MSc Global Sustainability Engineering
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Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- January, September
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
MSc Global Sustainability Engineering is an important new degree introduced by Heriot-Watt University. It builds on our 30 years of experience in researching and teaching sustainable engineering with a global focus.
This programme of study responds to the global demand for graduates with science or engineering backgrounds who can provide technical consultation and deliver specialist solutions to improve sustainability.
Graduates from MSc Global Sustainability Engineering will work at the forefront of sustainable development. They will be able to call on engineering knowledge to identify existing unsustainable processes and practices and implement strategies for improvement.
Programme aims
In developing this degree, Heriot-Watt University has built on over 30 years of experience in researching and teaching sustainable engineering. We have taken inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and want our graduates to be advocates of change; to understand how both incremental and disruptive approaches can be harnessed for effective sustainable development.
Courses will break down the barriers between disciplines and promote synergy between different branches of learning so that a holistic view of problems and solutions can be developed.
Programme structure
Students on this programme will take five mandatory courses and three optional courses. Five mandatory courses develop critical understanding of the fundamental issues impacting global sustainability whilst the selection of three additional courses from seven options allows each student to tailor the degree to their own area of interest and potential career pathway such as process engineering, building services and carbon management.
In addition to eight 15-credit courses, students will complete a mandatory 60-credit dissertation project in order to graduate with a full MSc qualification.
Research Centre for Carbon Solutions
Heriot-Watt University's Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) is an interdisciplinary engineering centre with a track record of inspiring and delivering innovation for the wider deployment of technologies needed to meet necessary carbon targets.
A brand-new course on this degree, Carbon Solutions, has been directly informed by the world-leading work carried out by Heriot-Watt University's Research Centre for Carbon Solutions.
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.
Material Magic
In this episode of our podcast series 'A Future Made' we discover exciting new solutions to the huge problem of waste from used PPE. Thanks to an ingenious project from the University's School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, there's scope for recycling mountains of PPE and for generating new forms of energy.
Video
Course content
Year 1
Semester 1
Mandatory
- Process Engineering A
- Climate Change, Sustainability and Adaptation
- Foundations of Energy
Optional courses
- Process Intensification
- Renewable Energy Technologies
- Circular Economy
Semester 2
Mandatory
- Sustainable Processing
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Critical Analysis and Research Preparation
Optional courses
- Carbon Solutions
- Technology Futures and Business Strategy
- Demand Management and Energy Storage
- Green and Sustainable Logistics
Semester 3
Sustainability 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 | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 10600 | 5300 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 24496 | 12248 |
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
Graduates with a good first degree from a relevant subject area will be considered. Suitable backgrounds include: engineering or environmental, earth, chemical, physical, or mathematical sciences.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies:
- 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)
Why Heriot-Watt?
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!
Edinburgh campus accommodation
Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
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.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Sport facilities
Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability
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.