The global challenges of climate and energy require new technologies for renewable energy sources, methods of energy storage, efficient energy use, new lightweight vehicular structures, techniques for carbon capture and storage and climate engineering. This is a broad-based MSc, designed for graduates who wish to acquire skills in energy and materials science in order to participate in the emerging challenges to meet climate change targets.
Degree information
Students gain an advanced knowledge of materials science as it applies to energy and environmental technologies and research skills including information and literature retrieval, critical interpretation and analysis, and effective communication. They can benefit from modules in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering or mechanical engineering, thus offering future employers a wide-ranging skills base. Graduates will be well qualified to deal with the problems of energy decision-making and the implications for the environment.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (15 credits each) and a research project (60 credits). An exit-level only Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is available. An exit-level only Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits) is available.
Core modules - students take all of the following, totalling 90 credits, and a 60 credit research dissertation.
-Advanced Topics in Energy Science and Materials
-Microstructural Control in Materials Science
-Energy Systems and Sustainability
-Transferable Skills for Scientists
-Research Project Literature Review
Optional modules - students take 30 credits drawn from the following:
-Climate and Energy
-Materials and Nanomaterials
-Electrical Power Systems and Alternative Power Systems
-Atom and Photon Physics
-Solid State Physics
-Mastering Entrepreneurship
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 10,000 words, an oral presentation and a viva voce examination (60 credits).
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes and research supervision. Assessment is through unseen written examination and coursework. The literature project is assessed by written dissertation and oral presentation, and the research project is assessed by a written report, an oral presentation and a viva voce examination.
Careers
The UK has committed to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions on a 1990 baseline by 2050. CERES, the organisation that represents the largest institutional investors would like to see 90% reduction by 2050. National Systems of Innovation (NSI), which includes the universities, research centres and government departments working in conjunction with industry, will need to apprehend new opportunities and change direction, diverting personnel to energy and climate issues in response to changing markets and legislation. This MSc will contribute to the supply of personnel needed for the era of sustainability.
Top career destinations for this degree:
-Process Innovation Executive, Samsung Electronics UK
-Chemical Engineer, Jing Eong Fang
-Research Intern, CECP
-PhD Nanomaterials, University of Oxford
-PhD Sugar Chemistry, Monash University
Why study this degree at UCL?
This programme is designed for graduates from a wide range of science and engineering backgrounds who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills into materials science with an emphasis on the energy and climate change issues that will drive markets over the next century. It delivers courses from five departments across three faculties depending on options and includes a self-managed research project which is intended to introduce the challenges of original scientific research in a supportive environment.
Research activities span the whole spectrum of energy-related research from the development of batteries and fuel cells to the prediction of the structure of new water-splitting catalytic materials.
Students develop experience in scientific method, techniques for reporting science and in the many generic skills required for a future career.
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