MSc Renewable and Sustainable Energy Transition will equip you with the skills and knowledge to have a real impact as a leader in renewable energy and energy transition. You dont need to be an engineer to apply for this masters programme as it is suitable to professionals from a wide variety of academic backgrounds who want to work in the industry and through interdisciplinary teaching and learning, youll be prepared for active participation in the transitions of energy generation and use.
Youll acquire a broad knowledge of renewable energy systems and the issues surrounding them, and youll gain the tools to understand the wider systems that rely on energy and look for solutions beyond the simple decarbonisation of existing activities.
At the centre of the programme is the discipline of Transition Engineering. This is a relatively new field that focuses on driving and facilitating transitions towards a more sustainable and resilient future. It is rooted in the recognition that significant societal and technological shifts are necessary to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change and resource depletion.
Youll learn from experts in renewable energy, economics, and transition engineering, and develop a clear understanding of the key drivers of energy transition and transition engineering through being introduced to:
Teaching is reinforced with project work where emphasis is placed on simulating real-life situations and processes. Through this, youll learn how to use key communication platforms including digital tools for data analysis, modelling, and other interactive approaches.
Most the worlds greenhouse gas emissions relate to energy. This means that to achieve net zero, we must redevelop our energy systems at an unprecedented rate. According to a recent report, over 100,000 new people will be needed to work in the energy sector in the UK alone by 2030. Upon completion of this masters programme, you will possess a diverse skill set that opens a wide range of opportunities and roles in renewable energy companies, government agencies, consulting firms, community groups, research institutions, and non-profit organisations.
Graduates leave with wide ranging inter-related and cross-disciplinary skills spanning the breadth of the renewables sectors. The degree will be of particular interest to anyone considering transitioning to leadership in energy transition and net zero.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected August 2025
Start date
September 2025
Edinburgh Campus
Riccarton,
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh, City Of,
EH14 4AS, SCOTLAND, Scotland
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
Orkney Campus
Franklin Road,
Stromness,
Orkney Islands,
KW16 3AN, SCOTLAND, United Kingdom
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. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. TOEFL iBT - 79 (Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20, Writing 21).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading institution ranked 235th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).