MSc Renewable Energy and the Built Environment

Renewable Energy and the Built Environment

A postgraduate degree from the University of East London, based at the Graduate School of the Environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology

The MSc Renewable Energy and the Built Environment (REBE) course is taught at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in mid Wales. The course offers a unique combination of academic study with practical experience and is based in the award-winning Wales Institute for Sustainable Education (WISE), creating a unique learning environment.

The course is delivered by staff from CAT and specialist visitors from the industry. This brings the advantage of combining an academic programme with the practical application of research and development that has established CAT as Europe’s leading eco–centre.

Students completing a Masters in Renewable Energy and the Built Environment have a great amount of flexibility on the course. There are four 30 credit modules to complete in total over a period of one year for full time students, and two years for part-time. Each module is taught over two months, one week per month, allowing students to continue working or undertaking other projects whilst completing their masters.

Aims

The course aims to explore the theory and practice of renewable energy technologies with special reference to the built environment.

The course would benefit those who wish to increase their knowledge in the major renewable energy technologies and further their careers in this sector.

The theory and practice of renewable energies are examined through both practical work and academic study. The lecture programme enables students to critically analyse the benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy systems.

Students are equipped with the relevant experience, training and vocational skills that are becoming increasingly important in the renewables sector.

Programme content

Students choose from a range of modules covering the major renewable energy technologies:

Biomass.
Solar photovoltaics.
Wind power.
Solar thermal.
Hydro electricity.

The programme also covers building physics and design, energy conservation and basic electrical theory.

A five-day residential module is run at CAT each month, September to May. Students choose a maximum of four 30 credit modules (120 credits) from the range offered.

Each module consists of lectures, practical sessions, site visits, seminar groups and individual tutorials. Students will then complete coursework in the form of an essay or report, and a presentation.

You can download more details of the programme content in the programme handbook from the link at the end of this page. Also see the list of module dates.

Method of assessment

Coursework for each module usually consists of an essay, report, and a presentation. Students also complete a thesis at the end of the course.

After acquiring 120 credits from the available teaching modules and associated coursework, students are eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma. Those who wish to obtain an MSc then complete a thesis module, which is the culmination of the work done on the programme.

Further information regarding assessment can be found in the student handbook and on the University of East London website.

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree with an appropriate technical background or equivalent experience.
Evidence of English language ability e.g. TOEFL at 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0.
Applications from potential students under the age of 21 will not normally be considered.
Although we do not necessarily require you to have a degree to apply for the programme, you will need to be prepared to produce essays, reports and presentations at this level.

Fees

Resident in UK/EEA:

Course fee: The fee for September 2012 is £7500. £5500 course fee and £2000 food and accommodation.
Full-time students: The fee must be paid in full, as per the Fees Policy.
Part-time students: half the total fee is payable each year. The fee for the second year will be the fee current for that academic year.
There is also the option of setting up an instalment plan.
Please note the fees for the academic year 2013/14 may be higher.

Resident outside EEA:

Course fee: The fee for September 2012 is £15,000.
Half the fee is due on application; the balance is due on registration.
Please note the fees for the academic year 2013/14 may be higher.

Please refer to our fees policy for more information.

International students should note that we do not have a Tier 4 Sponsor licence, which allows us to accept International students who require student visas to study on our residential courses.

Please take a look at our MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies course which is available by distance learning.

This is a wide ranging and comprehensive course in sustainable architecture and renewable energy.

How to apply

Applications for September 2013 are now being accepted. Please complete the online application form for September 2013 entries.

Contact us about this course

Is this the course for you?

If you would like to visit for a free overnight stay during a module, attend lectures and workshops and meet staff and students, please contact the Student Support Officer. email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Graduate School at the Centre for Alternative Technology
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