Online Renewable Energy Systems Technology Degree :: Accredited Universities

This is the distance learning version of the full time MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology.

By using the same course materials distance learning students are able to achieve the same outcomes as the full-time MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology. We have developed new ways of learning, which offer students flexibility in place, pace and mode to meet the demand from people wanting this highly sought after qualification but who cannot attend traditional university classes.

The objectives of the course are to provide an advanced technical level of education in a range of renewable energy technologies including solar, wind, biomass and water with an emphasis on integration into electricity networks in developed and developing countries. Furthermore, policy and environmental issues are examined to contextualise the need for renewable energy. The project dissertation which is taken towards the end of study enables students to gain and develop in-depth research and problem solving skills, often in conjunction with an industrial partner.

By the end of the course, our renewable energy MSc graduates, who are in high demand, will have gained a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies and developed a range of important transferable skills on completion of the course

All of our renewable energy MSc Modules consist of a series of Study Units, each covering a specific subject area (see programme modules). Instead of face-to-face lectures and tutorials, the main learning routes for distance learning students are via the University’s virtual learning environment (LEARN). The learning resources for each Study Unit include:

On line study materials
Live streamed and recorded lectures
Virtual and remote laboratories
Tutorials, assignments and computer aided assessments
Access to past exam papers

In addition there are several important communication features built into LEARN which include:

Discussion forums (for communicating with tutors and fellow learners)
Specialist tutor groups
Assignment and tutorial upload facility (to allow tutors to check your progress and provide you with feedback)
Online tutorial sessions with module lectures

Entry Requirements

Upper second class honours degree in engineering or physical science. Other disciplines may be considered if they include strong mathematical, technological and analytical skills. Applicants with a good lower second class honours degree may also be considered.

Other Fees

Notes

Distance learning students also have the option to attend on campus modules.

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Our Master of Science in Energy Systems is an interdisciplinary program with a focus on the effective implementation of energy systems analysis and the integration of energy systems engineering technology with financial planning. The program’s core courses in engineering knowledge, business, and finance are enhanced by elective courses across the College of Engineering. Students gain the theoretical knowledge and leadership skills to participate in decision-making and policy planning of new and efficient energy systems in the global market. They are prepared to participate in energy and environmental markets and to contribute to and lead cross-functional teams.

Program Objectives:
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- Effectively integrate energy system development over a broad spectrum of technologies

- Formulate financial requirements for successful systems implementation

- Apply fundamental principles in the global energy market

- Analyze problems faced in energy generation and transmission

- Propose clean energy considerations and challenges

- Examine renewable options for consideration in a systems solution

This online degree program is designed primarily for engineering and technical business majors pursuing an industrial or public planning career. Students from other backgrounds are accepted on a case-by-case basis. All students are prepared for various potential careers in multiple energy fields, including renewable energy, alternative transportation, carbon management, emissions, building efficiency, and the power industry.

Entry Requirements

Applicants to the program are expected to have either an undergraduate degree from an accredited engineering school or have a quantitative business or finance degree. Applicants are expected to have adequate computer skills and college-level calculus.

The successful applicant should have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.000/4.000 or higher from an accredited U.S. school. International applicants, in addition to the minimum 3.000/4.000 requirement, should submit GRE and TOEFL scores with a minimum 151 (650) (quantitative) and 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 80 (Internet-based), respectively.

Other Fees

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This course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of the physical, technological, economic and environmental aspects of renewable energy sources, and their present and potential future role in energy supply systems.

You will gain the skills and knowledge to assess different types of offshore renewable foundations and structures, the challenges of maintenance, decommissioning and health and safety implications of each design. You will also look at the operation and control of electrical power and energy systems as well as the control and telemetry systems to allow integrative design.

You will be able to identify and quantify appropriate sites, assess the available resource and select the correct technology for the location. You will be able to model the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic forces applied to offshore structures and select the best installation and anchorage system for the job.

The course also covers managing the health, safety and environmental impact of offshore renewables through effective risk assessment and environmental impact analysis. It will promote an understanding of the principles, fundamental concepts and strategies of project management, and of the benefits to the offshore renewables sector. It will enable you to practice and carry out essential project planning and execution processes.

Aberdeen as the Energy capital of Europe and Robert Gordon University as a major provider of Open and Distance Learning professional education to the energy and offshore industry are uniquely placed to exploit the opportunity presented by the drive toward renewable energy sources.

This course builds on the strengths of the existing courses in Offshore Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas Engineering and Subsea Engineering and adds content on the offshore environment and electrical power, forming a unique programme which is relevant to the needs of professional engineers working in, or aspiring to work in, the offshore renewables sector. The MSc Offshore Renewables course will equip graduates to become part of the 21st century engineering community responsible for sustainable energy generation for the future.

Entry Requirements

This course is suitable for those who hold an honours degree, or equivalent, in Engineering or a related discipline at 2:2 or above.

