Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering

Sustainable Product, Process and Energy Engineering, _MSc

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: September or January
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.

Qualification: MSc
Duration: 12 months
Learning Mode: On Campus
Study Mode: Full Time
Start Month: September
Location: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year	£26,250
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions
UK	£11,100
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year	£11,100

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

Biorefinery for Sustainability

In this course you still study a range of topics, including biofuels from lignocellulose,, sugar and lignin-derived chemicals and materials, comparison of petro- and biorefineries, role of catalysts in biorefineries, and alternative energy sources (plasma, ultrasounds and microwaves).

Energy from Biomass (EG50M1)
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K)

Energy from Biomass (EG50M1): 15 Credit Points

This course describes in detail the technologies used to convert biomass into energy. The course covers combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, bioethanol and biodiesel.

Detailed course information
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K): 15 Credit Points

This course presents an overview of the motivations, challenges and technological solutions associated with Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). The main carbon capture technologies and methods, CO2 transportation and underground storage are covered. These are introduced in terms of their technical, economic, and environmental criteria, as well as stage of development. Examples of operating pilot plants are shown, complemented by industrial guest lectures and webinars.

Detailed course information

Optional Courses

Choose ONE from:

Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A)
Solar Energy (EG503V)

Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A): 15 Credit Points

To provide an understanding of the physical principles, technologies and systems associated with renewable energy generation from geothermal and hydro sources. To provide an understanding of the position of these sources of energy in the current and future global energy requirements and the technical challenges in meeting the future energy demand.

Detailed course information
Solar Energy (EG503V): 15 Credit Points

This course aims to provide a broad understanding of generation from solar sources, the associated technologies and the main technical challenges.

Detailed course information

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

Mineral Processing and Recycling for Energy Transition
This course focuses on sustainable mining of valuable subsurface resources such as lithium and zinc, their use in batteries and energy transition, as well as the subsequent processing, recycling and reuse of these materials.

Sustainable Engineering Challenges
This course is concerned with the challenges presented by people, the planet and profitability to sustainability and incorporates learning on tools such as lifecycle assessment, process engineering principles, waste as a resource for energy and products as well as the various standards for managing quality.

Industrial Biotechnology for Sustainability
In this course you will learn the fundamentals of microbiology and biochemistry, downstream separation, enzyme kinetics, fermentation processes and their use for sustainable production.

Energy Conversion and Storage (EG55M3)

Energy Conversion and Storage (EG55M3): 15 Credit Points

To gain an understanding of the need to and the efficiency behind conversion of energy form one form to another and in the need to store energy in distinct forms. To understand the reasoning behind energy losses and how they might be minimised or overcome.

Detailed course information

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)

MSc Individual Project (EG59F1): 60 Credit Points

The MSc Individual Project is an independent piece of research based on a topic related to a student’s degree programme. Students are encouraged to focus on a problem confronting industry or a related area. The individual project provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate how the in-depth skills and knowledge they have gained during the taught courses can be used to provide solutions to practical problems. The individual project should contain a degree of original research.

Detailed course information

Qualification: MSc
Duration: 12 months
Learning Mode: On Campus
Study Mode: Full Time
Start Month: January
Location: Aberdeen

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year	£26,250
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions
UK	£11,100
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year	£11,100

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

Energy Conversion and Storage (EG55M3)

Energy Conversion and Storage (EG55M3): 15 Credit Points

To gain an understanding of the need to and the efficiency behind conversion of energy form one form to another and in the need to store energy in distinct forms. To understand the reasoning behind energy losses and how they might be minimised or overcome.

Detailed course information

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)

MSc Individual Project (EG59F1): 60 Credit Points

The MSc Individual Project is an independent piece of research based on a topic related to a student’s degree programme. Students are encouraged to focus on a problem confronting industry or a related area. The individual project provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate how the in-depth skills and knowledge they have gained during the taught courses can be used to provide solutions to practical problems. The individual project should contain a degree of original research.

Detailed course information

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

Biorefinery for Sustainability
In this course you still study a range of topics, including biofuels from lignocellulose,, sugar and lignin-derived chemicals and materials, comparison of petro- and biorefineries, role of catalysts in biorefineries, and alternative energy sources (plasma, ultrasounds and microwaves).

Energy from Biomass (EG50M1)
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K)

Energy from Biomass (EG50M1): 15 Credit Points

This course describes in detail the technologies used to convert biomass into energy. The course covers combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, bioethanol and biodiesel.

Detailed course information
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K): 15 Credit Points

This course presents an overview of the motivations, challenges and technological solutions associated with Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). The main carbon capture technologies and methods, CO2 transportation and underground storage are covered. These are introduced in terms of their technical, economic, and environmental criteria, as well as stage of development. Examples of operating pilot plants are shown, complemented by industrial guest lectures and webinars.

Detailed course information

Optional Courses

Choose ONE from:

Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A)
Solar Energy (EG503V)

Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A): 15 Credit Points

To provide an understanding of the physical principles, technologies and systems associated with renewable energy generation from geothermal and hydro sources. To provide an understanding of the position of these sources of energy in the current and future global energy requirements and the technical challenges in meeting the future energy demand.

Detailed course information
Solar Energy (EG503V): 15 Credit Points

This course aims to provide a broad understanding of generation from solar sources, the associated technologies and the main technical challenges.

Detailed course information

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location

MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen More

MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year	£26,250
Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions
UK	£11,100
Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year	£11,100

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.

International Applicants

More information about fee status, living costs, and work allowances for international students is available here.

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 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.

Interested in this programme?

Call +44 (0)1224 272090 Email study@abdn.ac.uk Enquire Now Using an online form Next Steps Find out how to apply

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 or territory to view relevant 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

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

International Applicants

Additional details for international applicants, including information specific to your country or territory, are available here..

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Careers

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

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Renewable Energy Webinar

Join Prof Davide Dionisi to learn more about our postgraduate programmes in renewable and sustainable energy.

Our Experts

Programme Leader: Dr Davide Dionisi
Other Experts: Dr Waheed Afzal; Ines Sofia Biscaya Semedo Pereira da Graca

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

Enquire Now