Program Overview

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MSc Wind Energy Systems

The MSc Wind Energy Systems aims to equip students with the advanced technical expertise and skills to capitalize upon job opportunities in the high-growth wind energy sector. Students will develop an understanding in the design, operation, and optimization of wind turbines and wind farms, including onshore and offshore systems. They will also learn how wind power integrates with electrical grids and other renewable sources, addressing challenges in stability, storage, and distribution.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Accreditation: Institution of Engineering and Technology
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
• Industry Engagement: Competitive internships available

Course Overview

This MSc is designed to address the need for a new generation of engineers with the technical expertise, strategic vision, and interdisciplinary insight to lead the way in the wind energy sector. Delivered by the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, the course offers a comprehensive education in the technologies, systems, and frameworks that underpin modern wind power generation.

Why This Course?

Wind energy is at the forefront of the global energy transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. As one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable electricity, it plays a crucial role in meeting ambitious national and international climate targets. The rapid expansion of the wind energy sector has created a significant skills gap, demanding a new generation of engineers with the technical expertise, strategic vision, and interdisciplinary insight to lead the way.

What You’ll Study

The MSc course is structured to provide both depth and flexibility. Students will study a selection of compulsory and optional taught modules focused on technologies, applications, and operations associated with wind power. Wind turbine design and manufacture, power generation, and deployment strategies will be explored, along with in-depth studies of the political and socio-economic issues relating to wind energy.

Teaching Semesters

• Autumn Semester: September to December
• Spring Semester: January to May

Modules are delivered across these two semesters, combining lectures, hands-on labs, and project-based learning.

MSc Project

Students who pass all required taught modules will progress to the MSc Project, undertaken between May and August, and culminating with the Poster Presentation Day, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their research. MSc Projects involve an in-depth investigation on a topic chosen by the student within the field of electronic or electrical engineering. Projects may be:

• Research-based, aligned with current departmental research themes, or
• Industry-based, conducted as an internship with one of the department’s partner companies.

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 (in-person & online)
• Problem-solving tutorials
• Hands-on, project-based laboratory sessions

Assessment

Each module employs a variety of assessment methods designed to maximize learning and help students realize their full potential. These methods may include:

• Coursework – involving research, design & analysis tasks
• Examinations – testing core theoretical knowledge & problem-solving
• Lab reports – documenting technical investigations
• Presentations – developing the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly & professionally
• Group projects – fostering collaboration & innovation skills
• Final MSc Project – a substantive piece of independent work demonstrating mastery of a specialist area

Professional Development & Employability

The University is committed to helping students build a strong professional network and enhance their employability. The MSc offers:

• Access to cutting-edge facilities and state-of-the-art laboratories
• Guidance from academic experts who are leaders in their fields
• Opportunities for industry engagement through internships, guest seminars, careers events, and networking sessions

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: A first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent qualification in electronic, electrical, or mechanical engineering or related discipline (physics, mechatronics, control, or systems engineering) from a recognized academic institution.
• 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
• Additional costs: All students should expect to pay around £100 for additional course materials and other associated costs.

Careers

The course provides the advanced knowledge and technical understanding required for challenging, well-paid, and exciting careers in the rapidly evolving wind energy industry and broader renewables sector. Opportunities are excellent, with graduates finding employment in:

• Global power utilities (generation, supply & distribution)
• Network operation & grid management
• Large onshore & offshore wind farms
• Low carbon & clean energy technologies

Potential career paths include:

• Turbine Design Engineer – designing and optimizing wind turbine components for efficiency and durability
• Operations & Maintenance Specialist – undertaking troubleshooting, inspections, and performance analysis to ensure wind farm efficiency and safety
• Renewable Energy Engineer – Developing renewable energy projects, integration wind, solar, and hybrid systems
• Energy Analyst – Modeling wind energy production, forecasts output, and assessing financial viability
• Power Systems Engineer – managing real-time grid operations, ensuring reliability and compliance with regulations

Outside the energy sector, the advanced technical knowledge and professional skills developed in power systems offer career opportunities in other industries, such as:

• Manufacturing & industrial production – optimizing production lines for wind turbine components
• Engineering consultancy – providing expert advice on energy systems, sustainability, and infrastructure
• Academia & Research Development – investigating new materials, technologies, or systems to deliver innovation and support the transition to net-zero

What Could I Earn?

• Electrical Engineer: Entry-level salaries in the UK start at £37,000 per year, rising to £52,000
• Power Systems Consultant: Typical salaries tend to start at £27,000, with average earnings reaching £37,500, rising to £76,000 for the most experienced workers
• Wind Energy Advisor: The average salary in the UK for a Wind Energy Advisor is £47,500 per year, with Project Managers earning on average £55,000, rising to £70,000 for the most senior positions
• Wind Turbine Inspection: As a graduate starting out in your career, you can expect a salary of around £33,000, but this can rise as high as £62,000 for senior roles.