MSc Energy with Entrepreneurship

The MSc Energy with Entrepreneurship is a unique dual-focussed programme that combines learning the engineering and science behind current energy issues with developing skills in generating ideas and understanding the commercial world. This balanced, integrated course equips students with the tools needed to positively influence organisations in developing new business strategies relevant to energy or reacting to growing environmental legislation.

Key Information

• Level: Postgraduate Taught
• Delivery type: Full Time, Part Time
• Degree qualification: MSc
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 1 year
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Course Description

The programme provides a practical and theoretical grounding in technologies and develops wider knowledge and skills relevant to the Energy sector, for both practicing engineers and decision-making managers and policymakers. Students learn from a broad range of energy-related disciplines, including energy resources, power generation, process engineering, environmental legislation, and environmental impact assessment, energy in buildings, and business courses in collaboration with the Edinburgh Business School. Mandatory courses in entrepreneurship cover enterprise, creativity, entrepreneurship, and commercial awareness and planning, directly applying knowledge to the energy sector.

Energy Focus

Energy is an essential component of our existence, with its cost, availability, and efficient utilisation being strong focal points in government strategies worldwide. The programme explores sustainable energy options, given the finite nature of fossil fuels, and covers energy not just as electricity but also as heat and transportation. It delves into the relationship between demand and supply of energy, considering political, economic, and social issues on a global and local scale.

Flexible Degree Structure

The flexible degree structure allows students to focus on specific Energy and Entrepreneurship interests. They can choose from an extensive list of courses, including modules on electrical power systems, renewable energy technologies, economics of renewable energy, heat exchangers and heat transfer, process intensification, design of low carbon buildings, demand management and energy storage, and quality management.

Research and Expertise

The learning environment is informed by the expertise of research-active mechanical engineers and academics. Heriot-Watt University's engineering research was ranked 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK, with 96% of its engineering research classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review. The MSc Energy programme is directly informed by the world-class research carried out by Heriot-Watt's Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) research institute, which focuses on four main research themes:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Digital Engineering
• Energy Harvesting and Conversion
• Multiphase Flow

Course Content

The course content includes mandatory and optional modules across different semesters:

September Intake - Edinburgh

• Mandatory September: Foundations of Energy
• Optional September:
  • Transition Engineering - Achieving zero carbon InTIME
  • Electrical Power Systems
  • Process Intensification
  • Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics with Heat Transfer
  • Economics of Renewable Energy
  • Heat Exchangers and Heat Transfer
  • Strategic Project Management
  • Principles of Environmental and Energy Economics
  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Making Economic Policy
  • Financial Analysis
  • Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
• Mandatory January:
  • Technology Futures and Business Strategy
  • Business Start-up
  • Critical Analysis and Research Preparation
• Optional January:
  • Energy Transition Lab
  • Distributed generation
  • Sustainable Processing
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Demand Management and Energy Storage
  • Advanced Thermodynamic Applications
  • Quality Management
  • Project Management
  • Systems Thinking and Analysis
  • Business Economics
  • Design of Low Carbon Buildings
  • Energy Systems and Buildings
• Mandatory May: Masters Dissertation

Fees and Funding

• September 2026 intake tuition fees:
  • UK: £12,584 (Full Time), £6,292 (Part Time)
  • International: £26,296 (Full Time), £13,148 (Part Time)
• Scholarships and bursaries: Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, with more than 400 students benefiting from this support.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an honours degree at 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a related subject with a minimum of 3-4 maths modules at 50% or above.
• Suitable degrees include engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or business/management with good mathematical skills.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Why Heriot-Watt

Heriot-Watt University is the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes, with more graduates employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution. It is also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, with beautiful campuses globally, providing a truly international education. The university prioritises fitness and mental health for all students and has Global Research Institutes solving real-world issues like climate change.

Heriot-Watt University

---

Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

---

Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

---

Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.