Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition Heriot-Watt University

Overview

You’ll acquire a broad knowledge of renewable energy systems and the issues surrounding them, and you’ll gain the tools to understand the wider systems that rely on energy and look for solutions beyond the simple decarbonisation of existing activities. At the centre of the programme is the discipline of Transition Engineering. This is a relatively new field that focuses on driving and facilitating transitions towards a more sustainable and resilient future. It is rooted in the recognition that significant societal and technological shifts are necessary to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource depletion. 

You’ll learn from experts in renewable energy, economics, and transition engineering, and develop a clear understanding of the key drivers of energy transition and transition engineering through being introduced to:

• aspects of energy transition,

• the technologies of renewable energy generation and its integration into wider systems,

• the importance of energy efficiency in buildings and in transport,

• energy policy,

• economics,

• project finance,

• environmental science, which is critical for predicting and managing the impacts of energy systems.

Teaching is reinforced with project work where emphasis is placed on simulating real-life situations and processes. Through this, you’ll learn how to use key communication platforms including digital tools for data analysis, modelling, and other interactive approaches. 

Most the world’s greenhouse gas emissions relate to energy. This means that to achieve net zero, we must redevelop our energy systems at an unprecedented rate. According to a recent report, over 100,000 new people will be needed to work in the energy sector in the UK alone by 2030. Upon completion of this master’s programme, you will possess a diverse skill set that opens a wide range of opportunities and roles in renewable energy companies, government agencies, consulting firms, community groups, research institutions, and non-profit organisations. 

Your Student Experience

Our Expertise

 Your learning will be informed by experts in renewable energy, economics and transition engineering at the International Centre for Islands Technology (ICIT) in Stromness, Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus, which is part of Heriot-Watt’s School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. Your learning will also be informed by guest speakers from industry.  

The Orkney campus is host to the Transition Lab, an “action research” group which works with a range of research organisations, businesses, and community groups to move Scottish islands towards decarbonisation through the Islands Centre for Net Zero.  

The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain innovative and industry focused. 

Your Learning Environment

 You’ll study at Heriot-Watt Orkney, our specialist campus which is one of the United Kingdom’s most stunning and unique university locations. 

By choosing to study at our Orkney campus, you’ll become part of a vibrant local community, hear from guest lecturers from leaders in the sector, network with ingenuity-led industry professionals from many renewable energy sectors, benefit from relatively small class sizes, and participate in practical sessions right at the heart of the industry. You will have the opportunity to work on real-world problems, and work across disciplines to deliver practical solutions with global impact.  

MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition uses a diverse range of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, discussion sessions, project work, fieldwork, and more. Throughout your studies, you will get to know and build relationships with your teaching staff, academics, and peers. You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your dissertation, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.  

Outside of the classroom, you’ll benefit from living in a friendly island environment and experience landscapes of remarkable beauty. Orkney offers a large range of sports and leisure activities, and you’ll find there is lots to enjoy and explore. 

Customise Your Learning

 You will study the programme full-time for 12 months in Orkney. You’ll take seven mandatory courses and can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway by choosing one optional course from a range of environmental specialist courses. 

In semester three, you’ll undertake a specialised research project of your choice through your dissertation. You’ll be doing genuine research to produce new knowledge in an area that interests you, under the supervision of an appropriate academic.  

 Employability

Graduates leave with wide ranging inter-related and cross-disciplinary skills spanning the breadth of the renewables sectors. The degree will be of particular interest to anyone considering transitioning to leadership in energy transition and net zero.

Average Salary: £34,920