Net Zero Engineering (Distance Learning)

Program Overview

Net Zero Engineering (Distance Learning) (MSc)

Overview

Governments around the world have set legally binding targets in support of achieving ambitious low-carbon objectives and are investing heavily in the development of technology that will deliver decarbonisation of the energy sector. Achieving these objectives is, however, a substantial challenge and requires input and engagement across a broad range of sectors. The rapid development of these sectors also emphasises the need for advanced skills and training portfolios to be delivered to not only address these challenges but also create future opportunities. Therefore, the aim of this programme is to provide students with a strong foundation of the engineering and associated skills that are needed to underpin and contribute towards achieving sustainability and greener societies. In doing so, they will have an excellent platform to support existing and new industries in their transition towards achieving net-zero targets.

Course Structure

Students enrol on a 3 year part-time basis, which allows you to study while in full-time employment. Part-time students will complete six taught modules over the course of 2 years before then undertaking a Research Project during Year 3. The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS points) and the Research Project (60 CATS points). Students will be given the option of completing the MSc in 2 years by completing the Research Project on a full-time basis (summer term) at the end of Year 2.

Entry Requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, Civil), Physical Science (e.g. Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) or a closely allied subject. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) | £40.56
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Republic of Ireland (ROI) | £40.56
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £51.39
EU Other | £119.44
International | £119.44

Additional Course Costs

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications

Career Prospects

This MSc will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in sustainability and the renewable energy sector. We have good links and regularly consult with a large number of global employers from a variety of sectors including energy (including Shell, BP and Petronas), transport (WrightBus) and other chemical industries (Seren Technologies and Johnson Matthey). Furthermore, we work with a range of local companies and start-up/spin-out companies including Green Lizard Technologies and NUADA. Graduates may also progress into research at various universities.

Employment after the Course

Where would you like to be in five years’ time? Graduating from this course could lead to you becoming a project engineer in the design and development of components for low-carbon energy systems. You could also conduct environmental and sustainable impact assessments as a renewable energy coordinator for windfarms, solar installations and biorefineries. Alternatively, you might want to contribute towards the development of emerging technologies such as artificial photosynthesis through a research post or PhD. You may play a key role as a sustainable consultant for government in policy development to ensure the safety of new infrastructure for distributing green-hydrogen.

Employment Links

Achieving net zero emission is a global objective and therefore after your MSc you might want to travel and gain experience in places like Asia, South America or Africa. This could also be valuable for understanding the role you can play in achieving global Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Employers who are interested in people like you include manufacturers (energy systems), construction companies, sustainability consultancies (local, national and international), government (e.g. Department for Energy and Climate Change), businesses that are transitioning to net zero, transport sector (public transport), the oil and gas sector, the pharmaceutical sector, academia and education and renewable energy suppliers.

Modules

• Hydrogen System Design and Practice (20 credits)
• Research Project in Net Zero Engineering (Part-Time) (60 credits)
• Hydrogen System Integration (20 credits)
• Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use (20 credits)
• Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Criteria (20 credits)
• Tools for Assessing Energy and Carbon (20 credits)
• Applied Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technologies (20 credits)

Module Descriptions

Hydrogen System Design and Practice

This module covers exploring the drivers behind the emerging hydrogen economy including challenges and opportunities, which will be used as the rationale and context for a hydrogen power system design project. In addition, the module will also investigate what must be achieved by lower TRL systems to further develop towards operational use.

Research Project in Net Zero Engineering (Part-Time)

Within this module, students will carry out a research project under the supervision of an academic and/or industrial supervisor, within an applied area of net zero engineering. Students will be able to conduct their projects under theoretical, modelling-based, or a feasibility themes, which align with research clusters within the school and reflects the scientific and engineering principles of the taught material.

Hydrogen System Integration

This module covers the design and modelling of hydrogen energy systems, including systems integration, basics of control and dynamics, storage, and safety. The content delivered here will build on the core principles explored in CHE7204 with more focus on the engineering aspects associated with whole hydrogen systems including using case studies as key examples.

Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use

This module covers current and future routes for the production and use of hydrogen and is focused on developing the underpinning science and engineering associated with each key stage of the hydrogen value chain. This will provide students with an understanding of what is needed to support the design of hydrogen energy systems.

Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Criteria

This module examines the drivers for sustainability and achieving net zero carbon. It looks at how this need has accelerated over recent years and sets out to evaluate the opportunities arising from green growth. It provides an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of this challenge and enhances skills in areas relating to interdisciplinary communication of complex and interdependent concepts.

Tools for Assessing Energy and Carbon

This module provides a greater understanding of the methods and tools that facilitate measurement and tracking of progress towards net-zero targets and furthermore provides an evidence base for decision making at different levels. Within the module we look at the tools and techniques that are used to measure environmental sustainability, including greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, waste, and water.

Applied Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technologies

Understanding the various options for deploying low-carbon solutions and balancing negative and positive emissions technologies to achieve net-zero forms the core of this module. Here we look at the range of options available and examine not only the individual technologies but consider how these work together in an overall energy/carbon system.