Study Renewable Energy at Cranfield and tackle climate change head on 

This Renewable Energy MSc will equip you with the advanced knowledge and skills to develop a successful career in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. A choice of study routes enables you to specialise in developing the latest technical skills required to design renewable energy systems, or to focus on managing renewable engineering projects and systems. Ranked in the UK top 5 for mechanical engineering, Cranfield offers a unique, postgraduate-only environment, unique engineering-scale facilities for the development of efficient renewable energy technologies with low CO2 emissions and a teaching team with extensive experience of solving real world renewable energy challenges.

Overview

  • Start dateFull-time: October, part-time: October
  • DurationOne year full-time, two-three years part-time
  • DeliveryTaught modules 80 credits/800 hours, Group projects 40 credits/400 hours, Individual project 60 credits/600 hours
  • QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
  • Study typeFull-time / Part-time
  • CampusCranfield campus

Who is it for?

This postgraduate degree in renewable energy is designed for engineering, maths or science graduates who wish to develop a successful and rewarding career in the renewable energy sector. It will equip you with the multidisciplinary skills required to design, optimise and evaluate the technical and economic viability of renewable energy schemes. The engineering route will provide you with the technical skills required to design renewable energy systems, including finite element analysis (FEA), computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and technology lifecycle management (TLM). Alternatively, you can specialise in managing renewable energy projects and systems, focusing on topics such as health and safety and environment, energy entrepreneurship and asset management.

Your career

With the current global focus on developing low carbon energy production and renewable energy technologies, you can expect to be highly sought after by employers. Equipped with the expertise to analyse current and future energy needs and to design and implement appropriate solutions, a wide range of careers are open to you, as a professional scientist or engineer across the full breadth of industrial and public sector organisations involved in renewable energy.

For example, on completion of the course, our students have been employed by organisations such as E.ON, Vestas, Vattenfall, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, ABB, Scottish Renewables, EDF and Iberdrola.

In their new careers, our graduates have worked work on a diverse and exciting range of renewable energy projects, including:

  • Design of new renewable energy solutions,
  • Testing and certification of renewable energy technologies,
  • Operation and maintenance of renewable energy technologies,
  • Technical-environmental analysis of novel renewable energy solutions, such as floating wind turbines and wave energy converters.

Cranfield Careers Service

Cranfield’s Career Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. Support continues after graduation and as a Cranfield alumnus, you have free life-long access to a range of career resources to help you continue your education and enhance your career.

Why this course?

Governments around the world are establishing increasingly ambitious targets for renewable energy use. For example, by 2030 China plans to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its total energy mix to 20% and Europe to 30%. The Renewable Energy MSc will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career helping to address the global challenge of moving to a low carbon economy.

  • Study at a top 5 ranked UK university for mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering,
  • Choose to acquire the technical skills required to design renewable energy systems, or focus on developing the capability to manage renewable engineering projects and systems,
  • Participate in individual and group projects focused on your personal interests and career aspirations,
  • Learn from lecturers with extensive, current experience of working with industry on solving real world energy challenges,
  • Benefit from engineering-scale facilities for the development of efficient technologies with low CO2 emissions.

This MSc is supported by our team of professorial thought leaders, including Professor Upul KG Wijayantha, who is influential in the field of renewable energy, and an integral part of this MSc.

Pursuing an MSc in Renewable Energy at Cranfield University was one of the best decisions I've made. The year was truly enriching, with the highlight being the coursework assignments that tackled real-world problems. This approach made me industry-ready and instilled a sense of confidence in my abilities. The program's focus on practical applications has prepared me to contribute meaningfully towards creating a more sustainable world. Cranfield's emphasis on connecting academic knowledge with industry challenges has equipped me with the skills and insights necessary to make a real impact in the renewable energy sector.
The highlight for me was definitely the group project – working in relation to wind turbines. We studied a new component used in the base and the foundations of wind turbine structures and it was just a fantastic experience. I worked with some really great fellow students and took on a bit of a leadership role that I found I really enjoyed.
Renewable energy has always been an interest of mine. After seven years of working in the industry I needed a change, so I thought coming to Cranfield to study renewable energy would be the perfect way to refresh my knowledge to take my career in a new and exciting direction.
If you get the opportunity to come to Cranfield, you should grab it with both hands. You should challenge yourself and not stay in your comfort zones; get to experience the different cultures and get to experience the diversity. Cranfield in a few words to me is innovative, diverse, peaceful and amazing.

