Energy Transition Systems and Technologies, MSc
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Energy Transition Systems and Technologies, MSc
Introduction
The transition to cleaner, more sustainable, energy requires a fundamental restructuring of our entire energy infrastructure while ensuring continued access to reliable and affordable energy.
This is the challenge energy engineers face today and what this programme sets out to address by providing you with an in-depth understanding of the diverse technical and non-technical challenges associated with the transition to net zero.
This programme is also available to study part-time online.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification: MSc
- Duration: 12 months
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Start Month: September or January
- Location of Study: Aberdeen
Programme Fees
| Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| UK | £11,100 |
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Energy Transition: Demand, Technologies and Economics (EG504H)
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K)
Optional Courses
- Select ONE from:
- Energy from Biomass (EG50M1)
- Solar Energy (EG503V)
- Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A)
- Plus, ONE from:
- Economic Analysis (BU5061)
- Corporate Finance and Accounting for Energy (BU5074)
- Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques Cartography and Geovisualisation (GG5065)
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Energy Conversion and Storage (EG551J)
- Energy Systems Integration (EG554T)
Optional Courses
- Select TWO from:
- Marine and Wind Energy (EG552U)
- Legislation, Economics and Safety (EG552S)
- Renewable Energy Integration to Grid (EG551K)
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)
Programme Fees
| Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| UK | £11,100 |
Entry Requirements
- Qualifications: 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Engineering or a related field such as the natural sciences, physical sciences or mathematics.
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate: The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must apply for ATAS clearance.
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Document Requirements
- Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
There is an urgent, strong need to for properly trained and qualified professionals who are able to address the challenges associated with UN SDG Goal of “Affordable and Clean Energy”, and also the UK mission of achieving net-zero of greenhouse emission by 2050. Upon completion of the programme, you will have a good understanding of, and be well equipped to apply the methods and skills you have learned, to address the key challenges of the energy transition.
Graduates will be well placed to pursue careers across a wide range of industries, public sector organisations or academia. Typical employers for graduates of the programme include energy service providers, energy technology manufacturers, infrastructure (gas, heat, power) operators, utilities, aggregators, public sector organisations (local and national government, ministries) and many more.
Typical job roles rely on the critical systems thinking and detailed knowledge of the challenges and solutions for energy transitions. These include, for example:
- Data Scientist/Analyst
- Strategic Energy Advisor
- Energy Planners
- Energy System Operator
- Energy Infrastructure Planner
- Business Development Manager
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator: Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Program Outline
It offers a unique blend of technical knowledge and non-technical aspects like economics, politics, and societal challenges related to the energy transition.
Objectives:
- Equip students with a holistic understanding of the energy transition, including the technical, economic, social, and environmental aspects.
- Provide in-depth knowledge of various Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) like wind, tidal, solar, hydrogen, and biomass.
- Develop skills in critical analysis, multi-criteria assessment, and planning of multi-energy systems.
- Equip graduates with the necessary skills to address the challenges associated with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: "Affordable and Clean Energy" and the UK's net-zero emissions target.
Program Description:
This program combines technical knowledge of individual LCTs with non-technical aspects like economic and political developments. Students will learn:
- Systems thinking approach to understand complex and interconnected energy systems.
- Various relevant methods for system-level analysis, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Energy System Analysis.
- Technical, economic, and environmental tools of analysis to assess and compare different technologies.
Outline:
The program is structured in three semesters, with a total of 180 credits.
Semester 1:
- Compulsory Courses:
- Introduction to Energy Transition: Demand, Technologies and Economics
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
- Optional Courses (choose one):
- Energy from Biomass
- Solar Energy
- Geothermal and Hydro Energy
- Optional Courses (choose one):
- Economic Analysis
- Corporate Finance and Accounting for Energy
- Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation
Semester 2:
- Compulsory Courses:
- Energy Conversion and Storage
- Energy Systems Integration
- Optional Courses (choose two):
- Marine and Wind Energy
- Legislation, Economics and Safety
- Renewable Energy Integration to Grid
Semester 3:
- Compulsory Course:
- MSc Individual Project
- This project allows students to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to a real-world problem related to their chosen field.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course and may include:
- Written assignments
- Examinations
- Presentations
- Group projects
- MSc Individual Project report and defense
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of academics and industry professionals with expertise in the field of energy transition. Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Seminars
- Group work
- Field trips
- Guest lectures
- Industry projects
Careers:
Graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue careers across a wide range of industries, including:
- Energy service providers
- Energy technology manufacturers
- Infrastructure (gas, heat, power) operators
- Utilities
- Aggregators
- Public sector organisations (local and national government, ministries)
- Research and academia
Potential job roles include:
- Data Scientist/Analyst
- Strategic Energy Advisor
- Energy Planners
- Energy System Operator
- Energy Infrastructure Planner
- Business Development Manager
Other:
- The program is offered on a full-time basis, with a duration of 12 months.
- The program is available for online study as well.
- The program benefits from direct involvement from UK and international energy companies.
- Students have access to world-class research facilities and industry-standard software.
- The program is located in Aberdeen, a major international energy center with abundant renewable energy resources.
EU / International students
£27,000
UK
£11,100 In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements:
EU/Home Students and International Students:
#Qualifications:
- 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree , or
- Honours degree from a non-UK institution of equivalent worth,
- Engineering or a related field, such as natural sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics
- OR Students needing a visa to live or study in the UK must apply for ATAS clearance, which must be valid when applying for a UK visa.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
- PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
