Renewable Energy Engineering, MSc

University of Aberdeen

The demand for renewable energy engineers is expected to continue to grow as governments and companies look to diversify from hydrocarbons and reduce emissions. This programme teaches the advanced skills needed to design, build and optimise renewable energy infrastructure of the future.

This programme has been designed to provide you with a detailed knowledge of all major renewable energy sources and the engineering skills associated with them, including geothermal, solar, biomass, hydro, marine and wind. In addition, there are courses covering legislative, planning and economic considerations associated with renewable energy, and the integration of renewable energy to the grid.

The course included in this programme cover both the theoretical knowledge and advanced technical skills in demand from this ever-evolving sector. Teaching is by specialist staff drawn from our engineering school as well as from the energy industry, to ensure that students are exposed to the latest developments and future needs of the renewable energy industry.

One of the main features of the programme is its interdisciplinary nature, being suitable for students with mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical and other suitable engineering backgrounds. In special cases, the programme is also open to students with other relevant science backgrounds, including Physics, Chemistry and Applied Maths.

Aberdeen is known as the Energy Capital of Europe and is a major international centre of research and innovation in every aspect of the offshore oil and gas industry. In recent years, however, non-hydrocarbon based energy has grown significantly, mainly due to the large talent pool of energy engineers and scientists based in the Aberdeen region and the abundant wind and tidal energy resources off the Aberdeenshire coast. The city and region is quickly developing as a major hub for renewable energy.

Each year, there is an increase in the number of renewable energy projects being developed around the world. This steady increase in activity will continue to create jobs and it will also emphasise the need for skilled leaders, with strong engineering backgrounds.

By exposing you to the various renewable energy sources of power, and the technologies required to operate and develop them, you will graduate with extensive knowledge and skills. As well as strong technological skills, you will also develop an understanding of the commercial and project management skills required to run renewable energy projects, safely, on time and to budget.