Triangle

Course overview

This course is designed to provide instruction in the principles of sustainable energy and renewable technologies. These principles are taught alongside studies in electrical engineering, including power electronics, electrical machines, and power systems.

This 12 month course will give you advanced coverage of the specialist engineering skills required by an engineer working in electrical technology for renewable and sustainable energy systems.

Our objective is to help you develop the confidence to work as a professional, at ease with the conventions of the discipline.

Accreditation

  • This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Why choose this course?

9th in the UK

for electrical and electronic engineering

The Guardian University Guide 2023

One of the largest

research groups in Power Electronics, Machines and Control in the world

Power Electronics Research Group

Course content

This course will be taught full-time over 3 semesters or one calendar year. You will complete 120 credits of taught modules in the autumn and spring semesters, followed by an individual project with a dissertation worth further 60 credits in the summer semester.

Modules

Core modules

Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals for Masters (autumn) 20 credits

The module expands students lifelong learning skills by developing their proficiency in self- assessment of their knowledge. This will be achieved by asking students to identify gaps in their knowledge in the core areas of electrical and electronic engineering and the development and implementation of an improvement plan.

The problem/project based learning will be used to reinforce the fundamental skills of an electrical and electronic engineer. These problems will be introduced in student led small group seminars where students will discuss the problem and discuss what background knowledge is required and suitable resources. A member of academic staff will aid the students identify appropriate learning material where students find it difficult to do so. As part of the learning experience, students will keep a weekly online log detailing the learning activities undertaken, what they have learnt and the areas they still need to develop.

Practical skills, both ICT and laboratory based skills will be developed using both individual and group activities.

To provide formative feedback during this learning period, there will be 4 compulsory on-line tests. Although the mark attained is not used in the calculation of the module mark, failure, without good cause to complete 3 of the 4 tests within the given time window, will result in a zero module mark.

ICT technology plays a key role in modern engineering and this module will introduce typical commercial engineering packages used in their area of interest. The software packages are Matlab, Keysight ADS ( Circuit Simulation), ADS (communication systems simulation), Simulink, PLECS

Experience of these packages will be gained from solving exemplar problems.  Students will be required to show competency in 2 packages. A student may elect to experience more ICT packages but will not be assessed on them.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 2 weeks 2 week 2 hours
Lecture 8 weeks 1 week 2 hours

The formative progress tests will be on-line for completion within a 24 hour period.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Poster  5.00 Poster presentation
Presentation 15.00 Oral presentation
Coursework 1 20.00 Assessment of software competencies #1
Coursework 2 20.00 Assessment of software competencies #2
Exam 40.00 End of module exam (autumn) - e-assessment
Sustainable Energy Futures (autumn) 20 credits

This module covers:

  • Current trends and future prospects for fossil fuel and renewable energy supplies 
  • Analysis of energy contributions from different sources: Energy vectors, conversion efficiency and distribution systems, especially for electricity generation.
  • Engineering components and analysis of renewable energy technologies, including wind, solar PV and hydropower - generator types, electrical performance.
  • Economic and environmental assessment of energy conversion technologies 
  • Energy Policy: carbon reduction initiatives and life-cycle assessment 
  • Sustainable transport options and infrastructure.
  • Comparison of low carbon energy options including biofuels and nuclear 

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 25.00 50 hours of student work
Exam 75.00

Part 1: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 12.5%, 12.5 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Distributed Generation and Alternative Energy (spring) 20 credits

This module covers the operation of modern power systems including:

  • deregulated power systems
  • distributed generation
  • microgrids
  • the energy storage
  • technologies for producing clean energy
  • efficient HVDC power transmission

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Practicum  10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 1 50%

Part 1: weight 25%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 25%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 1 50%  
Advanced Engineering Research Project Organisation and Design (spring) 10 credits

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

  • Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
  • Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
  • Measurement and error analysis
  • Development of laboratory skills including safety and risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, e.g.:

  • Meshing for computational engineering applications
  • Modelling using CAE packages
  • Use of CES Selector software
  • Specific laboratory familiarisation
  • Use of MSVisio software for process flow
  • Use of HYSYS process modelling software
  • Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Seminar 12 weeks 1 week 3 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 40.00 Project planning
Coursework 2 20.00 Literature review
Coursework 3 20.00 Experimental Design
In-Class Test 20.00 Stats test
Health and Safety test   Pass required.
MSc Project (Summer) 60 credits

In this module a student will be assigned to an individual supervisor who will be a staff member in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. The student will carry out a practical or theoretical project chosen from the current interests of the staff member concerned.

The principal aims of the module are to develop the student's ability to work as part of a group to develop and analyse a proposed process design and to identify research need. Then to develop the student’s ability to evaluate and select information and apply this knowledge to propose and execute a research programme to address the identified need.

The module is composed of four major deliverables, a mixture of group and individual project work.

Assessment: 100% coursework

Task 1 (30%) Group design project

Task 2 (Formative) Individual research proposal

Task 3 (50%) Individual research paper

Task 4 (20%) Individual design re-evaluation

Optional modules

Electrical Machines, Drive Systems and Applications (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces students to the concepts and operating principles of fixed and variable speed electric machine and drive systems.

The module will use a number of system examples to demonstrate how machines and drive systems are specified, designed, controlled and operated.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 25% 25 hours of student time
Exam 75% 2 hour exam
Advanced Power Electronics (autumn) 20 credits

This module covers the design of power electronic converters for real applications. Both component-level design and the impact of non-idealities on modelling and operation are considered.

