Renewable Energy Engineering MSc

Postgraduate

This course is designed for students who are interested in supporting the renewable energy industry, as it continues its rapid growth to tackle the severe issues posed by climate change and to respond to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT068

Start date

September 2024
January 2025

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

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Course overview

You will have the opportunity to advance your engineering proficiency and develop new skills and knowledge.

Through the exploration of current and emerging technologies and applications for renewable energy, successful completion of this course should prepare you to make significant contributions to your profession, the economy, and society.
You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity², designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 UK Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2024

Why you should study this course

This course aims to address the need for skilled energy engineers. You will have the opportunity to develop a systematic understanding of knowledge, analytical techniques and research skills related to an MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering.

Embedded in the course is a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Global Professional Development Entrepreneurial Practice module which aims to provide you with essential business management experience and transferable skills.
Coventry University has a strong portfolio of industry-related research, which currently includes the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) in collaboration with Unipart Manufacturing Group and The Institute for Future Transport and Cities.
We aim to provide several field trips to UK sites². Previous students have undertaken trips to waste and energy plants, wind farms, a battery manufacturing centre and hydropower plant.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) up to and including the 2025 intakes under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Students completing an IMechE accredited degree are deemed to have met part or all of the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer and are in a strong position to move on to achieve professional engineering status after a period of initial professional development in industry.

The accredited MSc will meet, in part, the exemplifying academic benchmark requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Accredited MSc graduates who also have a BEng (Hons) accredited for CEng will be able to show that they have satisfied the educational base for CEng registration.

It should be noted that graduates from an accredited MSc programme, that do not also have an appropriately accredited Honour’s degree, will not be regarded as having the exemplifying qualifications for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council; and will need to have their qualifications individually assessed through the Individual Case Procedure if they wish to progress to CEng.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. Whilst Coventry University anticipates that these reviews will continue to be successful, if they were to be unsuccessful, the relevant module in this course would no longer be accredited and we would notify applicants and students of this change as soon as possible.

IMechE Membership Partner

We are a Membership Partner with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Working in collaboration with the IMechE we aim to ensure our engineers and technical teams meet industry-recognised standards of engineering excellence.

We are committed to the professional development of everyone within our organisation and recognise that professional registration and recognition are crucial in helping our employees and business grow and excel.

What you'll study

This course will provide you with opportunities to develop and critically analyse technologies and applications for renewable heat, power, and transportation.

You will have the chance to learn how to apply your engineering knowledge to address the requirement for cost-effective carbon reduction solutions and appraise the global socio-economic challenges associated with renewable energy.

This course includes a mandatory Entrepreneurial Practice Professional Development module developed in collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute.

Modules

Design Principles and Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to develop an understanding of a systematic approach to the design process, design management, and creative problem solving, leading to developing an artifact ready for manufacture. Design as a process will be applied via a series of principles to assist the progression of the project to reach a suitable solution and evaluate that against the initial brief.

Compulsory

Thermofluid Systems - 15 credits

The aim of this module is for you to apply thermofluids science in the design of different systems. The emissions from combustion systems are identified by applying the chemical kinetics and equilibrium approaches. Pressure and heat losses in different components will be evaluated for different thermal and fluid flow systems such as gas turbines, fuel injection, cooling systems and renewable energy application.

Compulsory

Sustainability and the Environment - 15 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the ability to develop and implement business models/strategies within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability. Aspects of sustainability (economic, social, environment) sustainable operations and sustainability challenges will be studied.

Compulsory

Alternative Propulsion Systems - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to give you an overview of different power-train layouts and vehicle propulsion systems which use alternative energy sources. The economic feasibility of alternative propulsion systems will be considered in relation to a set of typical drive cycles.

Compulsory

Solar Energy Engineering - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of solar energy as a renewable resource and the design, manufacture and application of the latest solar energy conversion technologies. You will critically evaluate low and high-temperature solar thermal, energy storage and photovoltaic solar cell systems.

