MSc Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems & the Environment

Key facts

  • Start date: September
  • Accreditation: Energy Institute/Institution of Mechanical Engineers/Royal Aeronautical Society
  • Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
  • Scholarship: Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for new international students

Study with us

  • examine the design and operation of the energy systems that provide the environments in which people live and work
  • cross-disciplinary programme with input from industry
  • satisfy key requirements to attain Chartered Engineer status
  • develop sought-after understanding of sustainable approaches and practices
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Why this course?

Renewable Energy Systems and the Environment is one of the pathways offered within our Sustainable Engineering programme. Examining how quality of life can be balanced by the need for conservation of world resources, you'll explore the impact energy has on the environment and how it can be reduced

You’ll learn about different energy resources – renewable, fossil and nuclear – and look at the systems that are employed to control these resources such as:

  • combined heat and power schemes
  • heat pumps
  • solar capture devices
  • high efficiency condensing boilers
  • advanced materials
  • adaptive control systems.

Our course has been running for more than 20 years and has over 400 graduates. External examiners consistently refer to our beneficial links with industry and the high quality of our project work.

Solar energy and wind power stations

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

Studying at least three generic modules will meet the key requirements to attain Chartered Engineer status. You'll also take up to five specialist modules.

Major projects

Group project

You'll work together in a group of four or five students on a project focusing on a particular energy/environment system. Each project includes a technical appraisal, and, where appropriate, an assessment of its cost effectiveness and environmental impact.

At the end of the project, you'll present to invited guests from industry during the University’s Knowledge Exchange week. This event provides an important networking opportunity for students.

Take a look at some previous group projects.

Individual project

You'll work independently on an energy topic with a more in-depth analysis than in the group project.

Take a look at some previous individual projects.

Facilities

Students have access to departmental laboratories with a range of testing equipment. For example, a recent MSc project included the use of sophisticated thermal measurement of thermal storage materials undertaken in the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory.

Student competitions

Students can enter a number of competitions, which vary year-to-year. Recent examples include:

  • District Heating and Cooling (DHC+) Student Competition
  • Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Simulation Group Award for Best MSc Dissertation

Guest lectures

Students are regularly invited to talks by research visitors from the Energy Systems Research Unit. Talks on career options are also given by representatives of the Energy Institute.

Accreditation

The course is approved by the Energy Institute, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society and meets the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

Students are encouraged to take up free membership of these professional organisations

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Course content

Energy Resources & Policy (10 credits)

Against the background of international commitments on atmospheric emissions, diminishing fossil fuel resources, renewable energy systems deployment and the liberalisation of energy markets, this module examines sustainable options for energy production, supply and consumption. The aim is to give students an understanding of current trends in the energy market, and to enable a critical evaluation of emerging ideas, technologies and policies especially in relation to new and renewable energy supply systems.

Energy Systems Analysis (10 credits)

This module aims to impart an understanding of the underpinning theoretical principles and practical calculation methods for analysis of energy systems and an appreciation of how these systems are integrated in practical applications. Emphasis is on heat transfer and thermodynamic cycles. The underlying principles and analysis methods are appropriate for both renewable and non-renewable energy systems.

Electrical Power Systems

This module provides students with an understanding of the operation of modern electrical power systems featuring renewable and low carbon generation, along with the techniques to undertake a basic technical analysis of key electrical devices and systems.

Energy Modelling & Monitoring (10 credits)

This module provides an understanding of the theoretical and operational principles underlying simulation modelling of energy supply and demand systems and their environmental impact. The emphasis is on practical computer lab-based modelling exercises. It covers detailed energy system simulation, supply-demand matching, energy management and monitoring.

Sustainability

This module provides students with an understanding of the concepts of sustainability and sustainable development. The social, environmental, and economic impact of development strategies will be identified and the mitigation of negative impacts discussed. Topics covered include shifting world views with respect to technology and ecology, green politics, climate change, sustainable development and limits to growth.

Group Project

In this part of the course, projects are offered for selection by groups of typically four individuals. Each project involves the evolution of an energy/environmental system, including a technical appraisal and, where appropriate, an assessment of its cost effectiveness and environmental impact. There will also be site visits to renewable energy system installations.

Select three classes from the following:

Design Management

This module provides a structured introduction to the Design Management process, issues and tools. Topics include Integrated Product Development, and the different approaches and aspects to design development including concurrent engineering, team engineering, product management, design management, distributed design, and decision support. Other topics cover the design activity, team and management organisational structures, key issues concerning design complexity, and design performance and innovation.

Project Management (10 credits)

This module provides students with skills relating to the use of engineering practices in Project Management with particular respect to the effective and efficient use of resources. The syllabus includes an introduction to project management techniques and project control, project networks including critical path analysis, procedural and graphical presentation techniques, an introduction to Contract Law and project budgetary control.

Risk Management (10 credits)

Under Health and Safety legislation, and under the wider European Post-Seveso Directives, it is mandatory for many industries to carry out risk assessments with the aim of showing that risk is As Low As Reasonably Practicable. This module introduces the fundamental techniques of risk analysis and risk-informed decision making. Students will learn the general principles of methods and their place in risk management, as well as the chance to develop skills in applying these methods to variety of engineering examples.

Financial Engineering

This module introduces elements of financial engineering that are applied to reduce risk of business insolvency and enhance the financial robustness of business enterprises. Questions addressed include: What is the best strategy for survival and growth?; What are the options for financing investment projects both in the private and public sectors of an economy?; How would the financial engineer propose to combine loan capital and equity capital to raise funds for an investment initiative; How would he/she advise his/her company/organization to build its investment portfolio to ensure financial security in volatile market conditions?

Environmental Impact Assessment

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decision being taken and commitments made.  This module provides students with an introduction to methods used to predict environmental impacts, and to see how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.

For MSc students after taught modules are successfully passed.

Individual Project

In this part of the course, students undertake supervised, individual project work, with the award of MSc being made on the basis of an acceptable thesis submission.

Learning & teaching

The course comprises compulsory technical modules, a choice of broader generic modules, which are recommended by accrediting professional bodies, group projects with industry input, and individual projects.

Teaching methods are varied, and include lectures, discussions, group work, informal reviews, on-line questionnaires, and computer modelling laboratories.

Assessment

Assessment of taught modules are by written assignments and exams. Group projects are assessed by project websites and presentations. Individual projects are assessed on the submitted thesis.

Our students

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Entry requirements

Academic requirements/experience

Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in architecture, engineering or related subject.

Entry may be possible with other qualifications provided there is evidence of relevant experience and of the capacity for postgraduate study.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Open Scholarships

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

The British Council has established programmes to support Women and Girls in STEM around the world, designed with a lifecycle approach in mind, from inspiring young girls to stay in STEM to supporting women working in STEM fields reach positions of leadership and network with their peers in their region and the UK. This year, supported by the British Council, the University of Strathclyde is delighted to announce five fully funded scholarships for female students from South East Asia interested in pursuing master’s studies in the fields of: Health and Life Science; Climate Change, Environment & Risk Reduction; Energy Transition; Industry 4.0/Digital Transformation and Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure. This course is one of the University of Strathclyde courses that are eligible for the scholarship.

The five scholarships are on offer for female students from the following countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Each of these scholarships covers full tuition fees, monthly stipends, a return economy class ticket and other costs such as IELTS exam fee, visa application, NHS surcharge and key study materials.

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2023.

Apply

British Council GREAT Scholarships

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, The University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering is offering scholarships to students in India, Malaysia and Thailand applying for postgraduate courses in the areas of environmental sciences and climate change, including for this course. The scholarship programme offers financial support of a minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing specific one-year postgraduate courses within the Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde.

To be considered applicants should typically have a 2:1 (or equivalent) in their undergraduate degree and have an offer for an eligible course at the University of Strathclyde. Please note that applicants should be passport holders of India, Malaysia or Thailand and there is 3 scholarships available - one for India, one for Malaysia and one for Thailand.

The deadline for applications is 1 June 2023. 

Apply

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

Map of the world.

Chat to a student ambassador

Want to know more about what it’s like to be a student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

Chat now!
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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

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Scotland

£9,600

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£9,600

International

£24,450

Additional costs

Optional textbooks and printed materials:

  • estimated maximum cost of £100 for the duration of the course

Visa & immigration:

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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International students

We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International Students

If you're an international applicant applying for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your tuition fees, which will typically be £3,670.

In addition to this, we also have a limited number of Dean’s International Excellence Awards for our postgraduate taught applicants. These scholarships are worth £5,000 and £8,000 and will be offered to exceptional applicants at postgraduate taught level only. Applicants need to only submit one application and will be considered for all levels of postgraduate taught scholarships.

Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time, on campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time postgraduate taught course at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2023-24), this can be in September 2023 or January 2024.

The deadline for applications for the Dean’s International Excellence Award is 30 June 2023.

Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International Students
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Careers

Job titles include:

  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer
  • Biomass Engineer
  • Renewable Energy Consultant
  • Renewable Energy Development Officer
  • Technical Analyst

Employers include:

  • Greenspan
  • Mott Macdonald
  • Natural Power
  • SSE
  • Scottish Power Energy Networks
  • The Campbell Palmer Partnership
  • RSP Consulting Engineers

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square.

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Apply

During the application process, you're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:

  • certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications; please note consolidated transcripts are not accepted
    • if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
  • certified degree certificate for all qualifications
    • if still studying, provide this after completing the qualification
  • provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
  • if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
  • a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
  • a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate) 
  • names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees

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