Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
If you want to help transform the future of global energy, this course is for you. Discover renewable energy technologies and prepare for a career in this exciting sector.
You’ll develop a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies and how they fit into global systems and policy. With our Master's course, you could play a key role in helping tackle global challenges in energy.
This programme is subject to Ministry of Education Accreditation
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months full-time mode, or over 2 years on a part-time basis.
The first semester focuses on developing a deep understanding of key issues in renewable energy, covering technologies, policy, and energy security.
Modules are specifically designed to enhance knowledge in environmental impact, energy storage, and energy economics.
Why study Renewable Energy Engineering in Dubai?
From the climate crisis to depleting resources, there’s a huge demand for more sustainable technologies. You’ll study the whole energy generation system and policies. You’ll build detailed knowledge set in the context of current challenges so you’re equipped for a variety of roles in this global field.
- Study multiple aspects of the renewable energy sector and specialise in your chosen area.
- Benefit from our expertise in global energy technologies.
- Graduate with same University of Birmingham degree as you would at our UK campus.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally
Analyse and solve problems in the energy sector using a multidisciplinary approach.
Course delivery
The MSc combines lectures, and design projects, with opportunities to specialise in renewable energy areas. Students complete an individual research project, with flexible part-time study options.
- Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields.
- Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material.
- Learn collaboratively in workshops through group work which will enhance your teamwork skills and your ability to appreciate others perspectives.
Learning will be assessed throughout the year through module coursework and reports.
Module information
You will study a total of 180 credits. 120 credits are delivered as taught modules. You will then complete a 60 credit research project allowing you to develop your skills in experimental design, data analysis and presentation to non-specialist audiences.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Core modules
- Advanced Technologies for Energy
Fundamental engineering concepts relating to thermodynamics, conventional power generation, renewable power generation, and the current energy mix in local and global markets and how this is changing. The heat & power needs of a developed economy, climate change processes and climate change modelling is also presented. - Design of Renewable Energy Systems
Analysis of UAE primary and secondary energy mix, transmission and distribution of energy and overall demand. Students should apply other knowledge gained in other lectures to energy system design. - Economics of Energy Markets
Introduction of a range of economics topics so that they can understand the commercial context of engineering decisions. Highlight the main features of government policies. Introduction to economic issues in energy, in particular electricity systems. - Energy Data and Analysis
Introduction to the analysis of energy data. Various data sources analysed with Python software. Energy data to include gas, electrical and liquid fuel data on supply and demand side. - Energy Storage Solutions
Integration of energy storage within whole energy system. Wider implications explored e.g. recycling & reuse of batteries, hybrid / distributed solutions and electric vehicles. Will include mechanical and thermal energy storage, power to gas, batteries, economics and environmental issues. - Renewable Systems and Policy
Topics covered are the demand for energy, fossil fuels, electricity generation (conventional, nuclear and renewable), hydrogen, electricity networks, electricity markets, investment decisions, energy security, energy and the environment, and energy policy. - Sustainable Cooling Technologies
Challenges for cooling and cold chain (e.g food & vaccine distribution, space cooling), assessing need for cooling, renewable energy and clean technology for designing solutions to meet cooling needs, skills and business models for maintaining sustainable cooling, case studies for sustainable cooling in developed and developing countries. - Sustainable Energy and the Environment
- Systems for Renewable Energy
Operating principles, characteristics and classifications of energy storage solutions and their integration within a whole energy system. Operating principles, characteristics and interactions of distributed heat and power technologies, their technical and environmental benefits, planning, operating and grid integrations challenges. - Renewable Energy Research Project - 60 credits
The projects may focus on experimental, modeling, non-laboratory research or a combination of these. The exact nature will vary depending on specific project but will students will critically evaluate literature, apply knowledge to plan their own independent project, execute analysis, present research and write a report.
Optional modules
Choose 30 credits of options. Example optional modules are listed below:
- Fuel Cell Technologies (Ren Energy)
- Decarbonisation of Transport
- Research Led Option 1
- Research Led Option 2
Teaching staff
Dr Hassan Ali
Associate Professor
Profile of Dr Hassan Ali, Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
In engineering or physical sciences.
2:1 Honours degree from a UK academic institution (or an equivalent overseas qualification) in engineering or physical sciences.
Consideration may also be given to excellent applicants with degrees in life sciences and economics where these courses included an adequate component of mathematics.
Further consideration may be given to candidates with extensive, relevant post-degree experience.
English language requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good level of written and spoken English. You can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available.
- AED 150,225
Full-time (September 2025)
- AED 75,113
Part-time (September 2025)
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Choosing to study with the University of Birmingham Dubai is an exciting decision and you may have many questions on what to do next. Follow the steps below to help guide you through the process.
Where can a career in Renewable Energy Engineering take you?
It is widely accepted that the annual investment in global energy infrastructure needs to greatly increase in order to tackle challenges surrounding energy supply and demand, sustainability and climate change. Therefore, the opportunities for exciting careers in the energy sector will also grow. With the knowledge and skills obtained through this course, you will be ideally placed to have an exciting career in a changing global energy sector.
At Birmingham Dubai, our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network information, advice and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.