Engineering of Energy Economics & the Environment

Climate change and environmental sustainability are global grand challenges that need urgent attention from all parts of society, in order to combat global warming and mitigate the impacts of pollution. Many sectors have significant skills gaps in areas involving energy systems, sustainability and decarbonisation. The aim of the course is to provide a foundation in energy systems, economics and the environment to support the global societal shift to net zero.



This part-time, two-semester postgraduate certificate programme is tailored to equip qualified professionals (such as engineers, economists, accountants, architects, lawyers, scientists, and policymakers) with a thorough grasp of energy systems and policy, energy economics and management, environmental and energy efficiency, and renewable and sustainable generation. This knowledge is essential for driving the decarbonisation revolution over the next thirty years. The programme includes theory and practice along with techno-economics, current legal requirements and standards, and future policy. Those completing the programme will acquire the key technical and economic skills to actively contribute to the design, implementation and management of the net zero transition.



This program is particularly appealing to individuals currently employed in sustainable energy and engineering, serving as ongoing professional training and expanding new job opportunities for graduates from other fields who need to upskill and transition into environmental sustainability. It is also ideal for professionals with significant experience in business, industry, enterprise, or policymaking who aspire to become leaders in energy systems, environmental sustainability, and decarbonisation.

Core Modules

Sustainable Energy Systems (20 credits)

Energy Economics (20 credits)

Advanced Environmental Engineering for Energy Systems (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Applicants must have a 2.2 Honours degree, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, in any of the following: Science, Engineering, Medicine and Health, Business, Management, Law, Sociology, Geography, or a related discipline. Students will be expected to have good analytical and mathematical skills, to support complex engineering problem solving and design.



Students must pass each module to be awarded the Certificate, a minimum of 50% is required to pass a module. The certificate grade banding is 50% for a pass, 60% merit/commendation, 70% distinction. Note that all students are expected to have access to their own computer and internet connection for the duration of the programme.



Applicants with entry qualifications other than a 2.2 Honours degree will be considered on an individual basis based on a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) assessment. Please visit the link below for more information.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications is Friday 30th June 2026. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than the deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB

1 year (Part Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

This postgraduate certificate programme is designed to provide its students with knowledge and skills in energy systems and policy, energy economics and management, the environment and energy efficiency, as well as renewable and sustainable generation needed for the decarbonisation revolution over the next thirty years. Those completing the programme should acquire the key technical and economic skills to actively contribute to the design, implementation and management of the net zero transition.