Informed by industry

The Renewable Energy MSc is closely aligned with industry to ensure that you are fully prepared for your new career.

  • Cranfield’s long-standing strategic partnerships with prominent players in the energy sector ensures that the course content meets the needs of global employers in the renewable energy sector,
  • The teaching team are heavily involved in industrially funded research and development, enabling you to benefit from real-world case studies throughout the course,
  • An industrial advisory board for the course scrutinises course content and ensures its relevance to the needs of global employers,
  • State-of-the-art technical modules cover a range of industry-relevant topics including Renewable Engineering Technologies, Engineering Stress Analysis: Theory and Simulations, Fluid Mechanics and Loading, Design of Offshore Energy Structures,
  • Management modules cover essential industry relevant topics including Energy Entrepreneurship, Energy Economics and Policy and Sustainability and Environmental Assessment.

Course details

The taught programme for the Renewable Energy MSc comprises eight modules and is generally delivered from October to February. Each module is typically delivered over two weeks. Generally, the first week involves intensive teaching while the second week has fewer teaching hours to allow time for more independent learning and completion of the assessment. Students on the part-time programme will complete all the modules based on a flexible schedule that will be agreed with the Course Director.

The MSc year consists of three main elements; the taught modules, the group project and individual project, these are shown in the diagram below:

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Course delivery

Taught modules 80 credits/800 hours, Group projects 40 credits/400 hours, Individual project 60 credits/600 hours

Group project

The group project is an applied, multidisciplinary, team-based activity. Often solving real-world, industry-based problems, you and your fellow students will have the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project while working under academic supervision. The group project is highly valued by employers for developing your ability to work within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets, whilst developing transferable skills such as teamwork, self-reflection and effective communication.

Recent group projects include: 

Individual project

Selected in consultation with the Thesis Co-ordinator and Course Director, the individual project offers the opportunity for you to focus on an area of particular interest and of direct relevance to your career aspirations. It will enable you to develop independent research skills, to think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome real-world problems – particularly as many of the projects are supported by external organisations.

Recent individual projects include:

  • Modelling, structural analysis, and optimisation of a 10-metre solar concentrating mirror array for industrial process heat applications,
  • Pollution modelling and mitigation strategies through renewable energy technologies in Mexico City,
  • Floating offshore wind turbines and support foundations in ultra deep waters,
  • CFD study of a ducted wind turbine,
  • Design characterisation of a horizontal plate wave energy converter,
  • Fatigue damage analysis of offshore wind monopiles.

Modules

Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.

To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.


Course modules

Engineering route compulsory modules

Renewable Energy Technologies 1

Module Leader
  • Dr Peter King
Aim
    An understanding of the principles of renewable energy technologies is key to assimilate the technological basis of the systems and applications. The module provides the fundamentals of the renewable energy technologies and their impact on global and national energy system. The purpose of this module is to introduce the basis for assessment of the performances of solar (both PV and CSP), wind, wave and tidal, geothermal as well as hydro-electricity technologies.  By the end of the module, you will have a better understanding of the various renewable technologies and will have the opportunity to visit a PV solar plant to see the real dimension of an operational plant. 
Syllabus
    • Photovoltaic technology,
    • Concentrated solar power technology,
    • Onshore and offshore wind energy: fundamentals of wind turbines and placement,
    • Geothermal Systems (including ground-source heat pumps),
    • Wave and tidal energy technologies,
    • Hydro-electricity technology and systems.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Identify the different components and main configuration of the different renewable technologies covered in the module,
  2. Articulate the fundamental principles, terminology and key issues related to the most used renewable energy technologies,
  3. Critically compare the challenges for the development and operation of the major technologies, including government regulation and policy,
  4. Identify gaps in the knowledge and discuss potential opportunities for further development, including technology and economic potential.

Renewable Energy Technologies 2

Module Leader
  • Dr Jerry Luo
Aim
    This module provides detailed knowledge in energy storage, bioenergy, energy harvesting and energy distribution. This module also provides you with knowledge and experience in designing and analysing renewable energy infrastructures in energy storage, distribution and corresponding renewable energy applications.
Syllabus

    Energy storage materials and technologies

    • Electrochemical and battery energy storage,
    • Thermal energy storage,
    • Hydrogen storage.

    Bioenergies

    • Biorefinery,
    • Biofuels.

    Energy distribution

    • Smart grid and micro-grid,
    • Case study

    Energy harvesting

    • Energy harvesting technologies,
    • Case Study.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the key benefits and challenges of energy storage, bioenergy, energy harvesting and distribution in renewable energy,
  • Identify the appropriate energy storage and distribution methods for different types of renewable energy systems,
  • Analyse the main configurations and components in energy storage and distribution for renewable energy systems,
  • Justify the importance of materials, control, integration, economic and environmental analysis in renewable energy,
  • Appraise future technology and socio-economic trends in sustainability and assess associated opportunities and challenges.

Engineering Stress Analysis: Theory and Simulations

Module Leader
  • Dr Luofeng Huang
Aim

    This module brings together theories and computational practicalities of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). This combination enables you to use FEA for modern engineering purposes, whilst understand the underlying mechanics. You will be provided with step-by-step ABAQUS tutorials to get familiar with basic and advanced functionalities of this finite element software package. The lectures and hands-on practice will help you to develop strong FEA skills such as investigating the stress and strain distribution in complex geometries, components, and structures. 


Syllabus

    Theory

    Introduction to stress analysis of components and structures, Ductile and brittle materials, Tensile test, Material properties, Complex stress and strain, Stress and strain transformation, Fracture and yield criteria, Plastic deformation, Introduction to Computer-Aided Engineering, FEA methodology, FEA procedure. Fluid-structure interactions.  

    Simulation

    Introduction to ABAQUS, Types of elements, Integration points, Meshing, Mesh convergence, Visualisation, Results interpretation, Beam structures under static and dynamic loading, stress concentration in steel and composite plates, tubular assemblies, 2D and 3D modelling of solid structures, axisymmetry and symmetry boundary conditions, Stress and strain analyses subjected to different loading conditions, Prediction and validation of the stress and strain fields ahead of the crack tip. 

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Develop a strong foundation on stress analysis and demonstrate the ability to analyse a range of structural problems,
  • Define the strength and limitation of different functions within FEA and demonstrate original thinking and judgement to establish a suitable model when approaching a certain problem,
  • Evaluate the importance of mesh sensitivity analysis and validation in finite element simulations,
  • Apply an in-depth awareness of current practice through case studies of engineering problems,
  • Apply advanced skills in using ABAQUS, which will be an asset in both industrial and academic careers. 

Solar Energy Engineering

Module Leader
  • Dr Peter King
Aim
    This module provides detailed knowledge of solar energy generation systems, and their technical specifications. This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to design and critically evaluate solar energy generation systems. An overview of the current state of the art of R&D and the future of solar energy systems will be given. 
Syllabus
    • PV system technologies and materials,
    • PV field design,
    • CSP collector technical specification and design,
    • CSP cooling systems design,
    • CSP power cycles and thermal storage,
    • CSP plant design,
    • CSP mirror durability and soiling,
    • Water use within CSP plants, and its reduction,
    • Software tools for system design and evaluation,
    • Site selection and the socio-economic and environmental impacts,
    • Current R&D activities and future trends.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the key technologies of solar PV and Concentrating Solar Power (CSP),
  • Select appropriate solutions for the generation of energy using solar PV and CSP for various applications,
  • Select and implement appropriate methods for the design of solar energy systems.

Energy Entrepreneurship

Aim

    In this world of downsizing, restructuring and technological change, notions of traditional careers and ways of creating value have all been challenged. People are depending more upon their own initiative to realise success. Never, it seems, have more people been starting their own companies than now, particularly to exploit the World Wide Web. There’s no single Government (in either the developed or the developing world), which is not paying at least lip service to enterprise development. The aim of this module is to provide you with knowledge and skills relevant for starting and managing new ventures across the entrepreneurial life cycle. Moreover, it will prepare you on how to prepare a business pitch to an investor.

Syllabus
    • Entrepreneurial risk, performance and environment,
    • Business planning techniques and their application in entrepreneurial ventures,
    • Venture strategy in dynamic markets,
    • Start-up and resources to exploit a profit opportunity,
    • The evolution of the venture and managing growth,
    • Protecting and securing intellectual capital: IPR and antitrust law,
    • Financial management for new ventures: financing a start-up,
    • The entrepreneurial financing process: buying and selling a venture.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Assess the impact of the business environment on entrepreneurial opportunity identification and exploitation.
  • Critically apply the theoretical underpinning of entrepreneurship to the process of managing risk in new ventures and supporting their development.
  • Compare and contrast how managerial challenges vary across the life cycle of an entrepreneurial venture.
  • Assess the likely financial needs of a new venture and pitch for finance.
  • Develop and write a credible business plan for a new venture.


Fluid Mechanics and Loading

Module Leader
  • Dr Liang Yang
Aim

    This module aims to provide you with a theoretical and applied understanding of fluid mechanics and fluid loading on structures.

Syllabus

    Principles of fluid dynamics:

    • Properties of fluids: Control volumes & fluid elements, Continuity, Momentum & Energy equations, stream function & velocity potential, Bernoulli’s equation.
    • Flow structures: Boundary layer theory, laminar & turbulent flow, steady & unsteady flow, flow breakdown & separations, vortex formation & stability,
    • Lifting flows: Circulation theory, Prandtl’s lifting-line theory, sources of drag, aerofoil characteristics.
    • Continuum, Navier-Stokes equations, compressible flow, multiphase flow.
    • Fluid loading on horizontal and vertical axis turbines, Blade Element Momentum theory.
    Dynamics of floating bodies: from simple hydrostatics to complex dynamic response in waves.
    • Ocean Waves Theory and Fluid loading on fixed offshore structures: The Added Mass Concept, Froude Krylov Force, Linear wave theory, Wave loading (Diffraction Theory & Morison Equation),
    • Hydrostatics of floating structures; Buoyancy Forces and Stability, Initial stability, The wall sided formula and large angle stability, Stability losses, The Pressure Integration Technique
    • Dynamics response of floating structures in waves: dynamic response analysis, application to floating bodies, effect of moorings.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Explain how the wind, tides and waves are formed, and the factors that influence their distribution & predictability;
  • Evaluate the principal concepts and methods of fluid mechanics, fundamental equations for fluid behaviour, characterisation of flow structures and forces and moments acting on lifting bodies;
  • Evaluate and select the most appropriate model to assess and undertake the simulation of a floating structure static and dynamic stability

Design of Offshore Energy Structures

Module Leader
  • Dr Burak Cerik
Aim
    This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse, evaluate, and optimise the design of renewable energy structures operating in the marine environment, with a particular focus on floating offshore wind turbines, while considering the unique challenges posed by the dynamic ocean environment and the need for sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.
Syllabus
    • Overview of offshore renewable energy device concepts
    • Environmental conditions and site assessment: Wind resources, Wave and current loads, Soil conditions and seabed interaction
    • Industry standards and Design Load Cases: IEC standards, Design Load Cases (DLCs) for offshore wind turbines, Site-specific load case development
    • Integrated load analysis methodologies: Frequency-domain analysis, Time-domain analysis
    • Structural dynamics of floating wind turbines: Coupled aerodynamic-hydrodynamic-structural analysis, Modal analysis and natural frequencies
    • Hydrodynamic loading: Wave load calculations, Current loads
    • Aerodynamic loading: Blade element momentum theory, Dynamic stall and unsteady aerodynamics, Turbine control strategies and load mitigation
    • Limit state analysis: Fatigue load assessment and damage accumulation, Ultimate limit state design and extreme event analysis
    • Anchoring and mooring systems: Mooring configurations and design principles, Anchor types and design considerations
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Analyse the coupled aerodynamic, hydrodynamic, and structural dynamics of floating offshore wind turbines to inform design decisions.
  • Apply industry standards and Design Load Cases to develop site-specific load cases for the design of floating offshore wind turbines.
  • Evaluate the performance and loading of floating offshore wind turbines using integrated load analysis methodologies to optimise the design.
  • Develop a comprehensive report detailing the integrated load analysis, site-specific load case development, and design recommendations for a floating offshore wind turbine.

