Course summary

• Addressing a Critical Need: With the UK aiming for Net Zero by 2050, there is a pressing demand for qualified professionals in the renewable energy sector. This degree will prepare students to fill roles in a rapidly growing field that is predicted to need 400,000 more experts by 2050. • Embedded in Industry and Expert-Led: The course has industry collaborations threaded throughout from leading companies and organizations in the energy sector, which will provide first hand-experience or real-world projects and valuable networking opportunities for internships and job placements. The course will be delivered by academics who are experts in the field and whose research (worth over a million pounds over the last few years) has led to them writing leading texts that are used to teach the subject around the world. • Impact on Climate Change: By studying renewable energy, graduates can contribute to combatting climate change and promoting sustainability. They will acquire the skills to design and implement solutions that reduce carbon footprints. • Multidisciplinary Learning: The course combines principles from engineering, technology, economics, and environmental science, providing a holistic understanding of energy systems and their socio-economic impacts. • Cutting-Edge Technology: Students work with the latest technologies and tools in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring they are equipped with practical skills that are highly valued in the industry. This proposal outlines a new MSc in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering, aimed at addressing the large shortage of qualified professionals needed to fulfil the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target — where an estimated 400,000 jobs will be required by 205012. Enrolments in postgraduate renewable energy programs have increased by 57% (from 1,130 to 1,775) between 2017/18 and 2021/22, yet only three new courses have been introduced. According to a National Grid workforce report13, the UK needs 400,000 renewable energy experts by 2050, with at least 117,000 required by 2030 to build momentum. Over half of these roles demand skills in data analytics for energy forecasting and renewable energy engineering. The low carbon sector in the UK has experienced significant growth with an 8% increase in annual employment and 28% increase in turnover over the last three years, with 40% of renewable energy already contributing to the UK’s electricity mix. Industry projections indicate that the sector will generate over 100,000 jobs by 2030. This MSc will equip the next generation of experts to design, implement, and manage essential renewable energy technologies and strategies. Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of renewable systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices critical for lowering the nation’s carbon footprint. The UK leads in renewable energy innovation, especially in offshore wind, tidal, and solar power. The course will leverage our existing cutting-edge facilities, including a wind tunnel, energy experiment benches, and advanced software suites (Ansys, DesignBuilder, MATLAB, LabView, etc.) for simulation and computing. The course has been developed in collaboration with contacts from the National Grid, Fujitsu, Babcock, and Luton Borough Council. The course will welcome students from diverse backgrounds in engineering and science, positioning graduates to play a pivotal role in the UK's sustainable energy future.