Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies with Advanced Practice MSc
2 Years Full-Time | September and January Start

How will I learn on this course?

Our teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, and group projects. As this is a master’s course there is a significant element of independent learning and self-motivated reflection.

You’ll undertake a master’s project that will hone your skills in evaluating and applying research techniques and methodologies. The topic of the project will reflect your own unique interests.

Assessments are designed to give feedback as well as to monitor your level of achievement. The assessed projects will enable you to test your skills in ways that relate to current industrial practice. Specific assessment methods include assignments, exams, technical reports, and presentations.

The Advanced Practice semester will be assessed via a report and presentation about your study abroad or research group activities. 

Who teaches the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies course?

Our teaching team includes experts from Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Group. Their experience, combined with their on-going active research, will provide an excellent foundation for your learning.

The quality of their research has ranked Northumbria University in the top 25 in the UK for the research power in engineering, with 90% of research outputs being rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Our reputation for quality is reflected by the range and depth of our collaborations with industry partners. Our industrial links help inform our curriculums and ensure a variety of site visits and input from practitioners via guest lectures.

Where will I learn throughout my degree?

Northumbria University provides outstanding facilities for renewable and sustainable energy technologies. For example our New and Renewable Energy Laboratory is an excellent resource for research into power networks, wind energy, photovoltaics and battery testing for electric vehicles. All our facilities are backed up by a team of technicians who will give support and advice when you need it.

Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal and electronic reading lists that will guide your preparation for seminars and independent research. Our use of lecture capture software will help you revise challenging material.

To facilitate group projects there is a working space called The Hub that’s well equipped for meetings and working with IT. The Zone is another area that’s popular with students undertaking group work or individual study.

How is Engineering research applied to teaching throughout my course?

Northumbria’s strong research ethos is an essential aspect of how you will develop as a critical, reflective and independent thinker. With our problem-solving approach you’ll acquire a wide range of research and analytical skills as you progress through the course. These skills will come together in the master’s project that you’ll undertake, which will require independent research and appropriate techniques of inquiry, critical evaluation and synthesis.

Throughout the course your learning will be directly impacted by the teaching team’s active research. One of Northumbria’s signature research themes is ‘Future Engineering’, which is about innovation in the engineering industry so that it’s fit for purpose in the 21^st century. We also have particular interests in smart materials and sustainable technologies.

What kind of career can I have after my studies?

MSc Renewable and Sustainable Technologies has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Chartered status is associated with improved employability and higher salaries.

The course will equip you with the expertise to design, optimise, apply and evaluate renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Your master’s project will extend your practical experience of industry-standard hardware and software tools. At the same time you’ll develop transferable key skills and personal attributes that promote employability and lifelong learning.

The Advanced Practice semester will help you develop a track record of achievement that will help you stand out from other job applicants.

A two-year master’s course, like this one, will carry particular weight with employers. They’ll understand that you’ll have a deeper understanding of topics as well as more hands-on practical experience.

When it comes to applying for jobs our Careers and Employment Service offers resources and support that will help you find roles matching your interests and skills. You will be able to access a range of workshops, one-to-one advice, and networking opportunities.

How will my course provide me with the skills needed for my career?

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.