Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Resources and Climate Change (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:

• engineering
• science
• technology
• geography
• environmental
• transportation engineering/management
• civil engineering
• mathematics

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This master’s degree in Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Resources and Climate Change, is a full-time, 12-month course. The course is split into two sections: a 'taught' component (September to June) and a research component (June to September).

During the degree, you’ll complete a number of modules each semester. You’ll be able to choose a module from the MSc Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Environment and Buildings - either Climatic Design Of Buildings and Cities or Energy Performance Assessment of Buildings.

You'll complete a research project over the summer, once you have successfully completed your taught modules. We’ll encourage and support you to undertake an industrial placement or collaboration as part of this. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The core of your learning takes place via lectures, seminars, tutorials, field and laboratory classes, workshops, independent study and research. From day one you’re encouraged to supplement and consolidate your understanding with independent study.

Your classroom-based learning includes:

• lectures
• group tasks 
• interactive discussions 
• workshops

Field trips will give you real-world insights. They’ll enable you to apply the concepts discussed in lectures to real locations. Examples include:

• Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
• Fawley Power Station
• Eling Tide Mill
• Hampshire waste water treatment plant
• Poundbury 

Assessment

Assessments will take the form of written examinations and assessed coursework such as:

• problem solving exercises
• design exercises
• presentations
• essays
• individual and group projects

Your experimental, research and design skills are assessed through coursework exercises and presentations. 

Dissertation

As part of this master’s degree you’ll carry out a research project and complete a dissertation.

Your research project can focus on any of the areas covered in the course. It brings together all the skills you’ve learned and allows you to demonstrate in-depth knowledge. It involves:

• sourcing and gathering information
• critical analysis
• evaluation skills
• presentation skills

It should include your own original ideas and address a problem that needs new research applied to it. 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

The MSc in Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Resources and Climate Change gives you everything you need to secure roles in energy and sustainability sectors, in the UK and overseas.

Employers could include:

• local authorities
• national government organisations
• engineering consultants

You'll also be well prepared for further study, such as postgraduate research. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £26,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000