Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Renewable Energy Systems Technology aims to develop a thorough understanding  of renewable energy (including technological, social, policy and economic consideration), with reference to the generation and storage of electricity and heat in a global context.

The programme:

• Provides a deep technical foundation across the key renewable energy technologies and related fields, and creates a context for energy and production, storage and use.

• Enables students to specialise in particular applied technologies and implementation aspects.

• Gives students the opportunity to undertake a project related to a specialisation in industry, a research laboratory or at the university and during which the student can gain practical or research experience.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
• UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 2013
• Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, February 2015
• Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2015.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The technological principles of a range of renewable energy systems used for electrical and thermal energy conversion, together with energy system integration and energy storage aspects
• The specific characteristics of various types of technologies and associated aspects of topics such as manufacturing or project development.
• Codes of practice and regulatory frameworks relevant to renewable energy systems
• The social and economic relevance of specific technologies, and their impacts in a range of contexts.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Analyse renewable energy resources at a specified location given appropriate data
• Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources related to renewable energy and related technologies and systems
• Predict energy yields, financial  and  environmental outcomes and system impacts for a range of renewable energy technologies using advanced modelling and simulation techniques

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Design a range of renewable energy systems for optimal energy conversion at a given location and for particular applications
• Analyse economic and planning aspects of renewable energy systems as well as technological considerations
• Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing engineering problems relevant to renewable energy systems
• Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources for subsequent synthesis
• Manage an individual research project and apply appropriate project management approaches
• Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms
• Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems
• Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems
• Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations
• Be creative and innovative in problem solving
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Use a wide range of information and communications technologies in problem solving contexts
• Manage time and resources effectively throughout the programme of study 
• Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

4.1 Content

The following table lists the modules that comprise the programme. Students on the Renewable Energy Systems Technology programme should select 3 optional modules indicated in Semester 2.

Key: Compulsory = (C) Optional = (O)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to undergo reassessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification