MSc Renewable Energy:
Technology and Sustainability
A well-established programme with an international
reputation which has attracted students from over 70
countries since 1986.
The course will equip students with globally sought after
skills, thereby maximising employability.
This unique programme examines the technical and
policy questions arising from global demands for secure,
affordable and sustainable energy.
The School of Construction Management and
Engineering is an internationally recognised centre of
excellence in the area of sustainability.
The course contents are suited to graduates from a
variety of backgrounds.
Closely aligned with the Innovative and Sustainable
Technologies (IST) research group within the School of
Construction Management and Engineering.
A series of site visits throughout the year and invited
industry experts will expose the students to some of the
technology in the field.
Teaching is informed by the latest research of the School’s
internationally leading academics, complemented by
selected experts in renewable energy.
Academic excellence combined with a focus on
real-world problems.
MSc Renewable
Energy: Technology
and Sustainability
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 programme examines
the technical and policy questions arising from global demands for
secure, affordable and sustainable energy. The course covers rapidly
evolving fields that are vitally relevant to how society develops in the
21st Century.
There is international concern about the environmental damage associated with the conversion of energy from all sources. Renewable energy sources can make a signifi-cant contribution to the reduction of pollution, if used in a sustainable way. Renewable fuels and energy systems can also offer protection against future shortages and price increases of conventional energy, and can provide energy supplies in remote areas. The School of Construction Management and Engineering is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in the built environ-ment; we aim to broaden your horizons and teach you to think differently. The reputation of the School is based on the authority of its academic staff, all of whom have extensive research and consultancy experience. The School is truly multi-disciplinary in nature with over thirty members of full-time academic staff, including eight Professors. The School boasts a diverse and inclusive environment which continually attracts the industry leaders of tomorrow. The School is among the strongest within the University in terms of international students. We are inter-national both in terms of outlook, and in terms of our faculty. You can be sure of the warmest of welcomes, together with exemplary academic and pastoral support.
Our courses
MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability
12 months full-time 2 years part-time
PGD Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability
8 months full-time
Standard offers
Research projects
MSc candidates undertake an individual research project, which
allows a detailed investigation of a particular aspect of the course.
Projects can involve modelling, design and practical work. A number of projects will be proposed and supported by industrial partners, whilst candidates may also suggest 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:
• Feasibility study into locally sourced straw-fired energy production for a small town in Southern England.
• The heating potential by ground source heat pumps based on the geology of Reading.
• Is hydropower a viable option for distributed renewable generation in London?
• Determining the ideal renewable electricity Investment in the UK.
• An investigation to understand the effects of the application of greywater to green roofs.
• Reconciling UK static wind capacity data and an assessment of the factors impacting wind capacity growth to 2020.
• Potential inaccuracy of the UK Tidal Stream Resource Estimate; a review of alternative methods for estimating energy tidal currents.
‘I selected Reading because it offered the only MSC course in renewable energy which combined a high standard of academic excellence with a solid grounding in engineering, whilst being open to non-engineering graduates like myself. The course has delivered on all of these grounds as well as exceeding my expectations in terms of its collaborative and non-stuffy organisational culture. The academic and admin staff are approachable and supportive and this makes us feel more like a family than as components in a machine, which is sometimes the case in higher education. I think these factors made it extremely easy for us all to bond into a group as students and friends, which has in turn reinforced our learning experience and made it a very enjoyable one.’
I would have no hesitation in recommending the MSC in Renewable Energy to anyone.’ Mike Medas
MSC student, 2013
Why choose Reading?
The University of Reading is recognised as being in the top 1% of
global universities and as one of the UK’s top 20 research-intensive
universities. Nearly 90% of our research has been rated as being of
international standing (RAE 2008).
We have a long history of welcoming international students and currently host a thriving international com-munity of around 3,500 international students from 130 countries. 89% of our students reported being satisfied with their experience at Reading, with 92% of international students saying they were satisfied/very satisfied with the support they received. International students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, are guaranteed a place in university accommodation if they apply for a room with a firm offer from the University before 1 August. Other reasons for international students to come to Reading include the following:
• The Whiteknights campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, with green open spaces, a lake and plenty of trees and wildlife.
• We have recently invested over £100 million in the redevelopment of campus facilities, including halls of residence and the Sports Park.
• The town of Reading is home to a large shopping and recreational centre, as well as being located close to London, Oxford and Birmingham, all of which make great day trips.
• The University of Reading has a thriving Student Union providing entertainment and student support. There are over 100 sports clubs and societies. The University of Reading is recognised as being in the top 1% of global universities.
The School of Construction Man-agement and Engineering is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research;
we aim to broaden your horizons and teach you to think differently. The reputation of the School is based on the authority of its academic staff, who have extensive research and consultancy experience. The School is truly multi-disciplinary in nature with over thirty members of full-time academic staff, including eight Professors. The School boasts a diverse and inclusive environ-ment which continually attracts the construction leaders of tomorrow. The School is among the strongest within the University in terms of international students. We are international both in terms of outlook, and in terms of our faculty. You can be sure of the warmest of welcomes, together with exemplary academic and pastoral support.
Facilities
The School is well endowed in terms of research infrastructure, with
approximately 300m2 of laboratory space together with a supporting
machine workshop. Facilities include a dedicated environmental
chamber, a grey water facility, a photovoltaic roof and a recently
refurbished wind tunnel.
The laboratories are especially impor-tant in supporting students to conduct experimental work. There is also an extensive range of materials-testing equipment which is available to support students. The School possesses a dedi-cated innovation lab which utilises a
range of digital technologies, includ-ing 3D laser scanners for the purposes of creating digital models of physical spaces. Access is available to the 3D immersive VR facility located within the School of Systems Engineering (SSE). Teaching facilities include a dedicated
computer lounge equipped with the latest digital technology to support experimentation in building informa-tion modelling (BIM). Software is also available to support the teaching of building energy simulations and urban microclimate modelling.
Core modules
Energy, Carbon and
Environment
10 credits
Energy underpins our current standard of living and economic development. The environmental impact of energy use and transition to a lower carbon economy presents significant challenges. This module is concerned with an introduc-tion to the technical, environmental, economic and social issues associated with the production of energy. It includes an introduction to energy production and consumption trends, traditional means of energy production, renewable energy, sustainability, environmental issues and political and economic con-cepts in energy.
Sustainable Heat and
Power
40 credits
Students are introduced to renewable energy technologies. These include biomass, solar, wind, hydro and marine energy. Technical, environmental and social issues are considered. Technologies associated with the production of power from renewable energy sources are described. Technical and non-technical barriers and issues limiting wide spread use of renewable energy are discussed. Assessment through laboratory based, software and group activities gives stu-dents an opportunity to examine and analyse data as well as to investigate issues concerned with the use of renew-able energy.
Energy in Buildings
10 credits
Comprises, a comprehensive overview of energy use in buildings. Coverage comprises an introduction to renew-able energy technologies and methods for improving energy efficiency in buildings, including environmental architectural design, environmental systems operation and adaptive occupant behaviour. Particular emphasis is given to tools and procedures for the assess-ment of building energy consumption.
Research methods
10 credits
Students will learn how to access the necessary sources to conduct a criti-cal literature review on a topic of their choice which is relevant to their degree programme. The module is specifically designed to assist students in the prepa-ration of their final project/dissertation. Coverage includes the need to identify gaps in current knowledge, formula-tion of a focused research quesformula-tion and the development of a full research pro-posal. Research planning is addressed to ensure successful completion within the allocated timescale. Additional topics covered include the preparation of professional quality reports and an understanding of ethical issues relating
Energy in Buildings
– part two
10 credits
Students will gain an understanding of building simulation with hands-on experience of using commercial software packages such as Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES).
ICT and Energy
Management
10 credits
Focuses on people-centred energy effi-ciency in the operation phase of the building life cycle. A particular emphasis is placed on the use of ICT approaches for monitoring and managing energy consumption in buildings. The module addresses information and building energy technologies and their application to inform, engage and empower build-ing users to achieve substantial energy savings at modest cost. In addition to technical approaches for achieving energy efficiency in buildings, attention is also given to organisational barriers and the need to develop an awareness of relevant regulations. Quality systems also have
Sustainable Urban
Systems
10 credits
Consideration of urban energy systems is used to introduce wider systems thinking approaches that offer new insights and currently have an evolv-ing place in energy and sustainability research. Emerging technologies, especially alternative vehicles and electricity based heating systems, have potential to bring a rapid change in demand on energy systems. This module will consider the possible impacts of such changes and appropri-ate mitigation approaches, including the emergence of smarter energy grids.
Carbon management
10 credits
Frames the need for carbon man-agement against the scientific understanding of climate change, noting how clear understanding of scientific uncertainty is fundamental in developing appropriate carbon man-agement policy and actions. Explores political, economic and technological responses to climate change, recognis-ing how these are/ can be implemented across a range of scales from global / regional agreements, through national policy approaches, down to actions taken by businesses and individuals.
Carbon Management
and Analysis
10 credits
Builds on the Carbon Management module to develop analytical and investigative skills, essential to consul-tancy and policy advisory roles and of increasing value to business. Assesses the effectiveness of political, economic and technological responses to climate change, recognising how initiatives can be applied at a range of scales and contexts.
Project Management
for Engineering and
Construction
10 credits
A study of contemporary project man-agement as a discipline and the use of various tools and their application to con-struction and renewable energy projects.
MSc Project, Dissertation
and Seminar
60 credits
Dissertations are written during the summer term and summer vacation and are between 12,000 – 15,000 words on a theme of interest to the student, in accordance with the aims of the degree programme.
Related subjects
MSc in Design and Management
of Sustainable Built Environments
MSc in Construction Management MSc in Project Management MSc in Construction Cost Management MSc in Construction in Emerging Economies
Research degrees
In addition to taught programmes, we offer research degrees. For more information about the availability of research degrees, please contact
phone 0118 378 8982 or visit
www.reading.ac.uk/ cme-pgr-about.aspx
Employability
The School has international alumni spread throughout the globe. Many are in senior positions within governments, NGOs or the private sector. Graduates from the MSc in Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability will be uniquely equipped to engage with the challenges of reducing the carbon footprint of energy generation and use. Students acquire the expertise and skills to significantly enhance their employability options in a wide range of energy and sustaina-bility-related occupations. Particular attention is given to the development of research skills and critical thinking ability. The specific aim is to develop specialist skills. These arise from the student’s exposure to theory, research and methods of critical evaluation, whilst enabling career development.
Continuous Professional Development
Individual modules may be taken as part of a personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. CPD delegates are not assessed and only attend module sessions. A University certificate is awarded on completion of each module.
Careers options
All subjects at Reading offer access to our Careers Advisory Service. It is designed to open doors, launch our students’ careers and ensure they are well equipped to make the most of their potential and the job opportunities ahead. Common careers include: Energy Officer Sustainability Consultant Sustainable Energy Consultant Renewables Engineer Renewables Consultant Technical Director Project Analyst Researcher
Sales and Marketing Specialist
Design Engineer
For more information on our Careers Advisory Service, visit
www.reading.ac.uk/careers
Funding
There are a range of possibilities of accessing funding to participate in our programmes.
• The Panasonic Trust Fellowships - for UK students with first degrees in Engineering; more information available from the Royal Academy of Engineering,
www.panasonictrust.org.uk/fellowships/default.aspx • The Wallace and Muriel Hirst Fund - bursaries for
international students from developing countries and territories identified for OECD official development aid, particularly people who are working in the field of renewable energy. The fund is available every other year. Suitable candidates are invited to apply for the studentship once an offer of a place on the course has been made.
• e8 scholarship programme – for international students from developing countries and territories identified for OECD official development aid. For more information,
www.e8.org/index.jsp?numPage=79
• University studentships information available from
www.reading.ac.uk/life/life-fundingsearch.aspx
• A good starting point for international students seeking funding is to contact their local British Council office. Further information is available from their website:
www.educationuk.org
Our staff
The course is led by research active academic staff. Specialist expertise is provided by a number of visiting
experts who contribute to the course as external lecturers.
Dr Maria Vahdati
Director MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability
Dr Phil Coker
Lecturer in Renewable Energy
Professor Tim Dixon
Chair in Sustainable Futures in the Built Environment
Dr Emmanuel Essah
Lecturer in Sustainable Technologies
Dr Katherine Hyde
Lecturer in Environmental Sustainability
Dr Zhiwen Luo
Lecturer in Sustainable Technologies
Dr Michael Peters
Lecturer in Energy Policy
Professor Li Shao
Chair in Sustainable Technologies in the Built Environment
Dr Stefan Smith
Lecturer in Energy Systems in the Built Environment
Dr Jacopo Torriti
Lecturer in Energy Economics and Policy
Professor Runming Yao
Director MSc Design and Management of Sustainable Built Environments and Chair in Building and Urban Sustainability
Further details of staff can be found here
MSc Renewable Energy:
Technology and Sustainability
For more information, please contact:
Programme Administrator MSc Renewable Energy
School of Construction Management and Engineering University of Reading Whiteknights Reading, RG6 6AW [email protected] Tel (0118) 378 7560
The statements made and information provided are a general guide and there may be changes following publication which affect the contents. Programmes or modules may be altered or withdrawn without notice and assessment arrangements may be changed. For details of any changes made since publication, please refer to the website address at the bottom of this page.
This document is © University of Reading 2013. It was designed and printed in July 2013.