Jorge Daniel Sánchez Thierry Mexico
Introduction
The demand for renewable energy engineers is expected to continue to grow as governments and companies look to diversify from hydrocarbons and reduce emissions. This programme teaches the advanced skills needed to design, build and optimise renewable energy infrastructure of the future.
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering is also available to study part time online.
This programme is studied on campus.
This programme has been designed to provide you with a detailed knowledge of all major renewable energy sources and the engineering skills associated with them, including geothermal, solar, biomass, hydro, marine and wind. In addition, there are courses covering legislative, planning and economic considerations associated with renewable energy, and the integration of renewable energy to the grid.
The course included in this programme cover both the theoretical knowledge and advanced technical skills in demand from this ever-evolving sector. Teaching is by specialist staff drawn from our engineering school as well as from the energy industry, to ensure that students are exposed to the latest developments and future needs of the renewable energy industry.
One of the main features of the programme is its interdisciplinary nature, being suitable for students with mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical and other suitable engineering backgrounds. In special cases, the programme is also open to students with other relevant science backgrounds, including Physics, Chemistry and Applied Maths.
Aberdeen is known as the Energy Capital of Europe and is a major international centre of research and innovation in every aspect of the offshore oil and gas industry. In recent years, however, non-hydrocarbon based energy has grown significantly, mainly due to the large talent pool of energy engineers and scientists based in the Aberdeen region and the abundant wind and tidal energy resources off the Aberdeenshire coast. The city and region is quickly developing as a major hub for renewable energy.
In August 2016, Hywind, the world’s first floating wind farm was installed off the coast of Aberdeenshire by Equinor (formerly Statoil), while in 2018 work commenced on the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre (EOWDC) in Aberdeen Bay, featuring the world’s most powerful wind turbine.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
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Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Electrical Systems for Renewable Energy (EG501H) - 15 Credit Points
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This course is to develop a broad understanding about the basic concepts in electrical engineering and power systems with emphasis on electrical systems used in conjunction with renewable power generation techniques.
- Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A) - 15 Credit Points
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Aims
To provide an understanding of the physical principles, technologies and systems associated with renewable energy generation from geothermal and hydro sources. To provide an understanding of the position of these sources of energy in the current and future global energy requirements and the technical challenges in meeting the future energy demand.
- Energy from Biomass (EG50M1) - 15 Credit Points
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This course is to provide an understanding of the issues as well as the uses applications and conversion technologies of biomass and bioenergy.
- Solar Energy (EG503V) - 15 Credit Points
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To provide an understanding of generation from solar sources, the associated technologies and the main technical challenges.
- Semester 2
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Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Marine and Wind Energy (EG552U) - 15 Credit Points
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To provide an understanding of the physical principles, technologies and systems associated with renewable energy generation from wind and marine sources. To provide an understanding of the position of these sources of energy in the current and future global energy requirements and the technical challenges in meeting the future energy demand.
- Energy Conversion and Storage (EG551J) - 15 Credit Points
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This course is to provide an understanding of the need to and the efficiency behind conversion of energy from one form to another and the need to store energy in distinct forms, while minimising energy losses.
- Renewable Energy Integration to Grid (EG551K) - 15 Credit Points
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This course studies the challenges and solutions of integration of Electrical Energy generated from non-conventional Renewable Energy sources to the grid.
- Legislation, Economics and Safety (EG552S) - 15 Credit Points
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To provide an insight into the legislation and the economics framework which shape UK, European and international energy provisions from conventional and renewable sources. The course also aims to cover the fundamental safety issues which are important for the all renewable energy technologies.
- Semester 3
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Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
The dissertation is an independent piece of work based on a topic of your own choice and you are encouraged to focus your dissertation on a problem confronting or a study related to the Energy industry.
- Individual Project (EG5909) - 60 Credit Points
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This course enables students to write a dissertation on a topic of the student’s choice relevant to renewable energy.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
By written examination and coursework as prescribed for each course. In addition, MSc candidates must submit a dissertation on their individual project.
Why Study Renewable Energy Engineering?
- This programme gives a much broader learning experience than other renewable MSc programmes and provides you with an overview of the engineering and technological requirements of a range of renewable energy sources.
- Vital, broader engineering skills are taught in areas such as safety.
- New laboratory experiences are available in hydroelectric energy, solar energy and anaerobic digestion. This is the only MSc programme in Renewable Energy in the UK that offers laboratory learning on all these technologies.
- The legal and economical side of renewable projects is also covered.
- To ensure that the degree programmes remain current and connected to industry, the programme is developed and reviewed by an Industry Advisory Board, made up of experienced professionals.
- Our close links with industry ensure that you experience lectures taught by industry professionals, get the chance to visit relevant organisations, attend industry events, and undertake MSc projects with leading firms.
- This programme attracts students from around the world, all sharing a common interest and passion for renewable energy. This close-knit global community works together across major projects, enhancing your learning experience.
- The University of Aberdeen is a partner of the Offshore Renewables Institute and students can access the expertise that sits within this Institute.
- Engage with research active staff - learn more about the renewable energy projects currently being worked on by a range of our research experts.
- Our location at the heart of Aberdeen, Europe's energy capital, and leading "World Energy City", brings you closer to the industry. The city is an inspiring place for any future oil and gas and wider energy industry leader.
- Our engineering graduates move in to very successful careers with a large proportion working in senior roles in the industry, even as high as CEO and MD level. It doesn't matter where in the world you end up working, you are likely to have a fellow Aberdeen graduate engineer working with you. Our School of Engineering truly is a global family network.
- You will be taught by, and engage with a truly international team of engineering staff. Collectively, they bring an incredible level of industrial experience and academic expertise from working on major projects around the world.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in any branch of Engineering, Physics, Maths or Chemistry.
Students with a 2:2 AND 2+ years of relevant experience may also be considered
Key subjects you must have covered: Mathematics.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU / RUK Students | £5,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year | |
| International Students | £21,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The SFC Postgraduate tuition fee scholarship may be available for those classified as Home/EU fee status students for this programe. Visit the scholarship page for more information.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Each year, there is an increase in the number of renewable energy projects being developed around the world. This steady increase in activity will continue to create jobs and it will also emphasise the need for skilled leaders, with strong engineering backgrounds.
By exposing you to the various renewable energy sources of power, and the technologies required to operate and develop them, you will graduate with extensive knowledge and skills. As well as strong technological skills, you will also develop an understanding of the commercial and project management skills required to run renewable energy projects, safely, on time and to budget.
Career Opportunities
- Corrosion Engineer
- Energy and Sustainability Adviser
- Project Engineer
- Risk, Safety and Environmental Engineer
Hear from Business
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Terry Stebbings - Proterra Energy Terry Stebbings - Proterra Energy
Terry brings his knowledge of hydro power and engineering together to teach on the "Renewable Energy 3" course. He has offered specific projects to students on the programme as part of their final dissertation project work.
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Gask Farm Gask Farm
The opportunity exists to visit Gask Farm in Aberdeenshire. They have an anaerobic digester at the farm which converts organic waste from various sources into methane, which is then converted to electricity and sold to the grid.
Find out More
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Cara Amabel Heller
Our Experts
- Other Expert
- Dr Sumeet Sunil Aphale
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Davide Dionisi
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Features
Renewable Energy Field Trips
Annual field trips are arranged to visit a number of different renewable energy companies. One company that supports the degree is Mackies, the ice-cream and crisps manufacturer who currently have the largest solar panel setup in Scotland.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX