MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems, The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh,

12 Months

Check Eligibility

About this course

The MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems is a one-year full-time programme designed to prepare students to contribute to a sustainable future amid the global energy crisis. While grounded in engineering, the course emphasizes societal, economic, environmental, and policy considerations in the energy industry. It focuses heavily on energy systems, especially electricity, and encourages students to consider consumption patterns, efficiency, and regulation. The programme offers comprehensive knowledge on deploying renewable energy in grid-connected systems and explores off-grid options if of interest. Affiliated with the University's Global Environment & Society Academy, the course aims to tackle global environmental challenges through teaching, research, and outreach. Students benefit from multidisciplinary training, practical experience, and the opportunity to engage with industry and world-class research facilities.

Why this course is highly recommended

This MSc is ideal for students passionate about sustainable energy solutions, offering a balance of technical knowledge and societal awareness. It is accredited by the Energy Institute for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, providing a pathway towards becoming a Chartered Engineer. The programme also offers access to top-tier facilities, research opportunities, and industry collaborations, making it a strong choice for careers in energy consultancy, engineering, and policy. Its multidisciplinary approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to address global energy security and sustainability challenges.

Specialisation

This programme provides an in-depth focus on energy systems within the context of sustainability. It covers renewable energies such as solar, wind, and marine energy, and explores areas like energy economics, policy, and innovation management. The coursework includes compulsory modules like Technologies for Sustainable Energy and Solar Energy & Photovoltaic Systems, and offers options such as Power Conversion and Smart Grids. The research component allows students to develop projects in areas like wind, tidal, solar, and sustainable lifecycle assessment, guided by experienced supervisors.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

37.26L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have a UK 2:1 honours degree in engineering or physics, or an equivalent international qualification. If coming from a different field, a first class honours degree with mathematics at the undergraduate level is required, along with demonstrating a strong interest in the energy sector. Students from China need to meet specific international qualification criteria, and proficiency in English must be demonstrated through accepted language tests.

English language test

DUOLINGO

IELTS

TOEFL

100

PTE

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme typically find roles in industry, public organizations, or academia. They work as consultants in power systems, renewable energy, or environmental sectors, or as electrical, subsea, civil, automotive, or structural engineers. The programme's close ties with industry help facilitate employment opportunities in energy companies, engineering firms, and consultancies, with recent alumni excelling in diverse roles across the energy and engineering sectors.

FAQs

What are the English language requirements?

Students must demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS (total 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component), TOEFL-iBT (total 92 with at least 20 in each), or equivalent, or hold a degree taught in English from a recognized country or university.

What funding options are available?

Funding can come from loans, family support, savings, employer sponsorship, and scholarships such as the Engineering International Masters Scholarships, Scottish Power Scholarship, or Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Additional external funding sources are also available.