MSc Renewable Energy Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Aberdeen

Program Overview

The MSc Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Aberdeen equips students with advanced engineering skills to design, build, and optimise renewable energy systems across wind, marine, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydro‑power domains. It is ideal for students with an engineering or science background who want to drive the energy transition and work on sustainable energy infrastructure.

Curriculum Structure

  • Core Coursework Phase: In the taught modules, students study key subjects like Electrical Systems for Renewable Energy, Solar and Geothermal Energy, Biomass Energy, Marine and Wind Energy, Energy Conversion and Storage, and Renewable Energy Integration to the Grid. These allow them to understand the fundamentals of renewable energy generation, power systems, energy storage, and grid integration.

  • Policy and Economics Phase: Alongside technical modules, students take Legislation, Planning and Economics, giving them insight into the legal, regulatory, and economic frameworks that influence renewable energy deployment and sustainability decisions.

  • Final Project Phase: In their final semester, students complete an individual research project, where they tackle a real-world engineering challenge — from designing a novel renewable system, modelling wind or marine energy devices, to investigating energy storage strategies — consolidating their engineering, research, and project-management skills.

Focus Areas

Wind and marine energy, solar and geothermal energy, biomass, energy conversion and storage, grid integration, regulation and sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and analyse renewable energy systems, model energy storage and conversion processes, integrate renewable sources into power networks, and navigate the economic and legislative aspects of energy projects.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme aligns with industry and national priorities in low-carbon energy and clean power systems, preparing graduates for technical and leadership roles in renewable energy companies, consultancies, and government or regulatory organisations.

Reputation (Employability / Rankings)

The University of Aberdeen is located in a major energy‑transition hub and is recognised internationally for its research and teaching strength in energy engineering. Graduates from this MSc are well-positioned for careers in renewable energy development, project engineering, policy advising, and research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Aberdeen, the MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering is designed to give students both theoretical insight and hands-on experience in designing, building, and optimising renewable energy systems. Students gain access to high-quality facilities and work closely with expert academic staff who are deeply engaged in energy transition research. Through project work, lab sessions, and field-based learning, students develop real engineering skills relevant to solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and marine energy. A major part of the programme is the MSc project, where students independently investigate a renewable energy engineering challenge, applying both simulation and physical modelling.

Some of the experiential learning opportunities include:

  • Practical sessions on electrical systems for renewable energy, exploring power electronics, generation, and grid integration.

  • Design, modelling, and simulation of solar, geothermal, biomass, hydro, wind, and marine energy systems.

  • Hands-on work in energy conversion and storage, including advanced battery technologies and energy storage modelling.

  • Group-based assignments that explore renewable energy integration into the grid, combining technical, economic, and planning perspectives.

  • Realistic case‑study projects covering legislation, safety, planning, and economics in renewable energy.

  • A full individual project (dissertation) in the final phase, giving students the freedom to research, design or prototype a clean‑energy solution.

  • Interaction with industry experts through guest lectures, workshops, and possibly field visits focused on real-world energy infrastructure.

Key Modules

Some of the core content of the MSc includes:

  • Electrical Systems for Renewable Energy — power electronics, generation systems, and control.

  • Geothermal & Hydro Energy — engineering principles for geothermal plants and hydropower systems.

  • Solar Energy — design and analysis of solar thermal and photovoltaic systems.

  • Energy from Biomass — technologies for biomass-based energy generation.

  • Wind and Marine Energy — wind power systems, wave and tidal energy technologies.

  • Energy Conversion & Storage — understanding how to convert and store energy efficiently.

  • Grid Integration of Renewables — challenges and strategies for integrating distributed renewable sources into power networks.

  • Legislation, Planning & Safety — regulation, economic planning, risk management, and safety in energy projects.

  • MSc Project — independent research or design work that applies technical knowledge to a real-world renewable energy challenge.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles in the renewable energy and sustainable engineering sectors:

  • University services supporting employment: The Careers Service provides one-on-one guidance, employer engagement events, internships, and networking opportunities tailored to energy and engineering sectors.

  • Employment stats and salary figures: Early career positions typically offer salaries ranging from £28,000 to £45,000, with higher earnings for senior engineers or renewable energy specialists.

  • University–industry partnerships: Strong collaborations with energy companies, renewable technology firms, and research institutes provide project opportunities, industry placements, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.

  • Long-term accreditation value: The program aligns with professional engineering standards, supporting progression toward Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for eligible graduates.

  • Graduation outcomes: Alumni often secure positions such as Renewable Energy Engineer, Wind Energy Specialist, Solar Systems Engineer, or Energy Consultant.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may pursue research degrees such as a PhD in Renewable Energy Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, or Environmental Technology, or further specialise through postgraduate certifications in energy management, smart grids, or offshore renewable energy systems.

Program Key Stats

£26,250 (Annual cost)
£11,100
Sept Intake : 2nd Aug


78 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

3
4 Years

N/A
N/A
N/A
6.5
90
2:2

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Electrical Design Engineer
  • Power Systems Engineer
  • Control Systems Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Instrumentation Engineer
  • Renewable Energy Engineer
  • Transmission and Distribution Engineer
  • Automation Engineer
  • Test and Commissioning Engineer
  • Maintenance Engineer
  • Building Services Engineer
  • Substation Engineer
  • Research and Development Engineer
  • Embedded Systems Engineer
  • Systems Integration Engineer
  • Grid Connection Engineer

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