Compulsory

Bioenergy Engineering - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to give you the ability to access potential bioenergy resources and examine thermochemical and biochemical conversion methods. The use of biomass as a resource for renewable transport, heat and power will be investigated, and the design, manufacture and operation of small- and large-scale systems will be considered.

Compulsory

Wind and Hydro Power Engineering - 20 credits

Entrepreneurial Practice - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way. You will explore for example, the influence and impact of leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, the principles of entrepreneurial practice and understand the different contexts in which entrepreneurship can flourish as well as the characteristics of entrepreneurial leadership within different types of organisational scenarios.

Compulsory

Individual Project - 60 credits

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity² enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional fee of £4,000. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching will be supported by academics who are researchers in the areas of alternative transportation and solar, wind, hydro and bio energy. Please note that staff are subject to change. Teaching activities are designed to align with several of the university's research centres, including the Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems and the Centre for Future Transport and Cities.

You will study two taught semesters and one project semester over the course of the year. For taught semesters, in a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials, medium group teaching in tutorial sessions, labs and workshops activities as well as large group teaching in lectures.

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. You will also be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. Your project-based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 45 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around one hour per week and optional workshops supporting your project which can add up to 10 additional hours across your project semester.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, coursework, tests, essays, practical or project work, group work and presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.

International experience opportunities

The university is committed to providing a global educational experience², which is reflected throughout the teaching experience. The course has previously recruited diverse international graduates and promotes multicultural experiences.

Extended supply chains and energy security in the context of sustainability and energy management will be considered throughout the course. Case studies for both developing and developed countries will be an area of focus, with teaching activities supported by international research projects. Group work and guest lectures (subject to availability) from visiting international academics will be used to provide you with the opportunity to develop intercultural skills and experience.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

To commence the full-time MSc Renewable Energy Engineering course, applicants must:

Be an honours graduate of any physical science, mathematics or engineering discipline (minimum 2:2 or higher)

Students who do not fit with the above entry requirements may gain entry, but their degrees and experience will be assessed for appropriate content by the course director. Each application will be considered on its merits and the final decision will be made by the course director.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Some international students may require an ATAS certificate to study this course. For further information see our ATAS Certificates web page.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities⁴:

Faculty on the factory floor

AME brings together academia, industry, and research and development in a ‘live’ manufacturing environment. Our collaboration with Unipart gives you the opportunity to work with some of the most talented engineering professionals in the UK.

High Performance Engineering Centre (HPEC)

Situated on the ground floor of our Engineering and Computing Building, the centre houses flight and driving simulators, a chassis design assembly and test facility, wind tunnels and a fleet of CNC manufacturing machines.

Metals Workshop

Participate in technical work in a hands-on way. The workshop includes lathes, milling machines, fabrication equipment for sheet metal work, CNC machines, work benches, welding lines and a fitting assembly area.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

Select and apply appropriate systematic analysis methods to critically evaluate and solve complex renewable energy engineering problems.
Analyse different energy resources and conversion processes using analytical modelling, experimental techniques and numerical simulations.
Critically access the use of renewable energy systems to mitigate climate change and improve the environment and social welfare.
Make and justify decisions for selecting and optimising renewable energy products and systems based on technical, environmental, economic, risk and social criteria.
Develop innovative solutions to meet the current global sustainability and renewable energy challenges.

Globally, the total renewable energy capacity has quadrupled in the last ten years. In 2015, $286 billion was invested in renewables and, for the first time, more than half of all added power generation came from renewables. However, significant increases in growth are still needed if global renewable energy targets are to be achieved.

Renewable energy is set to expand even further as the UK aims to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Renewable energy also has a particularly important role to play in providing crucial services in developing countries to tackle poverty and support sustainable economic growth.

Where our graduates work

There are many wide-ranging engineering jobs that have requirements for skills in energy systems and sustainability. Graduates may seek positions with energy technology manufacturers and operators, some may start their own companies, others could become energy consultants, and many could go into more traditional aerospace, mechanical and automotive engineering jobs.

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.