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Heriot-Watt University: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition

Institution Heriot-Watt University View institution profile
Department Marine Science and Environmental Management
Web https://www.hw.ac.uk/postgraduate-study
Email studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Telephone 0131 451 3729
Study type Taught

Summary

MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition will equip you with the skills and knowledge to have a real impact as a leader in renewable energy and energy transition. You don’t need to be an engineer to apply for this master’s programme as it is suitable to professionals from a wide variety of academic backgrounds who want to work in the industry and through interdisciplinary teaching and learning, you’ll be prepared for active participation in the transitions of energy generation and use.

You’ll acquire a broad knowledge of renewable energy systems and the issues surrounding them, and you’ll gain the tools to understand the wider systems that rely on energy and look for solutions beyond the simple decarbonisation of existing activities.

At the centre of the programme is the discipline of Transition Engineering. This is a relatively new field that focuses on driving and facilitating transitions towards a more sustainable and resilient future. It is rooted in the recognition that significant societal and technological shifts are necessary to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource depletion.

You’ll learn from experts in renewable energy, economics, and transition engineering, and develop a clear understanding of the key drivers of energy transition and transition engineering through being introduced to:

  • aspects of energy transition,

  • the technologies of renewable energy generation and its integration into wider systems,

  • the importance of energy efficiency in buildings and in transport,

  • energy policy,

  • economics,

  • project finance,

  • environmental science, which is critical for predicting and managing the impacts of energy systems.

Teaching is reinforced with project work where emphasis is placed on simulating real-life situations and processes. Through this, you’ll learn how to use key communication platforms including digital tools for data analysis, modelling, and other interactive approaches.

Most the world’s greenhouse gas emissions relate to energy. This means that to achieve net zero, we must redevelop our energy systems at an unprecedented rate. According to a recent report, over 100,000 new people will be needed to work in the energy sector in the UK alone by 2030. Upon completion of this master’s programme, you will possess a diverse skill set that opens a wide range of opportunities and roles in renewable energy companies, government agencies, consulting firms, community groups, research institutions, and non-profit organisations.

Customise your learning

You will study the programme full-time for 12 months in Orkney. You’ll take seven mandatory courses and can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway by choosing one optional course from a range of environmental specialist courses.

In semester three, you’ll undertake a specialised research project of your choice through your dissertation. You’ll be doing genuine research to produce new knowledge in an area that interests you, under the supervision of an appropriate academic.

Employability

Graduates leave with wide ranging inter-related and cross-disciplinary skills spanning the breadth of the renewables sectors. The degree will be of particular interest to anyone considering transitioning to leadership in energy transition and net zero.

MSc

Heriot Watt

Shape humanity

The world is at a crossroads, with the planet and its species facing a range of existential challenges. At Heriot-Watt, we believe a better future is possible - one that relies on human ingenuity. We need your help – to unlock your ideas and nurture your potential, to help tackle these problems and achieve the unimaginable.

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Postgraduate events

Chat with our academics, hear about your funding options and ask current students about their experiences at our postgraduate events.

  • Our next postgraduate open day on the Scottish Borders campus …
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