MSc Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology

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. Your project may also be embedded into one of our externally funded projects such as FLEXIS, or SMART circle, bringing you into contact with industry and ensuring that your work is of industrial relevance. As part of the dissertation process you will attend tutorials on research methods, including practical laboratory based sessions with our research team.

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 contact time (lectures, tutorials, and computing based practical sessions), plus our program of site visits to put the theory into context.

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.

The programme of site visits includes tours of Radyr Hydro Power Station; Mynydd Portref Wind Farm; Cardiff WWTP; Court Farm Water Treatment Plant; and the Hydrogen Demonstration Centre at Baglan.

You will have opportunity throughout your time on the masters course to visit the SERC labs and learn key analytical techniques from our research team. You can find out more about current work on our Twitter channel.

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