Program Overview

---

MSc Renewable Energy & Decarbonisation Technologies

The MSc Renewable Energy & Decarbonisation Technologies is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the global transition to low-carbon energy systems. The program is delivered by the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering and aims to enhance students' understanding of the scientific principles underpinning energy transition and enable them to become familiar with emerging technologies and industry standards related to decarbonisation.

Key Facts

• Start date: September & January
• Study mode and duration: MSc - 12 months full-time
• Industry Engagement: Competitive internship opportunities

Course Overview

The program is structured to provide both depth and flexibility, with a selection of compulsory and optional taught modules focused on the technologies, applications, and operations associated with energy transition. The modules are designed to develop advanced technical expertise alongside leadership, creativity, and project management skills needed for the dynamic and high-growth low-carbon and green jobs sectors.

Compulsory Modules

• Energy Economics (10 credits)
• Wind Energy & Distributed Energy Resources 1 (10 credits)
• Solar Energy Systems (10 credits)
• Energy Storage Systems (10 credits)
• Energy Decarbonisation Technologies (10 credits)
• Power Electronics Principles (10 credits)
• Offshore Wind Farms Operations, Management & Economics (10 credits)
• Assignment & Professional Studies (20 credits)

Optional Modules

Students will study no fewer than 30 credits of optional modules, which may include:

• Environmental Impact Assessment (10 credits)
• Systems Engineering Concepts (10 credits)
• Sustainable Product Design & Manufacturing (10 credits)
• Strategic Technology Management (10 credits)
• Circular Economy & Transformations towards Sustainability (10 credits)
• Design for Industry 4 & Smart Products (10 credits)
• Waste Management & Landfill Design (10 credits)
• Data Analytics & AI for Energy Systems (10 credits)
• Renewable Marine Energy Systems

MSc Project

The MSc Project is a 60-credit module that provides students with an opportunity to bring their knowledge and skills together and deploy them in a significant practical investigation, using relevant engineering literature, and where relevant, initial experiments or simulations.

Learning & Teaching

The MSc is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining both in-person and online methods to provide a flexible and engaging educational experience. Teaching methods include lectures, problem-solving tutorials, and hands-on, project-based laboratory sessions.

Assessment

Each module employs a variety of assessment methods designed to maximise students' learning and help them realise their full potential. These methods may include coursework, examinations, lab reports, presentations, group projects, and the final MSc Project.

Professional Development & Employability

The program is committed to helping students build a strong professional network and enhance their employability. The MSc offers access to cutting-edge facilities, guidance from academic experts, and opportunities for industry engagement through internships, guest seminars, careers events, and networking sessions.

Entry Requirements

• Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a cognate subject from a United Kingdom university; or a similar institute internationally.
• English language requirements: If English is not the first language, please visit the English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making an application.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £11,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £31,100
• Course materials & other costs: All students should expect to pay around £100 for additional course materials and other associated costs.

Careers

The program provides the advanced level of knowledge and understanding required for challenging, well-paid, and exciting careers in the future high-growth power and energy sectors. Employment prospects are excellent, with recent graduates working in power engineering consultancy, global power utilities, renewable energy sector, oil and gas industry, and manufacturing. Professional and technical positions are as electrical engineers, power systems specialists, energy transition engineers, and asset managers in large energy utilities.

What Could I Earn?

• Electrical engineer: Entry-level salaries in the UK start at £37,000 per year, raising to £52,000 for the most senior positions.
• Power systems consultant: Typical salaries tend to start at £27,000 with average earnings of £37,500 rising to £76,000 for the most experienced workers.
• Data scientist: Initial positions start at £40,000 per year in the UK, but you can expect this to increase up to £75,000 for the most senior roles.
• Systems engineer: Average earnings for a systems engineer in the UK is £40,200 per year, rising to £52,000 for senior roles.