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 sound technical foundation across the key renewable energy technologies within a context of energy, production, storage and use together with economics and policy aspects.

• 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, October 2019.
• 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 related non-technical 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.

T10 Learn, reflect and evaluate effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments.

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.

All optional module choice is subject to availability, timetabling, student number restrictions and students having taken appropriate pre-requisite modules.

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.

In addition:

• To meet PSRB requirements students must achieve a minimum of 150 credits with the remaining modules achieving a mark no lower than 40%.
• To be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate, candidates must have accumulated at least 60 credits excluding the Project (WSP502).

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