Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition (online)

Entry requirements

Masters (MSc)

Masters (MSc) level entry applicants must have one of the following:

• Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in a related subject area.
• For postgraduate conversion courses, non-related degrees will be considered.
• Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered.

As part of the eight taught courses on the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition MSc, Heriot-Watt online students must first take exams in two courses of the programme, Economics of Renewable Energy and Transition Engineering – Achieving Zero Carbon InTime. Based on the results from these courses students continue on the programme at MSc or at PG Diploma level.

PG Diploma

PG Diploma level entry applicants must have an ordinary degree in a related subject area and relevant post qualification industry experience.

Heriot-Watt Online students on Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition MSc undertake eight taught courses and a dissertation. Students must first take exams in two courses of the programmes, Economics of Renewable Energy and Energy in the 21st Century. Based on the results from these courses students continue on the programme at MSc or at PG Diploma level.

Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and possibly interview. Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Recruitment.

Recognition of prior learning

We are committed to providing study opportunities to applicants who have a wide range of prior experiences through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). For more information on RPL, please contact the Online Admissions Team (egis-idl-apps@hw.ac.uk) ahead of application. We can only consider requests for RPL at the time of application to a course of study.

Months of entry

January, May, September

Course content

Renewable energy has experienced significant global growth over the past decade. This, coupled with the transition to a low-carbon economy, technological advancements and policy and regulatory changes means there is demand for skilled professionals who can understand, implement and manage the transition to renewable energy sources.

Our online MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition degree equips graduates with a comprehensive skill set to make a meaningful impact in the rapidly growing renewables industry. Focusing on the specific requirements of renewable energy developers, this programme will empower you to tackle the challenges associated with the transitional to renewable and sustainable energy, maximise economic advantages, and navigate regulatory and environmental obstacles. This MSc addresses the needs of various sectors in the circular economy including renewable energy developers, communities, and organisations striving to achieve net zero targets and combat climate change.

Upon completion of the programme, you will possess a diverse skill set that spans renewable energy technology, integration and development which opens up a wide range of opportunities and roles in renewable energy companies, government agencies, consulting firms, research institutions and non-profit organisations. You will have a nuanced understanding about the processes of creating and leading just transitions for enterprises, organisations and communities.

This programme is delivered by the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) and is focused on the key drivers of the exciting new and growing field of energy transition and transition engineering:

• Policy and economics of net-zero carbon.
• Renewable energy technologies, development processes and grid integration.
• Energy transition in transport, primary production, construction and manufacturing.
• Action for climate change through organisation, enterprise and technical shift.
• Transition engineering in the broadest sense - discovering how to build sustainable change through decarbonisation projects.

Information for international students

If English is not the applicant's first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. Please refer to English language requirements for further details.

Some applicants may be asked for alternative evidence in line with UKVI recognised English speaking countries. Applicants who have previously successfully completed courses delivered in the medium of English language may be considered and will be required to provide documentary evidence of this. Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree. A minimum of at least one year of full-time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.

All evidence of English language needs to be dated within two years of the start of study.

We also offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your master's programme:

• 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
• 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no more than one skill at 4.5)
• 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills)
• 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with minimum of 5.5 in reading and writing and minimum of 5.0 in speaking and listening)

Fees and funding

See the University website