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We are currently reviewing modules which provide opportunities to work with industry to gain real experience. Modules will be updated in due course.

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 will 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.

We are currently reviewing modules which provide opportunities to work with industry to gain real experience. Modules will be updated in due course.

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 will 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.

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years full-time (with advanced practice in second year)
2 other options available

Department
Mechanical and Construction Engineering

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
January 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

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Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

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.

International applicants (apart from exempt nationalities) will need an ATAS certificate to enrol on this course. Without this certificate, a visa application will be refused.Please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme for more information.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Entry Requirements 2023/24

Standard Entry

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.

International applicants (apart from exempt nationalities) will need an ATAS certificate to enrol on this course. Without this certificate, a visa application will be refused.Please visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme for more information.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English language requirements:

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

 *The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS.  You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

For further admissions guidance and requirements, please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/admissionsguidance Please review this information before submitting your application.

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

Full UK Fee: £12,075

Full EU Fee: £19,500

Full International Fee: £19,500



Scholarships and Discounts

Click here for UK, EU and International scholarship, fees, and funding information.


ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

Fees and Funding 2023/24 Entry

Full UK Fee: £12,960

Full EU Fee: £22,000

Full International Fee: £22,000



Scholarships and Discounts

Click here for UK, EU and International scholarship, fees, and funding information.


ADDITIONAL COSTS

TBC

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

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Modules

We are currently reviewing modules which provide opportunities to work with industry to gain real experience. Modules will be updated in due course.

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KB7003 -

Building Energy and Environmental Modelling (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about powerful new and emerging tools for modelling building energy systems and control. You will develop skills for simulating energy systems of relevance to buildings as well as modelling air flow in and around buildings. You will learn how to build dynamic energy, ventilation, and comfort models for multizone buildings.
You will investigate building thermal response including comfort, energy, interzone air movement and future weather modelling of multizone buildings.

More information

KB7030 -

Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

Training in research methods provides researchers with an understanding of the “do’s” and “don'ts” that are associated with employing particular approaches to the collection and analysis of data. Awareness of research methodologies and methods will enable researchers to practise appropriate techniques and to implement methods accurately. The primary aim of the module is to inform and sensitise you to the choices that are available when planning to undertake a research project. This includes making you aware of a selected range of qualitative and quantitative research methods that can be employed to collect and analyse primary and secondary data arising from studies using these methodological paradigms. Such awareness will enable you to make appropriate choices when executing your research investigation. Of equal importance, the module will also introduce you to a range of academic skills that will support you during your programme of study in addition to the execution of your research project.

More information

KB7040 -

Sustainable Development for Engineering Practitioners (Core,20 Credits)

This module will develop your understanding of the fundamentals of sustainable and ethical development for engineering practitioners, requiring your consideration of role and responsibility of the engineer within society. You will explore the fundamentals of sustainable development as they relate to decision making in engineering, for example consideration of; legislation, economics, energy, materials, environment and society.

During your study you will consider the challenges engineering activities present society and the future of our planet and seek solutions through the use of various techniques and tools such as the triple bottom line, stakeholder analysis, the circular economy, carbon footprint, material and energy supply chains and risk, the ethics of sustainable development and software tools for eco audit and life cycle assessment.

You will learn how to present a rational argument for sustainable solutions using both qualitative and quantitative data sources and tools using a wide range of published literature and also from your own experience.

More information

KB7042 -

Thermo-Mechanical Energy Conversion Systems (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about technologies for the utilisation of renewable and sustainable energy sources for heat and power production using heat engines and other types of converters, such as: Solar, biomass, hydrogen and waste thermal energy resources, internal and external combustion engines, solar thermal energy, geothermal and hydrogen technology. You will explore energy conversion system theory and their application through practical classes where you will also be able to develop skills important to your future engineering practice.

More information

KB7043 -

Multidisciplinary Design and Engineering Optimisation (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about current design techniques and concepts in engineering and optimisation methods, such as; direct and inverse design, integrated design within a multidisciplinary design context. You will be guided to develop your understanding of design processes; for example the use of; conceptual/system-level/detail design, design decision support systems, multi-criteria decision analysis, uncertainties in engineering design, deterministic and robust design, design sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo and Taguchi methods.
Your learning about design and optimisation techniques will be illustrated by case examples which incorporate aspects such as design for reliability: fault and failure, reliability analysis, fail to safe design or fault tolerated design as appropriate.

More information

KB7045 -

Wind, Photovoltaic and Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the theory and technology of renewable energy conversion systems, specifically about the followings:

• Renewable resources, their characteristics and stochastic modelling
• Wind turbines: components and performance measures, conceptual design, structural loads, blade and tower structural design considerations, operation and control
• Aerodynamics of wind turbines: blade element momentum theory, blade aerodynamic design
• Photovoltaic: conversion theory and technology, sizing and design considerations
• Storage systems: power and cost modelling
• Hybrid systems: power, cost and reliability/availability analyses and system architecture design for various configurations including wind, PV, battery, diesel and fuel cell

More information

KB7053 -

Academic Language Skills for Mechanical and Construction Engineering (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

KB7052 -

Research Project (Core,60 Credits)

The module will build upon the concepts and theories presented to you during the research methods module. It will require you to develop, consolidate, and apply your independent research, academic study, and research project management skills to the investigation of a topic of your own choice (or a topic that has been pre-approved and recommended by a member of academic staff) that is relevant to your programme of study. You will undertake analytical and evaluative research that will result in the production of a dissertation.

More information

KB7056 -

Advanced Practice Semester (Core,60 Credits)

This 60 credit module is designed for all full-time postgraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the opportunity to undertake a Live Project (including the possibility of live research project work with staff). for one semester as part of your programme. This experience gives you the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired during the taught part of your programme and to acquire new skills and knowledge in an alternative learning environment. Specific learning will be defined in a personal learning contract.

Your Advanced Practice semester will be assessed on a pass/fail basis and as such, it does not contribute to the classification of your degree. However when taken and passed it is recognised both in your transcript as a 60 credit Advanced Practice Module and in your degree title.

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies MSc

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Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.


All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

Current, Relevant and Inspiring

We continuously review and improve course content in consultation with our students and employers. To make sure we can inform you of any changes to your course register for updates on the course page.


Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

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