Climate change is one of our world’s greatest challenges. As the global demand for energy continues to rise and the need to reduce carbon emission intensifies, the importance of sustainable energy is rapidly growing. This master’s programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become a Sustainable Energy Engineer and help the world transition to renewable energy sources and shape a more sustainable future.
Introduction
Sustainable Energy Engineering focuses on finding efficient, innovative, renewable and sustainable ways to produce and supply energy and help to minimise environmental damage.
Our exciting new master’s (MSc) in Sustainable Energy Engineering is designed for those wanting to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change, as the world moves towards cleaner, accessible and low-carbon technologies.
This master’s develops students’ problem-solving skills and knowledge, to help drive innovation in the sustainable and renewable energy sector. With a focus on renewable technologies and sustainable practices you will explore topics such as solar, wind, hydro and bioenergy as well as energy storage and smart grids. You’ll develop an understanding of, and skills in, designing, implementing and optimizing sustainable energy solutions.
You will graduate with highly sought after knowledge and skills that can be utilised in a diverse range of career opportunities. From working in renewable energy companies and government agencies, to environmental consultancies, research institutions and many other industries wanting to change to more sustainable energy practices, this master’s degree enables you to combine your passion for sustainability with a rewarding, impactful career.
Who is this course for?
This programme is ideal for engineers and scientists with an interest in sustainable energy who want to contribute to a greener future.
Our MSc is for graduates with a good first degree in an engineering or related science subject including, but not limited to, Civil, Structural, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Automation Engineering, Chemical Engineering etc, Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
What you'll learn
Sustainable structural materials and resilient engineering solutions
Engineering design
Computer aided design
Transferable skills in problem solving, critical analysis, teamwork and communication
Understanding fundamental techniques in engineering project, risk and cost management
Accreditation
As a new programme, our Sustainable Energy Engineering MSc is seeking and pending accreditation by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). The programme aims to be fully accredited (subject to IMechE approval) as soon as the first cohort of MSc students has graduated.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
In semester one you will learn the important core skills and fundamentals of how to apply mathematical, engineering and natural science principles to the solution of complex problems at the forefront of sustainable energy engineering.
The modules will build on your existing engineering knowledge, and you will develop new skills in understanding the technologies for sustainable energy, including how to utilise computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, and learn how to design solutions to meet a combination of societal, user, business, industry and customer needs.
Compulsory modules
Technologies for Sustainable Energy 1 (ENGG471)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
(1) To develop a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy sources, including wind, wave, and tidal energy.
(2) To develop a comprehensive understanding of the technologies used to harness these resources effectively.
(3) To provide students with a strong foundation in both the engineering principles and practical applications of these sustainable energy technologies.
To develop critical thinking for evaluating the feasibility, scalability, and environmental impact of these sustainable energy solutions in diverse contexts.
Capstone Project: Skills and Tools (ENGG473)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
To develop key project skills and experience that will be required in subsequent Capstone Project modules
Politics of the Environment (ENVS525)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Increasingly recognition of the environmental threats that we all face means that responding to this crisis affects the decisions we all make at a variety of different scales. This module explores the extent to which environmental concerns are taken into account in various decision-making processes involving the public (government), private and third sectors at a variety of different scales, global, European, national and local. The module is assessed by an essay and an open-book exam, which provides students with significant choice to explore those parts of the module they find most interesting.
COASTAL AND ESTUARY PROCESSES (CIVE487)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to introduce student the basic theory of surface waves, understand the nearshore morphological process and estuary processes.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Semester two extends your learning and knowledge of the core skills taught in semester one, for you to develop a deeper, critical understanding of sustainable energy engineering, how to solve complex problems and maintain critical awareness of new developments in the wider context of engineering.
Compulsory modules
Technologies for Sustainable Energy 2 (ENGG472 )
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
To develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable energy sources, including nuclear, solar, and bioenergy.
(1) To develop a comprehensive understanding of the technologies used to harness these resources effectively.
(2) To provide students with a strong foundation in both the engineering principles and practical applications of these sustainable energy technologies.
(3) To develop critical thinking for evaluating the feasibility, scalability, and environmental impact of these sustainable energy solutions in diverse contexts.
Capstone Project Phase 1 (ENGG474)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to educate and support students in the preparation of an individual Capstone Project Proposal Report including project definition, background research and project planning. (in preparation for Capstone Project Phase 2)
This module is an authentic engineering project research and planning activity in which the students will work individually but in the context of a group project. Students will be assessed individually on individually generated project outputs.
