MSc Energy Engineering with Environmental Management

Key details

MSC ENERGY ENGINEERING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Science

Duration (years)

We’ve developed this MSc programme in partnership with industry and employers through close collaboration with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) – aiming to address the national and regional shortage of high-calibre qualified graduates in the field of engineering.

You’ll master fundamental energy and electrical engineering principles alongside specific modules in wind, oil and gas – plus options to focus on conventional energy or future developments. The option in environmental risk assessment exploits our links with the word-renowned School of Environmental Sciences. Ultimately you’ll recognise the long-term goal of renewable energy alongside the broader reality of a sustainable energy mix.

Throughout your course there will be many opportunities to mix with practising professional engineers during modules, at trade events, local branch meetings and on project work. Your most significant project will be your dissertation, where you’ll have the chance to do the practical element whilst on placement within the energy sector.

Upon graduation this enhanced experience puts you one step ahead of other graduates. Employers have identified that there’s a shortage of engineers in the energy sector, so graduates from our programme are in high demand and many are already in key positions.

We have been accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. And our affiliate membership with the EI provides you with free student membership and a free magazine.

The course is delivered by the Faculty of Science – which houses an impressive base of engineering knowledge, particularly in the Schools of Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Computing Sciences and Chemistry. We are internationally renowned for our research and teaching in many relevant fields, including Applied Mathematics, Energy Materials, Energy Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, and Geophysical Sciences, to name a few.

About

Be the energy engineer that the industry is asking for. Our highly commended collaboration with industry means that you’ll graduate with experience in the energy sector and the perfect mix of knowledge, contacts and sought after transferable skills.

Right from the start, you’ll have invaluable opportunities to mix with professional engineers through lectures, networking events and site visits. And you’ll find that our course material kept current by our Industrial Advisory Board is uniquely tailored to the needs of the industry right now, ensuring that our graduates are highly sought after.

Whether you’re looking for a change of career into the fast-growing world of engineering or to top up a first degree, this fully accredited MSc is your unique route into the sector.

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Course Reference Number: 1544009

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

We make sure our assessment techniques inherently prepare you for the world of work. So rather than seeing your target audience for most assessments as the lecturer, we’ll encourage you to aim it at your future industry line manager.

Most assessment is coursework based, which will help you in mastering your time management skills. Team working, peer assessment and self-reflection will highlight your strengths, enabling you to articulate them clearly at future interviews.

You’ll also experience a variety of other assessment types – from group presentations to individual technical reports. We’ll give you extensive feedback for both formative and summative assessments, something that our accreditors have found extremely positive.

Structure

This year-long Master’s course is made up of 120 credits of taught modules (across two semesters between September to May) followed by a dissertation for a further 60 credits. You’re taught modules will include core modules plus two modules of your own choice.

In the autumn term you’ll begin by studying key underpinning material in a compulsory module that brings everybody up to the same level in maths and technical skills – introducing techniques that are used across the rest of the course.

You’ll also cover introductory material in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, supported by hands-on work in our modern laboratory facilities. This module allows us to act as a conversion course for non-engineering graduates and top up a first degree in engineering for others. Every student will have demonstrated at least the equivalent of UK A-level standard mathematical ability – and you’ll find that the variety of backgrounds makes for a rich learning environment.

There will be many opportunities to network with practising engineers, kicking off with a team exercise in the autumn term that culminates in a presentation to professionals before a networking buffet. Later in the term there are opportunities to attend trade social events such as the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) Christmas Ball. The highlight of the year is their Southern North Sea Conference near Norwich.

We work with industry specialists throughout the course to provide you with a real context for your studies in many different ways – from lectures to site visits. Recently students have had a tour of a Seajacks jack-up vessel, a gas distribution centre at Bacton, a major substation run by GE, and Claxton Engineering: a supply chain company in the oil and gas sector. There’s also our annual visit to Sizewell nuclear power station.

Our dedicated Business Relationship Manager has many industry links to help you source dissertation placements. Plus our partnership with EEEGR gives us access to hundreds of member companies and preferential entry to trade conferences (eg the annual Southern North Sea Conference held locally).

You’ll find that UEA is unique in having such a well-organised energy trade group locally – and EEEGR’s continued support has been recognised in a national award as one of the best university/industry partnerships.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning

Control your study to suit your learning style, with plenty of support from UEA – from one-to-one meetings with your personal adviser to the learning enhancement team in Student Support Services.

You’ll typically be in a cohort of 12, and some extra students from across the faculty of science who are attracted by our mix of modules. This multi-disciplinary group enhances the team working exercises that employers love to hear about.

Some skills transfer across all your potential careers – so we make sure we focus on these. You’ll gain complete confidence in spreadsheet tools for analysing large data sets (eg to estimate wind resource); modern numerical calculation software (which is fast replacing hand calculations as industry standard); and conveying specific recommendations using concise English; you’ll also develop your time-management skills managing multiple projects within set deadlines. These are just some of the skills that are highly valued by our graduates when they begin their jobs.

Independent study

Alongside teamwork with your peer group to enhance your learning, there will also be many opportunities to work independently. This brings a real breadth and depth to your skills – something that’s often highlighted by potential employers.

You’ll demonstrate your ability to work independently most clearly through your dissertation. You’ll work intensely on this over a 12-week period, applying all the skills you’ve learnt to a real world project.

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

ENERGY ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS

Code ENG-7001A

Credits 20

You will be able to get involved in an induction team exercise designed to give you an overview of renewable energy sources and non-renewable energy sources using a specific challenge where you will be able to do a presentation to industry specialists and peers. A significant part of the module will give you the opportunity to concentrate on engineering mathematics related to energy engineering and you’ll end with introductions to fluid mechanics and thermodynamics.

ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION, DISTRIBUTION AND STORAGE

Code ENG-7100B

Credits 20

This module is highly practical and will allow you to study how electricity is generated and how it is distributed to users. The first part studies DC and AC electricity and looks at how RLC circuits behave through complex phasor analysis. The second part will give you the opportunity to study electricity generators, beginning with magnetism and Faraday’s Law. Synchronous and asynchronous generators will also be studied along with application to conventional power stations and to renewable generation (e.g. wind). You’ll also look at transformers and transmission lines with a view to distribution of electricity. Voltage conversion methods such as the rectifier, buck and boost converters are examined and finally electricity generation through solar is covered. Your lab classes will build on material from lectures which in turn forms the basis for coursework.

WIND ENERGY ENGINEERING

Code ENG-7003B

Credits 20

Wind energy is the main provider of renewable energy and the source that is receiving the majority of investment, making its study vital to energy engineering. This module begins by examining the kinetic energy of moving air and the design of wind turbines to extract this energy. Different turbine designs are briefly examined and comparisons made of their effectiveness. Issues regarding placement of wind turbines and practical considerations are discussed and include data collection of wind speeds for possible wind farm sites using optimal spacing of turbines. The focus is on developing Excel skills and Technical Report-writing skills using wind energy as the context.

OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING

Code ENG-7012A

Credits 20

The aim of this module is to expose you to the technical and commercial realities of the oil and gas industry. An overview of the subject leads to a number of specific case studies provided by practising engineers. A number of assessment techniques are used, from individual presentations to analysis of reserves or research for a briefing document addressing issues of health and safety risk management. Each year the case studies will reflect the expertise of the visiting practising engineers. Although there are no pre-requisites this module is a good follow on to the Fossil Fuels module.

ENERGY ENGINEERING DISSERTATION

Code ENG-7105X

Credits 60

You will have the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of individual work in energy engineering. The scope is broad but the dissertation will comprise research, design, implementation and practical elements. The subject of the dissertation will be determined by agreement between you and your supervisor. Where possible, the topic will be linked to an industry partner and may include a placement with the company. The work may be undertaken as part of a large collaborative or group project. You will be taught aspects of project management during the module (primarily at the start) and will be integrated into the project process.

Optional A Modules

(40 credits)

WAVE, TIDAL AND HYDRO ENERGY ENGINEERING

Code ENG-7004B

Credits 20

This module studies renewable energy sources that use the energy stored in water to produce electrical energy. An examination is made into the potential energy and kinetic energy stored in water, either implicitly through waves/tide or explicitly in hydro. Devices for energy extraction from waves are examined but an essential focus is on wave forces on structures. Tidal energy extraction devices including barrages, lagoons and tidal stream turbines are also studied. The design and operation of hydroelectric turbines is studied with a particular focus on pipe flow and pipe networks using commercial software.

TEAM ENERGY PROJECT

Code ENG-7010Y

Credits 40

This module recreates the industrial process of working in a multi-disciplinary consultancy, competing for the work from a client. Industrial partners offer a new real life project each year, with previous examples including designing a CHP facility to integrate anaerobic digestion, improving the industrial efficiency of a linen hiring company, and working with a client to produce a smart energy efficient building. Over the first semester each team responds to the brief from the conceptual stage through to a working scheme. In the second semester your team delivers a final report and presentation and each team member focuses on a few specific elements of the process to complete an individual design element. This flagship module provides confidence and commercial awareness of real-world industry.

NUCLEAR AND SOLAR ENERGY WITH ADVANCED TOPICS

Code ENG-7015Y

Credits 20

This module addresses the technical aspects of nuclear power and solar energy, whilst letting you make ethical decisions incorporating health and safety risk assessments. Successful design of nuclear installations requires a detailed quantitative risk analysis within a regulatory framework that imposes high tolerances. Furthermore, you will obtain advanced knowledge and skills for the optimal design and performance analysis for cost-effective configurations of PV systems, solar thermal systems and hybrids to achieve sustainable development. Although these energies are considered cleaner, it is essential to consider the environmental impact and planning law, as well as changing the societal perception of both. You will gain comprehensive knowledge of nuclear technology, policy and the issues involved in the deployment of nuclear power, as well as awareness of health and safety risk assessments, mitigation measurements and their impact at an industrial scale. Additionally, you will acquire in-depth knowledge on the dynamic performance of PV systems, the suitability of the various possible PV system configurations and solar thermal collector systems. In parallel, you will develop skills for the effective use of solar radiation databases and various software for the cost-effective sizing of PV systems and solar collector systems through coursework and experimental work and analysis in the laboratory. Please note that if you have previously taken the Undergraduate module NUCLEAR AND SOLAR ENERGY then you will not be permitted to undertake this module.

THEORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Code ENV-7020A

Credits 20

Environmental assessment is a term used to describe procedures for evaluating the potential environmental consequences of policies, programmes, plans and projects. It is a well established tool for environmental policy integration, being routinely employed in more than 100 nations and by many international aid and funding agencies. This multidisciplinary module focuses on the theory and methods of environmental assessment and the decision-making contexts in which they are employed. It explains the procedural stages of, and selected methodologies for, environmental assessment and provides practical experience in applying them.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT EFFECTIVENESS

Code ENV-7021K

Credits 20

Environmental Assessment is considered to be more effective when conducted at strategic levels of decision making, and is usually perceived to have a goal of achieving sustainable development. This module provides experience of conducting a particular form of strategic assessment, Sustainability Appraisal (SA), which incorporates environmental, social and economic considerations into plan making. Through practice of SA, a field course involving hands-on application of environmental assessment techniques, and consideration of effectiveness theory, this module will examine what makes assessment effective.Please note that there will be a charge for attending this field course (in the range of £300-£400) to cover attendance.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

MSc ENERGY ENGINEERING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT