MSc. Renewable Energy and the Environment
The MSc. Renewable Energy and the Environment we offer is distinctive in the UK in that it is undertaken by research. Each student undertakes 12 months (FT) study in their chosen topic and submits this as a thesis (our MSc. is awarded by the University of Aberdeen). There are no taught modules or exams. This allows the student to spend all their time studying an area they are interested in and offers students greater possibilities to enter into specialised renewable energy/environmental fields upon graduation. The MSc. provides a route into high-level industrial R&D, consultancy, management or academia.
The choice of research topic is decided from discussions between the student and the supervisors at ERI and tailored to fit the student as much as possible, taking into account the student's background and interests, whilst still satisfying the requirements for the MSc. award. Topics previously undertaken have been in the areas of wind, tidal, wave, biofuels, hydrogen, energy efficiency.
If you have a particular area of interest then we will help find a suitable research title within that.
ERI has a multi-disciplinary team of international experts to help manage your project and we have partnerships with the main academic institutions in the renewable energy field.
The programme is suitable for graduates with numerate science-based degrees such as engineering, agriculture, physics, environmental science, chemistry etc. However, the subject area is interdisciplinary, and motivated applicants with other degree backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Undertaking the research will enable you to:
• investigate in depth an issue or problem of professional relevance to yourself and which may also be of relevance to an organisation such as an employer;
• develop your knowledge of recent research in your chosen topic and its implications and application in different organisations;
• become competent in research methods;
• develop the capacity to plan, organise and carry out an extended independent study at masters level;
• develop skills in the written communication of research work at masters level.
If you prefer distance learning, support is available to you at every stage, via video conferencing facilities and telephone.
FEES 2007:
Environmental Research Institute fees: £3241 (based on 12 months full time study at ERI)
Research equipment/computing facilities: £1200 (not applicable if distance learning)
(within the computing fees above, ERI will provide you with your own laptop computer and associated software, that you keep after the MSc.)
Aberdeen University Post Graduate Student Registration fee: £280
Supervisors' honoraria (external thesis supervisors fees) £320
External examiners fees: £420
Additional: (it is normal for students to have a budget set aside of around £1500 for themselves for any national/international courses/conferences they may wish to attend, though this varies a lot from student to student and is decided by you).
Funding can be sought by the student from various organisations and ERI will assist where possible.
For expressions of interest or if you have any questions do not hesitate to get in touch,
John Sturman BSc.(Hons.) MSc. PGCE
Commercial Liaison, Consultant and Researcher
Environmental Research Institute
Castle Street
Thurso
Scotland
U.K.
KW14 7JD
Tel. +44(0)1847 889596
Mob. 07969178987
john.sturman@thurso.uhi.ac.uk
