Program Overview

MSc Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy

The MSc Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable engineering principles and their application to offshore renewable energy systems. The program is offered by the University of Strathclyde, a leading institution in Scotland, and is accredited by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the UK Engineering Council.

Key Facts

• Start date: January and September
• Accreditation: RIN /IMarEST
• Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time, PgDip: 9 months full-time
• Top 10 in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (Shanghai Rankings Academic Ranking 2024)

Why this Course?

This flexible program combines study in specialist, advanced engineering technologies underpinned with training in sustainability. The program has been developed with direct industrial involvement to provide students with a solid understanding of modern, sustainable engineering. As well as gaining an understanding of how sustainable engineering applies to Marine Technology, this program will also provide students with key transferable skills to aid their employability.

What You'll Study

Studying at least three generic modules will meet the key requirements to attain Chartered Engineer status. Students must take three specialist modules if they are studying for the Postgraduate Certificate and up to five if they are studying for a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc.

• Group project: Students will work with a group of students from different pathways of the Sustainable Engineering program. They will produce sustainable solutions to real-life industry problems. This project will include site visits, field trips, and progress reports to industry partners.
• Individual project (MSc only): MSc students will study a selected topic in depth and submit a thesis.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the UK Engineering Council.

Facilities

The university has excellent teaching facilities, including:

• Catalina – the departmental racing yacht
• Kelvin Hydrodynamics Lab – the largest ship-model experiment tank in any UK university
• Towing/wave tank exclusively for teaching purposes
• Marine engine laboratory
• Cutting-edge computer facilities
• Industry standard software

Student Competitions

The Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering (NAOME) supports and promotes students in various competitions and awards, from cash bursaries for top-performing students to the highest of awards from international organizations.

Course Content

A typical selection of classes offered on the program includes:

• Instructional classes
• Elective classes

Some of the specific classes include:

• Sustainability
• Energy Resources & Policy
• Electrical Power Systems
• Finite Element Analysis of Floating Structures
• Renewable Marine Energy Systems
• Physical Testing of Offshore Renewable Energy Devices
• Design Management
• Financial Engineering
• Risk Management
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Project Management

Learning & Teaching

There are two teaching semesters of 11 weeks each. Course modules are delivered in the form of formal lectures supported with tutorials and laboratory experiments when needed.

Assessment

There are two types of methods for module assessment. One is coursework assessment only, the other is examination assessment. For examined modules, the final assessment mark consists of 30-40% coursework and 60-70% examination.

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements/experience: Normally a first-class or second-class honors degree (or international equivalent) in architecture, engineering, or a 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 the student's first language, they must visit the university's English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making an application.

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £10,800 (2024/25), £11,900 (2025/26)
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £10,800 (2024/25), £11,900 (2025/26)
• Republic of Ireland: If the student is an Irish citizen and has been an 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, they will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £27,500 (2024/25), £30,250 (2025/26)
• Additional costs:
  • Course materials & costs: Printing Services Printing: Prices variable per size, Binding: £3 per copy approx.
  • Placements & field trips: Travel to the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory may be required depending on selected courses. Frequency variable: Average 5 visits if relevant to subjects. Bus fare £2-3 each way.
  • Other costs: Access cards are provided free of charge. £10 charge to replace a lost card.

Careers

Graduates of the MSc Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Job titles: Graduate Design Engineer, Project Engineer, Renewable Energy Consultant, Thermal Performance Engineer
• Employers: Arup, Eaton, Esteyco Energua, Granite Services International, Moorfield International, Mott Macdonald

The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the offshore renewable energy industry, and graduates have gone on to work for a range of leading companies in the field.

Apply

To apply for the MSc Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy program, students must submit the following supporting documents:

• Certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications
• Certified degree certificate for all qualifications
• Evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not the student's first language
• A copy of their passport containing their photo and passport number
• A copy of their sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
• Names, job titles, and email addresses for two nominated referees

The university offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to help students cover the cost of tuition fees. Students can search for scholarships and funding opportunities on the university's website.

Start Dates

The MSc Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy program has several start dates throughout the year, including:

• September 2025
• January 2026
• September 2026

Students can choose the start date that best fits their needs and schedule.