Renewable Energy Systems & Technologies

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Start dates: September 2010

Locations: This course is being run in conjunction with the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens. Most of the class-based teaching for the course will be carried out at the TEI’s campus in Greece.

Course overview

The MSc in Renewable Energy Systems and Technologies is a unique course that is being run in conjunction with the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens. Most of the class-based teaching for the course will be carried out at the TEI’s campus in Greece.

The course is for graduates, scientists and technologists who are either working in a research role within the renewable energy and technologies field or who are looking to begin their career in the sector.

Study on the course will enhance your range of knowledge and expertise and support your personal and career development. You will examine current issues in global energy, consider energy use in different areas of society and consider possible scenarios for energy consumption in the future. You will develop a full understanding of the key materials used in renewable energy systems, learn about their functionalities and look at processes for the fabrication of energy conversion devices and systems.

You will study the principles of operation, design, performance and installation of the key renewable technologies of solar, wind, biomass, wave and tidal and also consider energy storage options and the environmental and socio-economic effects of these technologies.

You will carry out a personal research project in which you will use your knowledge and skills to carry out a relevant and original study in an area that will be agreed with your course tutor. This research will be carried out either in your workplace, at the TEI of Athens or at the University of Bolton.

About the course

The course is being run by the University of Bolton’s Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI) and the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens.

IMRI is a multidisciplinary centre in which research and innovation is carried out in collaboration with industry and other academic institutions. It is the leader in the UK – and is known internationally – for its research and applications development in the field of applied materials science and engineering.

Technological Educational Institutions were set up in Greece in 1983 to bridge the gap between the theoretical teaching provided by Greek universities and the requirement for highly trained staff in the field of technology. The TEI of Athens is the largest in the country and it is a leader in developments in technological education.

Teaching for each module is carried out at the TEI of Athens and will be delivered as a short course lasting no more than 2 weeks. The rest of your study is very flexible and may be carried out away from the university or the TEI.

Written work for each module is in the form of an assignment or an integrated learning package (ILP) and consists of three parts, each with set times and deadlines for submission. This work may take the form of essays, assignments, projects, seminars and case study analyses. It is assessed in parts and feedback will be given during the allocated period of self study.

Key skills will be developed and assessed at appropriate stages during each part of the assignment. Oral presentation of ILPs may be required in some modules.

You will be required to complete the ILP within three months of finishing the associated module to be awarded full credits.

Individual project work will be undertaken within your workplace wherever possible, ensuring relevance to the employer, access to appropriate facilities and allowing sufficient time to be spent on practical work. Where this is not feasible, projects may be based and carried out at the University of Bolton or at the TEI of Athens.

Each module with its completed integrated learning package is worth 30 credits and your project is worth 60 credits. Accumulation of 180 credits in total leads to the award of MSc.

What you will learn

You will learn about the key issues of energy generation, distribution and consumption in the 21st century. In this context, you will develop your understanding of the use of advanced materials in renewable energy systems and technologies and the principles behind their development and application.

You will also enhance your technological and scientific knowledge of renewable energy forms at advanced levels, design and manufacturing methods and issues relating to innovation and intellectual property.

In addition to extending your scientific and technological skills and knowledge you will further develop your problem-solving, creative and innovative capabilities and be able to initiate and carry out high level research projects.

As a graduate of this course you will be part of a new generation of technologically-advanced scientists with the potential to lead future developments in the fields of medical and healthcare devices.

What you will study

You will study 4 modules:

• Foundation of Energy;
• Renewable Energy Technologies I;
• Renewable Energy Technologies II;
• Advanced Energy Conversion Materials and Microsystems.

Special features

Teaching for each module is delivered as a short course that will last no more than two weeks. The rest of your study is very flexible and may be carried out away from the University.

Class sizes are small which means you will be able to work closely with your fellow students and your tutor.

Your subject of study and your personal project means you have the opportunity to work in an area that is of personal interest or that is related to your career.

Careers and professional development

With the growth in demand for energy coupled with the issues of climate change there is an increasing requirement for qualified professionals in this area.

Owing to the pressing need for technological development and commercialisation in low-carbon or carbon-free energy technologies highly-qualified and experienced scientists and technologists are very much in demand for the development of renewable energy systems and technologies around the world.

Graduates of the course may use also use their qualifications to continue their studies to doctorate-level.

Entry requirements

For the MSc you should have at least a lower second class honours degree (2.2), or equivalent, in a science or technology related subject.

If you wish to enrol on a single module from this course then no formal qualifications are required. Later admission to the MSc will, however, be dependant on successful completion of this module.

Normally, candidates are required to attend an interview. In the case of international applicants the interviews are conducted over the internet or by telephone.

For applicants who have not studied their previous qualifications in English a TOEFL score of at least 575 (written)/230 (computer-based) or an academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 will be required.

How to apply

Please apply directly to the University of Bolton using the standard application form.

Please visit our 'how to apply for a taught postgraduate course' web page for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Prof. Guosheng Shao (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903592
E-mail: G.Shao@bolton.ac.uk

Donna Zarei (Programme Administrator)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903101
Email: D.Zarei@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the university and how to apply please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk