Renewable Energy Engineering

Award

MSc

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Start dates available

  • September 2027

Start dates available

  • January 2028
University of Staffordshire Courses

Industry-focused projects

Explore solar, wind, hydrogen and geothermal generation through practical projects, simulated design models and industry collaborations

Research expertise

Learn from staff at the forefront of research into hybrid energy production, aerodynamic design and renewable energy innovation

Cutting-edge facilities

Generate your own power in our Renewable Energy Lab, explore wind speed and blade angles in our WindLAB, and create prototypes in our SmartZone

Develop your career in the renewable energy industry by designing and managing the power systems of the future.

This course will build on your existing engineering skills and introduce you to wind, solar, hydrogen and geothermal technologies. You’ll explore how to generate this energy and optimise the performance of everything from turbines to fuel cells.

We will also cover the engineering principles behind energy storage and conversion, along with the integration of low-carbon systems into buildings.

The MSc can lead to a variety of career opportunities, whether you want to specialise in design innovation, become a project manager, or oversee power maintenance and inspection work.

On the programme, you’ll apply your knowledge to real problems and research projects, and will bring your ideas to life using professional simulation software. In our specialist labs, you can also get hands-on generating your own wind, solar and hydrogen power.

You’ll learn from research-active academics who are developing the latest innovations in renewable energy. And through our enterprise partnerships and engineering contacts, you can gain industry insights and experience too.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Renewable Energy Engineering

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Develop your career in the renewable energy industry by designing and managing the power systems of the future.

This course will build on your existing engineering skills and introduce you to wind, solar, hydrogen and geothermal technologies. You’ll explore how to generate this energy and optimise the performance of everything from turbines to fuel cells.

We will also cover the engineering principles behind energy storage and conversion, along with the integration of low-carbon systems into buildings.

The MSc can lead to a variety of career opportunities, whether you want to specialise in design innovation, become a project manager, or oversee power maintenance and inspection work.

On the programme, you’ll apply your knowledge to real problems and research projects, and will bring your ideas to life using professional simulation software. In our specialist labs, you can also get hands-on generating your own wind, solar and hydrogen power.

You’ll learn from research-active academics who are developing the latest innovations in renewable energy. And through our enterprise partnerships and engineering contacts, you can gain industry insights and experience too.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MSc Renewable Energy Engineering

Duration

University of Staffordshire postgraduate courses are usually 1 academic year duration when studying full-time and 2-3 academic years duration for part-time.

Course content

You will develop a thorough understanding of wind turbine designs and solar thermal systems, using real-world case studies, simulated models and analytical tools. We will also explore how to improve the efficiency and performance of renewable energy generation.

You will get to grips with the hydrogen economy, including electrolysers and fuel cells, and the mechanical, thermal and electrochemical systems that are used for grid storage.

There is also a module dedicated to renewable energy integration – the core of smart city infrastructure. You’ll explore how to integrate low-carbon systems into buildings for cost-effective net zero solutions.

You’ll also develop your career skills in project management and compiling professional reports. And you’ll learn about research methods and analysis as well.

The course will culminate in your own major research project, which could include applying your knowledge to a design problem, improving an engineering process or devising a new product.

You will develop a thorough understanding of wind turbine designs and solar thermal systems, using real-world case studies, simulated models and analytical tools. We will also explore how to improve the efficiency and performance of renewable energy generation.

You will get to grips with the hydrogen economy, including electrolysers and fuel cells, and the mechanical, thermal and electrochemical systems that are used for grid storage.

There is also a module dedicated to renewable energy integration – the core of smart city infrastructure. You’ll explore how to integrate low-carbon systems into buildings for cost-effective net zero solutions.

You’ll also develop your career skills in project management and compiling professional reports. And you’ll learn about research methods and analysis as well.

The course will culminate in your own major research project, which could include applying your knowledge to a design problem, improving an engineering process or devising a new product.

Professional body accreditation

This programme has been designed to meet professional body accreditation requirements, and we will seek formal accreditation following our first graduating cohort in 2029 (standard practice for newly launched engineering degrees).

Professional body accreditation

This programme has been designed to meet professional body accreditation requirements, and we will seek formal accreditation following our first graduating cohort in 2029 (standard practice for newly launched engineering degrees).

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Engineering Project Management And Research Methods 30 credits
Renewable Energy Systems And Lifecycle Analysis 30 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Wind And Solar Power Technologies 30 credits
Energy Conversion And Storage 30 credits
Msc Individual Project 60 credits

Entry requirements

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline. Alternatively, if an applicant has significant appropriate experience, their application will be considered, provided that they satisfy the University that they are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work.

 

If an applicant’s first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band will apply.

At least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a related engineering discipline. Alternatively, if an applicant has significant appropriate experience, their application will be considered, provided that they satisfy the University that they are capable of responding to the challenge of postgraduate work.

 

If an applicant’s first language is not English a minimum score of IELTS Academic with overall 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each band will apply.

Facilities

Renewable Energy Lab

Use the latest equipment in renewable energy, including Power Systems Lab that provides real-time testing and development facilities for electrical engineering, Thin Film Lab for plastic electronics, our wind tunnel, and our high voltage cage.

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Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.
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Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

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Careers

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Students on this programme have the opportunity to enhance their studies with a placement year, gain valuable work experience, and take part in international activities—potentially supported by the Turing funding.

All students have access to Careers, Placements & Employability, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.  You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios. 

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Teaching

We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.

For this course, you'll:

  • Work with others on group work
  • Delve deeper into subject areas in workshops
  • Be expected to study independently

Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.

We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.

Assessment

There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments do not count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing.  You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include essays, exams, or portfolios. 

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.

We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.

Staff

Please note, teaching team staff members may change during your studies.

Profile Image

Professor Hamidreza Gohari Darabkhani

Professor-Low Carbon & Renew Energy Sys

Prof Gohari Darabkhani has focused his research and industry collaborations on technologies and projects that directly contribute to resolving current major issues in the energy industry to achieving net-zero emission targets by 2050.

Hamidreza's profile
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Dr Mohammad Moghimi Ardekani

Associate Professor

I joined Staffordshire University in 2019 with years of academic & industrial experiences. My main field of interest is CFD simulation of applied thermo-fluid problems for renewable energy technologies, Solar Energy & Thermal Energy Storage.

Mohammad's profile
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Dr Muhammad Fahad

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer Course Leader - BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Course Leader - Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship.

Muhammad's profile
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Dr Sheikh Islam

Head of Engineering

Dr. Sheikh Islam is the Head of Engineering at University of Staffordshire, bringing over 13 years of experience in academia and industry to his role.

Sheikh's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 20 September 2027 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £11,250 per course £17,700 per course

For the course starting on 24 January 2028 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £11,250 per course £17,700 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Apply now to Renewable Energy Engineering

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, September start 20 September 2027 Apply now

Apply now to Renewable Energy Engineering

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MSc Full-time, January start 24 January 2028 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021