Materials for Sustainable and Renewable Energies MSc/Diploma/Certificate

  • Delivery: Full Time
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • September

Overview

Development of new materials for energy storage, conversion and recovery is of key importance to society. The fossil fuel supply cannot meet the energy demands for the 21st century, and conversion to renewable energy sources will be required by 2050. The recent Energy Review conducted by the DTI (The Energy Challenge, 2006) concluded that "sustainable, secure and affordable energy that supports economic development yet contributes to stabilization of CO2 emission" is of vital importance.

The aims of the course are to provide a practical and theoretical grounding in Energy technologies and wider knowledge and skills relevant to the Energy sector. The course will provide graduates with an interdisciplinary overview over Energy resources, conversion, and use, as well as on the materials requirements for the development of renewable Energy technologies. In addition to knowledge of the principles and concepts relating to the domain of Energy, this course will provide an overview of the barriers and challenges, from the point of view of materials science, to the development of the next generation of renewable Energy technologies, and specialised training in areas such as hydrogen storage, fuel cell technologies, photovoltaics and thermoelectrics. The course has been designed to ensure that students gain a highly interdisciplinary yet rounded education, and therefore draws from a range of subjects, including engineering, physics and materials chemistry.

Scholarship Opportunity

Scottish Funding Council has made available 20 scholarships covering fees only to students with Scottish backgrounds. These will be spread over all our Energy based MSc programmes. There is no separate application process for this. If you are eligible, you will be considered automatically. You will be notified through the summer if you have been selected.

Programme duration

  • 1 year for MSc; 
  • 9 months for Postgraduate Diploma; 
  • 6 months for Postgraduate Certificate.

Programme content

For the MSc and PGDip degrees, students are required to take eight taught modules, six of which are mandatory. Two modules can be chosen from a list of electives. MSc students complete the course by undertaking a Masters Project.

 

Courses

Core courses

  • Foundations of Energy
  • Renewable Energy Resources
  • Materials for the Hydrogen Economy
  • Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
  • Nanoscience Primer
  • Critical Analysis and Research Preparation
  • Masters Project (for MSc students only)

Elective

  • Technology Future and Business Strategy
  • Materials Physics
  • Functional Inorganic Materials

Entry requirements

A first or second class honours degree in a suitable subject with a numerate background. Equivalent overseas qualifications will also 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)

Tuition fees

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

Scholarships & bursaries