Elective modules
One of the modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course.

Energy Systems Case Studies

Module Leader
  • Dr Peter King
Aim
    The module aims to provide you with a deep understanding of the truly multidisciplinary nature of a real industrial project. Using a relevant case study, the scientific and technical concepts learned during the previous modules will be brought together and used to execute the analysis of the case study.
Syllabus

    Design of an appropriate analysis toolkit specific to the case study.

    Development of a management or maintenance framework for the case study.

    Multi-criteria decision analysis [MCDA] applied to energy technologies to identify the most preferred technology.

    Energy technologies and systems: understanding the development and scaling/design of the technologies by applying an understanding of the available resources in the assigned location.

    Public engagement strategies and the planning process involved in developing energy technologies.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate available technological options, and select the most appropriate method for determining the most preferred technology for the specific case study;
  • Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group to achieve the stated requirements of the module brief;
  • Organise the single-discipline activities in a logical workflow, and to define the interfaces between them, designing an overall multidisciplinary approach for the specific case study. 

Short Research Project

Module Leader
  • Dr Gill Drew
Aim

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with experience of scoping, designing and delivering of a short research project. This requires an understanding of the background literature, as well as relevant analysis techniques. You will need to agree the project scope early on and deliver the project within the two weeks of the module. The module will allow you to draw on the experience and learning from the previous modules. 

Syllabus
    Technical requirements specific to project brief and relevant to the MSc course and route.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Deliver a research project, including identification of research methods,
  • Design a data analysis method appropriate to their chosen research topic,
  • Execute a short project, analyse the outcomes and provide sound recommendations.

Management route compulsory modules

Renewable Energy Technologies 1

Module Leader
  • Dr Peter King
Aim
    An understanding of the principles of renewable energy technologies is key to assimilate the technological basis of the systems and applications. The module provides the fundamentals of the renewable energy technologies and their impact on global and national energy system. The purpose of this module is to introduce the basis for assessment of the performances of solar (both PV and CSP), wind, wave and tidal, geothermal as well as hydro-electricity technologies.  By the end of the module, you will have a better understanding of the various renewable technologies and will have the opportunity to visit a PV solar plant to see the real dimension of an operational plant. 
Syllabus
    • Photovoltaic technology,
    • Concentrated solar power technology,
    • Onshore and offshore wind energy: fundamentals of wind turbines and placement,
    • Geothermal Systems (including ground-source heat pumps),
    • Wave and tidal energy technologies,
    • Hydro-electricity technology and systems.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  1. Identify the different components and main configuration of the different renewable technologies covered in the module,
  2. Articulate the fundamental principles, terminology and key issues related to the most used renewable energy technologies,
  3. Critically compare the challenges for the development and operation of the major technologies, including government regulation and policy,
  4. Identify gaps in the knowledge and discuss potential opportunities for further development, including technology and economic potential.

Renewable Energy Technologies 2

Module Leader
  • Dr Jerry Luo
Aim
    This module provides detailed knowledge in energy storage, bioenergy, energy harvesting and energy distribution. This module also provides you with knowledge and experience in designing and analysing renewable energy infrastructures in energy storage, distribution and corresponding renewable energy applications.
Syllabus

    Energy storage materials and technologies

    • Electrochemical and battery energy storage,
    • Thermal energy storage,
    • Hydrogen storage.

    Bioenergies

    • Biorefinery,
    • Biofuels.

    Energy distribution

    • Smart grid and micro-grid,
    • Case study

    Energy harvesting

    • Energy harvesting technologies,
    • Case Study.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the key benefits and challenges of energy storage, bioenergy, energy harvesting and distribution in renewable energy,
  • Identify the appropriate energy storage and distribution methods for different types of renewable energy systems,
  • Analyse the main configurations and components in energy storage and distribution for renewable energy systems,
  • Justify the importance of materials, control, integration, economic and environmental analysis in renewable energy,
  • Appraise future technology and socio-economic trends in sustainability and assess associated opportunities and challenges.

