Materials for Energy Systems – (M.Sc.)

Suitable for a broad range of graduate scientists and engineers seeking to develop their knowledge and skills in the application of materials in energy systems, to maximise system efficiencies and plant availabilities whilst minimising the risks of system failures.

Takes you on to a wide range of careers as professional materials scientists and engineers in the energy production and conversion sectors, consultancies and the public sector.

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

The UK Government Climate Change Act 2008 requires an 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this, transformational changes will be required across all sectors of the energy industry together with the increased participation of energy consumers.

The efficiencies of most energy systems are limited by materials engineering, as are the reliabilities of these systems, and as such there is a need for educated professionals with a broad understanding of the scientific, engineering and technological issues that govern the design of energy systems, the materials that they are constructed from and the reliability of these systems.

The MSc in Materials for Energy Systems covers the application of scientific and engineering principles for materials used in energy systems, as well as detailed knowledge of many of the different types of energy generation/conversion systems. The course equips students with knowledge and skills that will enable them to solve a wide range of energy materials technology and engineering problems to minimise operational risks and maximise process reliability, and ensure a more sustainable future.

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. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) students complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.

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 materials technology and engineering solutions to real problems in energy systems.

Modules:

* Introduction to Materials Engineering
* Failure of Materials and Structures
* Fuels and Energy Conversion
* Energy Production Emissions Control, Carbon Capture and Transport
* Materials and Reliability in Energy Systems
* Offshore Renewable Energy
* Land-based Renewable Energy Technologies
* Surface Science and Engineering