University of Birmingham
Global Energy Technologies and Systems Masters MSc
University of Birmingham

Key Course Facts

Course Description

This course provides both the understanding of how energy systems are changing, and what technologies will be important in the future. A challenge-driven programme sits alongside internationally-recognised innovation at the Birmingham Energy Institute that spans fundamental research through to industrial application.

Energy systems around the world are in transition, with drivers including:

  • Environmental impacts, especially climate change and air quality;
  • increasing demand, and providing universal access to reliable supplies;
  • growing urbanisation, putting pressure on infrastructure.

To meet these aims, new technologies are being developed, but the systems themselves are also changing. People are needed not just to develop or deploy single technologies, but to understand the context in which they will operate. This interdisciplinary course is designed to cater to that need in a global context.

The programme take a systems-based approach to the provision, distribution and utilisation of energy in all forms. Course content is delivered from the School of Chemical Engineering in conjunction with the School of Physics and Astronomy and the School of Government and Society, by research staff who have backgrounds in academia, industry and policy.

You will study 120 credits of core material to bring breadth and depth; as well as learning about specific energy technologies and the design of energy systems, the course also covers the economics, policy and geopolitics of energy. This will allow you to get a real understanding of how energy systems operate and must change to meet future objectives.

A 60-credit research project will give you the opportunity to explore issues in depth and allow you to undertake cutting-edge research on experimental, theoretical, or policy-based projects within one of the School’s internationally-recognised research groups.

Expertise both from across the University and from within the energy sector will be engaged to deliver our approach to the design and analysis of global energy systems, giving students a well-rounded educational experience.

The programme comprises 120 credits of taught material, of which 110 credits are core and 10 are optional, the majority of which will be taught in an intensive mode (week long modules) and a 60 credit research project carried out under the supervision of one of the members of the School’s academic staff. The core taught material will be delivered in the form of lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops, with the incorporation of expertise both from other Schools in the University, and external professionals from the energy sector. The autumn semester will focus more on theoretical understanding of energy engineering processes, and fundamental concepts in economics and policy. The spring semester will have a more application-centred approach in which here will be more broad considerations of how global energy systems operate, and opportunities to apply the knowledge gained to the design of a pathway to specific energy system for a conurbation in the near future.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • (no subscore less than 6.0)
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees

English language requirements may apply for international students
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Global Energy Technologies and Systems Masters, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

You should have, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 Honours degree from a UK academic institution (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in engineering or physical sciences.

Consideration may also be given to excellent applicants with degrees in life sciences and economics where these included an adequate component of mathematics.

Further consideration may be given to candidates with extensive, relevant post-degree experience.

Some content on this course will be delivered by Social Sciences and so emphasis on writing proficiency will be more pronounced.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of University of Birmingham in top UK and global rankings.

See all 38 university rankings of University of Birmingham

About University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is a research university based in Edgbaston, Birmingham, England. The university’s aim is to be at the cutting edge of educational delivery, and to have their curriculum be continually reshaped by new revelations in research. The main campus is situated a reasonable three miles away from Birmingham city centre, which doesn’t take long to get to via bus if the student decides they’d like to spend some of their free time there.

List of 469 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Birmingham - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Birmingham

Total number of students enrolled at University of Birmingham by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
undergraduates:
24385
postgraduates:
9185
Total:
33570
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
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Where is this programme taught

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