Renewable Energy Management MSc

Postgraduate

The MSc Renewable Energy Management course has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to access the growing renewable energy jobs markets and aims to help facilitate the global energy system transition.

Year of entry

2023-24 2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT127

Start date

May 2024

How to apply

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Course overview

The ways that we currently source and consume energy need to be transformed if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate and ecosystem breakdown.

The challenge of transition is sizable. Some technological solutions do already exist, with the electricity sector transition well underway, and with wind, solar PV and electrification of heating and transport taking bold steps. Hydrogen, CCS and further energy efficiency improvements are also gaining prominence in the quest for a clean energy future. There should be plentiful career options post-graduation for those who master the wave of energy transition as it unfurls before us.
The Renewable Energy Management MSc course aims to support persons looking to begin careers that will contribute to the affordable, reliable and sustainable delivery of energy for all. You will have the opportunity to develop skills to appraise renewable energy projects and explore how to strengthen governance structures to accelerate the decarbonisation process – within communities, organisations and nationally.
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 (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

Why you should study this course

The global energy sector is changing, and the pace of change will increase as technology prices and policy support for clean energy solutions advance. This Renewable Energy Management MSc course has been designed to meet this challenge and features the very latest energy sector developments, ensuring you are well placed to take advantage of this fast-moving sector upon graduation.
Given its importance, we devote a whole module to examining how we can model energy systems (supply and demand) so that strategic decisions can be made on technology options and future renewable energy roadmaps (e.g. how electric vehicles will fit into our future energy systems, which storage option/s to adopt, what approaches to space heating/cooling to explore, etc).
In an ever more interconnected world, renewable energy professionals must be able to analyse their stakeholders' expectations and tailor their engagement approaches to meet the demands of different audiences, be they clients, organisations, communities, policymakers or other consultants. Our module on ‘Stakeholder engagement and communication’ aims to help you develop this critical skill, which is increasingly necessary for a successful career in the energy sector upon graduation.
The course is designed to have a strong international dimension, with emphasis placed on understanding the different approaches to energy provision based on climatic, social and economic conditions. Our current staff have international industry and academic experience, which in the past has attracted a truly global student cohort. We encourage discussion and investigation of the various technical, environmental and geopolitical challenges facing our global energy systems.
Modules are specifically designed to equip you with the skills necessary to immediately access the burgeoning renewable energy jobs markets, whether it be feasibility studies for renewable energy systems, energy officer/auditor roles within commercial/government organisations, or analyst roles with companies involved in energy markets. Assignments are predominantly based on applied, real-world tasks. Supported by staff with industry experience, you are given the flexibility to determine your final dissertation topic thus providing the opportunity for a stepping-stone towards your preferred career path (please note staff may be subject to change).

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2023-24 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. Further details can be found under the modules and on the Professional Development module webpage.

Memberships

Energy Institute (EI)

The School of Energy, Construction and Environment is a Learning Affiliate member of the Energy Institute (EI), which means all students within the school are eligible for free student membership during their studies and provides the opportunity for students to be plugged directly into the energy sector. Student membership with the EI could help you to boost your CV and may provide energy sector knowledge resources and the chance for potential networking/professional development opportunities. Find out more about the EI and its free student membership.

What you'll study

In addition to the technical content in the taught modules, you will study a series of modules designed to help you develop the personal attributes and academic and research skills to achieve your potential. These sessions provide an opportunity to address individual learning needs and areas for improvement.

Learning is further supported by studying with active researchers and senior and experienced energy sector practitioners and opportunities to join field trips and site visits² that aim to support converting theory into practice.

Modules

Conventional Global Energy Systems - 15 credits

This module examines our conventional energy supply system, its history, formation, supply chains, its current status, and future trajectory. You will learn about key upstream/downstream components of the oil, gas, coal and nuclear industries and plans for each sector. You will also learn about how we consume energy; where and how it is used in the electricity, heating/cooling, industry and transport sectors. The aim is to provide a clear picture of the dominant components of our current global energy system, so that you understand the challenges and opportunities with transitioning to a sustainable global energy system.

Compulsory

Decarbonisation and Energy System Transitions - 15 credits

This module examines how to model energy systems (supply and demand) so that strategic decisions can be made on technology options. The module informs and examines the challenges to energy system transitions, including intermittent renewable sources and storage, digital security in an increasingly data-driven world, and the material requirements of a renewable energy system.

Compulsory

Appraising Wind, Hydro and Marine Energy Projects - 15 credits

This module aims to provide you with a clear understanding of the development process for wind, hydro and marine energy projects. You will learn how resources are assessed and the various technology options for energy conversion. The focus of the module is utility-scale wind (onshore and offshore).

Compulsory

Energy Economics and Policy - 15 credits

The module examines the fundamental principles of energy economics and will encourage you to apply relevant economic theory, tools and techniques to analyse strategic commercial energy generation and supply as well as pertinent national and international energy policy issues.