Power Engineering Fundamentals (ENGG477)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides students with an understanding of power engineering which can be defined as all the activities required to generate electrical power from the sustainable energy source and supply it to the grid.
It will cover important technical terminology, modelling and analysis for electrical power supply including generation, transmission and distribution. Demand management, smart grids and energy storage will also be covered.
Sustainable Infrastructures and Management (ENGG478)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Aims:
To develop understanding of the underpinning principles and practices of sustainable infrastructure development and management.
To develop knowledge and understanding in application of sustainable technologies and materials in the design, construction, and operation of infrastructure systems.
To gain knowledge and skills to assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of infrastructure projects.
To develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for addressing complex infrastructure challenges that are resilient and adaptable to changing environmental conditions.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
In the summer, you will undertake the Final Capstone Project modules, and you will work on an industry-based topic in a team setting. Working in partnership with industry professionals and leading academic researchers, you will design, develop and manage the project using techniques and approaches that are highly sought after in industry. This Final Project is undertaken full-time, on campus, over the summer period.
Compulsory modules
Capstone Project Phase 2 (ENGG475)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: summer
To complete the individual design project element of the Capstone Project: concept design; detailed design; materials selection; and 3D CAD modelling
Capstone Project Phase 3 (ENGG476)
Credits: 30 /
Semester: summer
To complete a group design-build-test Capstone Project: detailed system design; prototype manufacture; testing and evaluation against initial project brief.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
You’ll be taught through a combination of traditional lectures and practical classes, benefitting from research-led teaching and active learning methods.
There will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory work, demonstrations, problem-solving exercises, group projects and independent study.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through a combination of written exams, class tests and coursework.
The examinations take place at the end of each semester and typically take the form of an in-person written assignment, usually to be completed in a couple of hours.
Coursework-based assignments include essays, reports, oral presentations, mini-project work, key skills exercises and a dissertation. Your dissertation is assessed through a combination of written reports and a presentation of your achievements.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
You’ll study in the School of Engineering, which hosts modern, world-class teaching and learning facilities. This includes the Active Learning Laboratories, which feature lab space, manufacturing robots and prototyping facilities for learning, building and testing. You’ll also have access to high-spec workstations featuring industry-standard engineering software.
You can join The Liverpool Engineers Society – the largest academic society at the university. They host frequent social, sporting and networking events, trips and promote graduate placement opportunities.
Sustainability and Sustainable Energy is one of the fastest growing sectors for job creation worldwide and has become an increasingly important issue for employers in all major industries. The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Sector is seeing significantly increased investment, and this is expected to grow year on year. Jobs in renewable energy have virtually doubled in the past decade, with over 13.7 million people employed worldwide (IRENA, 2024). With new and emerging career opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your career in sustainable energy!
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
The University of Liverpool is one of the most targeted universities by top employers, according to The Graduate Market 2024, High-Fliers Research. This means our graduates are in high demand and sought after by top employers worldwide.
Qualifying with a Sustainable Energy Engineer MSc degree from Liverpool will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to explore a vast range of roles in various fields of the engineering sector, including;
Sustainable Energy Engineer
Renewable Energy Engineer
Energy Services Engineer
Energy Systems Analyst
Geothermal Energy Engineer
Hydropower Engineer
Energy Policy Advisor
Sustainable Energy Researcher
Research & Development Manager
Research Analyst
Energy Consultants
Operations Manager
Site Manager
& many more
Due to Increasing legislation, rising energy prices and greater public awareness, there are many organisations in need of energy engineers, including:
Industrial employers
Fuel production industries
Manufacturing companies
Government departments
Motor industry
Chemical engineering
Energy agencies
Large charities
Higher and further education
You could also be based in a research department where you would research, develop and test alternative sources of energy, such as wind, solar, tidal and geothermal power.
Many of the larger energy companies, like Shell, EDF and Scottish Power, have dedicated renewable energy graduate schemes aimed at those who have undertaken engineering and science-based degrees. Prospects, 2024
Starting salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000, with salaries rising across the sector, and higher-level managerial jobs paid in excess of £60,000 – £80,000
Prospects, 2024
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£13,300
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£29,900
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Engineering or Physics. Qualifications in other technical fields and relevant industry experience may also be considered. Previous relevant industry experience is a strong advantage. Each application will be evaluated based on their individual merits.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
