Course summary

Based upon our renowned full-time Renewable Energy Systems Technology MSc, this award-winning, part-time, online distance learning programme offers you flexibility in terms of place, pace and learning mode. For nearly 20 years, our online programme has enabled over 400 students and practicing engineers to achieve their MSc qualification even if they are unable to attend classes or exams at Loughborough. Our Renewable Energy Systems Technology MSc is designed to match the demands of employers worldwide. You will develop the full range of knowledge and skills needed for a successful and effective career in the global renewable energy sector. Our highly skilled graduates are prized by industry, with many now having senior positions in industry, commerce, government and NGOs. The programme is designed and delivered by experts from the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), the UK’s largest sustainable energy engineering research centre. At CREST, we have influential partnerships with industry, policy makers, and researchers across the world. This means the course is always industry relevant and includes the latest research and thinking in energy system sustainability. All modules are taught by leading experts, and you will benefit greatly from their experience. The objectives of the course are to provide you with an advanced technical level of education in a range of renewable energy technologies. These include solar, wind, biomass, energy storage, and water data analytics with an emphasis on integration into electricity networks in developed and developing countries. Furthermore, policy, investment and environmental issues are examined to understand the wider context for renewable energy systems. Your major research project will enable you to develop in-depth research and problem-solving skills. This can be focused on practical or theoretical research relating to a wide range of renewable or sustainable energy topics, ranging from technology to policy and investment. By using the same course materials as the full time programme, distance learning students can achieve the same outcomes as their full-time counterparts. The main difference is the study method (online e-learning platform versus a face-to-face classroom environment) and the length of study which is typically three to four years. Through the enhanced use of our Virtual Learning Environment platform, we can offer students the opportunity to study postgraduate modules completely online. This includes scheduled tutorial submissions and online assignments, supported tutor group sessions, live streamed and recorded lectures, collaboration and discussion forums for communicating with tutors and fellow learners. Specially designed computer-based simulation activities are used to replicate practical laboratories for specific modules.