Compulsory

Appraising Solar, Bioenergy and Geothermal Projects - 15 credits

This module aims to provide you with a clear understanding of the development process for solar, bioenergy and marine energy projects. You will learn how resources are assessed and the various technology options for energy conversion. The main focus of the module is solar PV (roof-mounted and ground-mounted systems).

Compulsory

Energy Management, Efficiency and Auditing - 15 credits

Efficiency is in effect our greatest resource. Therefore, it should be the top priority for authorities and other stakeholders in the industry. This module first explores the fundamental approaches to reducing energy demand, including activity improvements, efficiency improvements, structural shifts in technology, structural change in services delivered and structural changes between regions. You will learn how to implement an effective energy management system and how to improve energy performance at an organisational level.

Compulsory

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication - 15 credits

Organisations need to understand their stakeholders, their needs and expectations, their power and influence and their role in shaping both the policy arena and the organisation's own strategy. During this module, you will study many forms of corporate communications and marketing collateral, across all forms of media, in order to analyse the relative effectiveness and appropriateness.

Compulsory

Social and Environmental Impact Assessment - 15 credits

This module will explore the role of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a process for identifying, predicting, evaluating, and mitigating the biophysical, social and other relevant effects of a proposed renewable energy project development prior to major construction decisions being taken.

Compulsory

Research Project - 50 credits

This module aims to extend your experience in independent investigative work with a view to enhancing your ability to solve problems in your field of study. Research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations are included. Written presentation skills are developed as an integral part of the project. The module aims to develop your ability to carry out research independently and to commission, manage and evaluate research within an appropriate industrial, commercial or academic context.

Compulsory

Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation - 10 credits

This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to manage change using creativity and innovation in different types of organisational scenarios. You will be given the opportunity to develop an innovative framework to deliver a change management strategy in a changing organisational context.

Compulsory

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. 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 and learning methods may include:

Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Presentations
Group projects
Workshops
Practical laboratory sessions

You will also have the chance to visit local renewable energy projects and businesses involved in the global energy transition². These are included in the fees and are arranged by module leaders to meet needs.

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.

Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12-15 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Your project-based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 20 hours per week.

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.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Formal examinations
Phase tests
Essays
Group work
Presentations
Reports
Projects
Coursework
Individual assignments

Our mix of assessments offer you a range of opportunities to demonstrate your achievements against the learning outcomes. Assignments are designed to reflect the demands of industry and you may be asked to produce technical reports, energy audits, feasibility studies, public awareness material or policy briefings. Tutorial modules are designed to help strengthen your study skills and support mid-career students returning to education and those who are less familiar with assessment by coursework.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

To enter this course, you should have obtained a first or second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline.

The course is suitable for students with backgrounds in the STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and maths), geography, economics, environmental science, management, business, as well as energy professionals from the oil and gas sector looking to retrain and transition into the renewable energy sector.

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

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

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

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.

Typical entry requirements

To enter this course, you should have obtained a first or second-class honours degree in a relevant discipline.

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 at least 5.5 in each component area

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.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 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 £18,600 \| £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600 \| £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:

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

Beautiful building surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Jaguar Centre

The Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students including social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Spirituality and Faith Centre, the Tank Studio, Student Success Coaches and the Enterprise Hub.

Careers and opportunities

We are seeing extensive divestment in the various fossil fuel sector, which will require simultaneous investment in clean energy systems. This change is already taking place and will need to keep doing so at an increasing rate. Successful graduates from this course will be well positioned to take advantage of jobs in positions such as energy officers, consultants, analysts, advisors, R&D, NGOs and government energy agencies, as well as the many oil and gas corporations that are now turning their sights on decarbonisation.

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

Demonstrate a high-level understanding of the components that make up the global energy system, including energy sources, generation and integration technologies, supply chains, and end-uses (electricity, transportation, heating/cooling).
Critically evaluate potential renewable energy and energy management projects, and subsequently support their planning, financing, management and operation within a changing energy market.
Apply economic concepts, principles and tools to the energy sector, and understand how policy, standards, regulatory and legislative frameworks impact upon various factors within the energy sector.
Understand the importance of and apply appropriate techniques in multi-stakeholder engagement, communication, and co-operation in aspects of policy, project implementation and management.
Critically analyse the challenges and strategies (short-term and long-term) in transitioning towards decarbonised energy systems with focus on energy supply, efficiency/conservation, storage and disruptive technologies.
Evaluate the issues and techniques involved in collecting, analysing and communicating energy data, and demonstrate research design and execution skills within renewable energy-related topics.
Demonstrate personal skills and competencies expected of an energy sector professional, including operating within individual and team settings, including digital fluency and written, oral, visual, and numerical skills.

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates from our School have gone on to work as energy officers in industry, local authorities, government agencies, universities and consultancies. Others have undertaken further study leading to a PhD.

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 applying to start in September 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 Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 2023/24 contract can be found here. 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.