Sustainable Energy Systems MSc
King's Buildings Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Systems
University of Edinburgh
Sustainable Energy Engineering
Program Overview: MSc Sustainable Energy Systems
The MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems at the University of Edinburgh is a one-year programme that equips you to contribute to a more sustainable future. Grounded in engineering, the programme encourages you to consider the societal, economic, environmental and policy aspects of the energy industry alongside core technical knowledge.
You will place a strong emphasis on energy systems where electricity is the final product, considering energy in the wider context of resources, conversion technologies, consumption patterns, efficiency and regulation. You will acquire comprehensive knowledge of deploying renewable energies in grid-connected systems, with options to explore off-grid systems.
The programme is affiliated with the University's Global Environment and Society Academy and draws on teaching from Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and Civil engineering disciplines. It is accredited by the Energy Institute for Chartered Engineer (CEng) Further Learning, giving graduates a recognised pathway toward professional engineering status.
Key Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Energy Institute for CEng Further Learning, supporting your pathway to Chartered Engineer status
- Multidisciplinary design drawing from Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and Civil engineering disciplines
- University ranked 7th in the world for sustainability in the 2025 QS World University Rankings
- Research dissertation conducted within the Institute for Energy Systems or with industry partners
Curriculum and Modules
The programme is delivered over 12 months, with two semesters of taught courses followed by a research project leading to a masters thesis. The curriculum covers wind, marine and solar energy technologies, as well as energy and environmental economics, resource assessment, and the fundamentals of renewable energy.
Fundamentals of Renewable Energy (Electrical Engineering)
20 creditsCovers the electrical engineering fundamentals underpinning renewable energy technologies, including power systems, electrical machines, and grid integration principles.
Fundamentals of Renewable Energy (Mechanical Engineering)
20 creditsExplores the mechanical engineering aspects of renewable energy, including fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and structural considerations for energy conversion devices.
Wind Energy
10 creditsProvides in-depth study of wind energy resource assessment, turbine technology, aerodynamics, and the design and operation of wind farms in onshore and offshore environments.
Marine Energy
10 creditsExamines wave and tidal energy technologies, resource characterisation, device design, and the engineering challenges of deploying marine energy systems in ocean environments.
Energy and Environmental Economics
10 creditsIntroduces economic principles applied to energy markets, environmental regulation, carbon pricing, and cost-benefit analysis of sustainable energy projects.
MSc Dissertation Project
60 creditsAn independent research project conducted within the Institute for Energy Systems or with an industry partner, culminating in a masters thesis on a relevant sustainable energy topic.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
The MSc Sustainable Energy Systems programme welcomes applicants with strong technical backgrounds. The programme operates selection deadlines due to high demand, and early application through Uni4Edu is strongly recommended to secure your place.
Academic Requirements
- Degree RequirementA UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in engineering or physics
- Alternative BackgroundUK first class honours degree or equivalent in another field, with undergraduate-level mathematics including vectorial calculus, complex algebra and Fourier transforms
- Sector InterestApplicants must demonstrate a strong interest in the energy sector
- Professional ExperienceWork experience in energy or sustainability is advantageous but not required
- Degree ClassificationApplicants with extensive professional experience in sustainable energy systems may also be considered with a UK 2:1 or equivalent
English Language Requirements
- IELTS AcademicTotal 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL iBTTotal 92 with at least 20 in each component
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)Total 176 with at least 169 in each component
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship opportunities are available for students on the MSc Sustainable Energy Systems programme. Funding is awarded competitively, and Uni4Edu can guide you through the application process for each opportunity.
School of Engineering International Scholarship
Awarded to overseas applicants accepted for full-time study within the School of Engineering, based on academic merit. Candidates typically require a first-class honours degree or international equivalent.
ScottishPower Scholarship
Designed to financially support high-achieving recent graduates from Spain, the United Kingdom and Mexico pursuing advanced degrees in fields such as engineering, renewable energy, and sustainability.
British Council Women in STEM Masters Scholarship
Fully funded (tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses)A fully funded scholarship for women from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal) pursuing a masters in a STEM subject at the University of Edinburgh, offered in partnership with the British Council.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MSc Sustainable Energy Systems go on to a wide range of activities in industry, public organisations and academia. The programme has well-established links with industry, and many graduates find employment with leading national and international companies in energy, consultancy and engineering.
Typical Graduate Roles
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Its School of Engineering is recognised for research excellence and strong industry connections, making the MSc Sustainable Energy Systems a highly regarded qualification in the global energy sector.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering | EduRank | #7 in UK |
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #6 in UK |
| Engineering (School of Engineering) | THE / QS | Top 10 in UK |
| Research Power (REF 2021 with Heriot-Watt) | THE / REF | #1 in Scotland, #3 in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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