MSc Energy
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Key information
- Mode of delivery
- Online
- Start date
- September, January
- Duration
- Varies
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
Heriot-Watt is a world leading university in energy and renewables. This degree is supported by industrial suppliers and users of energy, who are committed to an ethical environmental policy.
The course is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to design and analyse sustainable energy solutions and to influence business strategies relating to energy and environmental legislation. It explores the demand and supply of energy and related technical, political, economic and social issues. Energy provision, consumption and costs are examined in engineering, economic and environmental terms. The issues studied include energy resources, power generation, process engineering, environmental legislation, environmental impact assessment and energy in building.
Students studying on this degree are typically those working in industrial sectors, the built environment, SMEs exploring new products and processes, and energy and environmental advisory organisations.
Online learning
This course can be studied via Online Learning, ideal for those in employment or with other commitments, providing flexible study options that fit around work or family. View our How online learning works pages to find out more. It can also be studied on-campus full-time or part-time.
Degree duration
Most students typically intend to complete their studies via online learning within 3-4 years. The MSc Energy by IDL has both a January and September intake.
Watch a video of academic Gudrun Kocher discussing the MSc in Energy.
Course content
Year 1
Students on the Energy MSc undertake eight taught courses and a dissertation. Courses are available in the following subject areas:
Degree structure
Semester 1
Optional
- Electrical Power Systems
- Process Intensification
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
- Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- FLAME Appraisal
Semester 2
Optional
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Demand Management and Energy Storage
- Quality Management
- Project Management
- Systems Thinking and Analysis
- Design of Low Carbon Buildings
- Energy Systems and Buildings
- FLAME Development
Semester 3
Core
- Masters Dissertation
Any semester
Core
- Foundations of Energy
- Technology Futures and Business Strategy
- Critical Analysis and Research Preparation
Optional
- Economics Ren Energy
- Delivering Successful Projects
- Economics for Business
- Entrepreneurship and Creativity
- Financial Decision Making
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- People, Work and Organisations
- Developing and Executing Strategy
- Strategic Marketing
Detailed degree guide
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
- Develop a critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and tools underpinning Energy technologies and their impact.
- Provide an extensive, detailed and critical knowledge and understanding of at least one specialist area within this domain.
- Understand and be able to use of a significant range of the principal skills, techniques and practices required to design or assess components or systems, or to develop new opportunities.
- A broad knowledge of the main areas of Energy Engineering Sciences and practices.
- Develop application-based knowledge and skills relating to a range of activities.
- Develop and apply skills in critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis in consideration of the range of theories, concepts and techniques, and in the design of projects and experimental models.
- Develop abilities to critically understand and apply relevant theories and technologies to developing analytical and design skills
- Develop and utilise advanced problem-solving skills and techniques in the development of original and creative solutions to general and specialist issues.
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research Informed Learning)
- Build an overview over techniques and current debates on the basis of independent, research-informed learning.
- Develop advanced skills by transferring and applying knowledge acquired through research-informed learning.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status | Per course [footnote 1] | Dissertation/Project [footnote 1] |
|---|---|---|
| UK / EU / Overseas | GBP1255 | GBP1810 |
- The tuition fees listed are for courses starting between September 2025 and August 2026. Fees normally increase annually. Find out more about our tuition fees.
Additional fee information
Financial support
Tuition fee loans are available to Scottish distance learning students on some taught postgraduate courses. Find out more from the Students Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
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. Each year, hundreds of students enhance their educational experience through a variety of Heriot-Watt and externally funded scholarships, including opportunities funded by the University's generous alumni community, based all over the world.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
A First or Second Class Honours Degree in an engineering discipline or in the physical or chemical sciences. The degree can be from a British or overseas university. Different degrees, together with relevant industrial experience, will be considered.
English language requirements
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to confirm your ability to meet the English Language Requirements for this programme.
A minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required, with all elements passed at 5.5 or above. 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.
Why Heriot-Watt?
Flexibility and affordability
Study at a time and pace that suits you, and even while you work. HW Online offers pay-as-you-study courses and fees inclusive of exams and study materials, meaning you can focus on success, not extra costs.
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
Online events
We host online events throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to speak to our academic teaching staff, meet students, find out what it is like to study using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and discover how to enrol.
Lifelong connections
Upon completing your studies you will automatically join the UK's oldest alumni association The Watt Club, with 147k members worldwide.
Study options Edinburgh - Energy
Our MSc in Energy is also available to study at our Edinburgh campus.
Study options Dubai - Energy
Our MSc in Energy is also available to study at our Dubai campus.