University of the Highlands and Islands
MSc in Sustainable Energy Solutions
Online
MSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 9,990 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Scottish: £5,256 | Rest of UK: £7,020 | International: £9,990
Fast-track counseling
By contacting the school, you'll get access to free priority counselling for any study and application questions.
Key Summary
About: The MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions at the University of the Highlands and Islands gives theoretical and practical tools to plan, implement, and manage renewable energy and low‑carbon technology projects. You’ll learn the technical and economic case for renewables, gain confidence in viability calculations, and analyze sustainability principles. Delivered by recognized experts through online learning, you can study full‑time or part‑time, take modules, or earn PgCert, PgDip, or a master’s degree.
Career Outcomes: On completion you’ll be ready for management of renewable energy projects and roles in public and private sectors, including project management, policy, consultancy, and technical analyst roles.
What is special about this course?
As the renewable energy sector continues to grow there is a need for trained individuals to plan, implement, and manage new renewable energy projects. This MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions will provide you with the theoretical and practical tools to place you at the center of such ventures.
If you are already working in or are interested in a career in the renewable energy or low-carbon technology sectors, this dynamic course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to critically analyze the theories, principles, and concepts of low-carbon energy production and sustainability.
Additionally, the course will give you a firm understanding of the technical and economic case for renewables along with confidence to tackle the calculations required to assess their viability.
Special features
- You will be taught by recognized experts in the field of renewable energy
- You can study full-time or part-time
- The course is delivered through online distance learning with support from expert staff at the university, so you study when and where it suits you, within the UK and internationally
- You can choose to study individual modules for personal or professional development or work towards the PgCert, PgDip, or full master's degree
PgCert
Core modules:
- Energy, climate and carbon (S1)
- Net zero society (S2)
- Renewable energy technology (S1)
PgDip
You will choose three of the following modules:
- Developing a community energy project (S2)
- Energy modelling for buildings (S2)
- Qualitative inquiry (S2)
- Quantitative research methods and data analysis (S1)
- Sustainable land use (S1)
- The economics of community wealth building (S2)
- Tidal wave and future energy (S2)
- Understanding sustainability discourses (S2)
MSc
To achieve the award of MSc Sustainable Energy Solutions you must complete the PgDip plus a research dissertation.
Start date
- September
- January
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
- This method of flexible study enables you to fit your course and your professional development around your personal and professional life, within the UK and internationally
- You will have support from your tutors and studies advisor
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 2 years @ 30-36 hours per week (6 taught modules followed by MSc research project)
- Part-time: 3-6 years @ 10-36 hours per week (10-12 hours per week per module, dependent on study mode/module selection)*
- Part-time modular: 15 weeks @ 10-12 hours per week (per module)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course. This includes time online to view weekly lectures and other online materials, to participate in module discussion boards, and your own time spent on individual study and research.
*Study mode examples as below – hours per week are dependent on how many modules you choose to study per semester:
- 3 years @ 3 modules per academic year followed by MSc research project
- 4 years @ 2 modules per academic year followed by MSc research project
- 5–6 years @ 1 module per academic year followed by MSc research project - please note: this option should only be taken if you are self/employer-funded - see Fees/Funding tab on the UHI website for more information on funding limitations
On-campus study - live and learn in Scotland
Courses in health, sustainability, engineering, history, outdoors and more with the University of the Highlands and Islands:
- #3 in the UK and #1 in Scotland for postgraduate student satisfaction
- Top 10 most affordable UK universities
- Specialist subjects with links to industry
Browse all of the on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that we offer for international students.
Online study - achieve a UK degree without moving abroad
Courses in health, sustainability, engineering, history, outdoors and more with the University of the Highlands and Islands:
- Flexible study options to fit with your life
- Top 10 most affordable UK universities
- Decades of online teaching experience
Browse all of the online undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that we offer for international students.
What can I do on completion of my course?
You will be well-equipped to take up positions in the management of renewable energy projects, and more widely in the public and private sectors, on completion of this Masters in Sustainable Energy Solutions.