New and Renewable Energy

The MSc in New and Renewable Energy at Durham University offers a comprehensive and innovative educational experience designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the global challenges of sustainable energy production and management. This interdisciplinary programme combines core principles of engineering, environmental science, economics, and policy to prepare graduates for careers in the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy. Through a balanced mix of lectures, laboratory work, and project-based learning, students will explore a wide range of topics including solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy technologies, as well as energy storage, grid integration, and smart networks. The programme emphasizes the importance of sustainable development and environmental impact assessment, ensuring that graduates understand both technical and societal aspects of renewable energy deployment. Students will engage in cutting-edge research and industry collaborations, gaining valuable insights into current innovations and future trends. The programme also offers opportunities for specializations and electives aligned with student interests and industry demands, fostering a tailored educational experience. Graduates of this programme will be well-positioned to contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy, working with energy companies, government agencies, research institutions, or pursuing further academic research. With Durham University's strong reputation for research excellence and innovative teaching, students will benefit from a supportive learning environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and connections to a global network of professionals in the field of sustainable energy. Overall, the MSc in New and Renewable Energy equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a meaningful impact in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Content

The programme consists of four core modules to provide a solid foundation in a broad range of New and Renewable Energy technologies and three optional modules that allow students to choose more specialised study programmes that are most suited to their interests. The modules include lecture courses, a group design project and a major, individual research and development project. The course starts in September with a fundamentals module which prepares students from different backgrounds to take full advantage of the courses modules that follow and which combines lectures, tutorials and laboratory experiments.

Core Modules

• Renewable Energy Fundamentals
• Renewable Energy and Environment
• Group Design Project
• Research and Development Project.

Optional modules

Students select three optional modules. In previous years these modules have included:

• Low Carbon and Thermal Technologies
• Turbomachinery and Nuclear Power Engineering
• Energy Delivery and Network Integration
• Energy Generation and Conversion Technologies
• Energy Markets and Risk.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• To be admitted to the MSc programme in New and Renewable Energy, you need the equivalent of a UK Honours degree to at least an upper second class standard. This should normally be in an Engineering or Engineering-related subject although in some instances we can consider industrial or other relevant experience if you have a different first degree.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

The financing of the New and Renewable Energy program at Durham University is designed to support a diverse range of students through various funding options. Durham University offers a combination of scholarships, grants, bursaries, and financial aid packages to assist both domestic and international students in covering tuition fees and living costs. Scholarships specific to energy and environmental sciences, including those focused on renewable energy research, are available based on academic merit, potential contribution to the field, and financial need. These awards are highly competitive and aim to attract talented students from around the world.

Additionally, Durham University participates in national scholarship schemes, such as the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships, which provide substantial financial support for eligible international students. Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government grants, research councils, and private foundations that support sustainable energy initiatives. The university also offers part-time work opportunities on campus to help students manage their finances during their studies.

The program itself may have associated tuition fees set annually by the university, with different rates for UK, EU, and international students. The university provides detailed guidance on fee structures and payment plans, including installments and deferral options. Students are advised to contact the university’s Student Finance Office for personalized advice on funding strategies and to access up-to-date information on available financial support programs. Overall, the university is committed to ensuring that financial barriers are minimized for students enrolled in the New and Renewable Energy program, fostering an inclusive learning environment that promotes innovation and advancement in sustainable energy solutions.

The MSc in New and Renewable Energy at Durham University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of renewable energy technologies and their role in sustainable development. The programme covers essential topics such as wind, solar, hydro, bioenergy, and geothermal power, providing a solid foundation in the science and engineering principles underlying these energy sources. Students engage with modules on energy policy, environmental impact assessment, and the integration of renewable energy systems into existing energy infrastructures, preparing them for careers in research, industry, or policy-making sectors focused on sustainable energy solutions.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They undertake laboratory work, practical projects, and site visits to renewable energy installations, gaining hands-on experience of designing, implementing, and managing renewable energy systems. The course also emphasizes the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the economic aspects of renewable energy deployment, encouraging students to develop real-world solutions to energy challenges.

The teaching staff comprises experts from academia and industry, ensuring that the curriculum remains current and aligned with industry needs. Durham’s strong links with local and national renewable energy projects provide students with opportunities for internships, networking, and collaborative research. The programme prepares graduates for roles in consultancy, project development, policy advisory, research institutions, and renewable energy companies.

Durham University’s research environment fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating engineering, environmental science, policy, and economics, to address the complex challenges of transitioning to a sustainable energy future. The MSc in New and Renewable Energy is suitable for graduates in engineering, environmental science, physics, economics, or related disciplines seeking to specialize in renewable energy technologies and policy.

The course is typically structured over one year for full-time students, with options for part-time study. Students are assessed through a combination of coursework, practical reports, presentations, and a research dissertation. This comprehensive programme aims to develop analytical, technical, and strategic skills necessary for advancing renewable energy solutions globally, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promotion of sustainable development.