MSc/PGD in Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability

Utilization of energy is fundamental to virtually all human activities. Secure and affordable energy supplies are considered essentials in the modern industrialised world, whilst the simple availability of harnessed energy can contribute greatly to health and wellbeing in rural and isolated communities. There is, however, increasing concern over the depletion of conventional energy resources and a heightened international awareness of the environmental damage that can arise from energy use, not least the contribution of fossil fuel use to climate change. The ability to access renewable energy sources and improve energy technologies is now seen as a critical component of economic development.

The Postgraduate programme in Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability aims to provide students with a robust understanding of the applications of renewable energy and sustainable technology, combined with a strong awareness of the impact on the environment of using non sustainable technologies. The course covers rapidly evolving fields that are vitally relevant to how society develops in the 21st Century.

The current MSc and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) represent an updated format of a well established programme, recognised internationally, which has long attracted participants with a range of experience from all over the world.

Key Features

Key features of the Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability programme at Reading are:

• A range and depth drawn from a well established programme with an international reputation - over 260 graduates from 71 countries since 1984;
• High quality core teaching from experienced team staff, with involvement from companies and other organisations - many of which employ our graduates;
• A flexible approach, options for credit transfer; support for participants from different disciplines; wide range of project possibilities;
• Interest in a broad range of renewables, for both stand-alone and integrated systems and how they fit into the broad energy mix in UK and the rest of the world.

Programme structure

The course starts at the beginning of October each year: the MSc lasting for 12 months full-time; and the PGD for 8 months full-time. The course is fully taught for two ten-week terms. The remainder of the course, from May until September, is devoted to the research-based project. If greater flexibility is required, the course structure can also support a two year part-time route.

All taught modules and the project carry a certain number of credits, which can be awarded under the UK CATS scheme or the EU ECTS. The total credit for the MSc is 180 CATS (90 ECTS) and for the PGD 120 CATS (60 ECTS). It is possible to substitute some credits from other approved modules taken at Reading. Some individual modules may be taken by students who do not wish to study for a full MSc or PGD.

Staff

The course is run as part of the postgraduate teaching of the School of Construction Management and Engineering. Specialist expertise is provided by a number of visiting associates who work outside the University but contribute to the course as external lecturers, advisers and research collaborators.

The core staff involved in the course all bring extensive experience in sustainable energy research or the energy industry. Throughout the course's history it has attracted a team and associates linked by a desire to ensure substantive environmental and community benefits, brought about through applying broad, systems oriented approaches to energy challenges.

Programme Content

The programme is composed of a range of discrete yet complementary taught modules and a research project.

Taught modules are:

• Energy, Carbon and the Environment introducing fundamental environmental concerns and possible alternative approaches
• Sustainable Heat and Power looking at specific technologies, including biomass, hydro, solar and wind power
• Energy in Buildings providing a comprehensive overview of energy use in buildings
• Sustainable Urban Systems  focusing on issues of particular significance at an urban scale and introducing the value of a systems approach
• Carbon Management  examining climate change, international agreements and initiatives including the Kyoto protocol, emissions trading, and the latest footprinting approaches
• Project Management for Engineering and Construction covering the principles and techniques of project management
• Mini-Project and Research Methods: including a critical literature survey, report writing, seminar and project proposal
• Biomimetics  using the concept of analogy to systems in nature for solving technical problems

MSc Research project
MSc candidates undertake an individual research project, which allows a detailed investigation of a particular aspect of the course. Many projects involve significant design and practical work. A number of projects each year are proposed and supported by industrial partners, whilst candidates have also brought project ideas from their own experience. The project is assessed through a written dissertation and seminar. Annual project presentations are well attended by industry representatives and supporters of the course.

Recent projects have included:

• Small Wind Turbines for the Urban Environment*
• Life-cycle assessment of Jatropha derived biodiesel
• Assessment of building integrated DC solar power technology
• Assessing carbon dioxide emissions for the UK housing sector and investigating pathways to reduction in emissions*
• Carbon reduction strategy for the Church of England, Bath and Wells Diocese
• Evaluation of the performance of phase change materials in buildings
• Feasibility study on direct utilisation of energy from geothermal brine: a case study of Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant, Kenya
• The road towards zero carbon schools
• Achieving a 60% reduction in the carbon emissions of Victorian terraced housing in the UK
• Condition monitoring of offshore wind farms: cost benfit comparison with other maintenance strategies

Panasonic Trust Project Presentation Prize
Each year representatives from the The Panasonic Trust attend the project seminars in order to present a prize, awarded for the best presentation of a final year project. “…the MSc in Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability class of 2008 surpassed themselves, with the judges being impressed by both the depth and understanding of the complexities of the subject material presented".

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching on most modules involves lectures, tutorials and some laboratory practicals. Visiting lecturers come from the renewable energy industry and organisations. Assessed coursework includes computer and internet-based assignments, as well as laboratory and written reports. Some modules include formal examinations. There are site visits throughout the year.

Modules are in block form, with the teaching concentrated over one week, followed by a reading week. This format allows candidates seeking a more flexible approach to attend single modules and can be helpful for industry participants.

All students make at least two seminar presentations. Many participants come with considerable relevant experience, and are encouraged to share and develop this both informally and in assessed work. Most work is assessed on an individual basis, but some small-group assignments are also included.

Entry requirements

These programmes are suitable for graduates with numerate science-based degrees such as engineering, agricultural engineering, physics, environmental science, etc. However, the subject area is interdisciplinary, and motivated applicants with other degree backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The normal entrance requirement for the MSc is the equivalent of a UK 2(2) Honours degree in a relevant subject.

Scholarships

Available scholarship funding includes:

National Environment Research Council (NERC) funding - four studentships for UK/EU applicants, whose interest is in the environmental aspects of the course;

Panasonic Trust Awards - bursaries for UK students;

Wallace and Muriel Hirst Fund - biennial bursary for applicants from developing countries (for more information contact the programme administrator).

There is considerable competition for all these funds.