Renewable Energy Technology – (M.Sc.)

Suitable for graduate scientists and engineers with an interest in developing specialist knowledge in the selection and application of low carbon renewable energy production technologies to achieve lower environmental impacts.

Takes you on to a wide range of careers as professional scientists and engineers in the energy production and demand management industries.

You will be taught by industry-active research academics from Cranfield with an established track record, supported by visiting lecturers from industry. To ensure the programme is aligned to industry needs, the course is directed by its own Industrial Advisory Committee.

Course description

Evidence is growing that production from conventional oil resources has already peaked, and that, at current usage rates, similar peaks will occur in the foreseeable future for natural gas and coal. The use of renewable resources through the development and application of renewable energy technologies is likely to play a major role in future energy supply.

Developed economies now face a number of challenges in procuring energy security and responding to energy pricing and affordability issues, as well as dealing with contributions to carbon emissions in line with the UK Government’s ambitious targets of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The MSc in Renewable Energy Technology develops professional engineers and scientists with the multidisciplinary skills and ability to analyse current and future energy engineering problems, and design and implement appropriate solutions, taking into account the social, environmental, technical, regulatory and commercial issues and constraints.

Cranfield is a respected provider of energy related research and teaching, which represents about 10% of the University’s income. Students benefit from dedicated state-of-the-art facilities including unique engineering-scale facilities for the development of efficient technologies with low CO2 emissions.

The MSc course comprises eight assessed modules, an integrated group project and an individual project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules, a project and a personal development portfolio.

Group project

The group project experience is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. It provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project, working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. For part-time students a dissertation usually replaces the group project.

Individual thesis project

The individual thesis project, usually in collaboration with an external organisation, offers students the opportunity to develop their research capability, depth of understanding and ability to provide solutions to real business or industrial challenges in renewable energy technology.

Modules:

* Principles of Sustainability
* Offshore Renewable Energy
* Land-based Renewable Energy Technologies
* Fuels and Energy Conversion
* Environmental Valuation
* Evaluating Sustainability
* Energy Policy, Carbon Markets and Futures
* Land-based Renewable Energy Technologies – Design case study