Sustainable Energy Solutions MSc
Course code F854
What is special about this course?
As the sustainable energy sector continues to grow and becomes ever more important to our societies, there is a need for trained individuals to plan, implement and manage new renewable energy projects.
The MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions will provide you with the theoretical and practical tools to place you at the centre of such ventures. You will get a comprehensive overview of renewable energy from the different and complementary perspectives of resources, technology, environment and socioeconomics.
If you are already working in or are interested in a career in the renewable energy or low-carbon technology sectors, this dynamic course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to critically analyse the theories, principles and concepts of low-carbon energy production and sustainability. Additionally, the course will give you a firm understanding of the technical and economic case for renewables along with confidence to tackle the calculations required to assess their viability.
Special features
- You will be taught by recognised experts in the field of renewable energy
- You can study full time or part time
- The course is delivered through online distance learning with support from expert staff at the university, so you study when and where it suits you, within the UK and internationally
- You can choose to study individual modules for personal or professional development, or work towards the PgCert, PgDip or full Masters degree
Entry requirements
- Honours degree or above in a relevant subject
- Applicants with an ordinary degree or other qualification and at least three years’ relevant work experience will also be considered
- Applicants who possess substantial experience in an appropriate field or have demonstrated exceptional abilities may also be considered
Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scottish domiciled and EU students)
Loans for tuition fees are available from SAAS for eligible Scotland domiciled and EU students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.
(see fees/funding tab for more information)
Access routes
PgCert
Core modules:
- Energy, climate and carbon (S1)
- Net zero society (S2)
- Renewable energy technology (S1)
PgDip
You will choose three of the following modules:
- Developing a community energy project (S2)
- Energy modelling for buildings (S2)
- Qualitative inquiry (S2)
- Quantitative research methods and data analysis (S1)
- Sustainable land use (S1)
- The economics of community wealth building (S2)
- Tidal wave and future energy (S2)
- Understanding sustainability discourses (S2)
MSc
To achieve the award of MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions you must complete the PgDip plus a research dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Part-time modular (standalone modules)
- You will study fully online, with no scheduled sessions or tutorials - live tutorials can be organised on demand for some modules
- You may also be able to access sessions online from your local campus - please contact them directly for more information
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will have the option to take part in an online induction in August
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1.5 years @ 35 hours per week
- Part-time: 2-4 years @ 12 to 18 hours per week
- Part-time modular: 16 weeks @ 12 hours per week (per module)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- North, West and Hebrides
Start date
- September
- January (part-time study only)
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £584 | £610 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,752 | £1,830 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,504 | £3,660 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation) | £5,256 | £5,490 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £780 | £840 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2,340 | £2,520 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £4,680 | £5,040 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £7,020 | £7,560 |
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | With scholarship | 2025-26 | With scholarship | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £833 | £1,200 | £900 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £2,499 | £3,600 | £2,700 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £4,998 | £7,200 | £5,400 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £7,497 | £10,800 | £8,100 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £1,200 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £3,600 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £7,200 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £10,800 |
This course is not available to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying full-time can access loans up to £11,500 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £7,000 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500.
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS. You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £7,000, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study.
Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.
Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of this MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions, you will be well-equipped to take up positions in the management of renewable energy projects, and more widely in the public and private sectors, including:
- Energy industry
- Governmental agencies and regulators
- Environmental consultants
- Energy site developers
- Academic institutions
Can I progress into further study?
This Masters degree will allow you to progress into a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD).
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Sustainable Energy Solutions MSc
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.