Sustainable Energy MSc - 2025/6
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Levels 6 and 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Sustainable Energy
Subsidiary award(s)
| Award | Title |
|---|---|
| PGDip | Sustainable Energy |
| PGCert | Sustainable Energy |
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time | PFJ61003 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
| Part-time | PFJ61004 | 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits |
QAA Subject benchmark statement (if applicable)
Other internal and / or external reference points
N/A
Faculty and Department / School
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Programme Leader
AMINI HORRI Bahman (Chst Chm Eng)
Date of production/revision of spec
22/04/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- To equip students with the knowledge and skills required to understand the current challenges in energy systems, identify the appropriate technological solutions to deploy sustainable energy systems, and appreciate the prioritisation of proposing viable, practical, and long-lasting solutions toward the energy sector.
- To focus on sustainability, employability, and the UN SDGs, we foster resilience, digital capability, and a professional workforce that could direct impactful changes to achieve a sustainable economy with secured energy resources.
- To prepare students to address complex energy challenges toward net-zero transition through interdisciplinary skills and practical management principles.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| To understand the key concepts of renewable energy sources and the requirements of sustainable energy conversion devices applied in the 'net-zero' transition and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). | KC | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| To recognise, describe, and suggest appropriate modern sustainable energy storage, distribution, and demand side flexibility technologies for developing a more resilient and energy-secured economy. | KC | PGCert, PGDip, MSc | |
| To develop skills for applying appropriate methods to analyse, develop, and assess smart systems operating based on renewable and sustainable energy sources. | KCP | PGDip, MSc | |
| To apply state-of-the-art knowledge to design and size various storage and conversion technologies for renewable energy sources. | KC | PGDip, MSc | |
| To demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and ability to quantify the performance and efficiency of sustainable energy systems based on the socio-economic energy impacts, project financial performance, and marketing principles. | KCPT | MSc | |
| To strengthen a range of transferable skills that are relevant to the needs of existing and future professionals in knowledge-intensive industries, irrespective of their sector of operation. | KCPT | MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over one academic year, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Part-time
This Master's Degree programme is studied part-time over two academic years, consisting of 180 credits at FHEQ level 7. All modules are semester based and worth 15 credits with the exception of project, practice based and dissertation modules.
Possible exit awards include:
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time) - FHEQ Level 7
FEBRUARY START - FULL TIME
First Semester (Semester 2 according to the University calendar) you will study TWO compulsory modules :
ENGM311 - Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems
ENGM313 - Sustainable Energy Storage and Distribution
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules:
ENGM314 - Smart Energy Systems Design and Analysis
ENGM246 - Wind Energy Technology
ENGM265 - Sustainability and Infrastructure
ENGM303 - Nature Based Solutions in Environmental Engineering
ENGM299 - Environmental Aerodynamics and Wind Power
PHYM064 - Nuclear Energy and Applications
Second Semester (Semester 1 according to the University calendar), you will study ONE compulsory module:
ENGM312 - Economics and Policy of Sustainable Energy
And you will need to choose TWO of the following optional modules:
ENGM310 - Foundations and Applications of Sustainable Development
ENGM245 - Solar Energy Technology
ENGM270 - Energy Geotechnics
You will also study the following compulsory modules:
ENGM321 - Group Project (Across Academic Year)
ENGM083 - Research Dissertation (PRISE) (Across Academic Year)
SEPTEMBER START - FULL TIME
First Semester you will study these TWO compulsory modules:
ENGM311 - Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems
ENGM312 - Economics and Policy of Sustainable Energy
And you will need to choose ONE of the following optional modules:
ENGM310 - Foundations and Applications of Sustainable Development
ENGM245 - Solar Energy Technology
ENGM270 - Energy Geotechnics
Second Semester you will study the compulsory module:
ENGM313 - Sustainable Energy Storage and Distribution
And you will need to choose TWO of the following optional modules:
ENGM314 - Smart Energy Systems Design and Analysis
ENGM246 - Wind Energy Technology
ENGM265 - Sustainability and Infrastructure
ENGM303 - Nature Based Solutions in Environmental Engineering
ENGM299 - Environmental Aerodynamics and Wind Power
PHYM064 - Nuclear Energy and Applications
You will also study the following compulsory modules:
ENGM321 - Group Project (Across Academic Year)
ENGM083 - Research Dissertation (PRISE) (Across Academic Year)
Year 1 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Year 2 (part-time) - FHEQ Level 7
Opportunities for placements / work related learning / collaborative activity
| Associate Tutor(s) / Guest Speakers / Visiting Academics | Y | |
| Professional Training Year (PTY) | N | |
| Placement(s) (study or work that are not part of PTY) | N | |
| Clinical Placement(s) (that are not part of the PTY scheme) | N | |
| Study exchange (Level 5) | N | |
| Dual degree | N |
Other information
The Sustainable Energy MSc programme aims to develop graduates' knowledge and expertise, with a focus on strengthening employability, digital capability, global awareness, sustainability, and resilience.
Digital Capabilities:
Students gain experience using SurreyLearn, online databases, and specialist tools such as MATLAB, HYSYS, Aspen+, and GAMS for modelling, data analysis, and problem-solving. They also develop communication skills using platforms like Teams and cloud-based tools, while understanding responsible digital practice.
Employability:
The programme equips students with core engineering competencies for careers in renewable and sustainable energy. Real-world case studies, industry-relevant assessments, and exposure to guest speakers help students understand professional roles and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making skills.
Global and Cultural Capabilities:
Students work in diverse, international cohorts, learning through collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. The programme highlights how global perspectives, cultural differences, and inequalities influence engineering design, research, and industry practices.
Resourcefulness and Resilience:
Students build practical problem-solving skills by tackling complex, real-world challenges. Modules such as Renewable Energy, Policy and Economics, Energy Storage, and Smart Systems provide a holistic understanding of energy systems, from design to market application, while strengthening analytical and evaluation skills.
Sustainability:
Sustainability is central to the programme, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Topics include energy production, storage, distribution, environmental impact, and resource management. Students can further specialise through optional modules, dissertations, and placement opportunities focused on current sustainability challenges.
Quality assurance
The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.