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 considerations), with reference to the generation and storage of electricity and heat in a global context, and in light of energy transmission, distribution and demand considerations.

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 their implementation.

• Gives students the opportunity to undertake a project related to a technical specialisation at the university, a research laboratory or in industry, 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:

K1 The scientific and 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

K2 The specific characteristics of various types of technologies applied in specific contexts, and associated aspects such as manufacturing or project development.

K3 Codes of practice and regulatory frameworks relevant to renewable energy systems

K4 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:

C1 Investigate new and emerging renewable energy and related technologies using fundamental knowledge.

C2 Integrate, synthesise and evaluate information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources related to renewable energy and relevant technologies and systems in problem-solving contexts

C3 Predict technical, financial  and  environmental outcomes and system impacts for a range of renewable energy technologies.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

P1 Design a range of renewable energy systems for optimal energy conversion at a given location and for particular applications#

P2 Analyse economic and planning aspects of renewable energy systems as well as technological considerations

P3 Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing engineering problems relevant to renewable energy systems

P4 Search for synthesise and evaluate information, ideas and data from a variety of sources for subsequent application in a practical context

P5 Develop and deliver an individual research project and apply appropriate project management approaches

P6 Produce evidence-based technical reports which effectively communicate and interpret the results of the student’s or others’ work.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

T1 Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms

T2 Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems

T3 Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems

T4 Apply selected engineering approaches to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations

T5 Be creative and innovative in problem solving

T6 Work effectively as part of a team

T7 Use a wide range of information and communications technologies in problem solving contexts

T8 Manage time and resources effectively throughout the programme of study

T9 Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level with both technical and non-technical audiences

4. Programme structure

Content

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

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (75 credits) 

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (15 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select modules totalling 30 credits) 

Project (60 credits) 

To progress onto the project, students are normally required to have completed 120 credits of taught modules.

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.

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