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Help to solve one of the world's biggest environmental challenges with our MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering. Build the knowledge and skills to lead the change as we transition to a net-zero future.
You'll explore the technologies, concepts and approaches needed for sustainable energy. By learning how to find solutions to one of our most pressing challenges, you will be ready to progress your career and drive sustainability in the energy industry.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
This MSc is a 1 year full time course. This involves 120 credits of taught material, plus a 60 credit research project completed over the summer. It may also be taken on a part-time basis over 2 years, with the research project completed in a single 3 month period at the end of year 2.
You will begin your MSc with a core module - Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering - which provides the fundamental knowledge needed to develop sustainable energy systems.
In addition, you will have a choice of specialised optional modules covering net zero systems and thermal energy, advanced energy systems, hydrogen and fuel cells, and industrial engineering.
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Top 10 in the UK for Chemical Engineering
Complete University Guide 2025
Benefit from internationally recognised research delivered by the Birmingham Energy Institute
Develop your professional skills by learning from world-leading experts in sustainable energy
Develop a deep understanding of the energy sector as you explore sustainable energy technologies, digitisation and power engineering. Learn from global experts and build a skillset to help make data-driven decisions that will accelerate innovations in energy.
You’ll have the flexibility to tailor your studies to areas of specialist interest such as net zero systems, thermal energy, hydrogen technology and industrial engineering. Be prepared for a varied, exciting and rewarding career in the sustainable energy sector.
Teaching is delivered by world-leading researchers from the Birmingham Energy Institute. We use a range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, and workshops where education is seen as a conversation, allowing you to improve your work and develop your skills.
This MSc course consists of 180 credits. With 100 core credits from the Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering (20 credits) and Power Engineering (20 credits) and your Research Project (60 credits). The remaining 80 credits are from optional modules chosen by you.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering | 20 | Semester 1 |
Power Engineering | 20 | Semester 2 |
Sustainable Energy Engineering Research Project | 60 |
Select 80 optional credits from the following list. If you wish some specialisation in a ‘basket’ (i.e. to graduate with a “MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering with [name of basket]”), you should select a minimum of 40 credits from that basket plus a relevant research project in that area (i.e. a minimum of 100 credits).
Basket 1: Net Zero Systems and Thermal Energy
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Thermal Energy | 20 | Full Term |
Net Zero Energy Systems | 20 | Full Term |
Basket 2: Advanced Energy Systems
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Energy Systems Modelling | 20 | Semester 2 |
Energy Systems Design and Policy | 20 | Full Term |
Basket 3: Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Electrolysis and Hydrogen Distribution | 20 | Semester 2 |
Fuel Cell Systems, Modelling, and Control | 20 | Full Term |
Hydrogen Safety, Policy and Markets | 20 | Full Term |
Introduction to Hydrogen and Fuel Cells | 20 | Semester 1 |
Basket 4: Industrial Engineering
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Energy Laboratory | 20 | Semester 2 |
Industry 4.0 and Big Data | 20 | Semester 2 |
Strategy Development and Delivery | 20 | Full Term |
Sustainable fuel technologies | 20 | Semester 2 |
Programme Director
Profile of Professor Sara Walker, Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in an engineering or physical sciences subject.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
As a graduate of MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering, you will be ready to begin, or continue, your career in the ever-evolving energy sector. There is a growing focus on net-zero technologies, and you will be at the forefront of delivering a sustainable future.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.