MSc Global Energy Technologies and Systems

This course provides both an understanding of how energy systems are changing and what technologies will be important in the future. A challenge-driven programme sits alongside internationally-recognised innovation at the Birmingham Energy Institute that spans fundamental research through to industrial application.

Energy systems around the world are in transition, with drivers including:

• Environmental impacts, especially climate change and air quality;

• increasing demand, and providing universal access to reliable supplies;

• growing urbanisation, putting pressure on infrastructure.

To meet these aims, new technologies are being developed, but the systems themselves are also changing. People are needed not just to develop or deploy single technologies, but to understand the context in which they will operate. This interdisciplinary course is designed to cater to that need in a global context.

The programme takes a systems-based approach to the provision, distribution and utilisation of energy in all forms. Course content is delivered from the School of Chemical Engineering in conjunction with the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Government and Society, by research staff who have backgrounds in academia, industry and policy.

You will study 120 credits of core material to bring breadth and depth; as well as learning about specific energy technologies and the design of energy systems, the course also covers the economics, policy and geopolitics of energy. This will allow you to get a real understanding of how energy systems operate and must change to meet future objectives.

A 60-credit research project will give you the opportunity to explore issues in-depth and allow you to undertake cutting-edge research on experimental, theoretical, or policy-based projects within one of the School’s internationally-recognised research groups.

Expertise both from across the University and from within the energy sector will be engaged to deliver our approach to the design and analysis of global energy systems, giving students a well-rounded educational experience.

Why Study Global Energy Technologies and Systems Masters at Birmingham?

• This course will examine the energy challenges that are currently being presented to us, and the issues that are being faced in solving these such that the increasing global energy demand can be satisfied in a way that is most beneficial to humanity. The structure of this course will give students the foundations for the breadth of expertise in energy systems required to make a significant impact on the energy sector over their career.

• The University of Birmingham is a leading institution of the Energy Research Accelerator, into which government and industry have invested £180m to undertake innovative research, develop the next generation of energy leaders, and demonstrate low carbon technologies that help shape the future of the UK’s energy landscape.

• The School of Chemical Engineering achieved an excellent performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) – the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. 87%of the research in the School was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. It was ranked joint fourth overall in the UK for its research prowess and first nationally for research impact.

• These aspects provide an excellent platform from which to offer this programme and from which to draw on significant international standing in delivering the taught material.

• Benefit from our collaborations with world-class industry partners, and international, leading-edge engineering and science departments

Accredited degree This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

The value of accreditation IChemE accreditation provides benchmarking of academic programmes against high, internationally recognised standards. This is increasingly important as the globalisation of engineering products and services demand greater confidence by employers in the skills and professionalism of the engineers they recruit.

Do you want to make a difference and help shape the world we live in? Are you passionate about problem-solving? Would you like to work with some of the best researchers in the world to provide solutions to the current day and future global issues?

If so, the University of Birmingham could be the right postgraduate choice for you. The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is leading the way in cutting edge education, research and development across various sectors, such as engineering, industry, technology, energy, healthcare, and much more. Studying with us will not only be the next step on your career path but will enable you to help make the world a more advanced, resilient and sustainable place.

Why study at the University of Birmingham?

• We are a global Top 100 University and are ranked top 20 in multiple UK league tables
• We have been named the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2021
• 87% of our research has a global impact (REF 2014)
• Numerous UoB alumni and staff have been involved with work recognised with Nobel prizes
• There is a wealth of employability support services available to students. The College and our Careers Network can provide you with practical advice and skills for career development. We also have excellent industrial links with global companies, such as Rolls Royce and Jaguar Land Rover, which allow opportunities for our students to gain insight and experience of the industry.
• You could receive a Commonwealth Scholarship worth £3,000 or a Global Masters Scholarship worth £10,000 if you start your studies in September 2021. Information and eligibility criteria for both awards is available on our website.