Program Overview

Geothermal Energy and Applications

Course Overview

This short course offers a strong foundation in geothermal energy, covering science, technology, and business aspects. It equips participants to utilize geothermal energy for decarbonization, assess market opportunities, and fulfill UN SDGs 7 & 11.

Course Details

• Mode of Study: Online Learning
• Mode of Attendance: Part Time
• Start Date: 27 April 2026
• Course Length: 10 weeks

Course Objectives

On completion of this module, participants are expected to be able to:

1. Analyse the current energy transition and the role of geothermal energy technologies in producing sustainable energy, heating and cooling.
2. Evaluate the fundamentals, prospects, operations and advanced technologies used in the generation of electricity from geothermal energy resources.
3. Analyse the scientific, technological, environmental and social components of geothermal energy; drilling techniques, geothermal pumps, Enhanced and Advanced Geothermal Systems.
4. Economic evaluation of geothermal systems.
5. Critically appraise the technical and non-technical barriers to geothermal energy development.

Learning Methods

The course will be delivered online using the University's virtual learning environment, Moodle. This is a 10-week course with 7 weeks for teaching and 2 weeks for working on the assessment and submission. Teaching will be online using a mix of recorded presentations, PowerPoint slides, recordings, lecture notes and guest lectures. Participants will be expected to engage in online forum discussions.

Independent Study

This course is completed through online independent study. It is expected that you will spend a minimum of 150 hours study over the 10 weeks of the module, including the preparation and submission of your written assessment.

Assessment

This course is assessed through a written assignment, including essay.

Staff Delivering on This Course

This module has been developed by a team of academic and professional staff with extensive expertise in energy transitions. The team comprises tutors from Aberdeen Business School and the Energy Transition Institute.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need.

Fees & Funding

• Fee-waiver places: If you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can study for free.
• Course fee: £520 for the entire module for applicants not eligible for a fee-waiver place.

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees, such as accommodation and living costs, and printing.

Disclaimer

For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter.