Renewable Energy
Sustainable Energy Systems MSc
University of EdinburghA one-year engineering MSc covering wind, solar, wave and tidal energy, smart grids, energy storage and sustainable energy-system design.
Study Level
Master's Degree
Study Mode
On Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Programme Overview
The University of Edinburgh Sustainable Energy Systems MSc provides engineering-focused education for the transition toward secure, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy.
Students study renewable-energy deployment in both grid-connected and off-grid systems.
Research and taught topics include wind energy, solar energy, tidal energy, wave energy, smart grids, energy storage, life-cycle assessment, carbon capture and storage and the decarbonisation of transport and heating.
The programme also examines the social, economic, environmental and policy context surrounding sustainable energy.
Students complete taught courses followed by a substantial research project and dissertation.
Entry Requirements
Applicants normally require a UK 2:1 honours degree or equivalent international qualification in Engineering or Physics.
Applicants from another discipline may be considered if they hold a first-class degree and have studied mathematics to first-year undergraduate level.
Applicants with a 2:1 degree in another field may also be considered where they have extensive professional experience or knowledge in sustainable-energy engineering.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in the energy sector.
English-Language Requirements
IELTS Academic:
6.5 overall
Minimum 6.0 in each component
TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026:
92 overall
Minimum 20 in each component
TOEFL taken from 21 January 2026:
4.5 overall
Minimum 4.0 in each component
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
176 overall
Minimum 169 in each component
Equivalent approved qualifications may also be accepted.
Career Outcomes
Scholarship Information
ScottishPower Scholarship Eligible high-achieving students from participating countries may receive full tuition fees plus a monthly maintenance allowance for relevant energy, engineering and sustainability programmes. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Eligible African students may apply for full postgraduate scholarship support subject to the programme's published criteria. Edinburgh Graduate Discount Eligible University of Edinburgh graduates may receive a 10% tuition-fee discount. Other School of Engineering and external energy-sector scholarships may also be available.