Master of Science - Renewable Energy Engineering (Professional Placement)

Climate change is a major challenge for the 21st century, requiring an alternative supply of cleaner energy from renewable sources. This course is designed with an engineering focus that deals with applications, combined with the business element; applicable whether students work for a large organisation or a small-to-medium-size enterprise.

On this course, students will gain skills and expert knowledge in solar power, wind power, biofuel and fuel cell technologies, renewable energy business and management. Students will use computer-aided simulation technologies such as Polysun for solar-energy applications, WindPRO for wind farm applications and Gabi for life cycle assessment in biomass applications. Through option modules, students will be able to specialise in project engineering and management, risk management or engineering design and development. Advanced topics include 3D solid modelling and simulation, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and simulation.

The course is taught by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that the courses are current and industry informed ensuring students get the most relevant and up to date education possible.

Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; the University cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. Students may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important for students to prepare and apply themselves if this is the route they wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Graduates have gone on to work in organisations such as Atkins, Alstom Power, Inditex, Vattenfall, Shell, and SGS UK Ltd. The course is also an ideal foundation for a PhD and an academic or research career in renewable energy.