Keele University

What you'll study

The programme combines taught modules with a substantial research or industry project. Core themes include electricity generation from renewable sources, energy storage and grid integration, systems modelling, and the policy and economic context for low‑carbon transitions.

• Renewable Energy Technologies – principles and performance of solar, wind, hydro, biomass and emerging technologies, with assessment methods for resource and yield.
• Energy Systems and Grid Integration – distribution and transmission issues, smart grids, demand response and the technical challenges of integrating variable generation.
• Energy Storage and Power Electronics – battery, thermal and mechanical storage options, converters, inverters and control strategies for system stability.
• Modelling, Data Analysis and Simulation – numerical modelling of energy systems, optimisation techniques, and use of industry‑standard tools for resource assessment and system design.
• Energy Policy, Economics and Project Appraisal – policy frameworks, market mechanisms, lifecycle assessment and financial appraisal methods for renewable projects.
• Research Methods and Professional Skills – research design, quantitative methods, project management and communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Dissertation or Industry Project – an independent research thesis or applied project with an industrial partner, allowing students to specialise in a chosen technology or system integration problem.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory and fieldwork sessions, computer‑based modelling workshops and guest seminars from industry practitioners. Assessment is by a mix of coursework, practical reports, group projects, examinations and the final dissertation or placement report.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a UK upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in engineering, physics, mathematics, environmental science, or a closely related subject. Candidates with a lower second class degree (2:2) may be considered if they have relevant professional experience or further study demonstrating preparedness for postgraduate work.

International applicants should hold an equivalent academic qualification. English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English — a recognised test score at postgraduate level (for example a minimum overall IELTS of 6.5 with no component lower than 6.0) or an approved alternative is typically expected. Professional experience in the energy sector, evidence of quantitative ability, and a clear statement of purpose will strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a wide range of roles across the renewable energy sector and related fields. Typical destinations include:

• Renewable energy project developer or technical lead
• Grid integration and power systems engineer
• Energy systems modeller and analyst
• Energy storage specialist and electrification engineer
• Consultant in sustainability, environmental assessment or energy policy
• Roles in utilities, transmission/distribution companies, consultancies, and government or regulatory bodies
• Further research leading to PhD study in energy, power systems or related disciplines

The programme emphasises employability through applied project work, industry engagement and by developing transferable skills in modelling, technical reporting and project management.

Why study at Keele University

Keele offers a multidisciplinary environment with small cohort sizes that support personalised supervision for both taught modules and independent projects. The university's campus provides laboratory facilities and computing resources suitable for energy systems modelling and experimental work, alongside opportunities to collaborate with academic staff working on sustainability and energy‑related research.

Students benefit from contact with practising engineers, consultants and regional industry partners via guest lectures, project sponsorship and networks that can support placements. Keele's emphasis on combining technical, environmental and policy perspectives prepares graduates to address the complex challenges of decarbonising energy systems in the UK and internationally.