MSc Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

A minimum 2.1 honours degree or an overseas equivalent in an engineering, science or related subject. Practitioners with suitable qualifications and relevant experience in engineering, science or technology are also welcome to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS minimum overall: 6.5

IELTS minimum by component: 6.0

All fees are subject to increase or review for subsequent academic years. Please note that not all visa routes permit part-time study and overseas students entering the UK on a Tier 4 visa will not be permitted to study on a part-time basis.

Compulsory Modules

Biomass Processing Technology

This module provides an in-depth understanding of the processes and technologies for sustainable use of biomass in producing energy and chemical products. You will acquire knowledge of first- and second-generation biofuel production processes, understand the concept of bio-refineries and examine the integration of biomass-based production and conventional oil refining.

Wind Energy Technology

This module aims to provide the students with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical, technological and economic aspects of wind energy systems. Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to identify, assess and select the types of wind turbines, estimate the power output of specific wind energy devices and systems, assess the structural suitability of wind towers and evaluate the key aspects of on-shore (urban) and off-shore wind energy systems.

Process Modelling and Simulation

This module provides a systematic introduction to the concepts and tools for mathematical modelling and simulation of chemical, thermochemical and biochemical process systems. Specifically, you will acquire knowledge of types of modelling tools and gain experience in applying the standard simulation tools commonly employed in industrial workplaces.

Process Systems Design

This module develops your understanding of how to systematically synthesise and design process systems. It will cover process synthesis and integration technologies that reduce the costs and environmental impact of chemical plants, with a particular focus on reaction and separation.

Optimisation and Decision-Making

This module aims to develop an understanding of the technology available for optimising process systems, business models and operations. You will be provided with state-of-the-art versions of modelling and optimisation approaches in order to understand both the potential and the limitations of available techniques.

Technology, Business and Research Seminars

This module aims to provide an introduction to the general principles associated with planning, undertaking and reporting research in engineering or physical sciences. At the same time, a series of seminars will be delivered by academics and industrial experts from diverse hi-tech industries and business (including particularly renewable technology and related sectors) which will present students with valuable insights into today’s challenges faced by technology-intensive industries.

Dissertation

This project provides an opportunity for you to pursue a single topic in depth and to demonstrate evidence of research potential for the master’s award. You are encouraged to either research a new concept or apply existing technology in a new field. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry. Through this module, you will be able to approach an open-ended topic to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies.

Optional Modules

• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Solar Energy Technology
• Supply Chain Management
• Process and Energy Integration
• Energy Economics and Technology
• Economics of International Oil and Gas
• Sustainable Development
• Knowledge-based Systems and Artificial Intelligence
• Transitions to a Low-Carbon Energy Economy
• Introduction to Petroleum Production
• Process Safety and Operations Integrity
• Refinery and Petrochemical Processing

Programme Structure

We offer a set of optional modules that will allow you to tailor the programme to suit your individual needs, whilst the compulsory modules provide the fundamental knowledge and skills needed in industry today.

Graduate students will find the programme of substantial benefit in developing the knowledge and skills acquired in their undergraduate programme. For practising process engineers with professional business experience, the programme is an opportunity to update their knowledge of current design practice and also to familiarise themselves with developments in codes and methods of analysis.

Successful completion of four modules is required to gain a Postgraduate Certificate and eight modules for a Postgraduate Diploma. To be awarded the MSc, you will need to take eight modules and successfully complete a dissertation.

Each module is worth 15 credits. The majority of modules are provided by University academic staff. In addition, the Technology, Business and Research Seminars module is coordinated and supervised by University academic staff but delivered by experts from industry, research institutions and business organisations. The majority of modules run for ten weeks and comprise approximately 30 hours of class time (three hours per week) and 120 hours of self-study and assignments.

There is a wide selection of modules on offer within the programme, covering the most relevant areas in the sector of business and technology in the process industry. At the end of the programme, you will have an opportunity to pursue a single topic in depth and to demonstrate evidence of research potential through the project dissertation. Academic support in the form of consultations is constantly available to enable further knowledge and skill comprehension.