Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice MSc - 2026/7
Awarding body
University of Surrey
Teaching institute
University of Surrey
Framework
FHEQ Level 7
Final award and programme/pathway title
MSc Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice (Placement pathway (24 months))
Modes of study
| Route code | Credits and ECTS Credits | |
| Full-time with Placement | PFJ71001 | 240 credits and 120 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
24/04/2026
Educational aims of the programme
- Provide practice opportunities to enhance the learning process by year-long industrial placement where students will be able to put in practice their taught knowledge and develop industry-related skills.
- The programme will 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 prepares students to address complex energy challenges toward net-zero transition through interdisciplinary skills and practical management principles.
Programme learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | Awards | Ref. | |
| Write both a CV and a cover letter with the appropriate tone, content and format. | PT | MSc | |
| 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 | 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 | MSc | |
| To develop skills for applying appropriate methods to analyse, develop, and assess smart systems operating based on renewable and sustainable energy sources. | KCP | MSc | |
| To apply state-of-the-art knowledge to design and size various storage and conversion technologies for renewable energy sources. | KCP | 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 | CP | MSc | |
| To further develop the research and experimental skills into new areas, particularly in the aspect of literature review and skills acquisition. | CP | MSc | |
| To acquire an industrial perspective of technology development and to gain the practical skills required for successfully delivering professional projects in industrial workplaces. | KCPT | MSc | |
| To reflect on career goals and the employability skills needed to achieve those goals. | KPT | MSc |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Programme structure
Full-time with Placement
This Master's Degree programme is studied full-time over two academic years, consisting of 240 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.
Programme Adjustments (if applicable)
N/A
Modules
Year 1 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
Module Selection for Year 1 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
FEBRUARY START - FULL TIME
First Semester (Semester 2 according to the University calendar), you will study ONE 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 - Solar Energy Technology
ENGM265 - Sustainability and Infrastructure
ENGM303 - Nature Based Solutions in Environmental Engineering
ENGM299 - Environmental Aerodynamics and Wind Power
PHYM064 - Nuclear Energy and Applications
In the Second Semester (Semester 1 according to the University calendar), you will study 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
You will also study the following compulsory modules:
ENGM321 - Group Project (Across Academic Year)
ENGM083 - Research Dissertation (PRISE) (Across Academic Year)
CHEM044 - Employability Year 1 (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
In the 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 (15 credits each):
ENGM314 - Smart Energy Systems Design and Analysis
ENGM246 - Solar 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)
CHEM044 - Employability Year 1 (Year Long)
Year 2 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
| Module code | Module title | Status | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGM317 | PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR - SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MSC | Compulsory | 60 | Year-long |
| ENGM317 | PROFESSIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR - SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MSC | Compulsory | 60 | Cross Year |
Module Selection for Year 2 (full-time with placement - 2 years) - FHEQ Level 7
FEBRUARY START
ENGM317 - Professional Placement Year (PPY) Year 2 (Across Academic Year)
SEPTEMBER START
ENGM317 - Professional Placement Year (PPY) Year 2 (Year Long)
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
This programme develops graduates with strengths in employability, digital capability, global awareness, sustainability, and resilience, with the added benefit of an industry placement year.
Digital Capabilities:
Students use SurreyLearn, online databases, and tools such as MATLAB, HYSYS, Aspen+, and GAMS for modelling and data analysis. They build skills in digital communication using platforms like Teams and cloud tools, while understanding responsible digital practice. The placement year further strengthens digital awareness, professional identity, and understanding of digital impacts in careers.
Employability:
Students gain core engineering skills through real-world problems, industry-relevant assessments, and exposure to guest speakers. A Professional Placement Year provides hands-on experience in industry, developing practical skills such as communication, reporting, teamwork, and problem-solving, enhancing career readiness.
Global and Cultural Capabilities:
Students learn in diverse cohorts, engaging with global perspectives and cross-cultural collaboration. The programme explores how cultural differences and inequalities influence engineering and industry, with additional global exposure gained during the placement year.
Resourcefulness and Resilience:
Students develop strong problem-solving skills by tackling complex challenges from concept to implementation. Modules such as Renewable Energy, Policy and Economics, Energy Storage, and Smart Systems provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable energy systems. The placement year also builds independence, confidence, and professional networks.
Sustainability:
Sustainability underpins the programme, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Topics include energy systems, environmental impact, and resource management. Students can specialise through optional modules, dissertations, and placement experience, preparing them to address global 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 2026/7 academic year.