MSc Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology

The MSc Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology course will develop the cutting-edge multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills to enable you to develop a rewarding career in this fast moving growth industry.

This renewable energy masters is based in USW’s Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), a leading and internationally recognised centre for more than 30 years. SERC is also home to The Wales Centre of Excellence for Anaerobic Digestion and the University of South Wales Centre for Renewable Hydrogen Research and Demonstration.

You will be taught by SERC’s team of academics and researchers who are engaged in industrially linked projects such as FLEXIS, RICE and SMART circle working with companies such as Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Tata Steel, and ITM Power. This ensures that your modules are informed by the latest up-to-date and industrially relevant research, preparing you for employment.

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2024
2025

Study Mode 2024	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Full-time	16 Months	February	Glyntaff	A
Full-time	1 Year	September	Glyntaff	A
Part-time	2 Years	September	Glyntaff	A

Study Mode 2025	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
Full-time	1 Year	February	Glyntaff	A
Full-time	1 Year	September	Glyntaff	A
Part-time	2 Years	September	Glyntaff	A

The subjects taught within the MSc Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology are underpinned by high quality research which was rated as being mainly internationally excellent or world-leading in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

This included research in Anaerobic Digestion, Analytical Technology, Bioelectrochemical Systems, Biohydrogen and Biomethane Production, Hydrogen Energy, Hydrogen Vehicles and Refuelling, Biopolymer Production, Modelling and Control, Nano Materials and Wastewater Treatment.

You will study the following taught modules (20 credits each):

Hydro, Tidal, Wave and Wind.

This module covers the mechanical renewable energy technologies. This follows the operating principles of these technologies to demonstrate how methods used for analysis of one renewable energy technology can be transferred to others effectively.

Solar, Heat, and the Grid

This module dscusses the challenges facing our energy systems, the interrelation between power demand, heat demand, and transport. This is a critical issue for the future where increasingly these demand networks will be interlinked through the use of renewable electricity.

Bioprocesses for a Circular Economy

This module covers the evolution of the concept of biorefineries. It moves from disposal of biodegradable waste in landfill, via anaerobic digestion, to bioplastic production, bioH2 and biomethanation as a route for carbon utilisation and resource recovery.

Industrial Resource Recovery

This module investigates thermo/chemical routes for resource recovery and production. It includes content on production of potable water, as well as pyrolysis, industrial waste gas recovery and upgrading, and incineration.

Hydrogen Energy

This module investigates the potential of hydrogen as a key solution to the energy problems of the 21st century, providing clean and efficient heat and power from a range of indigenous sources

Energy and Environmental Legislation and Policy

The module reviews the legislative frameworks aiming at security of energy supply, overcoming energy dependency and improving global sustainable development by tackling issues such as: clean energy supply, nature conservation, integrated pollution control, transboundary pollution, climate change, waste resources management and planning and land use.

Dissertation

You will also complete a substantial dissertation project (60 credits) within the Sustainable Environment Research Centre where you will be supervised by our team of academics and researchers with access to our state-of-the-art laboratories.

Teaching

There are two entry points for the course. We have an intake of students in September and another in February. Students from both intakes sit in the same classes.

From September to February, you will sit four 20 credit modules and from February to May two 20 credit modules. Each taught module consists of 36 hours of contact time (lectures, tutorials, and computing-based practical sessions).

Full-time students will typically attend two days a week, with part time students attending one day a week. You will also be expected to carry out research, background reading, and coursework during the remainder of the week individually to support your studies.

You will have the opportunity throughout your time on the course to visit the SERC labs and learn key analytical techniques from our research team.

Assessment

The taught modules are assessed by a variety of coursework modes.

Hydro, Tidal, Wave and Wind.

30% Poster Presentation
70% Project

Solar, Heat, and the Grid

50% Practical Assignment
50% Portfolio

Bioprocesses for a Circular Economy

70% Case Study
30% Group Report

Industrial Resource Recovery

30% Oral Presentation
30% Classroom Test
40% Written Assignment

Hydrogen Energy

70% Portfolio
30% Online Test

Dissertation

10% Dissertation Proposal
80% Dissertation Thesis
10% Oral Presentation

Accreditations

This masters course is accredited by The Energy Institute.

Facilities

You will make use of our state of the art biosystems laboratories including our Hydrogen Research and Demonstration Centre at Baglan.

Lecturers

We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

A minimum 2:2 Honours degree in a science or engineering-related subject.

The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.

August 2023 - July 2024 Fees

Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £15100

August 2024 - July 2025 Fees

Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC

August 2025 - July 2026 Fees

Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC

Student Perks

At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.

Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.

Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

Funding

Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs

Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.

USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24

The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24

Apply directly to the University for this course.

Admissions statement

There is substantial global demand for graduates with expertise in renewable energy and sustainable technology. The argument for the need to produce knowledgeable and highly skilled graduates in this area has never been stronger, and will keep getting stronger. The need to meet emissions targets and a net-zero carbon economy will create a need for highly skilled individuals to implement the changes.

Graduates with a renewable energy qualification can find work in multiple sectors from the renewable energy industry; local authorities; government regulatory agencies; manufacturing industries; energy and environmental consultancy companies; water companies; research and academia and national and international non-governmental organisations.

Typical roles include: