MSc Marine Renewable Energy
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Key information
- Location
- Orkney
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time
- Start date
- September
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
This MSc is designed as a multidisciplinary transition programme relevant to students from a wide variety of backgrounds and is delivered at our Orkney Campus. The taught part of the programme addresses the technical, environmental and economic drivers that are shaping the marine renewable energy industry. An individual research project then allows students to specialise in a topic of their choice.
The programme team has strong links with stakeholders in marine renewables and has unique experience and expertise gained at the geographical heart of marine renewables in the UK. A strong emphasis is placed on project work that simulates real working situations.
If you study at our Orkney Campus, you will benefit from a number of activities including guest lectures and practical sessions which help to develop your skills and knowledge in your field of study and offer opportunities to meet developers and others involved in the renewable energy industry.
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Graduate profiles
Visit our Graduate Profiles page to learn what some of our graduates said about their experiences at Heriot-Watt University.
Flexible study options
This course can be studied full-time at our Orkney Campus. Alternatively, you can study via Heriot-Watt Online, ideal for those in employment or with other commitments, providing flexible study options that fit around work or family.
Nature-based solutions
In the first episode of 'A Future Made', Anna Ploszajski and Robbie Armstrong join Professor Bill Sanderson and Professor Lindsay Beevers, sampling oysters and pondering flooding solutions.
Video
Course content
Year 1
Students take eight taught courses and a dissertation. There is one core course in semester 1 and one core course in Semester 2. Students also choose three optional courses in semesters 1 and 2 that can be chosen from a list of options. A dissertation is undertaken in Semester 3.
Semester 1
Core
- Marine Renewable Energy Technology
Optional
- Introduction to Marine Planning
- Environmental Processes
- Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
- Oceanography
- Marine Resources and Sustainability
- Transition Engineering - Achieving zero carbon InTime
- Economics of Renewable Energy
Semester 2
Core
- Renewable Technology Commercialisation
Optional
- Integration of Renewable Technology
- GIS for Marine and Environmental Scientists
- Future Energy Systems in Buildings, Transport and Infrastructure
- Practical Skills in Marine Surveying
- Tropical and Coral Reefs: Monitoring and Management
- Energy Transition Lab
Semester 3
Core
- Environmental Dissertation
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time |
|---|---|
| UK | 9152 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 19056 |
Additional fee information
All course costs are covered by the tuition fee. For students studying at the Orkney Campus this includes electronic versions of the course notes.
Students should budget additional funds sufficient to cover living expenses such as accommodation, travel to and from the university, food, clothing and leisure pursuits.
Financial support
Tuition fee loans of £5,500 are available to Scottish distance learning students on taught postgraduate courses. Full-time distance learning postgraduate students can also access a £4,500 living cost loan. 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. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
Masters (MSc) level entry applicants must have one of the following:
- Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in a related subject area
- For postgraduate conversion courses, non-related degrees will be considered
- Corporate (or chartered) membership of relevant professional institutions will also be considered
PG Diploma level entry applicants must have an ordinary degree in a related subject area and relevant post qualification industry experience.
Candidates who do not meet the above entry requirements or have no formal academic qualifications will be considered individually based on their CV and possibly interview. Admission via this route will be at the discretion of the Director of Recruitment.
Recognition of Prior Learning
We are committed to providing study opportunities to applicants who have a wide range of prior experiences through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). For more information on RPL, please contact the Admissions Team (studywithus@hw.ac.uk) ahead of application. We can only consider requests for RPL at the time of application to a course of study.
English language requirements
If English is not the applicant's first language a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent is required with all elements passed at 6.0 or above. Please refer to English language requirements for further details.
Some applicants may be asked for alternative evidence in line with UKVI recognised English speaking countries. Applicants who have previously successfully completed courses delivered in the medium of English language may be considered and will be required to provide documentary evidence of this. Examples would be secondary school education or undergraduate degree. A minimum of at least one year of full time study (or equivalent) in the medium of English language will be required.
All evidence of English language needs to be dated within two years of the commencement of study.
We also offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your master's programme:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Employability
Marine planning, including spatial planning, is a fast-developing discipline of global interest with excellent employment prospects. It has the ambition to promote sustainable development of the Blue Economy and mitigate the effects of climate change. The international "Blue Growth Agenda" anticipates increasing economic activity and employment from maritime industries as diverse as offshore oil and gas, renewable energy, aquaculture, biotechnologies, artificial islands, deep sea mining and tourism. The increase in activity requires increased vigilance in marine protection and conservation.
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Marine development companies
- Utilities
- Consultancies
- Governments
- Regulators
- NGOs
Why Heriot-Watt?
Orkney Campus facilities
Heriot-Watt University Orkney is located in a stunning setting that brings its unique research and study programmes to life. Orkney's extensive natural resources, ties to the marine industry and friendly community make a distinctive learning environment.
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.
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.
Clubs and activities
At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!
Health and wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.
Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.
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.