2025/26 entry Applications also open for 2024/25
MSc Renewable Energy
About this course
MSc Renewable Energy with specialist modules covering Industry Economics, Energy Resources and Site Selection, Renewable Energy Technologies
The global demand for clean and renewable energy has been rising steadily due to recent collaborative international efforts to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Specialised skillsets and knowledge in energy resources, such as hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy, are required to meet demand, as currently there is a limitation of knowledge and skills for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of the critical infrastructures needed for safe renewable energy.
LJMU's School of Engineering expertise in traditional Marine, Offshore, Mechanical, Electrical & Electronic Engineering programmes is globally recognised. This programme is built on this expertise and provides a route for those already in or aspiring to take on managerial roles in this sector. The School future proofs this programme through inclusion of new and emerging technologies in renewable energy systems, photovoltaic/wind energy converters and their connection to the power grid.
The foundation of this one year MSc Renewable Energy programme is built around three subject specialist modules; ‘Renewable Industry Economics’, ‘Renewable Energy Resources and Site Selection’ and ‘Offshore Renewable Energy Technologies’. Diverging away from ‘traditional’ engineering programmes due to the rapid technological developments in the renewable energy sector, the MSc Renewable Energy programme design takes into consideration the advanced understanding of the design processes for renewable energy systems, including offshore installation types, their integration into industrial operations and appreciation of their limitations – all factors that will provide the students completing this course with a distinct standing in the industry and career progression to senior management roles.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
With an increasing demand for qualified experts in the field, you will be highly sought after by employers and you will have the skills to enter senior positions with major UK and international companies.
The student experience
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Offshore Renewable Energy Technologies
20 credits
To obtain advanced knowledge of offshore renewable energy production systems including aerodynamics/hydrodynamics, installation, foundation structure, material as well as offshore energy transfer and storage.
Conventional and Alternative Energy Systems
10 credits
The aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive introduction to alternative and conventional power generation systems in the context of the UK energy distribution systems and associate energy markets. The module will review the major issues associated with power generation and look in depth at selected alternative and conventional power generation techniques. The problems of energy supply and energy security will be explored.
Research Skills
10 credits
The module will help prepare you to undertake your own research project and deliver the required skill set for successful completion of your investigations.
Renewable Industry Economics
20 credits
This module will enable the students understand the economics of renewable industry projects including cost benefit analysis, and net present value, logistics, and operational risk mitigation.
Renewable Energy Resources and Site Selection
20 credits
This module provides the students with knowledge on the practicalities of renewable energy resources, based on site harvesting and/or production methods, distribution, and basic management.
MSc Dissertation
60 credits
This project module provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to drive your own deep/thorough investigation, undertake high quality academic research and demonstrate critical evaluation of your results.
Optional Modules
Marine Maintenance and Asset Management
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide knowledge about how the maintenance and repair of an offshore installation, vessel or a fleet of vessels is managed. In particular, it is intended to consider the lifecycle of a vessel and how maintenance is planned, scheduled and executed.
Project Management
10 credits
The central theme of this module is the management of projects using known standards and methodologies. It aims to develop a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of managing projects. You are given the opportunity to develop your skills in a practical and theoretical context.
Offshore Engineering
10 credits
This module provides an advanced understanding of offshore installation types and knowledge of offshore installations from an operational and safety aspect.
Maritime and Offshore Safety Analysis
20 credits
This module aims to enable you to understand and implement the requirements of formal safety design, assessment and review in marine, offshore and port areas.
Renewable Electric Power Systems
10 credits
This module builds upon the knowledge you have already gained at levels 5 and 6 with regard to renewable energy systems, electric machines and power electronics. It aims to develop your knowledge of wind energy converters and photovoltaic energy conversion technologies and their connection to the power grid.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Teaching takes place throughout the week. Exact timetabled hours depend on the option modules selected.
Teaching methods
On this course you will be taught by academics active in industrially-oriented research and scholarship, via lectures and directed student-centred learning, such as case studies.
Applied learning
Industrial visits are an important part of the course enabling you to understand developments in the market.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
On this programme you will be assessed through open-ended reports, project work, case study reports, assignment submissions, short class tests and unseen examinations
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Philip Davies
Programme Leader
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School facilities
What you can expect from your School
The School’s resources include a number of laboratories and computer facilities to support the engineering programmes. The School places a large emphasis on the practical approach to the teaching of engineering and technology, and therefore investment in the development of specialist laboratory and computer facilities is high on the agenda.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- A Class 2.2 honours degree or above in Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- A class 2.2 honours degree in Mathematics or a physical science, together with experience in a relevant engineering field.
- An unclassified degree in a relevant computing, technology-based discipline, geography, economics, or environmental science supported by appropriate industrial and/or postgraduate experience in lieu of (1) or (2) above, would be acceptable.
Alternative qualifications considered
- Graduate or corporate membership of one of the following professional bodies: The Institution of Engineering and Technology, The Institute of Measurement and Control, The Institute of Mechanical Engineers or The Institute of Physics.
- Other qualifications or experience deemed to be equivalent to the above. In particular, mature students must provide evidence of adequate educational and/or industrial experience to assure a reasonable chance of success on the award programme.
International requirements
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Other international requirements
Please note that this programme requires offer holders to apply for ATAS. For more information please visit https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/international/holding-offer-of-study/atas-guidance
Further information
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Extra Requirements
- All applicants must provide evidence of competence in English. The level of English language required should be equivalent to 6.5 for IELTS with at least 5.5 in individual components, within the previous 24 months.
- Applicants who have studied and successfully achieved a UK Degree within the previous 24 months are exempt from the requirements to produce evidence of competence in English.
- The Department actively supports the University Equal Opportunities policy and strategy in its underlying philosophy to value and respect individuals, and its commitment to maximize the potential of each student. The Department is committed to complying with all relevant legislation. Applications from students with disabilities are positively welcomed.
- Applications are considered on the basis of academic criteria alone. Students are invited to contact the Equal Opportunities Unit for an information pack detailing the facilities, support available and physical access to the main University buildings. Students may also visit the University to discuss support strategies with the University Disability Welfare Advisor.
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.