MSc Energy Engineering

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 MSc is your unique route into the sector.

About

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 engineering graduates with specialist expertise in energy engineering. The breadth of our course has also enabled some of our graduates to enter other engineering disciplines.

You’ll master fundamental energy and electrical engineering principles alongside a range of options in renewable energy, nuclear energy and oil and gas engineering. 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.

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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 master 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.

Structure

The course is delivered mainly by the School of Engineering which houses a growing group of world-leading experts in sustainable energy technologies. We are also supported by other academics within the Faculty of Science which houses an impressive base of engineering knowledge, particularly in the Schools of Mathematics, Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences and Chemistry.

This year-long Master’s course is made up of 120 credits of taught modules (across two semesters between September and May) followed by a dissertation for a further 60 credits. You’re taught modules will include compulsory modules plus three 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 mathematics 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 held 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 wind turbine installation vessel, a gas processing plant 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

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 small cohort with 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 learned to a real world project either on a placement, linked to a company or within a research group.

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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.

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.

FLUIDS ENGINEERING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Code ENG-7007B

Credits 20

This module covers the extraction of renewable energy from wind and water currents and wave motions. This includes the mechanisms by which solar and tidal energy are converted into these resources, the fluid mechanics relevant to energy transfer by machines, examples of working devices and the principles by which they are designed. The variability of these resources and the effect on the design and operation of fluidic devices is also addressed, as are the infrastructure, environmental, policy and financial issues influencing planning, development and operation of renewable energy installations.

Optional A Modules

(60 credits)

APPLICATIONS PROGRAMMING

Code CMP-7000A

Credits 20

This module aims to establish a clear understanding of Applications Programming, from the initial Software Engineering design through to full development, coding and testing of a software program. You will be introduced to both Software Engineering and a modern programming language used in many Industries (Python). The module will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge for working in a range of computing science industries.

ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL METHODS

Code ENG-7008B

Credits 20

A number of computational techniques are used in engineering design and practice such as: Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer-Aided Design, Finite Element Analysis, Computer Numerical Control of manufacturing equipment and Computational Fluid Dynamics. In a hands-on approach students will develop a broad awareness and detailed competence in some of these techniques building on material introduced during earlier years of the degree.

SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING WITH ADVANCED TOPICS

Code ENG-7010A

Credits 20

This module addresses the engineering and technical aspects of solar energy, covering solar energy resource availability, solar energy conversion systems, photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal collector systems, and other solar energy applications in the industrial, domestic, transport and agricultural sectors. You will obtain advanced knowledge on the estimation of solar radiation through models and solar radiation databases for any site and surface geometry, shading analysis, the optimum and cost-effective design, performance analysis and sizing of PV systems and solar thermal collector systems, and their integration in buildings. Additionally, you will develop skills in assessing the suitability of various possible system configurations and the effect of environmental parameters’ fluctuations and variability on the PV and solar thermal collector system design and performance. In parallel, you will develop software skills in the above topics and practical skills in PV cell/module characterisation, performance analysis, degradation and diagnostics in the laboratory.

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY WITH ADVANCED TOPICS

Code ENG-7011B

Credits 20

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of this key energy sector. It addresses the technical and financial aspects of nuclear power, offering a comprehensive grounding in the underpinning science, engineering and safety features, along with relevant nuclear regulators, policies and issues involved in the deployment of nuclear power. Students will develop knowledge and insights as well as analytical and modelling skills, in addition to skills that are transferable into future or current work settings, such as management of time and information, report writing and the deployment of critical reasoning and independent thinking.

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.

ENGINEERING GROUP PROJECT

Code ENG-7016Y

Credits 40

The module aims to enable you to work in small teams to meet the challenge of a real and substantial engineering project requirement covering, planning, legal, environmental, economic and engineering aspects. You will develop both specialist and over-arching engineering skills. The study is carried out as a team exercise where communication and collaboration are vital in producing a constructive and rewarding project. Topics covered may include the following: introduction to product specification and design; market research, including influence of environmental and regulatory constraints; concept design for complete lifecycle; down-selection of component design tasks for more detailed attention; project planning, control, review and closure; detailed design including analysis of project constraints, manufacturing processes and available materials; acceptance test planning and, if appropriate, manufacture and test; marketing and promotion of product or component technology/design solution. Where possible, the project will be based around a requirement and brief prepared by one or more industrial partners.

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.

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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 and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree (minimum 2.2 or equivalent)

Degree subject

Any relevant subject area which includes significant mathematical content.

Additional entry requirements

Entry with other qualifications or experience will be considered if the necessary mathematical and technical expertise has been acquired elsewhere (e.g. relevant industrial experience).

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Applicants applying for a Student VISA will require an ATAS certificate before they apply. Please note the the Government are taking several weeks to process ATAS requests, so please ensure you request clearance in good time. If you have any questions please contact pgt.admissions@uea.ac.uk.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in two components only, with 6.0 in the other two)
PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in two components only with 64 in the other two)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk.

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 4477890

MSc ENERGY ENGINEERING