect to forge careers in established energy generation and transmission companies (for instance in the UK, National Grid, Scottish and Southern Energy, etc.), energy consultancy businesses, traditional oil, gas and construction companies who are moving rapidly into renewables, or fresh new companies in the wind, marine, solar or biomass sectors. Scotland, in particular, has seen great expansion in sustainable energy businesses in the last decade, with some of the best worldwide potential for wind, wave and tidal generation.

Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as:
Research Assistant at a university
Geothermal Energy Engineer at Town Rock Energy
Hydropower Engineer at Renewables First
Research Analyst at Cognolink
Research and Development Consultant.

Accreditation

The MSc Sustainable Energy is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering. An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

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Gain the theoretical and practical skills to explore the growing field of renewable energy technologies.

Renewable energy technologies have become an important part of energy production. Strong initiatives and investments from the public and private sectors have made this a rapidly growing field and created further career opportunities in the sector.

This is one of the few courses offered at Masters level which not only encompasses renewable energy technologies but also complements with the essential related elements of renewable energy finance and environmental law.

These elements touch on financial analytical tools, project structuring, finance and management in renewable energy, while the law element will consider legal framework impacting upon renewable energy provision.

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Renewable-Energy-Postgraduate-FullTime

What you'll learn

The course will extend your skills into various renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass, wave etc.

Study renewable energy capture, energy storage, energy audit and life-cycle analysis, as well as learning the concept of the system, design, development and applications.

The course is accredited by the Energy Institute, UK. Combined with a suitable accredited undergraduate degree, the MSc degree would then satisfy the academic requirements of the UK Engineering Council for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Modules

• Sustainable energy technologies
• Solar energy: technology, modelling and analysis
• Renewable energy finance and environmental law
• Research skills and project management
• Distributed generation systems
• MSc Project module

Module choice of
• Control engineering
• Energy materials
• Mechatronic systems
• Sustainable urban property development

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Career opportunities

• Consultancies
• Renewable energy industries
• Renewable energy technology/design
• Building services
• Research & development

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

SAAS Funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

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This programme is appropriate for you if are seeking to develop the skills and confidence to address the critical global challenges of energy and diminishing natural resources. Clean energy, optimal use of resources and the economics of climate change are the key issues facing society, and form the fundamental themes of this programme.

Course details

You explore the world’s dependency on hydrocarbon-based resources, together with strategies and technologies to decarbonise national economies. The course examines global best practice, government policies, industrial symbiosis and emerging risk management techniques. You also address the environmental, economic and sociological (risk and acceptability) impacts of renewable energy provision and waste exploitation as central elements.

The programme develops the problem-solvers and innovators needed to face the enormous challenges of the 21st century - those who can play key roles in driving energy and environmental policies, and in formulating forward-looking strategies on energy use and environmental sustainability at corporate, national and global scales.

What you study

For the PgDip award you must successfully complete 120 credits of taught modules. For an MSc award you must successfully complete the 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit master's research project.

Energy, environment, risk managing projects, sustainability and integrated waste management are the main foci of the programme, but you also explore the financial aspects of energy and environmental management. Economics is integral to the development of policies and is often a key influencing factor.

This programme aims to develop a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the role and place of energy in the 21st century and the way the environment impinges on the types of energy used and production methods. It also aims to investigate the environment as it is perceived, and contextualise its actual importance to mankind. Specific objectives for this course are to establish the financial validity for the pursuit of alternative energy forms and management of the environment.

You are encouraged to take up opportunities of voluntary placements with local industries to conduct real-world research projects. These placements are assessed in line with the assessment criteria and learning outcomes of the Project module.

Examples of past MSc research projects:
-The taxonomy of facilitated industrial symbioses
-Assessment of the climate change impacts of the Tees Valley
-Exploring the links between carbon disclosure and carbon performance
-Hydrothermal carbonisation of waste biomass
-Quantifying the impact of biochar on soil microbial ecology
-Potential for biochar utilisation in developing rural economies
-Carbon trading opportunities for renewable energy projects in developing countries
-Exploring the potential for wind energy in Libya
-Demand and supply potential of solar panel installations
-A feasibility study of the application of zero-carbon retrofit technologies in building communal areas
-Energy recovery from abandoned oil wells through geothermal processes

Core modules
-Concepts of Sustainability
-Economics of Climate Change
-Energy and Global Climate Change
-Global Energy Policy
-Integrated Waste Management and Exploitation
-Project
-Research Methods and Proposal

Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

The course provides a number of contact teaching and assessment hours (through lectures, tutorials, projects, assignments), but you are also expected to spend time on your own, called 'self-study' time, to review lecture notes, prepare course work assignments, work on projects and revise for assessments. For example, each 20-credit module typically has around 200 hours of learning time.

In most cases, around 60 hours are spent in lectures, tutorials and in practical exercises. The remaining learning time is for you to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Each year of full-time study consists of modules totalling 180 credits; hence, during one year of full-time study a student can expect to have 1,800 hours of learning and assessment.

Modules are assessed by a variety of methods including examination and in-course assessment with some utilising other approaches such as group-work or verbal/poster presentations.

Employability

There may be short-term placement opportunities for some students, particularly during the project phase of the course. This University is also in the process of seeking accreditation for the Waste Management module from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.

Successful graduates from this course are well placed to find employment. As an energy and environmental manager, you might find yourself in a role responsible for overseeing the energy and environmental performance of private, public and voluntary sector organisations, as well as in a wide range of engineering industries.

Energy and environmental managers examine corporate activities to establish where improvements can be made and ensure compliance with environmental legislation across the organisation. You might be responsible for reviewing the whole operation, carrying out energy and environmental audits and assessments, identifying and resolving energy and environmental problems and acting as agents of change. Your role could include the training of the workforce to develop the ability to recognise their own contributions to improved energy and environmental performance.

Your role may also include the development, implementation and monitoring of energy and environmental strategies, policies and programmes that promote sustainable development at corporate, national or global levels.

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