Overview
We are proud to be ranked in the top 100 for Civil and Structural Engineering (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
This multidisciplinary Master’s is for both practising professionals and graduates. Our students come from a diverse range of disciplines including:
- geography
- planning
- surveying
- business
- economics
- social policy
- politics
- product design
- industrial management
- environmental management
- physical or earth science
- engineering
Our MSc Renewable Energy course supports those without prior technical education in energy. Bring your curiosity for innovation and design and learn how to identify opportunities in the renewable energy field. We’ll work together to develop your enterprise capabilities in order to concentrate on some of the biggest challenges we face in the sector. We also aim to create value in pursuit of net zero solutions.
We’re at the forefront of carbon neutrality and net zero research, with a strong focus on energy, data and electrification.
You’ll have access to the tools and infrastructure of Newcastle University, while working amongst our academic staff, policy and industrial partners and alumni. You’ll also have access to the renewable energy clusters in the North East, such as:
- OREC (Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult)
- Energy Systems Catapult
- Energi Coast
Alumni
You’ll work and learn amongst our well-established alumni and graduates. Many have become highly influential in the policy and innovation environment, for example:
- Andrew Clark – Business Leader, Energy Systems Catapult
- Ravneet Kaur – Senior Technology Acceleration Manager, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult
Our graduates have also established renewable energy and other start-ups, including:
- Ortus Energy (UK)
- Creeds Energy (Nigeria)
- Equiwatt (UK)
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You’ll learn core skills in:
- problem solving
- innovation and design processes
- opportunity elevation
- information processing
- data collection and analysis
- library and internet research
- teamwork
- communication and presentation
You will also:
- evaluate the renewable energy policy drivers at an international, national, and regional level
- gain an appreciation for energy, its generation, and drivers behind energy management
- appreciate how technology can contribute to renewable energy production and reduce CO2
- analyse the barriers for implementing renewable energy technologies
- assess the entrepreneurial characteristics of individuals and organisations
- use your insight to make sound judgements for business and innovation
- gain an understanding of:
- the project planning and delivery process
- data, research and project planning tools and techniques
- project budgeting
- risk analysis and management
- learn how to:
- demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of social and commercial opportunities in the sector
- spot and evaluate new opportunities for change
- undertake EIA projects
- communicate the outcomes of an EIA process in an appropriate formal written report
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Renewable Energy, Enterprise and Management (REEM) MSc modules
How you’ll learn
We have a multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You’ll engage with students, academics and stakeholders across a range of disciplines. This offers a rich and diverse learning experience, with a focus on setting and achieving your goals.
Teaching methods on this course typically consist of:
- lectures
- seminars
- industry guest lectures
- practical sessions
- site visits
- group work
- personal supervision
- reflective practice
Our modules take a block delivery approach. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the subject, and work closely with your tutors and peers.
Alongside our blocks, there is a strong emphasis on developing your research and autonomous study skills. You will also maintain a record of your learning and application throughout your Master’s to build a portfolio of your competencies. This prepares you for a future career in a rapidly evolving environment.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Report
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
Our course content and projects are shaped and supported by the industry. Because of this, they stay relevant to today’s renewable energy challenges. Our Advisory Steering Group, chaired by an industry member, helps to ensure this.
The flexible learning structure of this course makes it easy to incorporate industry experience during your studies.
Dissertation/Enterprise Project
You’ll use your scientific, technical, and entrepreneurial skills to research a renewable opportunity.
This is part of an independent dissertation project across all three semesters. It will integrate with your taught modules.
You’ll work with university stakeholders to:
- create an innovative product or service
- develop a proposal
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Sharon Joyce
Position: Senior Lecturer
Areas of expertise:
- sustainable energy management
- renewable energy
- environmental auditing
Katie Wray
Position: Senior Lecturer in Enterprise
Areas of expertise:
- enterprise and entrepreneurship
- insight driven innovation
- design thinking
Your development
Skills
From day one, you’ll develop your entrepreneurial skills to create global change through renewable energy projects. As an active member of our community, the more you invest in this programme, the more you will get out. In return for your active participation, we will:
- coach and support you
- help you develop life-long learning techniques
- introduce you to a range of industry partners
You’ll have the opportunity to work on a range of projects. For example, you can either create your own project, work on one proposed by an academic, or engage with an industrially proposed project. We’ll support you throughout the process, in our rich research and innovation environment.
The North East of England is at the centre of a strong energy hub, and is the perfect environment to engage with renewable energy and net zero.
Your future
Graduates on this MSc are prepared for a wide range of careers across the globe in various sectors, including:
- local government
- energy consultancies
- large and small engineering consultancies
- entrepreneurship and business start-ups
Potential employers include:
- AR POWER
- Blackfinch Group
- Durham County Council
- Durham University
- Gentoo
- ILF Business Consultant
- Julies Bicycle
- North East Combined Authority
- Peel Energy
- PetroRayna Resources
- SEGRO plc
- The Energy Hub
- US Army
This course also provides a route into PhD level study.
Industry links
Our strong industrial and stakeholder engagement means our degree programmes are shaped by industry, experts and government policy. You’ll typically benefit from this engagement through:
- industry guest lectures
- site visits
- projects
- placements
- employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
We have close links with the Energy Institute, industry, centres of excellence and graduates. Allowing you to enhance your employability through a diverse industry network.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Ranked 56th in the world and 19th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You’ll have access to a range of dedicated specialist facilities, including:
- the Faraday Institution North East for battery innovation
- a demonstrator digester plant at our Cockle Park Farm
- a wind-wave-current testing tunnel
- open access facilities at Driving the Electrical Revolution Industrialisation Centre North East
- several specialist research centres, including the Integrated Transport Electricity Gas Research Laboratory
- well-equipped teaching laboratories
Many of the facilities you’ll use are based in our School of Engineering as well as our Centre for Energy.
Stephenson Building
The Stephenson Building is a £110 million investment in world-class education, research and collaboration across Engineering. It’s a place for future engineers, researchers and designers to collaborate and tackle global challenges, together.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as:
- geography
- planning
- surveying
- business
- economics
- social policy
- politics
- product design
- industrial management
- environmental management
- physical or earth sciences
You do not need prior engineering or physical science education or experience. If you don’t have this, you must be prepared to learn about the science of energy. This includes appreciating how renewable energy technology interacts with economic, environmental, social, political and business issues.
We will also consider your application on an individual basis if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and significant, relevant industry experience.
