Engineering - Net Zero Engineering - Distance Learning

Overview

Governments around the world have set legally binding targets in support of achieving ambitious low-carbon objectives and are investing heavily in the development of technology that will deliver decarbonisation of the energy sector.



Achieving these objectives is, however, a substantial challenge and requires input and engagement across a broad range of sectors. The rapid development of these sectors also emphasises the need for advanced skills and training portfolios to be delivered to not only address these challenges but also create future opportunities.

Therefore, the aim of this programme is to provide students with a strong foundation of the engineering and associated skills that are needed to underpin and contribute towards achieving sustainability and greener societies. In doing so, they will have an excellent platform to support existing and new industries in their transition towards achieving net-zero targets.



Students completing this course will possess skills which are increasingly sought after by local and international employers, particularly those in manufacturing and energy sectors. The course will also introduce students to a suite of emerging technologies which are being considered and will provide them with the skills to be able to assess them, providing opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth in a variety of sectors.



This programme is run by academic leaders in Sustainability and Decarbonisation from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and includes specialised input from other experts at Queen's University and from industry.



Course Structure

Students enrol on a 3 year part-time basis, which allows you to study while in full-time employment. Part-time students will complete six taught modules over the course of 2 years before then undertaking a Research Project.



The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete six taught modules (120 CATS points) and the Research Project (60 CATS points).



Students will be given the option of completing the MSc in 2 years by completing the Research Project on a full-time basis (summer term) at the end of Year 2. Alternatively, students can undertake their Research Project during Year 3.



Exit qualifications are available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS points from the six core taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS points from either of two defined sets of three taught modules.



Learning and Teaching

Our online delivery aims replicate the interactive and engaging nature of an on-campus delivery.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.



Year 1

Core Modules

• Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Criteria (20 credits)

• Research Project in Net Zero Engineering (Part-Time) (60 credits)

• Hydrogen System Integration (20 credits)

• Tools for Assessing Energy and Carbon (20 credits)

• Hydrogen System Design and Practice (20 credits)

• Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use (20 credits)

• Applied Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technologies (20 credits).

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Engineering (e.g. Chemical, Environmental, Mechanical, Civil), Physical Science (e.g. Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) or a closely allied subject.



Applicants with degrees in other disciplines or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.



International Students

Please see International Student's link below.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2025 for courses which commence in late September.



In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder.



Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.



Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.

2 years (Part-time)

1 year (Full-time)



Teaching Times

Blended teaching and assessments will be delivered via a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, live online workshop and seminar classes and self-directed study and practice materials.

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Employment after the Course

Where would you like to be in five year's time?

Graduating from this course could lead to you becoming a project engineer in the design and development of components for low-carbon energy systems. You could also conduct environmental and sustainable impact assessments as a renewable energy coordinator for windfarms, solar installations and biorefineries. Alternatively, you might want to contribute towards the development of emerging technologies such as artificial photosynthesis through a research post or PhD. You may play a key role as a sustainable consultant for government in policy development to ensure the safety of new infrastructure for distributing green-hydrogen.



Achieving net zero emission is a global objective and therefore after your MSc you might want to travel and gain further experience in places like Asia, South America or Africa. This could also be valuable for understanding the role you can play in achieving global Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).