Renewable Energy Engineering, MSc

Renewable Energy Engineering, MSc

Introduction

This programme has been specifically designed to help meet the projected growth in demand for renewable energy specialists by teaching the advanced skills needed to design, build and optimise renewable energy infrastructure.

This programme has January and September start dates. Apply Now.

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

MSc Renewable Energy Engineering is also available to study part time online.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MSc
Duration
12 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September or January
Location of Study
Aberdeen

According to a recent report, 40% of the UK’s power in 2022 came from a mix of wind, solar, bioenergy and hydroelectric sources. The massive worldwide growth in renewables is creating a major skills shortage as countries rush to develop more secure and sustainable energy sources.

One of the main features of this programme is its breadth and interdisciplinary approach to renewable energy. The courses draw heavily upon the research expertise of the School of Engineering and our industry partners to provide you with a thorough grounding in the technical and scientific aspects of renewable energy, including, marine, wind, solar, geothermal and bioenergy.

You will also gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges related to energy conversion, storage and integration to the grid and engage with the wider legal and commercial considerations involved in renewable energy.

Aberdeen is an exciting place to study renewable energy engineering as the city and surrounding region are at the forefront of the energy transition in the UK. There are several major energy transition projects already up and running including Equinor’s Hywind project and the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, Scotland’s largest offshore wind test and demonstration facility.

The city’s new Energy Transition Zone – part of the £350 million Aberdeen Harbour expansion – will act as a focal point for applying the tremendous R&D expertise built up in oil and gas over the last four decades to fast-track the development and deployment of wind, tidal, hydrogen, geothermal, and carbon capture storage technologies.

With hundreds of energy companies based in Aberdeen, our programmes benefit from significant industry engagement, including industry advisory panels, guest lectures, field trips, site visits, networking and careers events, and industry-supported student projects.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

Renewable Energy Engineering

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September More
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More

Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programme(s) above.

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.

Fee Information

Additional Fee Information

  • Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
  • 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

Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.

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?

  • Each year the programme includes a number of guest lectures from industry figures. Recently we have had lectures from Aberdeen Community Energy, Scottish Water, Target Renewables, Total, Vattenfall and the Scottish Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association.
  • Students of this programme will also get the opportunity to visit companies and view their facilities. Recent visits have included Gaskfarm, SSE and Fred Olsen Renewables.
  • 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.
  • 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 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

Jorge Daniel Sánchez Thierry Mexico

Jorge Daniel Sánchez Thierry <small><i>Mexico</i></small>

Jorge Daniel Sánchez Thierry Mexico

I chose Aberdeen because of the programme content. I researched all UK Universities and Aberdeen was the only one that had a renewable programme with a strong engineering focus.

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.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate

The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

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 - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 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

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

  • Gask Farm
    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

Renewable Energy teaching laboratories

The only degree in the UK that offers laboratory teaching in all three of the following - hydroelectric energy, solar energy and anaerobic digestion. 

What our Alumni Say

Cara Amabel Heller

Cara Amabel Heller

Cara Amabel Heller

Job Details
Strategy Developments Analyst

The MSc Renewable Energy degree is fully interdisciplinary including subjects such as renewable technology, spatial planning, electrical engineering and project management taught by high calibre lecturers from a range of disciplines.

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

Image for Renewable Energy Field Trips
Renewable Energy Field Trips

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
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX