Introduction
The MSc Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering focuses on the use of renewable resources, in particular biomass and carbon dioxide, to produce energy, chemicals, materials and other products in a sustainable way.
This degree is also available to study online.
Watch our webinar on MSc programmes in renewable and sustainable energy.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Today, most of the fuels, raw materials and chemicals used to produce goods are produced using energy and feedstock from fossil fuels. This raises large questions about future sustainability, due to the finite availability of natural resources and the generation of greenhouse gasses such as C02.
As a result of the greater focus on sustainability amongst consumers, governments and investors, companies are urgently examining ways that they can reduce their environmental impact while protecting their profitability. To achieve this, manufacturers are increasingly looking for engineers who have the specialist knowledge and tools to ensure that the choice of energy sources, raw materials and manufacturing processes are rigorously considered when designing and manufacturing products.
The MSc Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering is specifically designed to provide you with the specific skills and knowledge to design products and processes that are energy efficient, reduce waste and minimise the impact on the environment. In particular, the programme focuses on the following main areas:
- Energy from biomass and energy conversion and storage
- Production of chemicals from biomass
- Biorefinery - production of chemicals from carbon dioxide
- Sustainable chemical processes
- Biotechnology for industrial applications.
These core topics are supplemented by elective options related in geothermal, solar and hydro energy.
This programme is linked to the prestigious Leverhulme Centre for Doctoral Training in the Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials, hosted here at the University of Aberdeen. The research undertaken within the centre informs much of the content taught and so you will be taught by world-leading experts who are actively researching the very latest tools, systems and techniques in this field.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Why Study Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering?
- Businesses are increasingly prioritising sustainability as they seek to address their environmental obligations while protecting profitability. There is therefore a growing demand for engineers who can design and manufacture products that are both energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
- The programme focuses on the following key related areas:
- the transition to sustainable energy, including the use of biofuels, biomass, geothermal, hydro and solar energy in manufacturing processes and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology
- the use of sustainable products and raw materials such as metals, chemicals, plastics, including recycling
- the adoption of sustainable production processes and technologies that can increase operational efficiency by maximising yields and minimising waste and pollution.
- This MSc programme is linked to the research being undertaken by the prestigious Leverhulme Centre for Doctoral Training in the Sustainable Production of Chemicals and Materials. You will be taught by world-leading experts in this field and gain valuable insights into the latest tools, systems, and techniques used to promote sustainable manufacturing practices.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Either:
A 2:1 BEng or BSc UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.
A 2:2 BEng or BSc UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry with five years of relevant industry experience.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must to apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
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 - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025Careers
The MSc Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering prepares students for careers in various sustainable engineering roles across many different sectors. As companies increasingly look to change and adapt their processes in line with sustainability targets, they require engineers who have the skills and knowledge in areas such as raw materials, manufacturing processes, waste management and energy usage to create meaningful change.
Related job roles include:
- Carbon Capture Consultant
- Biomass Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Sustainability Consultant
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Dr Waheed Afzal, The University of Aberdeen
- Ines Sofia Biscaya Semedo Pereira da Graca, The University of Aberdeen
- Programme Leader
- Dr Davide Dionisi, The University of Aberdeen
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX