This is a practical, industry-focused programme. It covers the technical principles and methods behind renewable energy production and distribution. It also covers economic, social and policy aspects involved in creating a low carbon energy future.
The MSc programme is structured into modules comprising of 4 week blocks. You will generally engage in all learning and teaching on campus during one full week (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm) during the block. Afterward, full time students will submit all assessments by the end of the block. Part time students will have slightly longer to complete assessments.
For more information about part-time study patterns, please contact the School/Department.
Compulsory modules
Renewable Energy Technologies in Society (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop a critical understanding of the broad social, economic, and environmental contexts in which renewable energy technologies are deployed. The module examines global, regional, and UK perspectives, considering socio-economic factors, policy and regulatory frameworks, and sustainability issues. These will be explored through the lens of energy systems in transition, addressing the interconnected challenges of economic viability, the climate emergency, and energy justice and security.
Solar Photovoltaics (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to enable students to have a comprehensive understanding of solar photovoltaic technologies. This will include introducing the facts governing the nature, availability and characteristics of the solar resource as well as the underlying fundamental scientific concepts of photovoltaic device operation, and how performance of photovoltaic devices changes under varying ambient conditions. Different photovoltaic conversion technologies will be critically examined in terms of their design, efficiency and costs.
Practical considerations for scaling from small area cells to full sized modules shall be introduced including the design, implementation, and performance assessment of full systems. Techniques for characterisation and performance modelling will equip students with the skills to assess and optimise full scale systems. The module will be useful for those going into technologist, designer or consultant roles in the field of PV or general renewable energies.
Wind Power (15 credits)
The aims of this module are to enable students to contribute to the development and deployment of wind power, both onshore and offshore
Water Power (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to equip students with the understanding and skills to assess the available energy resource and suitability of different turbine technologies for inland water power systems and for marine wave and tidal schemes.
Core Professional Skills for Research and Employability (15 credits)
This module aims to develop the study, employability and research skills to meet the complex learning and professional requirements of postgraduate study. The module which is delivered through a blended approach brings together three discrete elements of study, employability and research skills. Learning content will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching provision.
Key aims include:
- To deliver a series of high quality, interactive study skills and blended learning activities to provide students with a broad foundation to support their development within their chosen field.
- To provide a series of skills to support students within their employability profiles.
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills for engineering and business, including data gathering and analysis skills and ethical awareness.
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills for engineering and business, including skills synthesise complex scientific data to engineering and non-engineering audiences
MSc Individual Project (60 credits)
The aims of this module are:
- To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
- To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
- To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.
Compulsory modules
Bioenergy (15 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop students' critical, informed knowledge of a broad range of biomass energy technologies including combustion and anaerobic digestion.
Energy Storage (15 credits)
The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the fundamentals of energy storage including hydrogen, thermal and electrochemical technologies and the integration of energy storage technologies into low carbon power systems.
Integration of Renewables (15 credits)
This module aims to o enable students to contribute to the solution of technical challenges associated with the integration of renewable energy systems into existing electrical power systems.
Core Professional Skills for Research and Employability (15 credits)
This module aims to develop the study, employability and research skills to meet the complex learning and professional requirements of postgraduate study. The module which is delivered through a blended approach brings together three discrete elements of study, employability and research skills. Learning content will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous teaching provision.
Key aims include:
- To deliver a series of high quality, interactive study skills and blended learning activities to provide students with a broad foundation to support their development within their chosen field.
- To provide a series of skills to support students within their employability profiles.
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills for engineering and business, including data gathering and analysis skills and ethical awareness.
- To provide students with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills for engineering and business, including skills synthesise complex scientific data to engineering and non-engineering audiences
MSc Individual Project (60 credits)
The aims of this module are:
- To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
- To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
- To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.
Compulsory modules
MSc Individual Project (60 credits)
The aims of this module are:
- To give students an opportunity to conduct a research and/or development project on a topic of relevance to their specific programme of study.
- To provide students with the key skills and experience needed to plan, manage and deliver a complex extended project.
- To prepare students for future employment and professional practice in a relevant engineering sector at an advanced technical or managerial level.