Program Overview
Skip to main content MSc Renewable Energy Engineering Find out how to apply More on this subject Key information Heriot-Watt University was recently ranked 1st in Scotland in the Guardian University Guide 2026. Level Postgraduate Taught Delivery type Full Time, Part Time Degree qualification MSc Mode of delivery On-Campus Duration 1 year Location Edinburgh Start date September MSc Renewable Energy Engineering provides you with the opportunity to study a specialist engineering-focused course in the rapidly expanding sector. By studying this programme, you’ll develop critical understanding of the significant changes afoot in the energy system due to the development and integration of wind, marine, biomass, and solar technologies. Upon graduation, you’ll have the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement creative solutions to the problems encountered in renewable energy capture, conversion, storage, and management. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to assess renewable energy resources, design appropriate renewable energy systems, evaluate the performance of these systems and assess the wider impacts of renewable energy development.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at Heriot-Watt University.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Engineering.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Renewable Energy Engineering programme at Heriot-Watt University develop the advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional networks that leading employers in engineering value. Common career destinations include:
- Project Engineer: Manage technical projects from conception to delivery.
- Design Engineer: Develop and prototype innovative engineering solutions.
- R&D Engineer: Conduct applied research to advance engineering technology.
- Process Engineer: Optimise manufacturing and production processes.
- Consultant Engineer: Provide specialist engineering advice to industry clients.
Graduates have secured roles at multinational corporations, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and high-growth startups. Many also progress to doctoral (PhD) programmes.
Program Curriculum
Course content
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering provides you with the opportunity to study a specialist engineering-focused course in the rapidly expanding sector. By studying this programme, you’ll develop critical understanding of the significant changes afoot in the energy system due to the development and integration of wind, marine, biomass, and solar technologies. Upon graduation, you’ll have the necessary knowledge and skills to develop and implement creative solutions to the problems encountered in renewable energy capture, conversion, storage, and management.
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to assess renewable energy resources, design appropriate renewable energy systems, evaluate the performance of these systems and assess the wider impacts of renewable energy development. You’ll be introduced to fundamental energy science and current energy issues, and complete project-led courses in which you’ll design renewable energy systems in response to such energy issues. By doing so, you’ll be exposed to Renewable Energy resources, how the resources are exploited, and the socio-economic and environmental impacts of Renewable Energy-related activities.
During the master’s programme, you’ll develop detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the core skills, techniques and practices in renewable energy resources, converters and systems and apply this knowledge to complex applications to deliver original and creative solutions to current and emerging problems. On top of practical knowledge and skills, you’ll develop your communication, independent work, and teamwork skills by working effectively with peers, academics, and staff in a variety of tasks.
The flexible degree structure allows you to focus in on your specific Renewable Energy Engineering interests. On top of the mandatory fundamental teachings, you’ll have the opportunity to choose several optional courses from an extensive list, including modules on electrical power systems, heat exchangers and heat transfers, distributed generation, demand management and energy storage, and climate change, sustainability, and adaptation.
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active mechanical and energy engineers and academics.
96% of Heriot-Watt University’s engineering research was classed as world-leading in the REF 2021 review, which ranked us 1st in Scotland and 3rd in the UK for engineering research through a joint submission with the University of Edinburgh.
Our MSc Renewable Energy Engineering is directly informed by the world class research carried out by Heriot-Watt’s Mechanical, Process and Energy Engineering (IMPEE) research institute which focuses on promoting excellence across four main research themes:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Digital Engineering
- Energy Harvesting and Conversion
- Multiphase Flow
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
A minimum of honours degree at 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a related subject with a minimum of 3-4 maths modules at C grade or above. Suitable degrees can include Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Civil & Structural, Industrial Engineering, pure sciences such as Physics or Chemistry, or Mathematics. Examples of degrees that would be considered on a case-by-case basis would be Geology, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Physical Geography or Biology.
We will consider applicants with a 2:2 in a relevant subject area in conjunction with relevant work experience.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.
If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.
If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.
Please see our detailed English language requirements .
Months of entry
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 17570
Fees and funding
UK students Full time: £12,584; Part Time : £6,292 International students Full time: £26,296; Part time : £13,148
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
UK students Full time: £12,584; Part Time : £6,292 International students Full time: £26,296; Part time : £13,148
Scholarships and bursaries
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
About Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University
City of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Heriot-Watt University is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland, known for its strong focus on science, engineering, business, and technology.It was founded in 1821 (originally...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 12 months
