Energy and Sustainability: Energy, Resources and Climate Change (MSc)

Award
Master of Science
Typical Offer
2:1 degree View full entry requirements
Duration
1 year
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Highfield and Boldrewood
Next course starts
September 2025

About this course

Help shape the sustainable provision and use of energy on this MSc Energy and Sustainability course at the University of Southampton. We’ve worked with commercial energy specialists to design a master's degree that prepares you for a rewarding career in this fast-growing sector. You’ll study the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and develop sustainable energy solutions to tackle one of the greatest global challenges of our time.

Our distinctive modules in bioenergy, waste, energy and climate change will give you a key understanding of current issues. We’ll teach you about: 

  • advanced Geographical Information Systems (GIS) 
  • global perspectives on climate change and energy 
  • energy resources, technologies and waste resource management 

The last 4 months of the degree are dedicated to research. You'll complete a significant research project and may have the opportunity to work with one of our industrial partners; ranging from large utility companies to small energy consultancies, to develop your professional experience. 

Special features of this energy, sustainability and climate change course include a 'Democratisation of Energy’ workshop. You’ll explore the challenges of delivering energy policy. You’ll take part in group tasks where you’ll solve complex, multi-disciplinary problems.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Patrick James is Professor of Energy and Buildings at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on energy use in buildings from dwelling and community, to office and city. He specialises in micro-generation technologies including solar thermal, photo-voltaics, micro-wind and micro-CHP (combined heat and power). Visit Professor James' profile page to view his publications, reports and seminars.

Related pathways

If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for our other MSc Energy and Sustainability pathway:

Accreditations

This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a Bachelor (Hons) degree that has been accredited as partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Learn more about accreditation on the Joint Board of Moderators website.

“I chose this degree because it had the best syllabus and I was impressed that the course was accredited by the Engineering Council. The lecturers were really engaged in their subjects, knew what they were talking about and made everything relevant.”
Eloise Utley, 2018 graduate

Course locations

This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.