- Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice
MSc — 2025 entry Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice
Our Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice MSc degree explores sustainable and renewable energy systems and their applications. It will equip you with a deep understanding of the social, economic, regulatory, and environmental aspects influencing sustainable energy practices. This course also enables you to undertake a postgraduate placement year.
Why choose
this course?
Our cross-disciplinary MSc programme in Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice provides you with broad-ranging training and the fundamentals for understanding sustainable and renewable energy systems and applications, as well as the social, economic, regulatory and environmental factors that govern sustainable energy. It will enable you to gain the skills needed to become a specialist in this crucial and rapidly expanding industry.
Study on this interdisciplinary course and you will learn the key concepts of sustainability and renewables with a range of theoretical and practical modules taught by world-leading academics who are experts in their fields and have access to a wide range of exceptional facilities and resources.
You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate placement year. The Faculty has fantastic links with a range of industrial partners, including Fluor, ExxonMobil, the BAE System, Cres Power, and NPL.
What you will study
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the sector, enabling you to gain an excellent broad overview of energy sustainability and renewables whilst also giving you opportunities to specialise in particular aspects such as wind, solar, sustainable energy storage, and smart energy and the AI applications.
You'll begin by exploring the core principles in sustainable/net-zero energy systems and applications.
Project and laboratory components will then enable you to gain practical, technical and transferable skills. Elements of leadership and change management will also be embedded throughout group project work.
You will actively engage in the research aspects of the programme as part of your dissertation projects. For this, you'll be integrated into one of our research teams, based on the choice of topic you're interested in within a range of energy-systems-related projects and closely supervised by one of our expert research staff. The research projects will be conducted across highly relevant and multidisciplinary themes within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, with some contributions from the other institutes, research centres, and faculties at Surrey.
Completion of this programme will provide you with specialist skills and an enviable understanding of the sector, boosting your career and thus addressing the energy technology and skills gap.
Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals
This programme will contribute to the current local and global efforts on promoting sustainability across society, such as the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Net-Zero Emission plans.
It will train the next generation of experts with the state-of-the-art knowledge required to apply sustainable technologies across a wide range of industrial, residential, and transportation applications.
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:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits, up to a maximum of 120 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
In this dynamic module, you will be at the forefront of understanding the principles behind renewable energy sources and their conversion technologies, delving into the realms of wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power. As active participants in this course, you will explore the foundations of sustainability, gaining insights into the crucial role it plays in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Throughout the module, you will not only grasp theoretical concepts but also engage hands-on with the energy generating devices. Picture yourself harnessing the power of sunlight in solar panel laboratory sessions and understanding the sustainable potential of biomass and geothermal resources. You won't just be learning about the future; you will be actively contributing to it. As we guide you through the course, you will develop a holistic perspective on the global energy landscape. We will unravel the complexities of sustainable transitions, empowering you to critically assess the challenges and opportunities in our journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Be prepared to explore next-generation materials and technologies proposed to meet the world's escalating energy demands responsibly. The foundation knowledge obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules in the study programme, particularly Sustainable Energy Storage and Smart Energy Systems & Analysis. Together, they provide a full picture of sustainable energy systems and the necessary knowledge of analytical tools required for designing modern energy systems.
View full module detailsIn this module, students will learn economic concepts to understand and analyse sustainable energy systems. The module will introduce energy demand and supply concepts, provide frameworks for analysing energy investments, discuss energy markets, pricing, environmental and climate change issues, and present economic policies and regulations to support sustainable energies. The interactions of energy systems with the economy will be considered as well. By completing this module, students will gain the principal knowledge required to develop a sustainable economy based on the challenges associated with technological transformations and the energy transition into the net-zero era. The information gained in this module helps students analyse the techno-economic viability of modern energy systems. This module complements all other modules in this programme and is highly applicable to successfully delivering the MSc Dissertation module and/or Group Project.
View full module detailsOptional
Expected prior learning: None. Module purpose: To inform students as to the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix required for generation within nations. This is now becoming law in developed countries following the Kyoto agreement and green energy obligations. Students will learn as to the various energy generation options available from power scavengers for handheld calculators to energy generation to power the world’s energy need. Furthermore, an appreciation for the need for energy storage at all power levels will be discussed, with special emphasis on the materials requirements. Students will be able to examine next generation materials being proposed for meeting world's demand based on green energy.
View full module detailsSolar Energy is quite wide and large subject. It based on different branches of science and technologies. The model is focused on photo-voltaic side of solar energy applications. It tries to deal with the subject from different angles of consideration; the physics base, technology development, technical work, system design and economics.
View full module detailsThis module is designed to provide necessary geotechnical design concepts of deep foundation and deep geological storage facilities related to some of the current and emerging energy projects. They include renewable energy systems (offshore and onshore wind turbine generator foundations), foundations for offshore oil and gas installations, geothermal energy pile foundation and nuclear power plant foundations There will also be specialised lectures on high level nuclear waste disposal and carbon geo-sequestration, methane hydrates and compressed air energy storage. It is expected that students taking this module have a background knowledge of soil mechanics and structural mechanics to the level of final year Bachelor of Engineering..
View full module detailsThis module provides a trans-disciplinary exposition and discussion of the core concepts of Sustainable Development, covering economic, political, ethical, social and ecological dimensions. It also reflects on the real-life application of the concept in organisations across sectors and scales, focusing on policies, strategies, performance and governance. It is aimed at a wide range of students and is suitable as a foundation for students who have not previously studied sustainability. It provides a grounding to the concepts but also raises awareness of the leading-edge challenges in the integration and implementation of sustainable development in reality.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
In this dynamic module, you will be at the forefront of understanding the principles behind renewable energy sources and their conversion technologies, delving into the realms of wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power. As active participants in this course, you will explore the foundations of sustainability, gaining insights into the crucial role it plays in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Throughout the module, you will not only grasp theoretical concepts but also engage hands-on with the energy generating devices. Picture yourself harnessing the power of sunlight in solar panel laboratory sessions and understanding the sustainable potential of biomass and geothermal resources. You won't just be learning about the future; you will be actively contributing to it. As we guide you through the course, you will develop a holistic perspective on the global energy landscape. We will unravel the complexities of sustainable transitions, empowering you to critically assess the challenges and opportunities in our journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Be prepared to explore next-generation materials and technologies proposed to meet the world's escalating energy demands responsibly. The foundation knowledge obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules in the study programme, particularly Sustainable Energy Storage and Smart Energy Systems & Analysis. Together, they provide a full picture of sustainable energy systems and the necessary knowledge of analytical tools required for designing modern energy systems.
View full module detailsIn this module, students will gain a general understanding of sustainable energy storage and distribution systems by reviewing the most common types of renewable energy vectors and modern energy conversion and transformation technologies. The energy security concerns, in principle, and the uncertainties associated with the natural fluctuation of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, etc.) limit their large-scale applications in serving the global energy demand. This module aims to address these concerns by studying in-depth the principles of operation, characteristics, and challenges with a range of sustainable energy storage technologies, including the mechanical energy storage system, green hydrogen and hydrocarbon storage, various types of batteries (lithium-ion, redox-flow cell, lead acid battery), supercapacitors, thermal energy storage, along with the modern micro-grid and power-grid distribution systems. Gaining knowledge in various sustainable energy storage technologies applied in the net-zero emission plan, this module aims to develop students' engineering knowledge and competence in sustainability, digital capabilities, and employability. The module expands the skills obtained in the foundation module “Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems” and is closely related to the other core modules of this programme, particularly Smart Energy Systems, Economics and Policy of Sustainable Energy, and Group Project.
View full module detailsOptional
Wind energy is an emerging renewable technology that has received wide attention in the context of dealing with global energy demand and sustainable development. It is a broad subject encompassing several branches of science and engineering. This module is to introduce the concept, technical approaches, and the practical aspects in applications.
View full module detailsInfrastructure systems play a crucial role towards sustainable development as they serve the needs of the society. An understanding of the three dimensions of sustainability, economic, environmental and social, is vital towards the planning, design and operation of sustainable infrastructure systems. This module evaluative frameworks that can capture economic, environmental and social constraints to understand the balance between these three dimensions towards the development of sustainable infrastructure projects. Particular focus is given to whole-life carbon accounting and life cycle assessment for assessing the environmental impact of infrastructure systems and multi-criteria decision analysis and environmental/social impact assessments, capable of capturing the three pillars of sustainability for holistic decision-making within the context of infrastructure.
View full module detailsThis module offers an introduction to industrial aerodynamics and wind engineering, covering applications of aerodynamics to areas beyond the classical aerospace ones. Particular focus is given to the main characteristics of natural winds, concentrating on four aspects: Meteorology and the atmospheric boundary layer Wind power aerodynamics Pollutant dispersion in the atmosphere Building aerodynamics The above applications are designed to introduce students to wider applications of aerodynamics not covered elsewhere in the aerospace and mechanical engineering programmes.
View full module detailsNature Based Solutions (NBS) are defined by International Union for Conservation of Nature as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. NBS are increasingly used as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems. NBS use nature¿s own resources (clean air, water, plants, and soil) to provide cost-effective environmental, social, and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more diverse nature and natural features and processes into existing networks and infrastructure systems including cities, landscapes, and coastal areas, through site specific, locally adapted, resource-efficient interventions. Engineers are working to restore natural buffering systems (e.g., wetlands and tree canopies), utilise green infrastructure, and better manage natural areas to restore riparian corridors, create resilient coastal ecosystems, manage flood risk, enhance water quality and waste treatment, improve air quality, mitigate climate change and more. NBS are often seen as an alternative, more sustainable solution to hard engineered infrastructure solution (by fulfilling multiple services and / by having fewer adverse characteristics). However, NBS cannot be unilaterally implemented due to prevailing characteristics of the built and natural environments. The module will provide the knowledge and skills needed to explore, critically assess, and evaluate the ¿why¿, ¿how¿ and utility of NBS to protect, manage and restore ecosystems vulnerable to societal and environmental challenges. An important part of the module will be to critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different solutions drawn from literature and case studies where NBS have been successful implemented. .The module will draw on the desire of communities to live in green spaces and explore options for engineers to design and integrate facilities within ecosystems in a way that benefits ecological and human health. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of NBS, the module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) ensuring the interaction between different research disciplines such as coastal management, wastewater treatment, air quality, material and infrastructure, and urban management.
View full module detailsThe course provides an introduction to nuclear energy generation and applications of nuclear science. Nuclear reactors, their physics and operation are described. Nuclear reactor safety case work is also discussed. Future potential energy generation mechanisms such including nuclear fusion will be discussed. The module will also present a range of applications of radioactivity measurement including aspects of Environmental Science and Medical Diagnogstics and treatment therapy. The module will include some aspects of calculus and first order differential equations.
View full module detailsEnergy systems are becoming increasingly complex in terms of configuration, type of sources and distribution. The common challenges include the integration of fluctuating energy sources, disruption in energy demand and distribution bottlenecks. The inclusion of different, often disparate technologies associated with renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, bio-generation and hydrogen sources, and frequently opposing requirements of sustainability, economic viability and legislation impose further complexity and requirement for smart solutions at operational and design levels. This module covers a multidisciplinary space between energy engineering and information technology to support timely solutions in real-life environments. It consists of two parts: i) lectures covering fundamentals of energy networks (centralized vs distributed), energy supply chains and operational bottlenecks, energy integration and different optimization methods, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, and ii) supervised group project work to find example solutions by applying the methods taught in the first part. The information obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules in the programme (particularly Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Storage), which together provide a complete picture of the sustainable energy sector, from the fundamental principles to niche applications in designing autonomous smart energy systems based on AI.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsOptional
The research dissertation is a report on the individual project carried out by students to demonstrate research potential and ability to use existing and to acquire new knowledge and apply them in specific situation. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry and upon successful completion of the module, the students will be able to approach an open-ended topic to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Compulsory
The research dissertation is a report on the individual project carried out by students to demonstrate research potential and ability to use existing and to acquire new knowledge and apply them in specific situation. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry and upon successful completion of the module, the students will be able to approach an open-ended topic to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies.
View full module detailsThis module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsThe MSc Group Project module provides an opportunity for students to work on a realistic, multi-disciplinary project related to the Sustainable Energy discipline. According to their stated preferences regarding the subject areas, the students are allocated to groups and each group is assigned a project proposed by two academic staff. The projects involve designing, modelling, prototyping, analysis, testing and experimental work, synthesis, computing, and information processing in varying proportions consistent with the topic being addressed. Technical quality, integration, comprehension, creativity, team working, communication and project management are all part of the experience. The Group Project module focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques. Module staff act as project clients and provide an initial project definition, often through consultation with industrial partners. Over the lifecycle of the project, there will be changing priorities and responsibilities, so a group will need to adapt their team organization, their choice of sub-groups and their allocation of individual roles, for each phase of the project.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 2
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
The overarching aim of the module is to support the rounded development of personal and professional attitudes as well as to prepare for the (energy) job market. This module will also link the theories (that they have learnt) to practice through the Professional Training Placement in a relevant organization. The PPY module will enhance their holistic academic and non-academic learning through the process that involves self-reflection, documentation via the creation of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records, and planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal development objectives. There will be two supervisors: a Workplace Supervisor at the Professional Training organization and an academic tutor (PT) provided by the University. Through working on practice-based projects/problems, they gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability and Energy engineers' role and contribution to achieving UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, which is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills. Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning, and to promote reflection on developing professional skills and critical thinking which are complementary skills to all modules provided in this study programme.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Compulsory
The overarching aim of the module is to support the rounded development of personal and professional attitudes as well as to prepare for the (energy) job market. This module will also link the theories (that they have learnt) to practice through the Professional Training Placement in a relevant organization. The PPY module will enhance their holistic academic and non-academic learning through the process that involves self-reflection, documentation via the creation of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records, and planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal development objectives. There will be two supervisors: a Workplace Supervisor at the Professional Training organization and an academic tutor (PT) provided by the University. Through working on practice-based projects/problems, they gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability and Energy engineers' role and contribution to achieving UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, which is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills. Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning, and to promote reflection on developing professional skills and critical thinking which are complementary skills to all modules provided in this study programme.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
FEBRUARY START
ENGM317 - Professional Placement Year (PPY) Year 2 (Across Academic Year)
SEPTEMBER START
ENGM317 - Professional Placement Year (PPY) Year 2 (Year Long)
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
In this dynamic module, you will be at the forefront of understanding the principles behind renewable energy sources and their conversion technologies, delving into the realms of wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power. As active participants in this course, you will explore the foundations of sustainability, gaining insights into the crucial role it plays in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Throughout the module, you will not only grasp theoretical concepts but also engage hands-on with the energy generating devices. Picture yourself harnessing the power of sunlight in solar panel laboratory sessions and understanding the sustainable potential of biomass and geothermal resources. You won't just be learning about the future; you will be actively contributing to it. As we guide you through the course, you will develop a holistic perspective on the global energy landscape. We will unravel the complexities of sustainable transitions, empowering you to critically assess the challenges and opportunities in our journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Be prepared to explore next-generation materials and technologies proposed to meet the world's escalating energy demands responsibly. The foundation knowledge obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules in the study programme, particularly Sustainable Energy Storage and Smart Energy Systems & Analysis. Together, they provide a full picture of sustainable energy systems and the necessary knowledge of analytical tools required for designing modern energy systems.
View full module detailsIn this module, students will learn economic concepts to understand and analyse sustainable energy systems. The module will introduce energy demand and supply concepts, provide frameworks for analysing energy investments, discuss energy markets, pricing, environmental and climate change issues, and present economic policies and regulations to support sustainable energies. The interactions of energy systems with the economy will be considered as well. By completing this module, students will gain the principal knowledge required to develop a sustainable economy based on the challenges associated with technological transformations and the energy transition into the net-zero era. The information gained in this module helps students analyse the techno-economic viability of modern energy systems. This module complements all other modules in this programme and is highly applicable to successfully delivering the MSc Dissertation module and/or Group Project.
View full module detailsOptional
Expected prior learning: None. Module purpose: To inform students as to the importance of renewable energy in the energy mix required for generation within nations. This is now becoming law in developed countries following the Kyoto agreement and green energy obligations. Students will learn as to the various energy generation options available from power scavengers for handheld calculators to energy generation to power the world’s energy need. Furthermore, an appreciation for the need for energy storage at all power levels will be discussed, with special emphasis on the materials requirements. Students will be able to examine next generation materials being proposed for meeting world's demand based on green energy.
View full module detailsSolar Energy is quite wide and large subject. It based on different branches of science and technologies. The model is focused on photo-voltaic side of solar energy applications. It tries to deal with the subject from different angles of consideration; the physics base, technology development, technical work, system design and economics.
View full module detailsThis module is designed to provide necessary geotechnical design concepts of deep foundation and deep geological storage facilities related to some of the current and emerging energy projects. They include renewable energy systems (offshore and onshore wind turbine generator foundations), foundations for offshore oil and gas installations, geothermal energy pile foundation and nuclear power plant foundations There will also be specialised lectures on high level nuclear waste disposal and carbon geo-sequestration, methane hydrates and compressed air energy storage. It is expected that students taking this module have a background knowledge of soil mechanics and structural mechanics to the level of final year Bachelor of Engineering..
View full module detailsThis module provides a trans-disciplinary exposition and discussion of the core concepts of Sustainable Development, covering economic, political, ethical, social and ecological dimensions. It also reflects on the real-life application of the concept in organisations across sectors and scales, focusing on policies, strategies, performance and governance. It is aimed at a wide range of students and is suitable as a foundation for students who have not previously studied sustainability. It provides a grounding to the concepts but also raises awareness of the leading-edge challenges in the integration and implementation of sustainable development in reality.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
In this dynamic module, you will be at the forefront of understanding the principles behind renewable energy sources and their conversion technologies, delving into the realms of wind, solar, hydro, biomass, and geothermal power. As active participants in this course, you will explore the foundations of sustainability, gaining insights into the crucial role it plays in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy. Throughout the module, you will not only grasp theoretical concepts but also engage hands-on with the energy generating devices. Picture yourself harnessing the power of sunlight in solar panel laboratory sessions and understanding the sustainable potential of biomass and geothermal resources. You won't just be learning about the future; you will be actively contributing to it. As we guide you through the course, you will develop a holistic perspective on the global energy landscape. We will unravel the complexities of sustainable transitions, empowering you to critically assess the challenges and opportunities in our journey towards a cleaner, greener future. Be prepared to explore next-generation materials and technologies proposed to meet the world's escalating energy demands responsibly. The foundation knowledge obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules in the study programme, particularly Sustainable Energy Storage and Smart Energy Systems & Analysis. Together, they provide a full picture of sustainable energy systems and the necessary knowledge of analytical tools required for designing modern energy systems.
View full module detailsIn this module, students will gain a general understanding of sustainable energy storage and distribution systems by reviewing the most common types of renewable energy vectors and modern energy conversion and transformation technologies. The energy security concerns, in principle, and the uncertainties associated with the natural fluctuation of renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, etc.) limit their large-scale applications in serving the global energy demand. This module aims to address these concerns by studying in-depth the principles of operation, characteristics, and challenges with a range of sustainable energy storage technologies, including the mechanical energy storage system, green hydrogen and hydrocarbon storage, various types of batteries (lithium-ion, redox-flow cell, lead acid battery), supercapacitors, thermal energy storage, along with the modern micro-grid and power-grid distribution systems. Gaining knowledge in various sustainable energy storage technologies applied in the net-zero emission plan, this module aims to develop students' engineering knowledge and competence in sustainability, digital capabilities, and employability. The module expands the skills obtained in the foundation module “Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems” and is closely related to the other core modules of this programme, particularly Smart Energy Systems, Economics and Policy of Sustainable Energy, and Group Project.
View full module detailsOptional
Wind energy is an emerging renewable technology that has received wide attention in the context of dealing with global energy demand and sustainable development. It is a broad subject encompassing several branches of science and engineering. This module is to introduce the concept, technical approaches, and the practical aspects in applications.
View full module detailsInfrastructure systems play a crucial role towards sustainable development as they serve the needs of the society. An understanding of the three dimensions of sustainability, economic, environmental and social, is vital towards the planning, design and operation of sustainable infrastructure systems. This module evaluative frameworks that can capture economic, environmental and social constraints to understand the balance between these three dimensions towards the development of sustainable infrastructure projects. Particular focus is given to whole-life carbon accounting and life cycle assessment for assessing the environmental impact of infrastructure systems and multi-criteria decision analysis and environmental/social impact assessments, capable of capturing the three pillars of sustainability for holistic decision-making within the context of infrastructure.
View full module detailsThis module offers an introduction to industrial aerodynamics and wind engineering, covering applications of aerodynamics to areas beyond the classical aerospace ones. Particular focus is given to the main characteristics of natural winds, concentrating on four aspects: Meteorology and the atmospheric boundary layer Wind power aerodynamics Pollutant dispersion in the atmosphere Building aerodynamics The above applications are designed to introduce students to wider applications of aerodynamics not covered elsewhere in the aerospace and mechanical engineering programmes.
