Sustainable Energy Systems
MSc (H2S1)

Overview

The large projected increases in global population and energy demand, led by those in developing and emerging economies, underscore the need for new workable global supplies of affordable sustainable energy, and elevate this energy need as perhaps the greatest single challenge facing the world in the 21st century. The current acuteness of the challenge results from the confluence of concerns about population growth, energy supply and demand, security, and the effects of energy production and use on the environment. Energy derived from renewable and clean sources holds the promise of addressing the concerns of supply, security and environmental concerns. As a result there is an increasing demand for specialists in Sustainable Energy Systems. This demand is fuelled by increased public awareness of the energy problem, by tightening of environmental regulations, and by the emerging recruitment needs of manufacturers and energy-supply companies working in the field.

The programme aims to prepare specialists with unique expertise in the fundamentals of energy and the environment, their applications for the benefit of humankind, and the ability to stay abreast of the field. The course structure is designed to appeal to students with engineering, sciences or mathematics backgrounds, and is modular in format. It contains a total of eight taught course modules (first and second semesters) plus a course research project (prepared over the first two semesters and carried out over the third, summer semester). Course modules (some are compulsory, depending on the individual's background) can be chosen from:

- Research Methods and Experimental Techniques
- Avanced Environmental Engineering
- Thermodynamics of Energy Conversion Processes
- Mathematical Methods for Engineers and Scientists
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Renewable Energy Materials
- Economics and Management of Sustainable Energy
- Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
- Combustion Concepts and Modelling
- Advanced Gas Turbines
- Advanced Combustion in Reciprocating Engines
- Advanced CFD
- Advanced Aerodynamics Assessment

The methods of assessment are coursework and formal examinations, which take place in May. Many course modules include continuous assessment so that some or all of the work done during the course counts towards the final mark. Students achieving more than 50 per cent average on the taught modules will progress to the MSc dissertation project that will be conducted under close supervision during the summer term from June to August. Successful completion of the project will lead to the award of MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems.

Entry Requirements:
An undergraduate degree (minimum second class honours or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics the Physical Sciences or equivalent. Each application is individually assessed; you are recommended to write for guidance in specific cases.