Assessment

Exam, 40.0%

Coursework 1, 30.0%

Coursework 2, 30.0%

 

Coursework:

Power electronic systems design exercise that puts module content into practice using modelling and simulation tools.

 

Key Module Topics

Advanced modelling and control of power converters

Enabling technologies of power conversion (semiconductor devices, packaging, cooling)

Advanced Control System Design (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces the state-space representation of physical systems and the control design of multi-input multi-output systems using multivariable control techniques for both continuous and discrete implementation.

The module then covers both the full and reduced observer design for those cases when state variables are not measurable. The module finishes with an overview of optimal control design.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Exam 100.00 2 hour exam.
Renewable Energy Technology Design and Appraisal (spring) 20 credits

This module will examine aspects of performance analysis and system design/sizing of renewable energy systems for building integration. The course provides opportunities to gain experience in issues of technology selection, system design, installation and performance analysis of a range of renewable energy systems. The module will emphasize solar energy technologies (photovoltaic and solar thermal systems) and small-scale wind turbines, and their integration into buildings.

This includes aspects of weather data resource/collection, system performance analysis, system design parameters, design/simulation tools, field evaluation of these technologies and cost appraisal.

Advanced AC Drives (spring) 20 credits

This module covers the control of AC drives, covering drives for a variety of machine types and control strategies, for example, vector control.

This module:

  • provides a good understanding of the concepts of field orientation and vector control for induction and non-salient and salient PM AC machines.
  • provides information and guidance on the design of control structures and their implementations including parameter dependencies and field weakening
  • imparts design skills through the design of a vector controlled drive using manufacturer’s machine and converter data and defined design specifications
  • develops critical assessment skills through design evaluation

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 12 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours

 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 50% 2-hour written examination
Exam 50%

Part 1: weight 20%, 20 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 30 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Energy Storage (spring) 10 credits

Energy storage is emerging as one of the most important and most exciting of modern engineering activities. This module begins with an overview of why energy storage is becoming so important and reviews the main options available. Then it addresses thermo-mechanical solutions (springs, flywheels, pumped hydro, compressed air and pumped thermal), electro-chemical solutions (batteries, supercapacitors and flow-batteries) & fossil fuel storage (gas, oil & coal).

Assessment: 100% exam

Technologies for Hydrogen Transport Economy (spring) 10 credits

This module considers:

  • Hydrogen use in the transport and energy sectors
  • Sustainable sources of Hydrogen
  • Hydrogen storage and distribution
  • Fuel cell technologies
  • Hydrogen Vehicles
  • Grid stability and decarbonisation of heat applications
  • Economic and environmental feasibility assessment

Method and Frequency of Class: 2-hour lectures in 10 weeks

Method of Assessment: 1 Examination (100%) -  2 hours

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023.

Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Group study
  • Practical classes
  • Workshops
  • Lab sessions
  • Supervision
  • Tutorials
  • Independent study

You will be taught using up to date practices, including the use of electronic resources.

How you will be assessed

  • Formative examination
  • Coursework
  • Lab skills
  • In-class test
  • Online exams
  • Exams
  • Health and safety test
  • Dissertation
  • Reports

The assessment strategy differs between the taught (120 credits) and individual project (60 credits) modules. A typical module contains both written assignment(s) and an end of semester exam which is mostly weighted as 40%. The individual project module is continuously assessed in the summer period and concludes with submission of a final project report, as well as an oral assessment based upon the practical demonstration of the proposed engineering design/solution. The pass mark for all the modules is 50%. Your final degree classification will be based upon your aggregated achievement from both the taught and the project stages of 180 credits.

Contact time and study hours

You will study a total of 180 credits which consists of 120 taught credits over autumn and spring semesters, with the final 60 credits from a large individual project carried out in the summer semester. Typical class contact time is 4 hours per week for a 20 credit module. There is typically 11 weeks of class teaching in each taught semester. In addition direct contact with academics, students are expected to put in additional self-study time preparing for lectures, tutorials, labs and assignments. As a guide, one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of total combined effort.

Typical class size is approximately 50 students. Teaching for this course usually takes place on Monday to Friday with the exception of Wednesday afternoon when students are involved in extracurricular activities.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

MSc

Undergraduate degree2:1 or equivalent grade in Electrical Engineering or related discipline. Applicants are expected to have covered modules such as Maths, Electric Circuits, Power Electronics, Power Network/Systems, Control Engineering, Electrical Machines or related key technical modules.

Applying

Applicants with other relevant engineering qualifications should demonstrate clear evidence that they have covered sufficient electrical based subjects in their undergraduate studies. Please ensure that you include any relevant work experience in the personal statement of your application form.

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £11,850
International £28,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. Project equipment and components are normally covered by the department, though some students opt to buy some of their own components up to £100.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £300. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Career destinations for our graduates in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering include:

  • IT business analysts
  • Systems designers
  • Programmers
  • Software development professionals
  • Production technicians
  • Electrical engineers and engineering professionals

Career progression

100% of postgraduates from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £25,450.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This course is accredited by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) to meet the further learning requirements of a Chartered Engineer.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" Studying for my MSc at the University of Nottingham truly was an extraordinary learning experience for me. I am most grateful to my professors and friends who supported and inspired me to succeed during the challenging times of my academic journey. The skills, knowledge and experience which I have gained has earned me a career as a Business Development Engineer in the Renewable Energy Sector in my home country, Thailand "
Saran Rummaneethorn, Electrical Engineering for Sustainable & Renewable Energy MSc, Class of 2021

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This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.