Engineering Design and Project Management

Module Leader
  • Dr Adriana Encinas-Oropesa
Aim
    The purpose of this module is to provide you with experience of planning a project that will involve scoping and designing a product.  The module provides sessions on project and planning, including sustainable design principles, project risk management and resource allocation. A key part of this module is the consideration of systems thinking approach for creating innovative solutions, ethics, professional conduct, and the role of an engineer within the wider industry context as well as considerations for equality, diversity and inclusion.
Syllabus

    Project Management,
    Ethics, EDI and the role of the engineering (ethics case study),
    Product development,
    Circular Economy,
    Systems thinking,
    Innovation.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Apply design thinking methods and techniques to generate a product design concept that can be scaled up to a commercially viable solution.
  • Design and plan the product project including processes, resources required (human and material), product end-of-life and risk management.
  • Integrate systems thinking and circular economy approaches to develop sustainable and innovative products.
  • Evaluate ethical dilemmas, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and the role of the engineer within the context of their chosen industry.

Energy Entrepreneurship

Aim

    In this world of downsizing, restructuring and technological change, notions of traditional careers and ways of creating value have all been challenged. People are depending more upon their own initiative to realise success. Never, it seems, have more people been starting their own companies than now, particularly to exploit the World Wide Web. There’s no single Government (in either the developed or the developing world), which is not paying at least lip service to enterprise development. The aim of this module is to provide you with knowledge and skills relevant for starting and managing new ventures across the entrepreneurial life cycle. Moreover, it will prepare you on how to prepare a business pitch to an investor.

Syllabus
    • Entrepreneurial risk, performance and environment,
    • Business planning techniques and their application in entrepreneurial ventures,
    • Venture strategy in dynamic markets,
    • Start-up and resources to exploit a profit opportunity,
    • The evolution of the venture and managing growth,
    • Protecting and securing intellectual capital: IPR and antitrust law,
    • Financial management for new ventures: financing a start-up,
    • The entrepreneurial financing process: buying and selling a venture.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Assess the impact of the business environment on entrepreneurial opportunity identification and exploitation.
  • Critically apply the theoretical underpinning of entrepreneurship to the process of managing risk in new ventures and supporting their development.
  • Compare and contrast how managerial challenges vary across the life cycle of an entrepreneurial venture.
  • Assess the likely financial needs of a new venture and pitch for finance.
  • Develop and write a credible business plan for a new venture.


Energy Economics and Policy

Module Leader
  • Dr Pegah Mirzania
Aim
    In the context of rising household energy demands, concerns for energy security, the threat of climate change, and uncertainties in the price of energy (the so-called ‘energy trilemma’) require a transformation of the ways in which energy is produced, delivered and consumed. Both developed and developing economies face challenges stemming from meeting increasing electricity demands from more intermittent renewable resources. This module covers various theoretical and empirical topics related to energy demand, energy supply, energy prices, renewable vs depletable resources and environmental consequences of energy consumption and production, all from an economic perspective. It will demonstrate how key economic principles are used in various energy-environment models to inform energy and climate policy.
Syllabus
    • Key concepts and main approaches in economic analysis of energy systems,
    • Different approaches to economic modelling of energy and environment interactions,
    • Energy efficiency and renewable energy policies,
    • Regulation and governance,
    • Energy policy theory and practice,
    • Economics of energy and ancillary services market.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate the purpose of energy policy, as well as the range of policy strategies and instruments.
  • Explain how economic principles govern energy markets and the economics of energy supply.
  • Evaluate the approaches for energy market regulation.
  • Critically evaluate different approaches to techno-economic modelling of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
  • Identify and evaluate the key issues facing the energy sector (i.e. smart technologies, energy security).


