Renewable Energy Systems Engineering MSc - 2025/6

Awarding body

University of Surrey

Teaching institute

University of Surrey

Framework

FHEQ Level 7

Final award and programme/pathway title

MSc Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

Subsidiary award(s)

Award Title
PGDip Renewable Energy Systems Engineering
PGCert Renewable Energy Systems Engineering

Modes of study

Route code Credits and ECTS Credits
Full-time PFZ61012 180 credits and 90 ECTS credits
Part-time PFZ61013 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

CECELJA Franjo (Chst Chm Eng)

Date of production/revision of spec

06/11/2024

Educational aims of the programme

  • A balanced curriculum will be provided with a core of renewable energy and systems engineering modules supplemented by a flexible element by way of elective modules that permit students to pursue an element of specialisation relevant to their backgrounds, interests and/or career aspirations.
  • An integrated approach is taken so as to provide a coherent view that explores the interrelationships between the various components of the programme.
  • Its primary aims lie in developing a global understanding of the major types of renewable energy technologies, in-depth knowledge of the technology for biomass-based renewable energy, and knowledge and skills in systems modelling and optimisation.
  • This programme investigates both renewable energy and systems technologies in order to produce scientific researchers and engineers who are competent in the R+D and engineering tasks applicable to the renewable energy and sustainable development sectors.

Programme learning outcomes

Attributes Developed Awards Ref.
State-of-the-art knowledge in renewable energy technologies, in terms of: The sources, technologies, systems, performance, and applications, assessment of renewable energy technologies, energy systems simulation and modelling and decision making. K PGCert, PGDip, MSc
State-of-the-art knowledge in renewable energy technologies, in terms of: process and energy integration, economics of energy sector, sustainable development and supply chain integration.. K PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Select, define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level, collect and digest knowledge and information selectively and independently to support particular scientific or engineering enquiry and develop and apply relevant and sound methodologies for analysing the issue, developing solutions. C PGCert, PGDip, MSc
Assess the available renewable energy systems P PGDip, MSc
Design and select appropriate collection and storage, and optimise and evaluate system design P PGDip, MSc
Apply generic systems engineering methods such as modelling, simulation, and optimization to facilitate the assessment and development of renewable energy technologies and systems P PGDip, MSc
Preparation and delivery of communication and presentation, report and essay writing, use of professional computing tools, team work and organising and planning work. T 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)
*some programmes may contain up to 30 credits at FHEQ level 6.

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

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

Digital Capabilities:
Throughout the programme students learn to navigate and utilise the Virtual Learning Environment @ Surrey (SurreyLearn) and other digital resources and online databases to aid their learning and undertake research. Students are also introduced to, and gain proficiency in specific digital tools, such as general modelling software MatLab, process and process systems modelling software Aspen+, optimisation modelling software GAMS, which are all assisting in building their skills to deal with engineering problems, generate, analyse, and present data mainly by the means of computer. Students are also encouraged to use current media such as Whatsapp, Teams, Zoom, and utilising cloud/file sharing for communication and team working. Appropriate use of digital media and communication platforms is increasingly important for engineering practitioners, and through use and discussion of these students gain an awareness of their roles, plus their limitations and misuse which can have wider impact (e.g., to digital well-being).

Employability:
The programme is designed to equip students with all the core competencies required for an engineering professional in general and professional in renewable energy industry in particular. Throughout the course students will encounter real-life examples and problems to be prepared, solved and hence competitive in job market. They will also be taught by, and exposed to a variety of internal and external speakers exposing students to the variety of specific roles and real-life cases engineers have in the workplace. The tasks and assessments undertaken across the modules are specifically chosen to equip students with knowledge and skills that are key to the role of modern and forward-looking engineers. Key to this, and underpinning everything through this programme, students develop the ability to critically appraise evidence and the appropriate application of this knowledge to specific individuals, groups, or populations, all in course of development of new products or advancing research in a commercial world.

Global and Cultural Capabilities:
The programme is taught in an interactive and collaborative way, in a cohort that commonly represents a wealth of nationalities and backgrounds. Students are encouraged to engage with, and learn from diverse perspectives through interaction and teamwork. It is evident that main advances in engineering originate from cross-cultural studies, and differences between ethnic groups are explored and appreciated as key to understanding the interrelationship between various aspects of engineering: research, design and operation. Students also develop an understanding of inequalities in commercial world and the underlying causes of differences with exploration of how the diversity of lived experience and culture can impact processes. Invited speakers contribute to diverse global perspectives on cutting edge advancement in engineering as well as global effects.

Resourcefulness and Resilience
This programme requires practical problem-solving skills that teach a student how to reason about, and solve, new unseen problems starting with a problem scenario and designing and developing a complex and practical solution to the problem. As such, students will have experience of taking an idea from concept through to implementation and evaluation in both as an individual and within a group.

Sustainability:
From the very beginning of the programme students begin to consider the foundations of engineering and technology related knowledge in the context of the UN Sustainable Goals. The sustainability is directly involved in most of the modules on the programme. Broader aspects relevant to sustainability, including manufacturing processes, general processing, distribution, retail and impact on global resources and the environment are topics that are addressed across the programme. Seminars and tutorials give students the opportunity to explore specific topical aspects of sustainability. In particular, students can choose optional modules dealing with current sustainability problems to further master and advance sustainability in the technology sector of their interest.

Quality assurance

The Regulations and Codes of Practice for taught programmes can be found at:

https://www.surrey.ac.uk/quality-enhancement-standards

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.