Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 222222
Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MSc Renewable Energy Systems Technology (Distance Learning)

Academic Year: 2014/15

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering - pre-2016
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

IET, IMechE, Energy Institute

In order to qualify for the professional institutes’ examination exemptions offered to graduates from this degree, candidates must achieve minimum module marks stipulated by these bodies which, in some cases, exceed the minimum marks required for progression and degree award.  Up to date information may be obtained from the relevant professional bodies.

Final award MSc/ PGDip / PGCert
Programme title Renewable Energy Systems Technology
Programme code ELPT20
Length of programme The programme is available on a part-time distance learning basis. The Master’s project must be completed within a maximum period of two calendar years following the completion of the taught modules. The maximum period of study is 8 years. If two consecutive years of academic inactivity occur the Department will normally deem the student to have abandoned their studies and will request that their registration on the programme be terminated. Distance learning students may attend local modules at the discretion of the Programme Director, however, they are always registered on the distance learning modules. Local taught modules are delivered at Loughborough in one or two week blocks. Students may not undertake modules that have the same title but are delivered using different techniques.
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/departments/eleceng/renewableenergysystemstechnology/

All students register on the MSc programme, the PGDip and PGCert are only available as exit awards.

Date at which the programme specification was published Sun, 28 Sep 2014 09:58:15 BST

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Renewable Energy Systems Technology aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the viable renewable energy technologies, with special reference to the generation of electricity in developed and developing countries.

The programme:

  • Provides a firm technical background in the key renewable energy fields and creates a context for energy production and use.
  • Enables students to specialise in a particular technology or implementation aspect.
  • Enables students to undertake a project related to the 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, 2011.

IET Handbook of Learning Outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes, October 2009.

The UK Quality Code for Higher Education. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012.

The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, August 2008.

Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, November 2010.

Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2010.

Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Section 7: Programme design, approval, monitoring and review, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2006.

The Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (NICATS); Principles and Guidelines, 2002.

Proposals for national arrangements for the use of academic credit in higher education in England; Final report of the Burgess Group, December 2006.

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 principles of a range of renewable energy systems for optimal energy conversion
  • The characteristics of the various types of technologies and the associated processes of manufacturing such systems
  • Codes of practice and regulatory frameworks relevant to renewable energy systems
  • The socio-economic effects of the introduction and use of the relevant technologies

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

  • Statistically assess renewable energy resources at a specified location given appropriate data
  • Make general performance predictions about various renewable energy system output
  • Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources
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
  • Manage a project and apply appropriate processes
  • 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 technology
  • Manage time and resources
  • Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level
  • Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

4.1 Content 

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester (where appropriate)

 

ELP631*

Sustainability and Energy Systems

15

1

c

ELP633*

Solar Power 1

15

1

c

ELP634*

Wind Power 1

15

1

c

ELP635*

Water Power

15

1

c

ELP636*

Biomass 1

15

1

c

ELP632*

Integration of Renewables

15

2

ELP638*

Energy Storage

10

2

o

ELP639*

Solar Thermal Systems

10

2

o

ELP640*

Advanced Photovoltaics

10

2

o

ELP641*

Wind Power 2

10

2

o

ELP644*

Energy System Investment and Risk Management

10

2

o

ELP645*

Project

60

1+2

c

Modules marked 'c' are compulsory.

* Three modules to be chosen from the 5 (10 credit) modules list. Pre-requisites apply.


Guidelines on full/partial DL provision are available on the intranet at:

https://internal.lboro.ac.uk/admin/registry/uniwide (Distance Learning flow chart)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

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

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

Related links

Prospective students

Image of a University homepage screengrab

Information on studying at Loughborough University, including course information, facilities, and student experience.

Find out more »

How to print a programme specification:

1. Select programme specification
2. Save specification as a PDF
3. Print PDF