Renewable Energy Engineering MSc

15 credits

This broad-based module comprehensively examines fuel cell technology, the principle engineering methodologies for producing hydrogen and electricity as a prime source of power and the relevant applications for renewable energy generation. The content continues by considering how the design and manufacturing processes involved may be applied in the development and optimisation of new and innovative renewable energy systems. The content concludes by examining and evaluating some of the key issues relating to environmental concern as well as socioeconomical impact of fuel cell policy.

The module is primarily delivered through formal lectures and simulation for life cycle assessment sessions, supported by case studies and tutorials, with comprehensive course material available via CANVAS.

Set against the background of climate change, sustainability issues, the acquisition and development of renewable energy sources and how these factors are influenced by government and international organisations, thus affecting business decision making. The comprehensive content examines the different aspects of social, economic, and environmental business management and how this can create operational efficiencies and a competitive advantage. The module also considers the aspects of corporate social responsibility.

15 credits

The comprehensive content of this module examines the measurement and assessment of wind resources together with the principles and technology of machines used in the generation of power from the wind, including their aerodynamics, the aero-elastic and fatigue characteristics of their materials and the operation of ancillary equipment including gear boxes and electrical machines.

The module also considers the latest developments and technical progress of wind powered installations and covers all aspects of life-time project management, including planning and public acceptance, costing and financial incentives, technologies, plant operation including maintenance and power system integration.

Set against the background of climate change, sustainability issues, the acquisition and development of renewable energy sources and how these factors are influenced by government and international organisations, thus affecting business decision making. The comprehensive content examines the different aspects of social, economic, and environmental business management and how this can create operational efficiencies and a competitive advantage.

The module also considers the differential effect applicable to varying industries and concludes by focusing on aspects of corporate social responsibility.

15 credits

This is a core module which provides a detailed examination of the solar energy conversion process, system design and applications. The comprehensive content considers how the principles of solar energy, as a prime source of power, can be used in the design, development and manufacture of relevant energy systems and technologies. The module content examines current and future technological requirements and considers key energy policies, practices and influences surrounding solar energy deployment.

The module also considers the latest developments and technical progress of solar powered installations and covers all aspects of life-time project management, including planning and public acceptance, costing and financial incentives, technologies, operational and maintenance aspects, and power system integration.

Set against the background of climate change, sustainability issues, the acquisition and development of renewable energy sources and how these factors are influenced by government and international organisations, thus affecting business decision making. The comprehensive content examines the different aspects of social, economic, and environmental business management including social responsibility and how this can create operational efficiencies and a competitive advantage.

30 credits

This module introduces you to the practical and virtual skills needed in the design and development of renewable power systems for solar, wind and fuel cells technologies, and how you can individually, or as part of a team, assess the viability of, and implement such developments.

This module will equip you with cognitive and practical skills for conceptual research, design, and critical evaluation of performance characteristics of relevant renewable energy powered engineering systems to minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This would lead to the design and development of environmentally benign products. The module delivery is in the format of lectures, hands on practical and tutorials. A significant part of the teaching time is spent in laboratory sessions during which you will work in small groups, involving peer group activities, as well as learning how to use the latest software technologies for individual investigative assignment. The teaching material will be influenced by extensive research activities of the academic staff engaged in delivery of the module. Feedback and feed forward in the form of formative assessments will be organised.

30 credits

Research Techniques, Innovation and Sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge required to select and justify a research topic and then to plan and execute that research project. Research is a broad topic covers a variety of activities that range from undertaking a project as part of an academic programme, through research and development in the commercial environment, to acquiring information to inform projects undertaken as part of routine business practice. This module introduces research in these contexts and allows you to develop your own research plan. As part of the module, you will consider setting research questions and determining hypotheses, acquire relevant information and data, apply suitable analytical techniques, and evaluate the significance and potential applications of their research findings. You will also develop your innovation skills through a combination of workshops and team working, resulting in submission of an innovation proposal aimed to address UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The module covers many practical aspects surrounding research in the commercial environment including intellectual property and professionalism, and sustainability is embedded throughout the module both in course content and via development of the innovation proposal.

60 credits

Drawing on previous knowledge and experience, the dissertation module allows you to study an area of interest within your chosen field in significant depth. In undertaking the dissertation, you will develop not only a deeper understanding of your subject area but will also be able to demonstrate a high level of autonomy in terms of project dissertation planning and management. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and, through your own efforts, apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The main output from the module is a final report but the option is available for you to prepare their work in the format of an article suitable for submission to a relevant conference or journal.

15 credits

This module is structured in a way to develop an in-depth understanding of computer-aided design techniques such as solid and surface modelling that can support the development of engineering products. This module also aims to help you develop a fundamental understanding of the role of these technologies within a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).

15 credits

This module extends your knowledge and skills beyond the basic fluid mechanics methods which are normally introduced at early undergraduate level, and to provide a theoretical and analytical introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). In the lectures, emphasis is placed on the numerical models and analytical techniques in fluid dynamics and heat transfer and some of the more advanced theories behind CFD.

The module also provides you with advanced computational knowledge in fluid dynamics, therefore enhancing your employment potential in a wide range of industries.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.