English Language Requirements
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All international students for whom English is not their first language must provide evidence of linguistic ability, by gaining either

IELTS Academic Test 6.5 overall* (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component)

TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum score of Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20 and Writing 24)

Pearson PTE Academic 61 (with a minimum score of 51 in each component)

Other Fees

Individual Engineering Research Investigation - £3425

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This course offers advanced training in the area of renewable energy systems, sustainable energy policy or energy efficiency. It is the second year of a two-year program of study, the first year of which is the Postgraduate Diploma in Energy Studies or the Postgraduate Diploma in Energy and the Environment.

The renewable energy systems area of study is designed to provide graduates with specific training in advanced areas of renewable energy technology. The emphasis is on the design, analysis and implementation of energy systems, with particular emphasis on renewable energy systems. The renewable energy policy area of study is designed to provide graduates with training in advanced areas of renewable energy technology and policy. The emphasis is on policy analysis, market reforms and greenhouse accounting. The energy efficiency area of study, offered in conjunction with Massey University, is designed to provide graduates with training in advanced areas of energy management and energy efficiency, with particular emphasis on systems analysis and auditing and industrial and commercial technology.

The objectives of the course are:
* to provide a thorough training in the principles of sustainable energy systems;
* to introduce students to the practical aspects of renewable energy systems design, monitoring and development (renewable energy systems area of study);
* to train engineers, scientists, environmental scientists and policy analysts to participate in the development of the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries in Australia and overseas;
* to address the social, economic and environmental issues involved with sustainable energy systems.

Entry Requirements

Recognised Honours degree (AQF Level 8) or higher, or equivalent training, in Sustainable Energy Management or Renewable Energy Engineering, or Graduate Diploma in Energy Studies, or Graduate Diploma in Energy and the Environment, or satisfactory preparation through previous study or professional experience.

Some of the units taken assume some prior knowledge, details of which are given in the description of each unit in the Handbook. Some students may therefore need to complete additional prerequisite units.

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

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Policy changes, technological advances, and an increased awareness of the world's resources are creating a growing need across the world for advanced expertise in renewable and sustainability systems. Now more than ever, it's critical to prepare professionals to serve as leaders of the emerging "green" economy.

To meet the demands of this dynamic marketplace, professionals must have technical depth in areas related to renewable energy, but they must also fully understand the applications of the technology in society, the energy economics, as well as the entire project development process. A master's degree program in the field of renewable energy is designed to prepare you to lead the transformation of fossil energy economy to a sustainable basis of operation. You can enhance your technical understanding and gain the advanced project management skills to help move sustainability projects forward.

Why an Online Renewable Energy and Sustainability Degree from Penn State?

Penn State's online intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Renewable Energy and Sustainability Systems (iMPS-RESS) program provides a broad coverage of topics related to renewable energy and sustainability systems while providing in-depth coverage of select topics. Delivered in a strong partnership between four colleges and eight academic departments from within the University, the program offers you the opportunity to draw upon the expertise and unique perspectives of faculty with diverse backgrounds.

This program is designed to give you a focused curriculum along with the flexibility appropriate to a rapidly changing field; you will take a number of core program courses. Then, to meet your individual learning goals, you will select additional courses from an array of electives. If you would like to tailor your studies even further, you can choose one of four program options that will provide more specialized, technical instruction:

Sustainability Management and Policy
Bioenergy
Solar Energy
Wind Energy

Who Should Apply?

If you have a technical mindset and are interested in more fully understanding the systems behind renewable energy and sustainability, Penn State's online RESS program was designed for you. The program is appropriate for you if you are already in the renewable energy industry and are looking to advance your career. The program can also benefit you if you are looking to better define yourself in the growing renewable energy industry.

As an applicant to the program, you should have strong academic preparation, including a minimum of either a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.

After completing the master's program, you should be able to perform your tasks in the management and development of renewable energy systems even if you have received your bachelor's degree in an area other than renewable energy and sustainability systems.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Sustainability is a strategic concern for every large organization, as each works to remain globally competitive regarding renewable energy concerns and to address the environmental challenges expected in the coming decades. As a graduate of the program, you could be qualified for many positions that require a mix of technical skills and management responsibilities.

The iMPS-RESS program can prepare you to excel in a wide variety of commercial and industrial occupations that apply engineering principles to the business of energy, including:

sustainability project manager
VP of business development
environmental scientist
energy project analyst
research analyst
community planner
energy project engineer

Entry Requirements

For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

For your admission to the program, it is preferred that you have a technical mindset and are interested in focusing on the implementation and interpretation of existing policies and regulations as they related to renewable energy and sustainability.

International applicants
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All international applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisional admission, which requires completion of specified remedial English courses ESL 114G (American Oral English for Academic Purposes) and/or ESL 116G (ESL/Composition for Academic Disciplines) and attainment of a grade of B or higher. The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Graduate programs may have more stringent requirements.

Other Fees

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