Nanotechnology and Renewable Energy MSc – 2022 entry
Key information
Start date: October 2022
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 5 years
Why choose this course
Could the design of novel nanomaterials based on atoms and molecules hold the secret to saving our planet from predicted climate catastrophe? Will solar energy provide the long-term alternative to fossil fuels? And how will we successfully harvest this energy?
Our MSc allows you to discover the practical implementation of nanoscience, quantum engineering, nanomaterials and nanotechnology for renewable energy generation and storage.
You’ll be taught by world-leading experts at the University’s Advanced Technology Institute, and gain specialised skills through an individual research project within our research groups, using the latest advanced equipment and facilities.
What you will study
Our MSc explores the practical implementation of nanoscience and nanomaterials for clean and green energy applications.
You’ll begin by learning the fundamentals behind nanotechnology, before discussing its implementation using nanomaterials – such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, 2D materials and perovskite solar cells.
You'll discover how advanced nanotechnology tools are used to allow us to see things at a nanoscale, while learning about future trends and applications for energy generation and storage. Topics here include sustainable energy generation from solar, thermo electrics, piezo electrics, tribo electrics and hydrogen fuels cells, and storage with supercapacitors and batteries.
Completion of the course will provide you with the essential skills needed to advance your career in the rapidly developing renewable energy field. You can take part in the clean energy revolution taking place today, where the decarbonising of energy is the number one priority all around the world.
Related courses
Research
Our Advanced Technology Institute has more than 20 years of research experience in nanomaterials. Our expertise within the areas of electronics and photonics has contributed to multi-billion-dollar industries.
You’ll not only learn from academics in this research institute. You’ll also have the opportunity to carry out exciting research in high-quality fabrication facilities.
Professional recognition
MSc - Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Careers and graduate prospects
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University. Our graduates have lifetime access to Surrey Pathfinder, our online portal for appointment and events bookings, jobs, placements and interactive development tools.
This course is specifically designed to equip you for work in the energy industry, most notably in the rapidly expanding area of solar energy and storage. It will also provide you with the opportunity to pursue further research through a PhD.
Schools and departments
Academic year structure
If you’re studying this course full-time, you’ll take eight modules across the year – four in each semester. During the first semester, you’ll also apply for and agree on a project with an academic supervisor and begin initial work on the project, before working on it full-time after the end of the second semester. From that point, you’ll have approximately two and a half months to complete the work and write up your dissertation.
You can also study this MSc part-time, taking between two and five years. The length depends on how many modules you study each year. You can study between two and six modules each year. We recommend part-time students work on their project in their final year of study when all eight modules have either been completed or are near completion.
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
Important: In light of the Covid-19 pandemic the University has revised its courses to incorporate the ‘Hybrid Learning Experience’ in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information. The University has changed the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes. Further information on the general principles of hybrid learning can be found at: Hybrid learning experience | University of Surrey.
We have updated key module information regarding the pattern of assessment and overall student workload to inform student module choices. We are currently working on bringing remaining published information up to date to reflect current practice in time for the start of the academic year 2022/23 This means that some information within the programme and module catalogue will be subject to change. Current students are invited to contact their Programme Leader or Academic Hive with any questions relating to the information available.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules can be either 15, 30, 45, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Optional modules for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
One optional module in Semester 1
Two optional modules in Semester 2
Only one level 6 optional module can be selected
Optional modules for Unstructured (3-5 years) - FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
One optional module in Semester 1
Two optional modules in Semester 2
Only one level 6 optional module can be selected
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday–Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. Part-time classes are normally scheduled on one or two days per week, details of which can be obtained from the Academic Hive. View our Timetabling Policy (PDF).
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Entry requirements
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree in either Advanced Materials, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, Nano Sciences, Physical Chemistry or Physics, or a recognised equivalent international qualification. We’ll also consider relevant work experience if you don’t meet these requirements.
International entry requirements by country
Do I meet the requirements for this course?
We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit transfer
The University of Surrey recognises that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. If this applies to you, a process called recognition of prior learning (RPL) may allow you to enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience, or to join the start of a course without the formal entry requirements. This means that you may be exempt from certain elements of study in the course for which you have applied and be awarded credit based on your previous qualifications/experience. There are restrictions on RPL for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims.
Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. Please email Admissions with any queries.
Fees
Start date: October 2022
Full-time - 1 year
UK £10,900
Overseas £23,100
Part-time - 5 years
UK £1,200*
Overseas £2,500*
Please note:
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2022-23 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
- If you are on an unstructured self-paced part-time course, the fee shown is per 15 credits for the 2022-23 academic year. The fee payable in subsequent years will be reviewed annually.
Additional costs
There are associated costs with this course:
- Books/stationery/admin: Costs may be incurred associated with the purchase of writing paper.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to making sure that we offer support for students who might need it.
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Admission information
Our postgraduate admissions policy* provides the basis for admissions practice across the University and gives a framework for how we encourage, consider applications and admit students. You can also read our postgraduate applicant guidance.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View an example of our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Further, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2022/23. These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2022/23. Detailed information on all changes is available at our dedicated course changes webpage. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional information relating to specific programmes.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH