Global Energy Transition Systems and Technologies

Energy transitions require technical, economic and social solutions to the complex challenges of decarbonization.

This programme gives an overview of the diverse challenges, including technical and non-technical (e.g. economic, policy) aspects. Students are introduced to systems thinking in the context of energy systems and learn relevant methods for system-level analysis (e.g. GIS, energy system analysis).

The transition towards renewable energy systems has gathered momentum in recent times, aided by new technological innovations in areas such as wind and tidal energy, energy storage, carbon capture and storage, biofuels and hydrogen. Despite the substantial progress around the world, the energy transition poses significant technological, commercial and political challenges for businesses and governments.

Energy transition engineers are faced with the challenge of redesigning our entire energy infrastructure while ensuring continued access to reliable and affordable energy. To achieve this, we must understand how to successfully integrate Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) into our current and future energy systems. This requires a variety of measures on different levels (technical, economic, policy), some of which compete with one another.

This programme addresses this challenge by combining a detailed overview of the techno-economic aspects of individual LCTs with an understanding of energy systems and energy systems integration. You will also learn about non-technical aspects of the energy transition, such as the various economic and policy developments, without which many technologies would not develop beyond the laboratory. Students are also introduced to systems thinking, which is critical to successful energy transition due to the complex and interconnected nature of energy systems.

This MSc draws on much of the ground-breaking research being conducted within the Centre for Energy Transition (CET), along with expert contributions from the School of Geosciences, the School of Business and the School of Law.

This programme is aimed at students with a background in engineering or similar quantitative subjects. It will educate to MSc level a new generation of systems engineers, with future career possibilities in all areas of the energy sector.

Assessment Methods

A variety of different approaches (e.g. essays, exams, poster presentation in mini conference style, oral presentation) are used to assess student understanding, progress and performance throughout the programme.
 

Why Study for an MSc in Global Energy Transition Systems and Technologies?

• The MSc in Global Energy Transition Technologies emphasises the responsible exploitation of oil and gas resources and teaches how economic diversification in whole energy systems can be achieved through renewable energy technologies and addresses two of the key challenges in Qatar's National Vision 2030.
• This is the first programme of its kind in the UK focusing on the transition from fossil fuels to renewables through the integration of Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) into our current and future energy systems.
• This programme combines technical knowledge of individual Low Carbon Technologies (LCTs) like renewable energy, including wind, tidal, solar, hydrogen and biomass, with non-technical aspects such as economic and political developments.
• You will take a systems thinking approach to energy transition, to understand complex and interconnected energy systems. The energy transition is resulting in the digitalisation of the whole energy system, meaning much more data and interconnectedness. Only a systems approach can embrace these changes.
• You will also learn various relevant methods for system-level analysis, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Energy System Analysis. These methods are augmented by technical, economic and environmental tools of analysis, which are used to assess and compare different technologies.
• Aberdeen is a major international energy centre, and the School of Engineering is particularly known for world-class energy programmes in oil and gas, renewable energy and subsea engineering.
• In recent years, non-hydrocarbon based energy has grown significantly in Aberdeen, mainly due to the large talent pool of energy engineers and scientists based in the Aberdeen region and the abundant wind and tidal energy resources off the Aberdeenshire coast.
• Our location at the heart of the energy industry means that our programmes benefit from direct involvement from UK energy companies, as well as from overseas. This includes industry advisory panels, guest lectures, field trips, site visits, networking and careers events, and industry supported student projects.
• Upon completion, students should have an overview of the key issues in energy transition, and be well equipped to address some of them with the taught methods (as they must in their final project).

Entry Requirements

General Academic Entry Requirements (Postgraduate)

All candidates are reviewed on a case-by-case basis taking into account their qualifications and experience. The application process may include an interview with the Postgraduate Programme Director. The entry criteria and sign-off for an offer for study agreed by the relevant School and the University of Aberdeen Admissions Selection Team. The normal minimum expectation is that the students will have the equivalent of a UK 2nd Class Honours Degree and a level of English Proficiency as detailed below.

English Language Requirements 

To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows: 

• IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
• PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
• Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
   

Fees

• The tuition fee is 105,000 QR per programme.
• Tuition fees are fixed at the point of entry so there is no annual increase for returning students.
• Flexible payment methods are available.

Careers 

There is an urgent, strong need to for properly trained and qualified professionals who are able to address the challenges associated with UN SDG Goal of “Affordable and Clean Energy”, and also the UK mission of achieving net-zero of greenhouse emission by 2050. Upon completion of the programme, you will have a good understanding of, and be well equipped to apply the methods and skills you have learned, to address the key challenges of the energy transition. 
 
Graduates will be well placed to pursue careers across a wide range of industries, public sector organisations or academia. Typical employers for graduates of the programme include energy service providers, energy technology manufacturers, infrastructure (gas, heat, power) operators, utilities, aggregators, public sector organisations (local and national government, ministries) and many more. 

Typical job roles rely on the critical systems thinking and detailed knowledge of the challenges and solutions for energy transitions. These include, for example: 

• Data Scientist/Analyst
• Strategic Energy Advisor
• Energy Planners
• Energy System Operator
• Energy Infrastructure Planner
• Business Development Manager