Energy MSc/Diploma

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time, Distance Learning
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • September

Overview

This course combines engineering and business studies and is offered by the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences but includes contributions from all Engineering disciplines represented at Heriot-Watt and from the Edinburgh Business School (EBS).

Energy – based on fossil fuels and, increasingly, renewables – is an essential component of our existence. The cost, availability and efficient utilisation of energy are increasingly strong focal points in the strategies of governments world-wide, as they realise that the 'raw material' for most of the energy used today has a finite life.

Of even greater concern is the probability that the products of the inefficient or profligate use of fossil fuels could make the earth uninhabitable in the longer term, and create havoc in parts of our balanced ecosystem in the medium term.

The implications of the above have both national and international significance. The latter point is recognised by the Kyoto Agreement on CO2 emissions and similar actions, such as the Montreal Protocol, a damage-limitation exercise with respect to the ozone layer. Nationally, countries which ratify these treaties, or impose self-regulation on energy use, can put their economies at a disadvantage. In order for personnel in companies to overcome the impact on the competitiveness of business, and the economy as a whole, of limitations on CO2 emissions and pressures to introduce 'sustainability' into each process and product, a marriage of technical and business skills is needed. It is the aim of FLAME to broker this marriage by providing a balanced, integrated course which will equip the participant with the tools needed to influence positively his/her organisation in to developing new business strategies relevant to 'energy', or in reacting to the growing portfolio of environmental legislation.

Supported by industrial suppliers and users of energy, who are committed to an ethical environmental policy, FLAME is based upon sets of taught modules covering the areas of business and management from the Edinburgh Business School, and specialist engineering topics. An optional project and dissertation in an engineering subject, which might be a company-specified topic or one selected by the participant, is also available. Modules on offer include several which address subjects which will allow participants to break new ground in their relationship with emerging technologies and associated business strategies needed to exploit these fully. The emphasis will of course be on implications for energy, but the module content will have much wider uses.

Programme duration

1 year, with flexibility allowing longer part time/distance learning participation, typically over 2 or 3 years.

Programme content

The course contains two compulsory modules:

Foundations of Energy

This module is designed to give students an overview over all aspects of energy, from the resources and their extraction to energy use, as well as energy within the environmental, social and economic context.

Technology Futures and Business Strategy

This module is designed to give all students an understanding of the inter-relationships between energy, technology and business. It includes methodologies of technological forecasting, relevant technological developments, technology transfer and integration into business plans. It covers theoretical and practical aspects of the industrial and business drivers, strategic competitive implications for companies, and issues of strategic and cultural change, as well as ethics and environmental issues.

TECHNOLOGY MODULES

A range of modules is available which allows students to specialise in a particular area or to gain an insight into a range of technologies. Students will choose up to eight modules which are available in the following subject areas.

Energy Resources

This includes modules on Oil & Gas Field Appraisal and Oil & Gas Field Development and Renewable Energy Technologies.

Power Generation and Transmission

The modules High Voltage and Electrical Power Systems cover the efficient transmission, distribution and utilisation of electricity.

Process Development

Modules include Fluid Dynamics with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Heat Exchanger Technology and Process Intensification. Process Intensification (PI) covers concepts such as compact heat exchangers and 'the laboratory on a chip', together with implications of PI for whole plant design.

Energy in Buildings

A substantial amount of energy is used in the provision of building services, including heating, ventilating and air-conditioning. Modules on Energy Management, Advanced Energy Management, and Air Conditioning cover: energy management systems, energy auditing, heat transfer and ventilation, and the environmental impact of building energy use.

Environmental Issues and Reliability

Modules include Systems Reliability, Fire Safety Engineering, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Environmental Policy, Legislation & Administration.

BUSINESS MODULES

Up to four business modules can be chosen from the portfolio of the MBA programme of the Edinburgh Business School.

Economics

The behaviour of the macroeconomic environment affects all organisations through changes in consumer demand, interest rates, exchange rates and asset values, and at the industry level the type of competition confronting companies dictates profitability and growth prospects. An understanding of economics is fundamental to determining the basis of competitive advantage.

Marketing

Notions such as product positioning and product life cycles form the basis for developing marketing strategies. No company can survive in a fast changing world without understanding and exploiting its competitive advantage.

Finance

The selection among competing investment alternatives in the context of an uncertain and risky future is a constant problem; there are specific tools and techniques which can be brought to bear on this type of decision making. It is essential that managers have a grasp of these financial ideas.

Accounting

The ability to interpret a profit and loss account is a core management skill; what is more problematical is to identify the costs involved in producing a variety of outputs. If you do not know what something costs it is impossible to price it properly in the market place.

Organisational Behaviour

Management is primarily concerned with people and understanding how people interact and operate within organisations. Without this understanding it is impossible to manage resources effectively.

PROJECT OPTIONS

A wide range of project options is available, ranging from a short (two-module) individual Energy Analysis through an individual or group project (both four modules), to a substantial dissertation (eight modules). Full-time students are required to take a project option to a minimum of four modules. Students are encouraged to carry out projects within industry.

The course is of relevance to those in a variety of industrial sectors (e.g. chemicals, energy, and offshore), major players in the built environment, SMEs keen to exploit opportunities for new products/processes, and organisations active in advising others on energy and environmental strategies.

Flexibility has been designed into the course to accommodate the needs of companies and employees in terms of course content, method of delivery and the overall course duration. These include full-time attendance for one year, part-time attendance or distance learning.

 

CORE MODULES

  • Foundation of Energy
  • Technology Futures and Business Strategy
  • Critical Analysis and Research Preparation

OPTIONAL MODULES

  • Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Economics of Renewable Energy
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Demand Management and Energy Storage
  • Energy Technology
  • Ventilation & Air Conditioning
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics with Heat Transfer
  • Heat Transfer and Heat Exchangers
  • Process Intensification
  • Sustainable Processing
  • Oil & Gas Field Appraisal 
  • Oil & Gas Field Development
  • Electrical Power Systems
  • High Voltage

From the MBA Course (maximum 3)

  • Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Strategic Planning

Entry requirements

A First or Second Class Honours Degree in an engineering discipline or in the physical or chemical sciences. The degree can be from a British or overseas university. Different degrees, together with relevant industrial experience, will be considered.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:

  • 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5-5.0);
  • 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5);
  • 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5*-6.0). (*minimum 5.5 reading and writing)

Distance learning students

Please note that independent distance learning students who access their studies online will be expected to have access to a PC/laptop and internet.

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries