MSc (Eng) Renewable and Sustainable Energy with a Year in Industry

The MSc (Eng) Renewable and Sustainable Energy with a Year in Industry is designed to give students a strong balance of technical understanding and hands-on experience. During the first year, students work directly with renewable energy systems, power electronics, high-voltage equipment and energy-modelling tools. Lectures are paired with laboratory sessions and simulation-based exercises, allowing students to apply engineering theory to real devices, control systems and power networks.

In the second year, students complete a 30-week industrial placement, taking on a genuine engineering role within a company. This placement immerses students in the professional environment, allowing them to apply engineering knowledge to industry challenges and significantly strengthen their employability.

The University of Liverpool supports this practical learning with access to specialised research groups, advanced laboratories and cutting-edge engineering facilities. Students benefit from real equipment, professional software and industry-aligned project opportunities.

Experiential learning is supported through:

• Specialist laboratories within the Electrical Engineering & Electronics Building equipped for power systems, energy conversion, control engineering and electrical testing

• Teaching and supervision from the Energy & Power research group, which focuses on areas such as high-voltage systems, battery storage, power switchgear, digital control, and integration of renewable technologies

• Collaboration opportunities with the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, a leading centre for research on energy materials, conversion, storage and transmission

• Structured practical sessions and site-visit opportunities that expose students to real energy infrastructure and renewable energy systems

• A full 30-week industrial placement in the second year, supported by the university’s placement team and academic supervisors

• A major industrial project that requires students to plan, execute and present an engineering investigation within their placement organisation

• Use of modelling, simulation and digital analysis tools for power networks, sensor systems, smart-grid control and energy-system optimisation

• Group coursework that strengthens teamwork, communication and leadership skills while tackling real engineering scenarios

• Access to modern engineering teaching spaces, including prototyping labs, electronics workbenches and facilities designed for design–build–test activities

• Full access to engineering library collections, digital academic resources and the university’s research institutes to support project work

Graduate Outcomes (Summary):
Graduates from this programme often go on to roles in renewable energy companies, sustainability consultancies, or energy research labs, equipped with both technical expertise and practical experience from their year in industry. They are well-placed to contribute to the development of green technology and energy transition projects.

Typical Careers Include:

• Renewable Energy Engineer

• Sustainability Consultant / Analyst

• Energy Systems Researcher

• Project Engineer (Wind, Solar, or Bioenergy)

How the University Supports Your Career:

• Careers & Employability Service: Offers tailored counselling, CV help, job-search guidance, networking events, and interview prep specifically for engineering and energy-sector roles.

• Year in Industry Placement Team: Helps students secure a 40- to 54-week placement within energy companies, utilities, clean-tech firms, or research organisations working on sustainable energy projects.

• Industry Partnerships: The university has partnerships with major players in the energy sector — such as renewables developers, utilities, and engineering consultancies — offering placement opportunities and industry insight.

• Graduate Employability & Demand: Graduates benefit from Liverpool’s strong reputation and employer network; energy companies are increasingly seeking professionals with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

• Accreditation and Professional Status: This MSc is designed to meet the educational requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) once graduates secure further learning or experience; this gives the qualification long-term professional credibility.

• Sustainability Impact: Graduates contribute directly to global sustainability challenges by working on decarbonisation, clean energy deployment, smart grids, and resource efficiency projects.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this MSc, students could pursue a PhD in Sustainable Energy, Renewable Technologies, or Energy Policy, either at Liverpool or other research-intensive universities. Alternatively, they might join industrial research programmes or R&D fellowships focused on green innovation, or take on roles in consultancy or project development that could later lead to senior engineering or management positions. Over time, graduates can also continue towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, boosting their professional standing in the energy sector.