MRes Renewable Energy and Distributed Generation

Renewable energy and reduction of carbon emissions are now at the top of the global agenda. Making use of clean and sustainable energy and technology will have a direct impact on reducing CO2 and limiting the impact of global warming.

This course aims to provide a specialist electrical/electronic engineering perspective, particularly in the development of intelligent and automatic systems to manage and control the use of major wind-powered or solar-powered sources connecting to the National Grid. Despite the broad-based title of this course, it is aimed firmly at aspiring electrical engineers in the areas of renewable energy and sustainable development.

Key facts

• These courses have been developed in consultation with industry and have strong links with a wind farm organisation that supports national-scale projects. Opportunities will be available for you to tailor your research to the work of this organisation
• Accreditation is in the process of being sought from The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for these courses
• The course team is proud of its enthusiastic and dedicated staff who are valued for the quality of support provided to students. All staff are actively engaged in research work as well as teaching
• The course team has strong links with industries, professional bodies and many other universities, and is regularly visited by professional bodies in relation to the accreditation the courses
• An engineering Masters qualification is now required if you wish to become a Chartered Engineer
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge technological development in electrical and electronic technology
• State-of-the-art facilities and analytical tools support the taught and research elements of the course

Government policy is encouraging the energy industry to research and develop renewable and sustainable energy to reduce CO2 emissions, creating a demand for Masters level graduates with knowledge of the latest developments in renewable energy, especially with the growing number of off-shore and on-shore wind farms introduced to achieve the green energy target.

Your core studies will cover the use of power-interfacing systems to link industrial-scale renewables-generating equipment, especially windpower and solar-power units to distribution networks such as the National Grid. The MSc covers the efficient generation and use of electricity energy from solar and wind power, power electronics for modern power systems, stability analysis and active power management.

Other modules cover broader environmental issues, including assessing the viability of novel engineering schemes. Further modules are drawn from a selection of electrical and electronics studies.
The MRes course is a research-led Masters course which offers you the opportunity to select specialist options from the MSc in this area, together with a major research project.

Career opportunities

The Engineering Council now requires a Chartered Engineer to be qualified to Masters level or its equivalent, so there has never been a better time to consider studying for an engineering masters qualification. This course has been tailored to meet the needs of employers in this area, for you to be able to gain career advancement or specialise in renewable energy.

Course content

MSc Renewable Energy Systems and Sustainability

MRes Renewable Energy Systems and Sustainability

• Advanced Control Systems
• Advanced Power Electronics and Electric Drives
• Embedded System Design
• Energy Resources Policy and Environmental Economics
• Sustainable Design and Innovation