Skip navigation
Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering at University of Aberdeen - UCAS

University of Aberdeen

Degree level: Postgraduate

Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering (Taught)

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The MSc Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering focuses on the use of renewable resources, in particular biomass and carbon dioxide, to produce energy, chemicals, materials and other products in a sustainable way. Today, most of the fuels, raw materials and chemicals used to produce goods are produced using energy and feedstock from fossil fuels. This raises large questions about future sustainability, due to the finite availability of natural resources and the generation of greenhouse gasses such as C02. As a result of the greater focus on sustainability amongst consumers, governments and investors, companies are urgently examining ways that they can reduce their environmental impact while protecting their profitability. To achieve this, manufacturers are increasingly looking for engineers who have the specialist knowledge and tools to ensure that the choice of energy sources, raw materials and manufacturing processes are rigorously considered when designing and manufacturing products. The MSc Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering is specifically designed to provide you with the specific skills and knowledge to design products and processes that are energy efficient, reduce waste and minimise the impact on the environment. In particular, the programme focuses on the following main areas:

  • Energy from biomass and energy conversion and storage
  • Production of chemicals from biomass
  • Biorefinery - production of chemicals from carbon dioxide
  • Sustainable chemical processes
  • Biotechnology for industrial applications.
These core topics are supplemented by elective options related in geothermal, solar and hydro energy. This programme is linked to the prestigious Leverhulme Centre for Doctoral Training in the Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials, hosted here at the University of Aberdeen. The research undertaken within the centre informs much of the content taught and so you will be taught by world-leading experts who are actively researching the very latest tools, systems and techniques in this field.

Modules

Businesses are increasingly prioritising sustainability as they seek to address their environmental obligations while protecting profitability. There is therefore a growing demand for engineers who can design and manufacture products that are both energy-efficient and eco-friendly. The programme focuses on the following key related areas: the transition to sustainable energy, including the use of biofuels, biomass, geothermal, hydro and solar energy in manufacturing processes and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology; the use of sustainable products and raw materials such as metals, chemicals, plastics, including recycling; the adoption of sustainable production processes and technologies that can increase operational efficiency by maximising yields and minimising waste and pollution.

Assessment method

By written examination and coursework as prescribed for each course. In addition, MSc candidates must submit a dissertation on their individual project.


How to apply

International applicants

The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme. When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.

This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.

Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme

Entry requirements

A 2:1 BEng or BSc UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, OR, A 2:2 BEng or BSc UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry with five years of relevant industry experience.


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted.
TOEFL (iBT)90TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818
PTE Academic62Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted
Institution's Own TestAcademic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course

To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.

Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:

https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £11100 Year 1
EU £27000 Year 1
England £11100 Year 1
Northern Ireland £11100 Year 1
Scotland £11100 Year 1
Wales £11100 Year 1
Channel Islands £11100 Year 1
International £27000 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.

Sponsorship information

Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.

Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering at University of Aberdeen - UCAS