Energy is crucial to all economic activity. It is an essential requirement for development and industrialisation, but its production and use has been associated, directly or indirectly, with many of the worlds environmental problems. Today, there is uncertainty about how much fossil fuels there are left in the ground, and fluctuating prices on the world market make it difficult to plan ahead. The spectre of global climate change due to burning fossil fuels strengthens the case for renewable energy resources and energy efficiency. These twin threats make it more important that we understand how energy is used and how it could be exploited more effectively.This programme is intended for engineers and technologists who want to develop a career in energy-related fields. The focus is on understanding the technologies of energy production and consumption

This programme is intended for engineers and technologists who want to develop a career in energy-related fields. The focus is on understanding the technologies of energy production and consumption.

Students must complete at least five of the following modules in order to qualify for the MSc in Sustainable Energy Technology:

Thermal and Electric Power Systems
This module concentrates on electric power technology thermal systems for power generation (fossil fuels, nuclear, steam turbines, etc.), electricity generation, transmission and distribution technologies.

Energy Technology
This module explores conventional and emerging technologies, such as waste heat recovery, energy storage, internal combustion engines, combined heat and power, fuel cells, etc.

Renewable Energy Technologies
This module concentrates on the main renewable technologies worldwide: solar PV, solar thermal, wind, hydro and biomass. The module uses RETScreen software to teach students to undertake feasibility studies of renewable energy projects.

Building Simulation
This module discusses energy use in buildings and their thermal characteristics: appliances, heating and air-conditioning systems, and principles of energy-efficient building design, before exploring the IES advanced building simulation software.

Building Assessment
This module reviews the requirements of the European Energy in Buildings Performance Directive in relation to assessing building designs. It examines the methodologies used in the UK to comply with the Directive, i.e., SAP for domestic buildings and SBEM for non-domestic buildings, and other assessment techniques, such as EcoHomes and BREEAM.

Carbon Management
This module examines principles and techniques of carbon management: emissions management and reporting; greenhouse gas inventory methodology; energy management and carbon footprinting.

Energy and Sustainability
This module focuses on energy policy, and includes topics such as climate change and the Kyoto Protocol.Note:

The programme is still under development, and these module outlines are subject to change.

UK/EU Students
Students who have accepted a postgraduate place on this course can apply directly to the Students Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a loan to cover up to £3,400 towards their tuition fees. The application form will be available to download from the SAAS website (www.saas.gov.uk).

All students
For information about our scholarships, please visit: www.gcu.ac.uk/scholarships