Health, Safety and Environmental Risk

Module Leader
  • Dr Gill Drew
Aim
    Health, safety and environment risk are all key considerations when working in the renewable energy and other industrial sectors. These four topics are also broad and cover many aspects.  The module is therefore designed to provide you with the competencies to assess and evaluate the relevant international standards as well as the legislation and regulatory requirements. The module covers key topics including conceptual model development, probability, risk characterisation, and Geographical Information Systems. In doing so, this module aims to provide you with the capability and capacity to assess the wide range of increasingly complex risks and hazards facing organisations, policymakers and regulators. There is a strong focus on the use of case studies to provide examples of how standards and legislation are implemented in practice.
Syllabus
    • Introduction to the International Standards, including the ISO 14000 family and ISO 45001.
    • Environmental legislation and voluntary standards.
    • Environmental risk assessment.
    • Problem definition and conceptual models.
    • Spatial analysis and informatics.
    • Risk screening and prioritisation.
    • Assembling strength and weight of evidence.
    • Review of major accidents: such as the Oroville Dam collapse, Piper Alpha disaster and the Deepwater Horizon incident.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Critique the ISO standards relevant to occupational health, safety and the environment.
  • Differentiate between voluntary requirements and legal or regulatory requirements for health and safety, and the environment.
  • Critically evaluate the decision process underpinning the management of a wide range of risks and provide justification for the prioritisation and application of different risk management strategies.
  • Examine and interpret the relationship between risk, social, economic, political and technological trends and be able to provide appropriate suggestions for communication of assessment and management of environmental risks related to the influencing factors.
  • Design or critique health and safety policies for infrastructure installations.

Sustainability and Environmental Assessment

Module Leader
  • Dr Gill Drew
Aim

    Environmental impact assessment and life cycle analysis are important tools for evaluating the sustainability of complex renewable energy technologies and industrial processes or products. The tools and concepts taught in this module will enable you to assess the sustainability of a case study from an environmental standpoint. Analysis of relevant case studies to demonstrate the assessment process, including how to account for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis.

    This module is 10 credits.

Syllabus
    • Environmental Impact Assessment,
    • Indicator selection and analysis,
    • Life cycle analysis and carbon footprinting,
    • Social impact assessment,
    • The use of appropriate software for lifecycle analysis.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Critically assess the emissions and waste production throughout the lifecycle of a technology or process,
  • Design a framework to ensure compliance of a process, product or service to support the transition to Net Zero that is  compliant with regulatory and voluntary requirements,
  • Critically evaluate different environmental and social appraisal metrics,
  • Design and implement a strategy to assess the environmental sustainability of a process or technology, and evaluate the associated uncertainties.

Elective modules
One of the modules from the following list needs to be taken as part of this course.

Energy Systems Case Studies

Module Leader
  • Dr Peter King
Aim
    The module aims to provide you with a deep understanding of the truly multidisciplinary nature of a real industrial project. Using a relevant case study, the scientific and technical concepts learned during the previous modules will be brought together and used to execute the analysis of the case study.
Syllabus

    Design of an appropriate analysis toolkit specific to the case study.

    Development of a management or maintenance framework for the case study.

    Multi-criteria decision analysis [MCDA] applied to energy technologies to identify the most preferred technology.

    Energy technologies and systems: understanding the development and scaling/design of the technologies by applying an understanding of the available resources in the assigned location.

    Public engagement strategies and the planning process involved in developing energy technologies.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

  • Critically evaluate available technological options, and select the most appropriate method for determining the most preferred technology for the specific case study;
  • Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a group to achieve the stated requirements of the module brief;
  • Organise the single-discipline activities in a logical workflow, and to define the interfaces between them, designing an overall multidisciplinary approach for the specific case study. 

Short Research Project

Module Leader
  • Dr Gill Drew
Aim

    The purpose of this module is to provide you with experience of scoping, designing and delivering of a short research project. This requires an understanding of the background literature, as well as relevant analysis techniques. You will need to agree the project scope early on and deliver the project within the two weeks of the module. The module will allow you to draw on the experience and learning from the previous modules. 

Syllabus
    Technical requirements specific to project brief and relevant to the MSc course and route.
Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

  • Deliver a research project, including identification of research methods,
  • Design a data analysis method appropriate to their chosen research topic,
  • Execute a short project, analyse the outcomes and provide sound recommendations.

Accreditation

This postgraduate degree in renewable energy is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and The Energy Institute.

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How to apply

Click on the ‘Apply now’ button below to start your online application.

See our Application guide for information on our application process and entry requirements.