About this course
Learn about the relationship between energy and the environment on our energy and sustainability course. MSc sustainable energy gives you a chance to explore the current and projected impacts of climate change, and what this means for the energy industry. We've developed this master’s in renewable energy with specialists to make sure you develop the skills to assess the energy performance and climatic design of buildings and urban forms.
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
At the University of Southampton we’ll teach you vital skills for the energy and sustainability industry. You’ll learn how to:
- tackle climate change
- ensure energy supply
- manage energy efficiency in buildings
During the course we’ll challenge you to develop concepts to solve complex development problems. You’ll work in groups to develop the teamwork skills that will prepare you for a career in industry. The course structure is responsive to changes in technology and the needs of the community, so your learning will mirror current issues and trends.
In the taught part of this sustainable energy master’s, you’ll learn from researchers whose work on thermal comfort informs future design standards for schools, offices and homes. You’ll put your knowledge into practice by attending field trips, providing you with the real world context to what you learn in the classroom.
We’ll teach you about renewable energy technologies and geographical information systems, 2 skills that can enhance a career in civil engineering and add value to employers. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for large energy focused companies, consultancies and in the public sector.
Course lead
This course is lead by Professor AbuBakr Bahaj. Professor Bahaj has pioneered sustainable energy research and established the energy theme within the University. Find out more on Professor Bahaj's staff profile.
Related pathways
If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for our other MSc Energy and Sustainability pathway:
- MSc Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Resources and Climate Change. Learn about the current and projected impacts of climate change, and what this means for the energy industry
Accreditations
This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree. Learn more about accreditation on the Joint Board of Moderators website.
“Instead of sitting in lectures, listening, and taking notes, I learnt how to approach a problem, and solve it.”
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 BEng or BSc degree in one of the following subjects:
- engineering
- physics
- maths
- chemistry
Or you can demonstrate the study of maths in your degree, in a subject like:
- geography
- biological sciences
- environmental sciences
You’ll also need good A-level grades in Mathematics and Physics or other equivalent qualifications.
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:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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
Course structure
This one year course is made up of 8 modules across 2 semesters followed by a dedicated research project from June to September.
In semester 2, you are able to choose your 8th module from the ‘Energy, Resources and Climate Change’ pathway. You can choose to study Waste Resource Management or Bioenergy module.
The last four months of the course will be dedicated to research. You will complete a significant research project and may have the opportunity to work with one of our many industrial partners; typically a utility or energy consultancy, to develop your professional experience.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
Climate Change, Energy and Settlements
Sustainable development is a major international challenge and relates to historical, environmental and economic changes. This module focuses on the relationships between settlements, resources, climate and energy through history. It introduces students t...
Climate Design of Buildings and Cities
This module strives to enable students to address climatic building design and develop the sustainable urban concepts required to achieve the significant carbon reductions required in the future. Only students enrolled on programme codes: 3081 MSc Ener...
Data Analysis & Experimental Methods for Civil and Environmental Engineering
This module concerns the design of experimental or observational studies aimed at enabling the understanding, analyses and interpretation of data and to deliver datasets from which robust, statistically defendable conclusions can be drawn. Essentially the...
Energy Performance Assessment of Buildings
This module gives an overview of the policy issues, various planning aids and assessment methods available to quantify energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Students will be able to use different tools to investigate building energy performan...
Energy Resources and Engineering
On completion of the module, you will have developed a broad understanding of energy resources, engineering technologies for energy conversion and have an appreciation of solutions available to meet the world's power demands. You will be able to formulate...
Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Consultants
What is the likely impact of coastal erosion on local residents? Where is the most suitable location for a solar farm? How will sea-level rise impact protected habitats? Understanding the spatial context in which environmental processes occur improves the...
Introduction to Energy Technologies, Environment and Sustainability
This module covers energy conversion fundamentals and technologies whilst relating these elements to sustainability. This module looks at energy from social, environmental and economic perspectives.
MSc Research Project
Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...
You must also choose from the following modules:
Bioenergy
The bioenergy industry is undergoing rapid growth due to the policy drivers underpinning the current interest in bioenergy, such as energy security and climate change. This module provides an overview of key topics on sustainable bioenergy production, inc...
Waste Resource Management
The module considers solid wastes from industry, commerce and domestic sources. The concept of a waste management hierarchy is introduced and practical ways in which it might be implemented are discussed. These include waste minimisation, reuse, recycling...
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through:
- interactive lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group tasks
- discussions
- field and laboratory classes
- workshops.
You will be encouraged to reinforce and develop your knowledge through independent study time.
Fieldtrips will provide you with real world insight, translating concepts discussed in lectures to case study sites. During your year, you will receive feedback on all work and learn to approach a problem and solve it – preparing you for your future career.
Assessment
Your assessment will depend on the modules that you take, but assessment methods may include:
- written examinations
- assessed coursework
- design exercises
- presentations
- essays
- individual projects
- group projects
Dissertation
You’ll need to use the methods and skills you learn on the taught part of the course to write a research project. You will need to demonstrate in depth knowledge of chosen subject areas you’ve studied, addressing a problem that requires the application of new research.
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
Students graduating from our MSc degrees obtain employment as graduate engineers with many leading employers as consultants and contractors and also at regulatory authorities and local authorities.
Our students gain transferable skills, making them attractive to a wide range of graduate recruiters, from financial services through to IT and management consultancy.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team 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
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £27,404.
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:
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.
This course is part of the Shared Scholarship Scheme, an initiative between the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and UK universities to support students from developing commonwealth countries.
You may be eligible for this scholarship if you are:
- from a developing commonwealth country
- would not be able to study a master’s degree in the UK
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
This course is now closed to new applications for 2023 entry.
Each year we get many high-quality applications and places for many of our courses are very competitive.
Search similar degrees for 2024 entry by browsing our course finder.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.
The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.
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.
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 will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
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
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