View full module detailsNature Based Solutions (NBS) are defined by International Union for Conservation of Nature as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, which address societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. NBS are increasingly used as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems. NBS use nature¿s own resources (clean air, water, plants, and soil) to provide cost-effective environmental, social, and economic benefits and help build resilience. Such solutions bring more diverse nature and natural features and processes into existing networks and infrastructure systems including cities, landscapes, and coastal areas, through site specific, locally adapted, resource-efficient interventions. Engineers are working to restore natural buffering systems (e.g., wetlands and tree canopies), utilise green infrastructure, and better manage natural areas to restore riparian corridors, create resilient coastal ecosystems, manage flood risk, enhance water quality and waste treatment, improve air quality, mitigate climate change and more. NBS are often seen as an alternative, more sustainable solution to hard engineered infrastructure solution (by fulfilling multiple services and / by having fewer adverse characteristics). However, NBS cannot be unilaterally implemented due to prevailing characteristics of the built and natural environments. The module will provide the knowledge and skills needed to explore, critically assess, and evaluate the ¿why¿, ¿how¿ and utility of NBS to protect, manage and restore ecosystems vulnerable to societal and environmental challenges. An important part of the module will be to critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different solutions drawn from literature and case studies where NBS have been successful implemented. .The module will draw on the desire of communities to live in green spaces and explore options for engineers to design and integrate facilities within ecosystems in a way that benefits ecological and human health. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of NBS, the module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) ensuring the interaction between different research disciplines such as coastal management, wastewater treatment, air quality, material and infrastructure, and urban management.
View full module detailsThe course provides an introduction to nuclear energy generation and applications of nuclear science. Nuclear reactors, their physics and operation are described. Nuclear reactor safety case work is also discussed. Future potential energy generation mechanisms such including nuclear fusion will be discussed. The module will also present a range of applications of radioactivity measurement including aspects of Environmental Science and Medical Diagnogstics and treatment therapy. The module will include some aspects of calculus and first order differential equations.
View full module detailsEnergy systems are becoming increasingly complex in terms of configuration, type of sources and distribution. The common challenges include the integration of fluctuating energy sources, disruption in energy demand and distribution bottlenecks. The inclusion of different, often disparate technologies associated with renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, bio-generation and hydrogen sources, and frequently opposing requirements of sustainability, economic viability and legislation impose further complexity and requirement for smart solutions at operational and design levels. This module covers a multidisciplinary space between energy engineering and information technology to support timely solutions in real-life environments. It consists of two parts: i) lectures covering fundamentals of energy networks (centralized vs distributed), energy supply chains and operational bottlenecks, energy integration and different optimization methods, machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, and ii) supervised group project work to find example solutions by applying the methods taught in the first part. The information obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules in the programme (particularly Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems and Sustainable Energy Storage), which together provide a complete picture of the sustainable energy sector, from the fundamental principles to niche applications in designing autonomous smart energy systems based on AI.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsOptional
The research dissertation is a report on the individual project carried out by students to demonstrate research potential and ability to use existing and to acquire new knowledge and apply them in specific situation. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry and upon successful completion of the module, the students will be able to approach an open-ended topic to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Compulsory
The research dissertation is a report on the individual project carried out by students to demonstrate research potential and ability to use existing and to acquire new knowledge and apply them in specific situation. A number of dissertations are carried out in collaboration with industry and upon successful completion of the module, the students will be able to approach an open-ended topic to research new ideas and experiment with new technologies.
View full module detailsThis module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsThe MSc Group Project module provides an opportunity for students to work on a realistic, multi-disciplinary project related to the Sustainable Energy discipline. According to their stated preferences regarding the subject areas, the students are allocated to groups and each group is assigned a project proposed by two academic staff. The projects involve designing, modelling, prototyping, analysis, testing and experimental work, synthesis, computing, and information processing in varying proportions consistent with the topic being addressed. Technical quality, integration, comprehension, creativity, team working, communication and project management are all part of the experience. The Group Project module focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques. Module staff act as project clients and provide an initial project definition, often through consultation with industrial partners. Over the lifecycle of the project, there will be changing priorities and responsibilities, so a group will need to adapt their team organization, their choice of sub-groups and their allocation of individual roles, for each phase of the project.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 1 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
For further information regarding programme structure and module selection, please refer to the course catalogue.
Year 2
Semester 1 & 2
Compulsory
The overarching aim of the module is to support the rounded development of personal and professional attitudes as well as to prepare for the (energy) job market. This module will also link the theories (that they have learnt) to practice through the Professional Training Placement in a relevant organization. The PPY module will enhance their holistic academic and non-academic learning through the process that involves self-reflection, documentation via the creation of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records, and planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal development objectives. There will be two supervisors: a Workplace Supervisor at the Professional Training organization and an academic tutor (PT) provided by the University. Through working on practice-based projects/problems, they gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability and Energy engineers' role and contribution to achieving UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, which is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills. Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning, and to promote reflection on developing professional skills and critical thinking which are complementary skills to all modules provided in this study programme.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Compulsory
The overarching aim of the module is to support the rounded development of personal and professional attitudes as well as to prepare for the (energy) job market. This module will also link the theories (that they have learnt) to practice through the Professional Training Placement in a relevant organization. The PPY module will enhance their holistic academic and non-academic learning through the process that involves self-reflection, documentation via the creation of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) records, and planning and monitoring progress towards the achievement of personal development objectives. There will be two supervisors: a Workplace Supervisor at the Professional Training organization and an academic tutor (PT) provided by the University. Through working on practice-based projects/problems, they gain knowledge and understanding of sustainability and Energy engineers' role and contribution to achieving UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Development and learning may occur before and during the placement, which is reflected in the assessment model as a progressive process. However, the graded assessment takes place primarily towards the end of the placement. Additionally, the module aims to enable students to evidence and evaluate their placement experiences and transfer that learning to other situations through written and presentation skills. Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning, and to promote reflection on developing professional skills and critical thinking which are complementary skills to all modules provided in this study programme.
View full module detailsOptional modules for Year 2 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
FEBRUARY START
ENGM317 - Professional Placement Year (PPY) Year 2 (Across Academic Year)
SEPTEMBER START
ENGM317 - Professional Placement Year (PPY) Year 2 (Year Long)
Teaching and learning
This cross-disciplinary programme will cover a range of theoretical and practical modules taught by a team of brilliant academics who are leading the way in their fields:
General course information
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.
Timetable
Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester.
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week, and in subsequent semesters, two weeks prior to the start of 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 Academic Administration.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
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.
Engineers and scientists are increasingly expected to have skills in energy systems and come up with sustainable solutions.
Graduates from this course will be highly sought after, with diverse opportunities for employment in many leading industries as well as in research.
As a graduate of this course, you'll be well prepared to help technology-intensive organisations make important decisions in view of vast amounts of information by adopting, combining, implementing and executing the right technologies.
Graduates of our Sustainable Energy Systems with Industrial Practice MSc can pursue careers in many diverse roles, such as:
- Sustainable energy engineering professionals – in design, management, and consultancy
- Renewable systems expert
- Research engineer
- Sustainable supply-chain adviser
- And many more.
You can visit the Indeed website to get an idea of the current opportunities and salary rates available for fresh and experienced graduates of sustainable energy systems.
And for those eager for more knowledge, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at PhD level upon completion.
You'll have access to our excellent research institutes, team, and facilities, enabling you to conduct cutting-edge research projects that can lead to journal publications or presentations at scientific conferences, forums, and seminars.
You'll also have access to a wide range of software and laboratory facilities to maximise your learning experience, including:
- Our Fluor Pilot Plant, one of the unique operational pilot plants at UK universities
- Robotics facilities
- Surrey Ion-Beam Centre
- Signal processing laboratories
- Surrey 5G/6G Innovation Centre
- Surrey Research Park.
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 in a relevant UK honours degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification in the following subject areas:
- Engineering (mechanical, electrical, environmental, material, civil, process, manufacturing, chemical or equivalents)
- Science (physics, chemistry, mathematics, environmental, or equivalents)
- Dual degrees in engineering/science with business and management aspects (engineering management, engineering business management, or equivalent dual degrees).
Applicants with relevant work experience who do not meet the academic entry requirements may be considered for example:
- Energy engineering professionals (design, management, and consultancy)
- Renewable systems experts
- Research engineers
- Sustainable supply-chain advisers etc.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other elements.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can 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.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
February 2025 - Full-time (with placement) - 2 years
- UK
- £10,500
- Overseas
- £19,000
September 2025 - Full-time (with placement) - 2 years
- UK
- £12,050
- Overseas
- £21,050
- For the two-year full-time with placement course, the fee stated above will be charged in Year 1 of the programme and a fee of £1,850 is payable in Year 2 of the programme.
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2025-26 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
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Please note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyPlease note that we may have to close applications before the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We advise you to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
ApplyAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate admissions policy explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
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Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.