Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Renewable Energy Systems Technology aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the viable renewable energy technologies, with special reference to the generation of electricity in developed and developing countries.

The programme:

• Provides a firm technical background in the key renewable energy fields and creates a context for energy production and use.
• Enables students to specialise in a particular technology or implementation aspect.
• Enables students to undertake a project related to the specialisation in industry, a research laboratory or at the university and during which the student can gain practical or research experience.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 2013.

UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 2011.

IET Handbook of Learning Outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes, October 2009.

The UK Quality Code for Higher Education. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012.

Master's degree characteristics,  The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. March 2010.

The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, August 2008.

Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, November 2010.

Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Section 7: Programme design, approval, monitoring and review, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2006.

The Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (NICATS); Principles and Guidelines, 2002.

Proposals for national arrangements for the use of academic credit in higher education in England; Final report of the Burgess Group, December 2006.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of…

• The principles of a range of renewable energy systems for optimal energy conversion
• The characteristics of the various types of technologies and the associated processes of manufacturing such systems
• Codes of practice and regulatory frameworks relevant to renewable energy systems
• The socio-economic effects of the introduction and use of the relevant technologies

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Statistically assess renewable energy resources at a specified location given appropriate data
• Make general performance predictions about various renewable energy system output
• Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Design a range of renewable energy systems for optimal energy conversion at a given location and for particular applications
• Analyse economic and planning aspects of renewable energy systems as well as technological considerations
• Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing        engineering problems relevant to renewable energy systems
• Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
• Manage a project and apply appropriate processes
• Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

• Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms
• Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems
• Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems
• Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations
• Be creative and innovative in problem solving
• Work effectively as part of a team
• Use a wide range of information and communications technology
• Manage time and resources
• Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level
• Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

4.1 Content

Modules marked 'c' are compulsory. 30 credits of optional modules (indicated as 'o') should also be chosen.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification