MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies (with advanced practice in second year)

Course Overview

Renewable energy production is increasing rapidly and there is a global shortage of trained engineers. With this master’s course you’ll have a highly relevant qualification that’s accredited by the Engineering Council via the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The course covers topics such as photovoltaic, wind, thermo-mechanical energy conversion systems, hybrid renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, building energy modelling and engineering optimisation.

The University has a well-established reputation for renewable and sustainable energy technologies.

You’ll benefit from excellent technical facilities including specialist workshops. We also have a laboratory that’s dedicated to power networks, wind energy, photovoltaics and battery testing for electric vehicles.

In the second year, for one semester, you will have the chance to study in another country or join a research group. This valuable experience will enhance your employability and further develop your theoretical and practical skills.

Research

If you take this option, you will be assigned to our Engineering, Physics and Materials Research Group. There is every possibility that you may contribute to published research and therefore you may be named as part of the research team, which would be a great start to a research career.

Study Abroad

We have exchange agreements with universities all over the world, including partners in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania. If you take the Study Abroad option you will spend a semester at one of these partners, continuing your studies in English but in a new cultural and learning environment. Please note that this option may require you to obtain a visa for study in the other country.

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council as the course meets the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Your Future

By the end of this course you’ll be in an excellent position to start or continue a career in renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Renewable energy production could increase by up to 1,000% by 2050 compared to 2010, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, so there will be a pressing need for well-trained professionals.

You could also undertake a postgraduate research degree such as an MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorate. If you decide to start up your own business, it’s good to know that the combined turnover of our graduates’ start-up companies is higher than that of any other UK university.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have the transferable skills that employers expect from a master’s graduate from Northumbria University. These include the ability to tackle complex issues through conceptualisation and undertaking research, the ability to contribute to new processes and knowledge, and the ability to formulate balanced judgements when considering incomplete or ambiguous data.

Applicants should normally have: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in an engineering or science discipline. Other subject qualifications, equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) will need an ATAS certificate to enrol on this course. Without this certificate, a visa application will be refused.