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

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Overview

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.

Postgraduate Masterclass Series

We’re running a series of free online masterclasses throughout July and early August to showcase our postgraduate taught study options. Take a look at the exciting topics our academic experts will be speaking about and book to attend.

Book your place

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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

Tuition fees
Status [footnote 1] Full-time Part-time
UK 10600 5300
Overseas [footnote 2] 24496 12248

Footnotes

  1. Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
  2. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

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?

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