This course has an extended research option: MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology with Extended Research
This course is jointly run with the Departments of Civil and Engineering Management
The MSc in Renewable Energy and Clean Technology provides the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to address the challenges of the global energy transition. The course is designed for students from a range of engineering and scientific backgrounds who wish to specialise in renewable energy technologies and their integration into modern energy systems.
This course provides a strong foundation in solar PV, wind, wave, and tidal energy systems, alongside power systems, energy conversion, and clean energy integration. You’ll also explore smart grids, sustainable buildings, and zero-carbon infrastructure - gaining a systems-level understanding of how clean energy is generated, distributed, and used.
Through core modules and hands-on projects, you will:
- Design and analyse renewable energy systems
- Evaluate integration and distribution technologies
- Understand energy demand in the built environment
- Explore the policy, economic, and societal factors shaping energy planning
A key feature is the MSc dissertation, where you’ll conduct independent research on real-world energy challenges, supported by leading academics.
This course is ideal for graduates from engineering, physics, environmental science, or related technical disciplines with strong numerical skills and a passion for tackling climate and energy challenges. Applicants typically hold degrees in electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical, or energy engineering but we also welcome candidates from other STEM disciplines, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, economics, and related fields who demonstrate strong analytical and technical skills.
You should bring:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- A solid foundation in maths and physical sciences
- Willingness to engage with modelling and simulation (programming experience is helpful but not essential)
The course also develops key soft skills - collaboration, communication, and critical thinking - through group work, presentations, and research activities.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology
Total self-study time Approximately 20-25 hours of self-directed study per week in addtion to formal teaching (depending on individual background and learning needs)
Teaching time Approx. 20 hours of formal teaching time per week (delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and interactive workshops)
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Graduates benefit from strong industry relevance, access to Manchester’s global research network, and an academic environment that nurtures both leadership and technical excellence, making them highly competitive in today’s energy and climate job markets.
REaCT prepares graduates for a wide range of impactful careers at the forefront of the global energy transition. With its multidisciplinary foundation, the course equips students to thrive in sectors such as renewable energy generation, energy systems integration, environmental consultancy, sustainable infrastructure, and low-carbon innovation.
Graduates often pursue careers in:
- Research and development (R&D)
- Energy project engineering
- Systems design
- Policy analysis
- Technical consultancy
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
REaCT graduates go on to work in a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, utilities, consultancy, government, and academia. Employers include:
- Ørsted
- Arup
- National Grid
- SSE
- Siemens
- Jacobs
- Leading research institutes and international agencies
Typical roles include:
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Energy and Sustainability Consultant
- Offshore Wind Analyst
- Smart Grid Modeller
- Carbon Strategy Advisor
Many join organisations driving the transition to net zero, while others move into start-ups or continue into further study, including PhDs in areas such as energy systems modelling, smart grids, hydrogen, and climate resilience.
The course also supports students aiming for entrepreneurial or policy-focused careers within the growing green economy.
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Feasibility analysis of hydrogen integration in microgrids
🔎 Modelling the integration of wind energy with battery energy storage systems
🔎 Assessing the economic viability of hydrogen in decarbonising heavy industry power systems
🔎 Impacts of wind and solar variability and doldrums on Power Systems
🔎 Developing a district heating and cooling system for a residential development in the UK
Professor Aoife Foley Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
Our REaCT students join us from across the world and from diverse STEM backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to sustainable innovation. The energy sector underpins every part of the global economy, from pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and power to automotive, aerospace, agriculture, finance and commerce. This programme equips you with the skills and insight to drive progress towards decarbonisation and to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic and interconnected industries
ALUMNI'S VOICE
The Renewable Energy and Clean Technology MSc program has fundamentally shaped the way I approach learning. It has equipped me with the skills to conduct research across a range of topics including renewable energy, energy storage, and climate change. I've learned to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, model energy scenarios, and evaluate challenges from different perspectives - technical feasibility, economic viability, and climate impact. These three pillars, in my view, should be central to the approach of any renewable energy stakeholder. The knowledge and skills I gained through the program have been especially valuable in my work as a developer of renewable energy and Power-to-X projects, where a multidisciplinary and impact-driven approach is essential.
Maryam Abdelaziz
Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, Class of 2020 Current role: Business Developer, Scatec, Egypt
The University of Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK