MSc Sustainable Engineering: Renewable Energy Systems & the Environment
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | - |
Program Overview
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:
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.
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:
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
Program Outline
Course content
Compulsory classes
Generic modules
Individual project
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
Shaina Agwan
The programme connects mechanical, electrical, and sustainable engineering together, combined with knowledge on renewables and the environment. My favourite parts of the course are learning about challenges in energy transition and how we can mitigate climate change.
More about Shaina's experience
Lesley Thomson
I chose to study at Strathclyde because of the strong reputation of its engineering department and links to industry. I felt that the course was what I was looking for in terms of its technical content as well as having the option to choose electives that suit my interests.
More about Lesley's experience
Aisha Ali
I would recommend Strathclyde to anyone. This university is unique in every aspect. I am receiving great support from outstanding professors in my studies and all the Faculty staff have been so friendly
More about Aisha's experience
Careers
Job titles include:
Employers include:
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