Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability

On this master’s programme you will develop your understanding of:

• the applications of renewable energy and sustainable technologies
• the environmental impact of using non-sustainable technologies
• the design, construction, and operation of the buildings and places in which we live, work and play
• the issues and debates around the role of energy, including the technical and policy questions that arise from global demands for secure, affordable, and sustainable processes
• carbon management and energy use in the built environment.

The University of Reading has a long history of teaching and research in this field, and we have delivered a master’s programme in the subject area for more than 40 years. What started as a master’s in alternative energy has evolved over time to incorporate the significant advancements in the field, as well as Reading’s expertise in sustainability, carbon, and life cycle assessment.

• The University of Reading is one of the UK’s top-ranking institutions for Building. We’re ranked 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 6th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• The University of Reading is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024).
• 95% of Construction Management and Engineering master's students are satisfied with their experience overall. (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2023).
• Overall, 89% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, of those in full-time employment, 97% are in graduate-level roles. (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, includes postgraduate (taught) Construction Management and Engineering responders).
• 100% of our research in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed 'outstanding’ or ‘very considerable’ (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).
• Ranked 6th in the UK for research power in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning. (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

Our MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability degree is accredited by the Energy Institute and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers. Successful completion of this programme satisfies the academic requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Our MSc Renewable Energy: Technology and Sustainability is offered as a one-year full-time programme, or as a flexible modular programme that can be taken over two years from September, or over three years from February. Both the full-time and flexible modular options are delivered via residential weeks at our Whiteknights campus in Reading and supported by our online learning environment.

• 100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning)
• 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).

The School of Construction Management and Engineering has a wide-ranging and diverse research agenda that is continuously developing. Lecturers are involved in research and scholarship, all of which feeds into the teaching you will receive.

We also have strong links with industry, and you will benefit from industry visits and industry speakers on this programme.